Summer and warm weather are great. You don’t need to wear layer upon layer, there’s no snow or cold winds and freezing rain. And best of all, for the adventurers out there, it’s the season when you really come alive! But you still need the right equipment to enjoy the outdoors.

Hiking, treks on hidden paths and trails, swimming, diving, waterboarding… The options are endless. There’s just one thing to consider besides the fun parts like where you are going and what you are going to do there, and that is suitable gear. Here at Columbia, we’ve made sure you don’t need to worry about having the right equipment, regardless of the season, weather, and the type of activity you are planning.

Many of our light walking shorts also feature stretch fabrics that enable complete freedom of movement and comfort. This guide will help you learn about the different features and technologies of our women’s walking shorts.

Why should you buy a pair of Columbia women’s shorts?

Besides the fact that our ladies’ trekking shorts look great as a fashion item or a style accessory, they’re designed to be super functional and lightweight. They’re also wonderfully comfy, with their stretch fabrics. We’ve designed hiking shorts women love, and we’ve made them so they can fulfil multiple uses. In the summer, they can be worn anytime: During your city trips, your mountain adventures and your classic Sunday walk. Some women even wear them at work!

During spring and autumn, our women's walking shorts will be a perfect fit for your mountain and outdoor adventures. You will find multiple women's shorts, ideal for various uses. They're mostly differentiated in inseam length, colours and styling; We have multiple colours, from black to bright and vibrant colours. In between we have several discreet colours such as grey, burgundy, petrol, rose pink, etc... You will find the colours that fit your style, we’re sure of it.

The technology behind our hiking shorts women keep choosing

At Columbia, we’re extremely dedicated to science and always improving. We believe that science stands behind every great design, such as a high-quality pair of women’s hiking shorts. Our women's walking shorts are unique. At Columbia, we think of clothing as a technical ally that can help you to overcome nature's hardships. Hiking shorts are part of this philosophy.

This is why we place great importance on constantly improving our short technologies so we can offer you a wide selection of clothing items fit for any situation: rain or sun, ocean or sand, summer to winter and anything in between.

Most of our ladies’ trekking shorts use our Omni-Shield™ Water and Stain Repellent technology. We like to call it rain-and-stain as it’s easy to remember and perfectly sums up the principle behind it. We've designed a fabric that repels water and stains by preventing liquids from absorbing into the yarns and saturating or staining your hiking shorts. This technology repels water from the outside and inside so you can stay 100% dry, the same goes for stains from puddles and mud. And it’s also breathable.

Another technology you’ll find in some of our shorts is Omni‑Wick™. It is an enhanced wicking technology that is particularly efficient for active sports: walking, hiking and trail running. It wicks the moisture away from your skin and disperses it across the fabric of your shorts for rapid evaporation and quick drying. This allows you to stay dry and comfortable during your outdoor adventures. Whether it’s sweat or outdoor moisture like rain or sea water, it will wick right off.

The waist of one pair of shorts is even equipped with an Omni-Freeze ZERO™ waistband. Omni‑Freeze ZERO™ reacts with your sweat and provides a cooling effect. It might sound unbelievable, but yes, we have designed a cooling technology within this fabric. The tech’s blue ring reacts with your perspiration and lowers the fabric’s temperature, letting you stay cool in your walking shorts.

How to choose your Columbia hiking shorts for women

First and foremost, you need to decide what you want to use your shorts for and what your definition of comfort is. We have narrow or wider shorts, and our range of inseam lengths gives you plenty of options to find your perfect fit.

If you prefer longer shorts, choose an inseam around 8 to 12 inches. It will cover your thighs and allow for more room in your pockets. Longer inseams are often good for city trips and hiking in mixed conditions. If you prefer a shorter inseam, pick your shorts in between 3 and 6 inches. They will be extra light, breathable and comfy. Shorter inseam shorts are ideal for active sports: climbing, hiking, walking and running, generally while the weather is warm. Choose your regular size, and if any doubts, don't hesitate to check out our size guide.

Last but not least, our women's walking shorts come in different cuts: Some are wider and more loose, some are closer to you and some are even shaped like leggings. It's mostly a matter of taste, but consider that loose shorts are good for women who prefer a wider cut and more pockets. Tighter / leggings shorts will suit you if you want total freedom of movement, excellent breathability and lightweight fabrics.

Shorts that women love

Columbia loves making you comfortable while providing you with lightweight stretch clothes like leggings that make your activities and favourite sport easier.

If we take women’s hiking shorts as an example, they’re not limited exclusively to hiking. You can use them for a wide variety of activities such as fast hiking, wandering around the city, climbing, or even going to work, if your job allows casual dressing. They’re a summer staple. Pair shorts with a light T-shirt and some breathable summer shoes and you’re ready for another hot day.

Check out our many women's hiking shorts here. You always have plenty of choices so you can find your perfect fit. Our sizes range from XS to XL, or in UK sizes, 6–20.

Among our styles of ladies’ trekking shorts, you can find:

• Cargo shorts
• Short shorts
• Long shorts

In addition to this, you can easily find additional information about every pair: whether it is enhanced with wicking abilities, or if they have a cooling effect and pockets! Who wouldn’t be happy about that?

Do you like shorts with a casual fit? For example, a pair of soft, cotton shorts, or a pair of packable retro shorts? Check out our women’s casual short collection for shorts to chill in or go on an urban adventure in.

Or would you prefer to go on a mountain adventure with women's trousers? Shorts might not be as covering or warm as trousers when the temperatures drop at nighttime. Why not get yourself a pair of hiking trousers? With proper hiking trousers, you can make sure to keep your legs warm. If you can’t choose between shorts and trousers, then don’t choose! In our great hiking trouser collection, you’ll also find zip-off trousers, which turn into shorts with a quick zip.

FAQs

Which brand is the best for ladies’ trekking shorts?

We recognise that there are many brands of hiking apparel. However, none feature the same level of expertise and the rich legacy that Columbia does.

Founded in 1938 in the Pacific Northwest of the US, we understand the importance of outdoor apparel. Every item we make is tested tough, so it can keep up with every step of your journey, no matter where it leads. Our premium-quality, performance-driven clothing, from our men’s technical fleeces and women’s hiking shoes to our children’s jacket, reflects our dedication to creating comfortable, durable and reliable clothing. Our women’s hiking shorts are no different.

No matter the weather or terrain, Columbia’s trekking shorts deliver performance and versatility with every step.

Are hiking shorts just for hiking?

No, while our hiking shorts are designed for hiking, that doesn’t mean they can’t be worn for other activities. In fact, given the technical performance of hiking shorts, including exclusive Columbia technologies like Omni-WickTM, Omni-ShieldTM and Omni-FreezeTM Zero, they’re a great option for other outdoor pursuits. They’re even great to travel in, or to pack for a sunny holiday. Whether you’re heading for a casual dog walk along the beach or a more rugged expedition, you’ll find our hiking shorts are the ultimate summer all-rounder.

Can you wear hiking shorts for cycling?

For cycling, hiking shorts will never be as effective as designated cycling shorts. However, because many models in our hiking shorts collection feature wicking technologies and stretchy materials, they can be worn for mixed sport days.

Which styles of hiking shorts are the best?

Each model of hiking shorts offers its own features and benefits. The best depends on your personal preferences, as well as your requirements. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our five most popular styles:

• Columbia Women's Leslie Falls™ Hiking Shorts II
• Women's Silver Ridge™ Utility Hiking Shorts
• Women's Boundless Trek™ Active Cargo Shorts
• Women's Weekend Rays™ Boardshorts
• Women's Summit Valley™ Hiking Shorts II

Do hiking shorts offer any sun protection?

While shorts inherently cover less skin, many of Columbia’s shorts offer additional sun protection. Beyond just being a barrier, some styles include UPF 50 sun protection.

Are Columbia’s trekking shorts for women waterproof?

No, our trekking shorts are not fully waterproof. However, many feature Omni-ShieldTM, our innovative technology that repels water and stains. If you anticipate some heavy rain, try a pair of our breathable waterproof trousers over your shorts for unmatched versatility and protection.