Shorts

Are shorts good for hiking and trekking?

Whether you wear pants or shorts is ultimately up to you. In the warmer months, pants are sometimes just too hot, and shorts can be great for hiking in.

How do I choose them?

To choose the right clothes for hiking and trekking, make sure you have a clear idea of the type of trail you’ll be on, what temperatures and climate to expect, and how long you’ll be out for.

What to consider?

Abrasion resistance:
Good trekking shorts are generally made of a thicker synthetic fabric to be able to withstand the associated wear and tear that come with the terrain.

Weather protection:
If conditions are not too chilly, shorts can work well in the rain. Windproof fabrics are best. We apply a PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to our trekking shorts to give them greater water resistance.

Fast drying:
Synthetic functional fabrics are designed to dry fast too. Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry when wet.

Pockets:
Plenty of pockets are handy for keeping essential items and snacks easy to access. Zipped pockets are best to keep things safe on the trail. Cargo pockets are great for larger items like a map or GPS device.

Belts:
Trekking shorts often come with an integrated belt or belt loops so that you can fine-tune the fit at the waist. If you are planning to wear a pack with a hip belt, make sure the belt of your shorts won’t get in the way or rub.

Freedom of movement:
Shorts with an ergonomic design and a crotch leg gusset give greater comfort and freedom of movement.

Can I wear gym shorts or running shorts for hiking?

On a really hot, dry day, you might be able to get away with a pair of lightweight gym shorts. However, they won’t protect your core and upper legs from rocks and scrub like trekking shorts and will soon feel cold in rainy or windy conditions.

How long should hiking shorts be?

How long your shorts are is a matter of personal preference. We tailor our hiking and trekking shorts to fit to around the knee to offer more coverage without adding weight or restricting movement or breathability.

Should I buy long pants or shorts for hiking?

Hiking shorts are great on hot days but can feel insufficient if the weather turns bad. We recommend either packing pair of lightweight trekking pants and or using zip-off pants to have the best of both worlds. Salewa 2 in 1 pants have a special T-zip system that allows you to remove the lower leg quickly and easily – without even taking your shoes off.