These Airy Hiking Shorts Will Keep You Cool, Dry, and Chafe-Free on Even the Most Treacherous Trails

Originally $75, now $56

Great for: Afternoon treks and through hikes alike. Climbing, biking, paddling—really anything outside.

Comes in: Sizes XS-XXL, in six different colors and two inseams.

Outdoor Research never fails to deliver fashionable, functional outdoor products that actually live up to the hype. The Women’s Ferrosi 5-inch shorts are no different, and are so good, they landed at the top of our list.

They’re made from the brand’s award-winning Ferrosi fabric, a ridiculously lightweight but durable recycled material that can handle treacherous treks and rough-and-tumble activities without leaving you sweaty. While other fabrics are heavier to stay hardy, these are rugged but featherlight, keeping you cool and comfortable while you move. At just over 6.5 ounces, they’re water-resistant, wind-resistant, quick drying, and built with UPF 50+. Rock ’em in scorching temps and see what we mean—you’ll be as cool as a cucumber.

Great for: Hiking, trail running, and climbing where you want to feel footloose and fancy-free.

Comes in: XS-XL in green, white, and yellow, and two inseams.

Outdoor Voices’ feather-light shorts are ridiculously comfortable too, which is why they’re our runner up. They’re made in two inseams, but because they’re a bit baggier, we prefer the 3-inch model for recreating.

If breathability is top of mind, you’ll love these shorts. They’re made from the brand’s sweat-and-water-resistant fabric, so even if you do start to glisten, they won’t mind it. As with all OV products, the devil is in the details. Think: a mesh sports liner (that prevents things from *really* getting swampy, a carabiner loop, and a zip pocket. The only reason they didn’t land at number one is because they run a bit baggy, which can be prone to things like snagging and chafing. Our tip? Order a size down.

Great for: Day hikers on a budget.

Comes in: Sizes S-3XL, in 18 different colors.

With more than 2,000 reviews, these cargo shorts are the best ones your money can buy on Amazon. Like the others, they’re made from a light, quick-dry fabric you can splash, drip, and swim in when the time rolls around. The Bermuda-style length adds extra protection, too, without weighing you down. As for other specs, there’s a drawstring waist, zippered side pockets, and UPF protection, making them tech-friendly and easy on the wallet.

Like the OV shorts, though, they are roomier, so size down if you prefer a more compressed fit. And note that they’re not the most sustainable—they’re made from a poly/spandex blend that, quite frankly, is tough on the environment. But if you’re on a budget and only have a few hikes planned, they’re a good bet.

Great for: Recreators who prefer a thicker, heavier style, but don’t want to sweat.

Comes in: Sizes XS-XL, in six different shades.

Often times, the words “twill” and “hiking shorts” immediately conjure up visions of sweat-drenched body parts—that is not the case with Topo Designs.

Its fan-favorite dirt shorts are made from easy, breezy, beautiful cotton that’s infused with some stretch, giving you ample breathing room while your trekking along. At 7.6 ounces, they are heavier, but that comes in handy when working your way up crags or bushwhacking off trail. And don’t worry about tight flies and buttons making your lady parts sweat—the drawstring ensures you’ve got room to breathe. All in all, they’re an excellent choice for getting down and dirty. Just note—they’re not water-resistant. If you do plan on getting wet, go for the River Short ($79), which is even lighter, minus the twill.

Great for: Hikers who need to jump, stretch, and scramble, and don’t want to worry about buttons or zippers.

Comes in: XS-XL in black, olive, brown, and blue.

If flexibility is your number one priority, get the Kanab Shorts by Prana. They’re marketed as a climbing short, so you know they’re built to move and provide support without being restrictive. This is especially notable in the knit waistband, which skips and drawstrings, buttons, or zippers for a pull-on style. Other fun features include flap-covered back pockets (to keep your belongings safe) and carabiner loops (for hands-free storage.)

While they’re cool and won’t make you sweaty, they might fall down if you get the wrong size. That pull-on waistband doesn’t give you any wiggle room to adjust need be, and they do run a bit big. We recommend sizing down and—if you’d prefer a more tailored fit—going for the Halle Short II ($52) which sports a button and zip fly instead.

Great for: Going from trailhead to tapas.

Comes in: Sizes XXS-6XL, in olive, black, and royal blue.

Want a short you can lounge in and hike in? Check out these sweat-wicking shorts from Girlfriend Collective that are equally technical and casual.

On the technical side, they’ve got everything you want in a hiking short, including water-resistance, stretch, and, of course, pockets. But they’re comfy enough to wear as a lounge short, too, or for sipping that post-hike beverage you earned. They’re sustainable, inclusive, and oh-so comfortable to wear, on and off the trail.

Great for: Anyone who prefers a longer length, but doesn’t want to be left stifled and sweaty.

Comes in: Sizes XS—XL, in green and navy.

Those who have hiked in bike shorts know you can’t just hike in any old bike short—not unless you want one-way ticket to Swampville. Which is why we love these hiking shorts from Kari Traa—they’re a breathable bike short that won’t turn up the heat when (and where) you don’t want it turned up.

These sculpting shorts are all about stretch, from the four-way stretch fabric, down to the gusseted crotch to give you a little extra flex. Made from recycled, OEKO-TEX-certified fabric, they’re breathable and eco-friendly, and most importantly, moisture-wicking. If you do get a little sweaty, silicone grippers on the hems keep the shorts in place, so there’s no sliding or chafing. Layer on the zippered front pockets, and you’ll want to rock them mile after mile.

Just note, they do run small. They’re made with a slim-fit fabric that is a bit tight, so we recommend sizing up a bit.

Great for: Day hikers who want to bring some flair to the trail.

Comes in: Sizes XS-L, in olive, white, orange, and berry red.

No need to sacrifice style with these trendy hiking shorts. Designed with a button fly and paper-bag bungee cord waist, they’re the chicer, more fashionable version of Gorpcore. Best part is, they’re so lightweight, with a 1-inch inseam and barely there fabric that’ll turn down the temp as you hike along. Plus, they’re loaded with zippered cargo shorts to keep things like your wallet and keys secure at all times.

Our only complaint? The 1-inch inseam can be a little short. And, if the A-line silhouette isn’t your speed, you might want to take a look at some other Free People options.