The Best Hiking Womens Shorts
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Hiking womens shorts Patagonia Strider Pro
The Patagonia Pro Strider 3.5” Hike Shorts
As a trail runner, day hiker, and backpacker, finding the right hiking womens shorts has been a bit of a challenge. Each activity demands different features.
When running Colorado trails, I need lightweight hiking shorts that don’t rub against my thighs. For day hikes, I need a style that stays in place for miles. For the best backpacking hiking shorts, they must have a comfortable waist to manage a large hip belt.
Finding a hiking short for women that fit well, work hard, and last longer than one season can be a feat.
I’ve found the holy grail and once again, Patagonia wins!
Backpacking the Colorado Trail in my Patagonia Pro Striders
Enter the Patagonia Pro Strider
Let’s address the elephant in the room first, shall we?
The name “Pro Strider” might make you think they’re just for professionals, but hold your horses. These Patagonia female hiking shorts provide ample coverage. For us ladies with curves, the built-in liner ensures everything stays exactly where it should. So, for those longer miles on the trail, you won’t feel like your adorable shorts have morphed into a thong.
The Patagonia fast drying shorts are perfect hiking shorts for women of all shapes and sizes. The only complaint I’ve heard is that some experience chafing. Honestly, if your thighs rub together, chafing will happen no matter what style of hiking short you wear.
INSIDER TIP! For my long distance hikes and trail runs, I use gobs of Squirrels Nut Butter. Slather on as much as you can stand, slip on your shorts and get to it!
Notes on the Strider Pro Shorts
I’m 5’7” and weigh 134 lb. I have the Patagonia Pro Strider 3.5 female hiking short” in a size small.
I’ve own 2 pairs of these hiking shorts.
I use these shorts primarily for trail running and day hiking.
The Features of the Patagonia Pro Strider 3.5 Ladies Hiking Shorts
Fit and Feel
Mid-rise with a 3.5-inch inseam for just the right coverage.
Quick-drying and stretchy fabric keeps you comfortable on the move.
Handy Pockets
One stretchy pocket: located on the back waistline, perfect for stashing essentials. *The downside: It won’t fit an iPhone in a case.
Comfy Waistband
Wide, stretchy waistband that feels great and stays in place.
Adjustable drawcord for a perfect fit.
Extra Perks
Reflective logo for visibility.
Locker loop for easy drying.
Soft, fast-drying liner with odor control.
Made with Fair Trade Certified™ sewing.
Patagonia Short Shorts Pro Strider 3.5”
The Good
The Comfort:
The Patagonia Pro Strider hikers shorts feel like second skin. I tried them on in a little outdoor store in Estes Park during the middle of winter. Aside from the shock of seeing my pasty white legs in the mirror, I was immediately hooked by their comfort.
Throughout the winter, I wore these hiking shorts at the gym for running and stair climbing.
Once shorts weather arrived, I couldn't wait to take these hiking shorts onto the best Colorado trails.
They have not disappointed.
Tackling long trails in my Patagonia Pro Strider Shorts has been a win every time!
Tackling long trails in my Patagonia short shorts has been a win every time!
Durability:
These Patagonia women’s hiking shorts have held up incredibly well. Since the hiking season started, I’ve worn them multiple times a week, washing them after each wear. Following my regular outer gear care routine, I line dry them, and they still look like new (going on six months of wearing these hiking shorts 2-3 times a week).
Easy to Care For:
These hike shorts are my number one choice for camping trips and backpacking treks. With a capful of camping soap, a basin of water, and some elbow grease, I can wash these hiking shorts, hang them to dry, and have clean shorts within an hour.
Quick Drying:
Despite best efforts, sometimes incidents happen on the trail. I’ve found that unexpected spills dry almost immediately.
The same goes for those sudden Colorado afternoon rainstorms. These hiking shorts go from sopping wet during the downpour to dry within 15-20 minutes after the rain stops.
Not only do they dry, they are cool hiking shorts that give so much flex while exploring trails. *Yes, literally and figuratively. Wink!
These hiking womens shorts get the job done on trails.
Full Fitting Underwear Liner:
Nothing creates more consternation than underwear liners riding up my rear end while hiking and running. Chafing is a real issue, and no one wants problems post-activity due to constantly shifting underwear.
Have you ever stepped foot into a shower after a long run with chafing issues? It’s some of the most excruciating pain you can imagine!
Many hiking womens shorts either have no liner or minimal coverage, but these hiking shorts are perfect for us more curvy women.
Distance treks on trails is lovely when you're wearing the best backpacking shorts made for miles.
Backpacking long trails is lovely wearing hiking womens shorts made for distance.
The Okay
The Price:
These Patagonia Pro Strider Shorts are not cheap. Running at around $80/pair, it’s an investment.
That said, Patagonia makes quality products. Patagonia’s Worn Wear program is outstanding along with their investment in the environment.
I also have found these hike shorts go on sale regularly. Watch REI for regular coupons.
The Patagonia Warranty
Patagonia is a B corp company which simply means they not only focus on making money but also on doing good for society and the environment. They're legally committed to balancing their business goals with social and environmental responsibilities.
Patagonia is committed to reducing as much environmental waste as possible.
The Patagonia Trade in/Worn Well/Best Used program
Patagonia's environmental pledge is a commitment to eco-friendly and stylishly sustainable gear.
Their Worn Well program encourages you to keep using your trusty Patagonia gear from a decade ago.
Outgrown that old gear? Patagonia's Trade-In program helps you find new items while giving your old gear a second chance.
Looking for a bargain? The Best Used program is a treasure hunt for thrift-savvy outdoor enthusiasts. Patagonia makes saving the planet stylish.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a newbie, Patagonia gear is your versatile sidekick, your comfort on the trail, and your go-to for every adventure.
Finding the best fitting hiking short can be rough. In all my years of outdoor adventuring, I’ve never found a pair of shorts as flattering, comfortable, and durable as the Patagonia Pro Strider Shorts.
If you’re looking for good shorts for hiking that work on and off the trail, in the gym, or just around town, give the Patagonia Strider Pro a try! You just might fall in love with them like I did!