6 Best Women S Hiking Shorts For Hot Weather in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

The SANTINY 3-Zip is a women's hiking and golf short in lightweight, quick-drying breathable fabric with UPF 50+ protection and a water-resistant coating. A 3 inch high-rise elastic waistband with internal drawstring, three zipper pockets and a choice of 5 or 7 inch inseam complete it.

It gives a stated UPF 50+ rating plus a high-rise waist that stays put on climbs, which the plain elastic pairs from zsenoxaxi and TrekChic do not list. Against the SANTINY 4-Pocket, it has more secure zipper storage.

It suits a woman who hikes in strong sun and wants a secure, high-rise short she can wear all day. Kayaking and biking are listed uses.

The SANTINY 4-Pocket is a women's hiking short made of lightweight, breathable, quick-dry fabric with 4-way stretch and a built-in UPF 50+ rating. It has a stretchy waistband with belt loops, a concealed zip fly and button, and four pockets including a deep back drop-in pocket and a zippered one for keys.

It adds belt loops and a concealed zip fly to the SANTINY 3-Zip, with 4-way stretch for climbs and scrambles. It sells for less than the 3-Zip with the same UPF 50+ claim.

It suits a woman who wants a tailored short with a button front and stretch for steps and rocks. The deep back pocket holds a phone.

The zsenoxaxi Cargo Quick-Dry short is a lightweight, breathable, quick-dry short with water-resistant fabric and four pockets, including a zippered pocket, a hook-and-loop pocket and two deep pockets. An elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring fits it in place.

It carries more cargo-style storage than the SANTINY pairs and lists sun protection without a UPF number. It sits between the SANTINY 4-Pocket and the TrekChic Zip Cargo on price.

It suits a hiker who wants a cargo layout in a light, quick-drying short for camp and trail. The drawstring waist adjusts for layers or tops.

The TrekChic Zip Cargo is a women's quick-dry cargo hiking short with lightweight, breathable, water-resistant fabric and multiple zipper pockets deep enough for a phone, keys and a wallet. The elastic waist with adjustable drawstring is designed to avoid pressure marks.

It beats the zsenoxaxi Cargo Quick-Dry on price while keeping zipper pockets, and it lists sun protection without a UPF number.

It suits a budget buyer who wants secure zipper pockets for hot hikes. The elastic and drawstring waist fits many body shapes.

The Mancreda Lined Running short has a 95% polyester, 5% spandex outer and an 85% polyester, 15% spandex inner liner. A curve cut outer layer gives range of movement, and three invisible zipper pockets hold a phone, keys or a card.

It is a running short at heart, so it has no UPF listing and a lighter cargo layout than the zsenoxaxi.

It suits a woman who runs or hikes in hot weather and wants a liner and hidden pockets. The size guide lists S through XXL as US 4 to 20.

The Oalka Bermuda is a women's high-waisted workout short with a 10 inch inseam, an ultra soft stretchy breathable quick-dry fabric and a wide elastic high waistband. It has two deep slant pockets and one waistband back zippered pocket.

A 10 inch inseam gives the most coverage of the six, which cuts thigh rub and sun exposure compared with the SANTINY 5 and 7 inch options.

It suits a woman who wants extra thigh coverage and a smooth high-waist fit on hot hikes and walks. Bermuda length is described as cool for hot weather.