The Best Women's Hiking Shorts for the Trail: Patagonia Review 2026
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The best women's hiking shorts for trail, town, and backpacking. Honest reviews of two Patagonia favorites tested on Colorado trails.
Womens hiking shorts Patagonia Strider Pro
The Patagonia Strider Pro 3.5” Hike Shorts
Finding the best women's hiking shorts for trail running, day hiking, and backpacking is harder than it should be. Each activity asks for something different.
When running Colorado trails, I need lightweight shorts that don't rub against my thighs. For day hikes, I need a style that stays in place for miles. For backpacking, the waistband has to play nicely with a hip belt.
A pair of women's hiking shorts that fit well, work hard, and last longer than one season is rare. Two pairs that do all three? Even rarer.
Patagonia wins on both counts. Pair them with the right hiking shirt and you've got your warm weather trail uniform sorted.
After hundreds of miles on Colorado trails, a week of desert hiking in Arizona, and backpacking trips along the Colorado Trail, here are the two pairs of Patagonia women's hiking shorts I reach for every time.
Backpacking the Colorado Trail in my Patagonia Pro Striders
What to Look for in Women's Hiking Shorts
Not all hiking shorts are created equal. After years of trail miles in shorts that didn't work, here's what actually matters. They also pull double duty for camping trips and post-hike hot springs soaks.
Inseam Length
Anywhere from 3 to 5 inches is the sweet spot for most women. Shorter feels freer for running. Longer means more coverage for hiking and bending. Test both lengths if you can. And if shorts aren't your thing or the weather turns, a solid pair of women's hiking pants covers the same ground.
Liner or No Liner
A built-in liner means you can skip the underwear and avoid chafing. No liner means more flexibility in what you wear underneath. Both have their place. The right answer is whichever feels better on your body.
Pockets That Actually Hold Things
Phone pockets are nice in theory. In reality, most aren't deep enough or secure enough for trail use. Look for snap or zip closures and at least one pocket big enough for keys and a card.
Fabric Matters
Quick-drying. Moisture-wicking. Four-way stretch. These three things separate trail shorts from regular shorts. Cotton is great on the couch. Synthetic blends are what you want on the trail.
A Comfortable Waistband
A wide elastic band keeps shorts in place without digging. A drawcord lets you fine-tune the fit. High-rise styles stay put under a pack belt. Mid-rise sits lower and works for shorter activity.
Fit for Your Body
Curvy women need different things than straight-figured women. Lined shorts give more coverage where coverage matters. Linerless shorts give more flexibility. Try a pair on before committing to multiples.
Patagonia Short Shorts Pro Strider 3.5”
The Patagonia Strider Pro 3.5" Hiking Shorts
The Patagonia Strider Pro is the pair I reach for when I want a hiking short that disappears on the body.
Let's address the elephant in the room first. The name "Strider Pro" might make you think they're just for professionals. Hold your horses. These women's hiking shorts give ample coverage and a built-in liner that keeps everything where it belongs. For us ladies with curves, that matters.
These Patagonia fast-drying shorts work for women of all shapes and sizes. The only complaint I've heard is occasional 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 Strider Pro 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.
Patagonia Strider Pro Women's Hiking Shorts 3.5 Inch Inseam
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.
Women’s Hiking Shorts with Liner
Lightweight hiking shorts liner
Liner stays in place during activity
Extra Perks
Reflective logo for visibility.
Locker loop for easy drying.
Soft, fast-drying liner with odor control.
Made with Fair Trade Certified™ sewing.
Tackling long trails in my Patagonia short shorts has been a win every time!
The Good
The Comfort:
The Patagonia Strider Pro feels 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 them onto the best Colorado trails.
They have not disappointed. Paired with my favorite hiking shirt, they've handled everything from cool mornings to high-mileage afternoons.
Durability:
These Patagonia women's hiking shorts hold up. I've worn them multiple times a week, washed them after each wear, and line dried them. Going on a year of regular wear and they still look new.
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.
INSIDER TIP! For my favorite scenic Colorado campgrounds, these are the shorts that come with me every time.
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 women’s hiking 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 women's hiking shorts made for distance.
The Okay
The Price:
These Patagonia Strider Pro 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 Trailfarer 4.5" Shorts
After falling hard for the Strider Pro, I figured I'd found my one and only women's hiking short.
Then summer hit. Long days. Longer miles. Hotter temps. I wanted shorts that gave my legs a bit more breathing room and let me wear my own athletic underwear underneath. So I picked up the Patagonia Trailfarer 4.5" Shorts in navy.
Different shorts, different use case, same Patagonia win.
Linerless and Loving It
The Trailfarer is the Strider Pro's easygoing sister.
These hiking shorts have no built-in liner. That alone makes them a different animal. Pair them with your favorite athletic underwear and you're good to go. No bunching. No fighting a liner that doesn't agree with your body.
The high-rise waist is the magic. It sits comfortably right where I want it. The wide elastic band with the internal drawcord keeps them in place mile after mile.
INSIDER TIP! The right back pocket doubles as a stuff sack. The whole short folds into itself and packs flat in your daypack. Perfect for travel or as a backup pair on a backpacking trip.
Notes on the Trailfarer Shorts
• I'm 5'7" and wear an extra small in these.
• I've owned this pair for four months and have over 50 miles of trail time in them.
• I wear them for trail running, dog walks, day hikes, and travel.
The Features of the Patagonia Trailfarer 4.5" Women's Hiking Shorts
Fit and Feel
• High-rise with a 4.5-inch inseam, just a touch longer than the Strider Pro.
• Lightweight 90% recycled polyester with 10% spandex. Four-way stretch.
• Linerless construction. Wear with your own underwear of choice.
Handy Pockets
• One back-right zip pocket. Big enough for a key, a card, or a few small essentials.
• The same pocket doubles as a stuff sack for easy packing.
Comfy Waistband
• Wide, minimal elastic waistband that lays flat against the body.
• External drawcord for dialing in the fit.
Extra Perks
• DWR finish made without PFAS for light moisture protection.
• Bluesign approved fabric made with Prevented Ocean Plastic.
• Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
The Good
Lightweight on Hot Days
I took these Patagonia hiking shorts to Arizona for a week of desert hiking. High heat. Dusty trails. Long miles. They were perfect.
The fabric is so light you barely feel it. No drag. No cling. Just freedom of movement and air flow where you need it.
The Moisture Wicking
These hiking shorts pull sweat away faster than anything else in my drawer. After a sweaty climb up the Manitou Incline, they were dry before I made it back to the car.
If you've ever finished a hot hike feeling like you needed to peel your shorts off, you'll appreciate what this fabric does.
The Length
The 4.5-inch inseam is just a touch longer than the Strider Pro. For longer hikes and trail miles, that little bit of extra coverage matters. No riding up. No tugging.
I love both lengths for different reasons. The Strider Pro for quick trail runs and shorter outings. The Trailfarer for the longer hauls.
The Fit
The high rise and wide waistband make these hiking shorts stay exactly where they belong. No constant adjusting. No belt needed. Pull them on and go.
The cut is flattering too. They skim the hip without being baggy and don't cling where you don't want them to.
Travel Friendly
Stuffing these hiking shorts into their own pocket is a small thing that turns out to be a big thing. They take up almost no space in a daypack, a carry-on, or a backpacking pack.
I wore them around Garden of the Gods for a casual loop, then stuffed them in my pack for the drive home. Easy. They're also perfect for a quick change after a Colorado hot springs soak. Throw them in your day bag, hike to a primitive pool, soak, then pull them on for the trail back.
The Okay
The Linerless Build
This isn't a complaint so much as a heads up.
If you prefer hiking shorts with a built-in liner, these aren't for you. The Strider Pro is. The Trailfarer asks you to bring your own underwear to the party. For some women that's a feature. For others it's a dealbreaker.
I wear athletic briefs under mine and they work perfectly.
The Price
At $69 retail, the Trailfarer is a few dollars less than the Strider Pro but still an investment. Same Patagonia quality though, and the same Worn Wear program backing them.
The Patagonia Warranty and Worn Wear Program
Patagonia is a B Corp, which means they're legally committed to balancing business goals with social and environmental responsibility.
Their Worn Wear program is one of the best things in the outdoor industry. It covers three things:
• Repairs. Got a tear or a busted zipper? Patagonia repairs it.
• Trade-In. Bring in your old Patagonia gear and get credit toward something new.
• Used gear. Shop their secondhand inventory for serious discounts on quality pieces.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, the Worn Wear program means your Patagonia gear can last decades. Mine certainly has.
The Bottom Line: My Pick for the Best Women's Hiking Shorts
After years on the trail in dozens of pairs of women's hiking shorts, these two Patagonia pairs are the ones I reach for every time.
The Patagonia Strider Pro is my go-to for trail running, gym days, and shorter hikes. The built-in liner and snug fit mean no chafing and no fussing. Best for women who want a lined short that stays put.
The Patagonia Trailfarer is my go-to for longer hikes, hot weather, and travel. The high-rise waist and 4.5-inch inseam offer more coverage. Best for women who want a linerless short with room to move.
Different shorts. Different jobs. Both worth the investment.
If you can only buy one, ask yourself this: lined or linerless? That's the question that matters. And if you're building out your full trail wardrobe, the women's hiking pants post covers what works when shorts won't cut it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Patagonia hiking shorts worth the price?
Yes. After years of wearing Patagonia gear on Colorado trails, I'd buy these shorts again at full price. The fabric holds up. The fit lasts. And Patagonia stands behind their gear with the Worn Wear program. You're not just buying shorts. You're buying years of trail miles.
What length hiking shorts are best for women?
Between 3 and 5 inches works for most women on most trails. 3.5 inches for trail running and shorter outings. 4.5 inches for longer hikes and backpacking. If you're tall or prefer more coverage, a 5-inch inseam is also worth considering.
Do women's hiking shorts need a liner?
It depends on you. Lined shorts mean less chafing and less to think about. Linerless shorts give you control over what you wear underneath. I own both styles and reach for different pairs for different days.
How do Patagonia Strider Pro shorts fit?
True to size with a snug, body-skimming cut. I'm 5'7" and wear a size small. The mid-rise waistband sits comfortably below the belly button.
Patagonia Strider Pro vs Trailfarer: which is better?
Different shorts for different days. The Strider Pro is lined, formfitting, and built for trail running and high-output hikes. The Trailfarer is linerless, looser, and better for long hot hikes, travel, and casual trail time. If you can only pick one, choose based on whether you want a built-in liner.
What size should I order in Patagonia women's hiking shorts?
Patagonia generally runs true to size. The Strider Pro fits closer to the body. The Trailfarer has a more relaxed cut. If you're between sizes, size up for the Trailfarer and stay true for the Strider Pro.