When the weather is warm, the question arises of which clothing is best suited for walking. When temperatures soar, as they often do during the summer months, many choose to wear hiking shorts. Whether it’s for a few hours on the trail or a multi-day trek, this choice plays a key role in the enjoyment of being outdoors. A pair of hiking shorts or a trekking bermuda must therefore be comfortable and durable enough to withstand outdoor use. To help you find the right model, here are a few pointers to guide your selection.
Key Points
- Choose shorts made from synthetic fibres (polyester, polyamide) for quick drying and enhanced breathability
- Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and can cause chafing
- Opt for a stretch fit with elastane and an adjustable waistband for greater comfort
- Select bermuda shorts for terrain with dense vegetation to better protect your thighs
- Favour shorts with zipped pockets and reinforced seat panels for improved durability and practicality
- A pair of convertible trousers is ideal at altitude or in mid-season conditions, adapting easily to temperature changes
Key factors to consider when choosing your gear
Fabric: performance and moisture management
The first rule is to avoid poorly breathable materials. Cotton, for instance, traps moisture, dries slowly, and can cause irritation. In contrast, synthetic fibres such as polyester or polyamide dry much faster and provide excellent temperature regulation. These are the most common materials used in modern hiking apparel. Some fabrics even feature built-in UV protection, which is a real advantage for preventing sunburn when your skin is exposed.
Fit: freedom and ease of movement
To make the most of your time outdoors, it’s essential to choose shorts that offer maximum range of motion. Elastane, often woven into the fabric, provides the stretch needed to move without restriction. An adjustable or elasticated waistband also enhances comfort, especially when carrying a rucksack that needs to sit securely on the hips.
Hiking Bermuda shorts have a slightly longer cut than standard shorts, offering better protection for the thighs against scratches from plants and shrubs. On some trails, you may need to push through thorny undergrowth, which can otherwise cause minor injuries. Both shorts and bermudas promote breathability and lightness. While your choice may depend on personal preference, it should also take into account the terrain, vegetation, and your sensitivity to sunlight.
What type of shorts should you wear for hiking?
The ideal hiking shorts should be technical, comfortable and suited to your needs. They should allow unrestricted movement, resist abrasion, and wick away perspiration effectively.
For more demanding or athletic hikes, it’s best to choose a model specifically designed for outdoor use, featuring a stretch, lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabric. This helps you stay dry even during high-output activities, while reducing the risk of chafing caused by friction.
For those tackling rough terrain or dense vegetation, bermuda shorts offer slightly better protection.
Shorts with pockets
Zipped or flap pockets positioned on the sides are a real bonus. They allow you to keep essentials within easy reach without hindering your stride or creating pressure points under a backpack.
A garment tailored to your body shape, whether designed for men or women, ensures optimal comfort on the trail. A soft or adjustable waistband, a fit adapted around the thighs and reinforced seat panels are all details that make a difference in the field.
Women’s hiking shorts and capris
Designed to fit the female form, women’s hiking shorts and capris feature a more contoured waist. Unlike tight-fitting leggings, they sit close to the body without feeling restrictive, ensuring a secure fit and excellent breathability.
Finding the perfect length
- Short cut: for maximum freedom of movement around the thighs.
- Longer cut (capri style): extending towards the knees for added protection from the sun or vegetation.
The primary goal of these garments is to guarantee maximum ease of movement while preventing friction caused by repetitive motion.
A hiking skirt is an excellent alternative. Skorts (skirt-shorts hybrids) combine comfort, freedom of movement and a feminine look perfectly suited to the trails.
Men’s hiking shorts
Men’s models focus on range of motion and durability. Hiking shorts for men are often made from reinforced fabric with multiple pockets. They are ideal for long-distance trekkers or those who enjoy technical terrain, offering extra protection from the elements while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Convertible trousers: a versatile hybrid option
For early starts or high-altitude hikes, the morning chill can be discouraging. A smart solution is to choose convertible hiking trousers. Thanks to zips around the thighs, you can remove the lower legs and transform them into shorts as the temperature rises.
This type of versatile clothing is appreciated in summer as well as in mid-season, whether for short trips or longer expeditions. Truly a 2-in-1 solution, it saves you from packing multiple outfits. The zips are accessible from the outside and generally do not come into direct contact with the skin, making them comfortable even for those sensitive in that area.
Is it better to hike in shorts or leggings?
While hiking shorts remain a reliable choice for summer walks, leggings also have their place in the world of outdoor activities. But which is best? Since there’s no definitive answer, let’s look instead at the advantages of each.
The benefits of shorts
In hot weather, nothing beats the light, airy feel of short garments. They allow air to circulate freely, reducing the risk of overheating and helping perspiration evaporate quickly. The downside is that they expose your skin to UV rays, so sunscreen becomes essential to prevent sunburn.
The advantages of leggings
Technical leggings are increasingly popular among some hikers. Their close-fitting long cut minimises chafing and protects the entire leg. In forests or on narrow trails, they prevent scratches from thorny plants. The stretch fabric moves with you and wraps comfortably around your legs. However, in very hot weather, they can feel stifling, especially on exposed sections of trail. Moreover, leggings rarely include pockets, which some hikers may find impractical.
An outfit to fully enjoy the trails
Choosing your gear carefully allows you to focus on what really matters: the joy of being outdoors, moving, and discovering landscapes, flora, and fauna. Whether it’s capris, shorts, or convertible trousers, shorts remain a key piece of kit for many hikers in summer. Provided you choose the right fabric and a comfortable fit, this garment will accompany you comfortably on countless sunny outings. It’s a smart choice to make every hike a success, whatever the distance or intensity.
