Hiking Shorts or Pants? Choose the Right Gear for Your Next Hike!
When it comes to hiking, what you wear can really impact your experience. While gear like your backpack, boots, and trekking poles often get all the attention, your legwear is just as important. Hiking shorts and pants both have their advantages depending on the weather, terrain, and your personal preference.
In this blog, we’ll cover the main factors to consider when choosing between shorts and pants, like material, fit, weather, terrain, and more, so you can pick the perfect pair for your next hike.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics: Shorts vs. Pants
Hiking shorts are all about freedom and breathability. They allow your legs to move easily, keep you cool during hot weather, and reduce the risk of overheating on strenuous trails. Choose shorts when temperatures soar above 70°F, especially in areas with high humidity or direct sun exposure, such as the Southern U.S., Florida, Gulf Coast, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Southeast trails.
Modern hiking shorts, such as Glux Hiking shorts, are lightweight, made of quick-drying fabrics, and come with multiple cargo pockets to carry your essentials like a trail map, phone, or small snacks.
Source: Glux Hiking Shorts
On the other hand, hiking pants provide more protection. They shield your legs from scratches, insect bites, and harmful UV rays. If you’re in dense forests, tall grasses, or rocky terrain, pants can prevent cuts and scrapes.
Hiking pants are also useful in colder climates or unpredictable weather since many hiking pants are convertible. They enable you to zip off the lower portion to turn them into shorts. You’ll love these convertible hiking pants if you’re a backpacker or on a multi-day hike, because they adjust easily to whatever conditions come your way.
Source: Glux Convertible Zip Off Hiking Shorts
Hiking Shorts or Pants? 8 Things to Consider
1. Material Matters More Than You Think
When choosing hiking shorts or pants, the fabric is critical. Avoid cotton for both shorts and pants; while comfortable, it retains moisture and dries slowly, which can lead to chafing or even hypothermia in cooler conditions. Instead, look for synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, or blends with spandex. These materials wick sweat away from your skin, dry quickly, and often include a degree of stretch for better mobility.
Many modern hiking pants and shorts also feature durable water repellency (DWR) treatments, which help resist light rain and keep your skin dry. If you plan to hike in areas prone to rain showers or morning dew, DWR-treated fabrics can make a significant difference in comfort. Some pants even come with reinforced panels on the knees and seat area to handle rugged terrain and reduce wear and tear.
2. Fit and Comfort: The Key to Enjoyable Hiking
Hiking shorts should be snug enough to stay in place but loose enough to allow a full range of motion. Look for adjustable waistbands, either with elastic or belt loops, to ensure comfort over long distances. For hiking pants, consider options with articulated knees or gusseted crotches. These design features improve movement and reduce stress on the fabric when climbing or scrambling over rocks.
Length matters too. Shorts come in various inseams, usually ranging from 7 to 11 inches. Shorter inseams are great for hot weather and allow maximum ventilation, while longer inseams offer extra protection against brush, insects, and sunburn.
Pants should ideally be long enough to cover your ankles if you’re hiking in areas with ticks or tall grass. Convertible pants provide the best of both worlds, letting you adjust length as conditions change.
Source: Glux Convertible Pants for Hiking
3. Temperature and Weather Considerations
On a hot summer day with clear skies, hiking shorts will keep you cooler and reduce sweat accumulation. Pair them with moisture-wicking socks and a good pair of hiking boots, and you’ll be comfortable even on long trails.
Conversely, if you’re hiking in spring or fall when temperatures fluctuate, pants offer more warmth and protection. Even in summer, mornings at higher elevations can be chilly, and pants help maintain a comfortable body temperature. Pants are also preferable in wet or muddy conditions because they help keep your legs dry and protect against scratches from branches or rocks.
4. Terrain and Trail Type
For well-maintained trails with minimal obstacles, hiking shorts are often sufficient. You’ll enjoy the ventilation and freedom of movement while navigating moderate inclines or flat paths.
For more rugged trails with rocks, roots, and dense vegetation, hiking pants are a safer choice. They protect against scrapes and insect bites, and reinforced knees or seat panels help resist wear from rough terrain. If you’re heading into areas with snakes, pants made from thicker, cut-resistant fabrics can offer an extra layer of protection.
5. Packing and Weight Considerations
If you’re planning a long hike or backpacking trip, packing weight matters. Lightweight hiking shorts are easier to pack and often take up less space in your bag.
However, you can go for pants with multiple pockets to reduce the need for additional pouches or bags. Convertible pants are particularly valuable for backpackers because one pair serves the purpose of both shorts and pants, saving weight and space.
6. Breathability and Moisture Management
Both hiking shorts and pants should be breathable to prevent sweat from accumulating. Many modern hiking pants include mesh-lined pockets or ventilation zippers along the thighs to increase airflow.
Shorts naturally provide more ventilation, but it’s still important to choose moisture-wicking fabrics to avoid discomfort and chafing during long hikes. At Glux, all our hiking pants and shorts are made of breathable, quick-dry fabric, making them comfortable to wear on any hike!
7. Sun Protection and Insect Safety
Hiking shorts leave your legs more exposed to the sun and insects, which can be a concern depending on your destination. Sunscreen or long socks can mitigate some of this exposure, but pants offer a built-in layer of protection. Many hiking pants come with UPF ratings, meaning they block harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of sunburn during extended outdoor activities.
If bugs like ticks or mosquitoes are prevalent on your trail, pants are usually the safer choice. Lightweight, breathable pants can protect your legs without causing overheating. If you prefer shorts, insect-repellent sprays or bands can offer some protection, though nothing replaces the coverage pants provide.
8. Style and Versatility
Hiking shorts are often seen as casual and sporty, perfect for summer adventures, day hikes, or multi-activity trips where you transition from trail to town. Hiking pants, especially convertible styles, can easily double for casual wear once your hike is over, so they’re a practical choice for multi-day trips.
Besides, the convertible pants with zip-off legs transform into shorts mid-hike. They’re the ideal choice if you’re expecting changing weather conditions or starting your day in cool mornings and finishing in hot afternoons. The versatility also helps if you’re traveling with limited luggage, reducing the number of items you need to pack.
Making the Choice:
Choose Hiking Pants When
- Cool or Wet Weather: Pants provide extra warmth and protection from cold, rain, and wind.
- Rugged or Overgrown Trails: Protect your legs from scratches, insect bites, and thorny bushes.
- Multi-Day Hikes or Backpacking: Durable pants with pockets and reinforced areas help on long trips.
- Sun Protection Needed: Long pants shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Extra Features Matter: Look for water resistance, durability, and flexible fabrics for comfort on tough terrain.
Choose Hiking Shorts When
- Hot, Dry, and Well-Maintained Trails: Shorts keep you cool and provide maximum airflow.
- Personal Comfort Preference: Some hikers prefer the freedom of movement and ventilation that shorts provide.
- Short or Day Hikes: Lightweight shorts are easier to carry and dry faster if they get wet.
- Easy Adjustments: Look for shorts with adjustable waistbands, zip pockets, or slightly longer inseams for comfort.
Conclusion
Shorts provide breathability and freedom for warm weather, while pants offer protection, versatility, and durability for tougher terrains or variable weather. Materials, fit, and features like moisture-wicking fabrics, reinforced panels, and convertible legs play a crucial role in your decision.
Whether you go with lightweight shorts, rugged pants, or convertible hybrids, Glux provides options to ensure that your legs stay happy and protected, mile after mile.
So next time you’re packing for a trail, think carefully about what will make your adventure more enjoyable and maybe even consider bringing both, just in case.