Hiking requires its own specialized wardrobe. When it comes to gear, while hiking boots are critical (nothing worse than blisters and sore feet) the actual clothing you’re wearing can make just as much of a difference in the overall enjoyment of your hike.
When it comes to hiking shorts, you’ll want to look for the same thing you’d look for in a good pair of exercise shorts: Comfort and durability are absolutely key, as well as something that will wick moisture away from your body to keep you cool as you work up a sweat. But unlike those athletic shorts, you might want to get a longer inseam in order to better protect your skin from not only twigs and branches, but from the sun as well. Furthermore, extra cargo pockets can help hold your phone, trail mix, wallet, or any number of other random things so you can just focus on your surroundings.
Whether it’s for a quick afternoon trek or preparation for Appalachian Trail thru-hike, make sure you’re prepared with a quality pair of hiking shorts. We’ve got you covered, with eight of the best hiking shorts you can get online.