Best Hiking Shorts of 2026

The Patagonia Baggies have been an outdoor icon for decades, and the 2026 version continues to earn that reputation through sheer versatility. At 5.3 ounces, these shorts are light enough to forget you are wearing them on a long summer day hike, yet the 100% recycled nylon shell handles everything from rocky scrambles to river crossings without complaint. The DWR finish sheds light rain and trail splashes effectively, and the fabric dries in under 30 minutes after a full submersion, making these the undisputed choice for hikers who encounter water crossings regularly.

Chafe prevention is where the Baggies quietly excel. The mesh liner sits snug against the skin without bunching, creating a smooth interface that eliminates the inner-thigh friction that destroys comfort on hot, sweaty miles. Our testers logged 15-mile days in 90-degree heat without a single hotspot. The 5-inch inseam provides maximum airflow and unrestricted stride, which makes a noticeable difference on steep uphill sections where longer shorts can bind at the thigh. The elastic waistband with internal drawcord accommodates a wide range of waist sizes without the pressure points of a traditional button closure.

Pocket depth is adequate but not exceptional. The two hand pockets hold a phone securely during normal hiking but can release larger smartphones on steep descents if you are moving aggressively. The single rear pocket is snap-closed and holds essentials without bouncing. For hikers who carry phones, keys, and snacks in their pockets, the Baggies work but do not offer the cargo-level storage of longer hiking shorts. The trade-off is a clean, lightweight silhouette that transitions seamlessly from trail to town.

At $55, the Patagonia Baggies represent strong value for a short that handles hiking, swimming, casual wear, and travel with equal competence. Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee and Fair Trade certification add long-term value beyond the product itself. These shorts work best for hot-weather day hikes, water-heavy trails, and hikers who want one versatile short that does everything well rather than one thing perfectly. In scorching conditions where airflow matters most, the Baggies are the short our testers reached for first.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts take the same performance fabric that made the Ferrosi pants a bestseller and deliver it in a short that excels on technical terrain in warm weather. The nylon-spandex blend provides genuine four-way stretch that moves with you through high steps, rock scrambles, and deep lunges without any resistance or binding. This is the stretch that cheaper hiking shorts promise but rarely deliver, and it makes a measurable difference on trails that demand constant changes in body position.

Chafe prevention on the Ferrosi comes from the fabric itself rather than a liner. The smooth interior face of the Ferrosi fabric glides against skin without grabbing, and the spandex content ensures the shorts maintain contact with your thigh rather than riding up or bunching during aggressive movement. Our testers wore these shorts liner-free with moisture-wicking underwear for 12-hour mountain days and reported zero friction issues. The 8-inch inseam hits a practical middle ground that provides thigh coverage on brushy trails while maintaining enough airflow for sustained climbing.

Pocket depth is a genuine strength. Both hand pockets are deep enough to fully secure a large smartphone even on steep descents, and the zippered thigh pocket holds valuables without any bounce or shift. The snap closure waistband sits flat under a pack hip belt without creating pressure points, and the belt loops accommodate a standard hiking belt for those who prefer additional security. The DWR finish handles unexpected drizzle and stream splashes without wetting through, though sustained rain will eventually penetrate.

At $75, the Ferrosi Shorts sit in the mid-range and deliver performance that competes with shorts twice the price. Outdoor Research backs these with their Infinite Guarantee, which covers manufacturing defects for the life of the garment. For hikers who tackle technical terrain in warm conditions and need shorts that move with them rather than against them, the Ferrosi Shorts are the performance benchmark in 2026. They handle everything from desert canyon scrambles to alpine ridge walks without compromise.

The REI Co-op Sahara Shorts prove that effective sun protection and quick-dry performance do not require a premium price tag. At $45, these shorts deliver UPF 50+ protection that blocks over 98 percent of harmful UV radiation, which is a feature that many shorts costing twice as much still lack. The lightweight nylon construction dries quickly after rain or sweat and maintains its shape through repeated washing without the pilling or stretching that affects cheaper alternatives.

The 10-inch inseam provides maximum thigh coverage, which makes the Sahara Shorts the best choice for hikers who prioritize sun protection on exposed terrain. Desert hikers, high-altitude trekkers, and anyone who has experienced the misery of sunburned thighs on a long ridge walk will appreciate the coverage. The elastic waistband with snap closure provides secure fit without requiring a belt, and the cut is generous enough to accommodate a range of body types without feeling baggy or sloppy.

Chafe prevention is adequate at this price point. The nylon fabric is smooth enough to avoid friction issues during normal hiking, though extended high-mileage days in extreme heat can produce some inner-thigh warmth that stretchy fabrics manage better. Pairing these shorts with quality moisture-wicking underwear eliminates any chafing concerns for most hikers. The two hand pockets and one cargo pocket provide sufficient storage, and the cargo pocket sits flat against the thigh rather than swinging outward like poorly designed cargo shorts.

At $45, the REI Co-op Sahara Shorts are the entry point for quality hiking shorts. They lack the premium stretch of the Ferrosi and the water versatility of the Baggies, but they nail the fundamentals of sun protection, quick-dry performance, and durable construction at a price that makes outfitting a family or a gear-curious beginner feasible. REI members receive an annual dividend on the purchase, which effectively reduces the price further. For hot-weather hiking where sun protection is the priority, these are the smart budget choice.

The prAna Stretch Zion Short II inherits the legendary stretch and durability of the Stretch Zion pant line and delivers it in a warm-weather format that handles everything from bouldering approaches to multi-day backpacking trips. The proprietary Zion stretch nylon fabric provides the deepest range of motion in our test group, bending and recovering without any memory or bagging even after weeks of continuous wear. High steps over fallen logs, deep lunges on steep switchbacks, and cross-legged camp sitting all feel unrestricted.

The DWR finish on the Stretch Zion Short II is more robust than most competitors at this price point. Light rain beads and rolls off the fabric rather than soaking in, and trail splashes from stream crossings dry within 20 minutes. The finish held up through our 15-wash testing protocol without noticeable degradation, which is better than average for DWR-treated hiking shorts. The fabric itself resists abrasion impressively. Sitting on rough granite, sliding across sandstone ledges, and bushwhacking through scrub oak produced no visible wear on the fabric surface.

Pocket depth on the Stretch Zion Short II is excellent. The two hand pockets are deep enough to swallow a large smartphone completely, and the zippered thigh pocket holds a wallet, keys, and energy gels without any bounce. The rear pockets are snap-closed and lie flat against the body. The gusseted crotch eliminates binding during high-step movements, and the waistband with belt loops provides precise fit adjustment that elastic-only waistbands cannot match. Under a loaded pack hip belt, the waistband sits flat without bunching.

At $65, the prAna Stretch Zion Short II occupies the value sweet spot between budget and premium. You get stretch performance that rivals the Arc'teryx at a fraction of the price, combined with DWR protection and durability that justify the step up from budget options. The 10-inch inseam provides solid thigh coverage for brushy trails and rocky terrain. For hikers who want the best combination of stretch, durability, and value in a hiking short, the Stretch Zion Short II is the clear choice in 2026.

The Arc'teryx Gamma Quick Dry Short represents what happens when a company obsessed with technical precision applies its full engineering capability to a hiking short. The TerraTex fabric is a proprietary blend that delivers stretch, breathability, and quick-dry performance in a single layer that feels noticeably more refined than any other short we tested. The fabric has a soft hand feel that sits comfortably against skin without the plasticky or papery texture that afflicts many technical fabrics, and it dries faster than any non-mesh short in our test group.

Chafe prevention is engineered into the construction rather than addressed by a liner. The flat-locked seams eliminate the raised stitch lines that cause friction points on long days, and the articulated patterning positions the fabric to move with your body rather than sliding against it. Our testers wore the Gamma Quick Dry Short on 20-mile desert days in 95-degree heat and reported the same comfort at mile 20 as mile 1. The 9-inch inseam balances thigh coverage with airflow, and the integrated belt with low-profile buckle replaces the need for a separate belt while sitting invisibly flat under a pack hip belt.

The pocket system is minimalist but intentional. Two hand pockets with clean entry angles hold essentials securely, and a single zippered rear pocket protects valuables. There is no cargo pocket, which keeps the silhouette clean and the weight low. At 5.9 ounces, the Gamma Quick Dry Short is remarkably light for a short with this level of fabric technology and construction quality. The lack of a DWR finish is a deliberate choice by Arc'teryx, as the TerraTex fabric dries so quickly that water resistance becomes less relevant than dry time.

At $90, the Gamma Quick Dry Short is the most expensive option in our lineup and requires justification beyond brand prestige. That justification comes from the fabric quality, construction precision, and long-term durability that Arc'teryx consistently delivers. The TerraTex fabric maintains its stretch, color, and structural integrity through hundreds of wears and washes. Arc'teryx's repair program extends the life of the garment indefinitely. For hikers who want the finest-engineered hiking short available and are willing to pay for quality that lasts years rather than seasons, the Gamma Quick Dry Short is the definitive premium choice.