“Ooh, it feels very breezy,” I think as I step out of the car with my legs exposed. I'm not used to such a sensation around my calves and thighs, not being what you'd call a ‘shorts person.’ I live in jeans or hiking trousers, whether working, running errands, at the gym, or meeting with friends.
I don’t know when I stopped wearing shorts. It's not as if I woke up one day and decided to keep my legs forever covered. Over the years, you make certain decisions when buying clothes. You tell yourself, ‘I am too old to wear shorts,’ or 'I don’t have the legs for shorts,' and you pick up the black leggings instead. It becomes a habit, and stepping out of that is always tricky.
But now the weather is warming up, there's no logical reason not to find a good pair of hiking shorts for women. I've also challenged myself to do more trail running in the coming months. So, instead of digging out my old bike shorts, I decided to take the plunge and try something new. Patagonia's Multi Trails Shorts were first on my list.
For colourways, you have four options: Black (as pictured above), Solstice Purple, Wild Botanist, Thermal Blue, and then the ones I tried - Rock Melon, a pale orange. In hindsight, my legs are probably too pale for such a tone, but we live and learn.
Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts review
Design
I am used to high-rise, slim-fitting trousers and leggings in my hiking wardrobe, so I was a little tentative about the Multi Trails Shorts when they arrived. This pair of hiking shorts for women is a mid-rise, regular fit, and a looser silhouette than I would typically opt for. But with a 51/2" inseam and an adjustable waistband, they fit me perfectly at 5ft 5 inches, with plenty of coverage for my backside.
Aside from the shape, the first thing that struck me was how light and comfortable they are. The shorts are made from 90% recycled polyester with 10% elastane, giving them a four-way stretch that makes them easy to take on and off. They've also been treated with a durable water repellent and have a locker loop on the back, so they are quick to dry.
The brief liner was a new design feature for me, but as I discovered on my walks, it's an essential for support, coverage, chafing prevention and moisture management on longer distances, so I was thankful for it in the end.
I am a fan of pockets, and these don’t disappoint either. The shorts have two deep pockets on the front, both with zips, and another pocket on the back with a popper fastening. You can easily fit your phone, keys and even a snack bar if you're out a while. Handily, you can also pack the shorts into their own back pocket for easy travelling.
What are the Patagonia Multi Trail shorts like to wear?
I’ll be honest, these are so light and airy compared to what I usually wear, so they did feel a little strange on my first outing. Not only because my legs were exposed, but it feels like you are not wearing anything, so you do have to give yourself a moment to adjust to the sensation. Of course, this means they are ideal when it gets hot, as you don’t feel caught up and compressed as you might with more tailored or heavier bottoms.
As expected in the UK, I experienced all elements while testing the shorts. Luckily, the shorts (and my pick of the best walking shoes) could keep up. On one hike alone, on the West Yorkshire moors, there was wind, rain and sunshine, but I can say they remained comfy throughout, including when I sat down on the grass for a cuppa.
In fact, I got quite accustomed to the air flow these shorts allow, once I reminded myself that I was fully covered on all fronts.
I have also worn them in my capacity as a burgeoning trail runner. It's very early days, and I can’t say I was out for more than 45 minutes, but it was a particularly warm afternoon one day. I didn’t chafe around the waistband - noteworthy considering they are new shorts - and they stayed in place. I didn't have to keep pulling them back into place every few strides.
It's enough that I am getting my legs out, so there was little chance of going commando while wearing these shorts, even though the brief liner allows you to run (or hike!) without wearing additional underwear should you want to.
What weather are the hiking shorts suitable for?
The Patagonia Multi Trail Shorts are my pick of the best hiking shorts for women as they're so versatile, suitable for rain and sunshine. I got caught in more than one shower wearing them, but the material blend and lightweight design meant they dried in minutes.
I have also read reviews from people who have happily worn them while doing water activities. So, they are worth considering if you are looking for shorts to wear while paddleboarding or kayaking this summer.
The only thing I would say is that these shorts aren't suitable for reaping the benefits of hiking in winter. Keep them for the warmer months or indoor use, and swap to workout leggings in winter. Trust me, your legs will thank you for it.
Alternative hiking shorts options
These slim-fit Wayfarer shorts from Salomon make a great choice if you are looking for longer hiking shorts. Sitting on the mid-thigh, they are more traditional hiking shorts, but still flattering.
While they aren't the budget-friendly option, the extra details like the zip, popper, and clasp fastening, belt loops (not always a given on hiking shots), technical fabrics that help regulate moisture, warmth, and the water-repellent finish mean they're worth the spend.
The Salomon Wayfarer shorts are available in four classic colours (two blues, cream and black) and in sizes 6 to 18. I would say they run slightly small, so consider sizing up, as there is not a lot of give around the waist when you sit down, but the four-way stretch means there is plenty of give around your legs and backside. Importantly, they're also very comfortable, and overall, a reliable pair of hiking shorts.
Whether you're just getting into walking workouts or don't want to break the budget on a pair of hiking shorts, the Mountain Warehouse Windermere Shorts are a great choice. Under £20 right now in the sale, they are the recommendation of woman&home's digital health editor, Grace Walsh.
"I always keep these shorts in my bag as a spare pair on holiday. They are reliable, lightweight, and feel secure enough to take on trails, forests, parks, and more without an issue. They don't have enough support for running, but for hiking, the design, which also features an adjustable waistband and pockets, is just perfect," she says.
These hiking shorts for women come in two colours (with the dark blue being Grace's preference) and sit around the mid-thigh, offering plenty of coverage while still being free enough to move in.
Okay - if I had to recommend a pair of cycling shorts, it would be the 9” Power Cycling Shorts from Sweaty Betty (6" and 4" are also available). They are super flattering and give your backside an instant lift, thanks to the bum-sculpting design. The four-way stretch allows freedom of movement, whether you are hiking up hills or doing squats, as I discovered when I wore them to my body pump class, and they are sweat-wicking. Two pockets and an adjustable waistband complete the design.
While they may not allow for the same freedom as purposefully designed hiking shorts for women, these are longer than other shorts on my list and make for a great alternative as an all-rounder that'll work just as well on the trails as in the gym.
