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The Best Thru Hiking Shorts of 2023: The 10 Top Rated Products

Vicky Nhung
  Oct 3, 2023 2:49 PM

Even though thru-hiking has become more popular, it is still difficult to find quality advice on hiking clothes as you prepare for your own expedition. Throughout this article, we interviewed dozens of thru-hikers to find out what the best thru hiking shorts are. No matter what length or style we looked for, we were able to find shorts that met our criteria of being durable, lightweight, and breathable. For the purpose of finding the best thru hiking shorts of all sizes and shapes, we carefully examined dozens of models and tested them over thousands of miles of hiking.


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1
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    Rdruko
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    9.2
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    Amazon Essentials
3
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    8.8
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    Willit
4
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    8.8
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    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

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    Pudolla
5
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    8.6
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    VAYAGER
6
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    8.6
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    Little Donkey Andy
7
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    8.4
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    Outdoor Ventures
8
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    8.4
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    Jessie Kidden
9
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    8.2
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    Jessie Kidden
10
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    8.0
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    Jessie Kidden

Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying guides

HOW TO CHOOSE THRU HIKING SHORTS

A pair of shorts must meet the following criteria if it is to earn its place on our contender list. It is our intention to award superlatives based on the criteria listed below, as you will see. 

1) PERFORMANCE MATERIAL

There is nothing more important than material. It is the material that determines whether or not the shorts are going to be stretchy, whether they are going to be quick-drying, whether or not they are going to have adequate ventilation, etc. Hikers will want to wear shorts that are quick-drying, have good ventilation, and allow them to move freely. Many of them wish they could wear shorts that were stretchy as well.

However, the material choices you make also vary based on your personal preferences. Can you not stand certain types of materials (e.g., because they make noise when you walk, or you feel uncomfortable when you use them)? Will certain materials rub your legs in the wrong way? Is the fabric treated with durable water repellent treatment (DWR) - and if so, do you need the treatment to begin with? 

2) SIZES AVAILABLE

Through-hikers come in all shapes and sizes. We prefer brands that offer a variety of sizes. This is noted in the Comparison Table. Both inseam lengths of the REI Active shorts are available in women's Plus sizes, 4" and 7". 

Shorts come in both men's and women's styles. Please choose a sizing system that best fits your body, regardless of how you identify. Smaller waisted people usually have better options with women's sizes. With men's sizing, people with wider waists and legs have more options. 

3) FIT: BAGGIE OR SLIM?

We recommend shorts with adequate ventilation, but some are baggier, and some are slimmer. Your choice is yours. Your personal style will influence whether you choose a baggie or slim short. If your thighs are thick, you may prefer a baggie short since slim shorts might feel pinching. 

4) PRICE

Sometimes spending a little more on a pair of shorts can ensure you are getting a high-quality product that will last you a long time. Since many shorts won't last a thru-hike, how much should you spend on hiking clothing you may need to replace? You should expect to pay at least $50 MSRP for shorts that have the quality fabric and stitching you'll need for thru-hiking: wearing the same pair for months on end. If you opt for our budget pick, you should expect to need two pairs for a 2000+ mile hike (including our budget pick). Not to worry! There are always shorts on sale! Browse our deals. 


4.3
3 ratings