Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

5 Best Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50 in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Best hiking shorts for women over 50: comfort-waist, UPF 50+ and longer-coverage picks from SANTINY, baleaf, MAGCOMSEN and NY Threads compared.

By Danny WalkerCamping Editor at RV Gear Lab5 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

Women hiking after 50 usually want the same things at any age, only with less patience for pinching waistbands, thin coverage and pockets that spill. Comfort, sun cover and easy fit decide the best pair.

No listing here targets an age group, so these picks were chosen on features that matter to comfort-first hikers: elastic adjustable waists, UPF 50+ fabric, longer inseam options and secure pockets. Ordering runs from the most versatile to the simplest.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Campsite Fit Check

Start with the job: SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z leads this shortlist for Hikers who want to pick coverage. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
Specs that separate the picks: The first details to compare are 5, 7 or 9 inch inseam options, Below-knee capri, UPF 50+, 5 inch inseam, side slit legs. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Cargo pockets add bulk

Before you buy

What Matters When Comparing Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

01
Waistband comfort
A 360-degree elastic waist with a drawstring spreads pressure around the middle and adjusts as you eat, sweat or add layers. A stiff, narrow waist digs in on long walks. Look for elastic, wide waistband or drawstring wording.
02
Inseam choice
Inseam is the leg length from crotch to hem. Some hikers like a 5 inch cut, others prefer 7 or 9 inch for sun and brush cover, and a capri for even more. Look for inseam options in the title.
03
UPF 50+ fabric
A UPF 50+ fabric blocks about 98 percent of ultraviolet rays on the skin it covers. More coverage means more protected skin without sunscreen. Look for UPF 50+ on the listing, not just sun protection.
04
Stretch for steps
Four-way stretch and side slits let your legs lift high without the hem pulling. This helps on steep steps and rocky scrambles. Look for stretch, four-way stretch or side slit wording.
05
Pocket closures
Zippered pockets keep phone and keys from falling out when you bend or climb. Open cargo flaps are easier to reach but less secure. Check closure type and where the pockets sit.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on campsite fit, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review camping gear →

Detailed reviews

The 5 best hiking shorts for women over 50, explained

Best Overall · 1 of 5

SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z

5, 7 or 9 inch inseam options
360-degree elastic waist, drawstring
UPF 50+, 4 zipper pockets

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Hikers who want to pick coverage

Our take

The most adaptable pick. Choose your length and enjoy a waist with no pinch.

Why it made the shortlist

The SANTINY Cargo comes in 5, 7 and 9 inch inseam choices, so you can pick the coverage you like. It is a lightweight, quick-dry, water-resistant short with a 360-degree elastic waist, adjustable drawstring, built-in UPF 50+ and four zipper pockets.

Compared with the NY Threads 7 Inch, it gives three inseam options and deeper zipper pockets. Against the MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch, it adds cargo pockets and a longer cut.

It suits women who want to choose their own length and a waist that never digs in. The stretch-woven fabric moves with climbs.

What works

Three inseam lengths to choose from
Elastic waist avoids pressure marks
Deep zipper pockets for a phone
UPF 50+ stretch-woven fabric

Watch out for

Cargo pockets add bulk

The catch: Cargo pockets add some bulk at the sides.

Check price on Amazon

Best Longer Coverage · 2 of 5

baleaf Women's Long Hiking Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Capris Dark Grey L

Below-knee capri, UPF 50+
4-way stretch, DWR finish
3 pockets with zip side pocket

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Sunny and overgrown trails

Our take

The most coverage here. Capri length is a comfortable middle ground between shorts and pants.

Why it made the shortlist

The baleaf Capri is a below-knee short with a mid-rise elastic waistband, adjustable drawstring and four-way stretch UPF 50+ fabric. The listing says the length is designed for coverage and reduced chafing, with a DWR finish and three pockets.

Next to the SANTINY Cargo, it has more leg coverage and a stretchier fabric. Compared with the NY Threads 7 Inch, it shades more of the leg from sun and brush.

It suits hikers who want more cover for knees and thighs on sunny or overgrown trails. The fabric is described as non-see-through.

What works

More leg coverage from sun and brush
Four-way stretch moves with you
Capri cut designed to reduce chafing
DWR finish sheds light rain

Watch out for

Warmer than true shorts in heat
Only three pockets

The catch: The longer cut holds more heat on hot days.

Check price on Amazon

Best Side-Split Short · 3 of 5

MAGCOMSEN Women's 5" Hiking Golf Shorts with Pockets Summer Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Running Shorts Waterproo

5 inch inseam, side slit legs
UPF 50+, water resistant
3 zipper pockets, drawstring waist

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Steep, warm trails

Our take

A light, free-moving short with three zipper pockets and sun cover.

Why it made the shortlist

The MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch is a quick-dry, lightweight women's hiking short with UPF 50+ and a water-resistant fabric. It has side slit legs, two side zipper pockets, one rear zipper pocket and a high-elasticity drawstring waistband.

It suits hikers who want freedom of movement on steep steps. The adjustable external drawstring fits a range of waist sizes.

What works

Side slits free up high steps
Three secure zipper pockets
Drawstring fits many waists

Watch out for

Five inch inseam is short
No stated stretch percentage

The catch: A short inseam leaves the thighs mostly uncovered.

Check price on Amazon

Best Four-Way Stretch · 4 of 5

MAGCOMSEN Women's Hiking Cargo Shorts 4 Pockets Quick Dry Athletic Running

4-way stretch, UPF 50+
4 pockets, hook-and-loop closures
Wide elastic waist, drawstring

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Best for: Comfort-first waist and stretch

Our take

A stretchy short with a wide, soft waist and four pockets.

Why it made the shortlist

The MAGCOMSEN Cargo is a lightweight, quick-dry short in four-way stretch fabric with UPF 50+ and water resistance. It has two side zipper pockets, two cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closures and a wide elastic waist with drawstring, with a 5 inch inseam.

Compared with the MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch, it adds four-way stretch and cargo pockets.

It suits women who like a wide, soft waistband and plenty of stretch. The pockets close securely.

What works

Four-way stretch moves with the body
Wide waistband sits comfortably
Hook-and-loop cargo pockets
UPF 50+ and water resistant

Watch out for

Only a 5 inch inseam
Cargo pockets add bulk

The catch: The short 5 inch inseam gives limited coverage.

Check price on Amazon

Best Low-Cost Pick · 5 of 5

NY Threads Hiking Shorts Women 7" Inseam 4 Zipper Pockets

7 inch inseam, UPF 50+
4 zipper pockets, soft stretch
Drawstring waist, contoured back yoke

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Best for: Budget hikers wanting a middle length

Our take

A soft, simple short with zipper pockets at a low price.

Why it made the shortlist

The NY Threads 7 Inch is a 7 inch inseam hiking short in soft, stretchy, lightweight fabric with built-in UPF 50+ and an adjustable drawstring waist. It has four zipper pockets at the side and thigh and a contoured back yoke.

It is a simpler, cheaper alternative to the SANTINY Cargo, at a similar length.

It suits budget hikers who want a middle inseam and a flattering back. The care guide calls for low-heat machine washing.

What works

Soft, stretchy lightweight fabric
Four zipper pockets
Contoured back yoke for fit

Watch out for

Little detail on water resistance
Only one inseam length

The catch: The listing says nothing about a water-repellent finish.

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Waist comfort

Elastic waists, drawstrings and band widths were compared first.

Sun cover

UPF 50+ claims and inseam lengths were compared.

Movement

Stretch and side slits were weighed for steep steps.

Pockets

Zipper pockets were prioritized over open ones.

Coverage options

Choices in inseam length were noted.

Decision guide

Match Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50 to Your Camp Setup

By Trail Condition

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Choosing your own length	SANTINY Cargo	Three inseam options.
Sunny, brushy trails	baleaf Capri	Below-knee coverage.
Steep, warm climbs	MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch	Side slits and light weight.
Soft waist with stretch	MAGCOMSEN Cargo	Wide waist and four-way stretch.
Easy budget outings	NY Threads 7 Inch	Soft stretch, low price.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$10 to $20	NY Threads 7 Inch or MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch
$10 to $20	MAGCOMSEN Cargo or baleaf Capri
$20 to $30	SANTINY Cargo

Short vs Capri Length

Short

Cooler and freer, with less sun cover. SANTINY Cargo, MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch, MAGCOMSEN Cargo and NY Threads 7 Inch.

Capri

More coverage from sun and brush, with a bit more heat. baleaf Capri.

Most hikers should choose the SANTINY Cargo, and sun-sensitive hikers the baleaf Capri.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
Lowest cost	NY Threads 7 Inch
Low cost side slit	MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch
Low cost stretch	MAGCOMSEN Cargo
Mid-priced adaptable	SANTINY Cargo
Capri coverage	baleaf Capri

For Sun-Sensitive Hikers Specifically

Look for

UPF 50+ fabric and extra coverage.

In this comparison

The baleaf Capri covers the most skin, and the SANTINY Cargo offers a 9 inch option.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more on the SANTINY Cargo or baleaf Capri if you want more length, more cover and better fit options.

Save if

Save with the NY Threads 7 Inch or MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch for short, easy days.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Do these listings mention age?

No. They are general women's hiking shorts, chosen on comfort, sun cover and fit features.

What is the biggest mistake?

Choosing a tight waist because it fits at first. Pick elastic or drawstring waists that adjust through the day.

Is a capri better than shorts?

It covers more of the leg, which many find comforting on sun or brush. The baleaf Capri also runs warmer.

How do I check the fit?

Try them on and take a high step to see if the hem or waist pulls. Check pockets for reach.

How do I keep UPF fabric working?

Wash gently without bleach or fabric softener. Hang dry to protect the finish.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more hiking shorts for women over 50 on Amazon →

About the author

Danny Walker

Camping Editor at RV Gear Lab

Danny covers camping gear, campsite setup, outdoor power, sleep systems and practical camping advice, with a focus on helping campers make better gear decisions.

5 Best Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50 in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Our top picks

The Campsite Fit Check

What Matters When Comparing Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50

Waistband comfort

Inseam choice

UPF 50+ fabric

Stretch for steps

Pocket closures

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best hiking shorts for women over 50, explained

SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z

baleaf Women's Long Hiking Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Capris Dark Grey L

MAGCOMSEN Women's 5" Hiking Golf Shorts with Pockets Summer Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Running Shorts Waterproo

MAGCOMSEN Women's Hiking Cargo Shorts 4 Pockets Quick Dry Athletic Running

NY Threads Hiking Shorts Women 7" Inseam 4 Zipper Pockets

How We Built This Shortlist

Waist comfort

Sun cover

Movement

Pockets

Coverage options

Match Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50 to Your Camp Setup

By Trail Condition

By Budget

Short vs Capri Length

By Budget

For Sun-Sensitive Hikers Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Do these listings mention age?

What is the biggest mistake?

Is a capri better than shorts?

How do I check the fit?

How do I keep UPF fabric working?

The short version

Danny Walker

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