A man and woman are hiking in hiking shorts and shirts from Pinewood.

Find your next hiking shorts. Learn what to look for in fabric, fit, features, and durability to find the perfect pair for your adventures.

Imagine a warm summer day. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and you're out in the forest with your family. But something is disturbing the idyll: your hiking shorts are chafing. With Pinewood, that will be a distant memory. At Pinewood, we have been testing outdoor clothing in the Småland forests since 1996. Therefore, we know that a good hiking trip requires the right equipment.

In this article, we'll go through our most popular hiking shorts, with a focus on comfort, function, and durability. The goal is for you to have the best possible experience in the forest and nature. Good preparation is essential before hiking

A man is sitting next to his bike in the forest, wearing a jacket and hiking shorts.

How to choose the right hiking shorts

Hiking shorts are specifically designed to meet the demands and challenges posed by hiking and outdoor life. Hiking shorts stand out with their flexible fit and high breathability. It's especially important that the shorts are thin and cool to handle activities in warm weather. Additionally, hiking shorts often have a flexible waist so you don't need to use a belt. Many hiking shorts are equipped with zippered pockets, allowing you to store your belongings securely.

How to choose the right material

If you fall into a stream during your hike, nylon dries in 20 minutes while cotton takes hours to dry. Therefore, we recommend choosing materials that are quick-drying and help transport moisture away from your body. Examples of such materials include polyester and nylon. Polyester is known for its elasticity and ability to dry quickly. Nylon, in addition, is a more durable material that can handle tough terrains. Many of Pinewood's outdoor shorts are made from polyamide, also known as nylon. Together with elastane, this results in hiking shorts that are durable, long-lasting, and flexible.


How to choose the right model

Do you anticipate hiking a lot when the weather is warm? Then it might be smart to opt for a shorter model that feels more airy. A pair of hiking shorts with longer legs, however, can be good if you're going on bushy trails. It also provides extended protection against mosquitoes and other insects. With a pair of hiking shorts with longer legs, you avoid scratches and bites on most of your legs.

Popular hiking shorts for women

Explore two of our most popular hiking shorts and skorts for women here. These models feature light stretch, quick-drying material, and a perfect fit. Find out which women's style will become your new summer favorite.


Abisko Light Stretch shorts

Abisko Light Stretch is this year's most popular hiking shorts for women, specially designed for active days in the sun. The thin and pliable fabric releases excess heat while 4-way stretch provides full freedom of movement. With discreet velcro adjustments at the waist, you can easily customize the fit. Abisko Light Stretch women's shorts come in several different colors so you can find the ones that suit you best.

  • - PFC-free DWR impregnation repels drizzle and dew without compromising the environment.
  • - Two hand pockets + two leg pockets with zippers keep your phone, keys, and energy bars in place.
  • - Weight ≈ 240g

Popular hiking shorts for men

Explore our most popular hiking shorts for men here. These models boast light stretch, quick-drying material, and a perfect fit. Find out which men's design will become your go-to this summer.

Finnveden Sports Light shorts

Finnveden Sports Light shorts are a sportier model. These shorts combine 4-way stretch with a water-repellent finish. The shorts are therefore perfect for the active user who prioritizes mobility. The elastic waist can also be cinched, ensuring a perfect fit without a belt.

  • - High-quality 4-way stretch
  • - Open hand pockets + zippered security pocket
  • - Weight ≈ 400g


Abisko Light Stretch shorts

Abisko Light Stretch shorts are this year's most popular hiking shorts for men. The shorts are equipped with water-repellent impregnation and 4-way stretch. Furthermore, they are made from a thin and airy material to ensure high comfort on your next hike. The shorts have a built-in velcro strap so you can easily adjust the waist and avoid using a belt. 

- Repels drizzle and dew

- Two hand pockets + two zippered leg pockets to keep valuables secure

- Weight ≈ 300g


Finnveden Trail Hybrid shorts

Finnveden Trail Hybrid shorts are for those who want the very best. These shorts combine 4-way stretch with smart reinforcements on the seat and leg pockets. The result is a pair of water-repellent and flexible shorts with high breathability. They are the perfect shorts for all of summer's forest adventures.

- Reinforced seat and leg pockets

- Two open front pockets, one leg pocket with a snap button, and one leg pocket with a zipper.

- Weight ≈ 300g

A close-up of a pair of black and brown hiking shorts from Pinewood.

Related Outdoor Clothing for Warmer Hikes

When spring turns into summer, regular hiking shorts might feel too cool and hiking pants too warm. That's when zip-off pants or capri pants come in handy. In this section, we'll go through these two options to see what the difference is and what suits you best. We'll also highlight related outdoor clothing that works well in warmer weather.

Zip-off Pants

Zip-off pants are long trousers with detachable legs. They're a very versatile garment, giving you both pants and shorts in one. Perfect for days with changing weather, you can start the day with long pants and easily convert them into shorts if it gets too warm.

Finnveden Hybrid Zip-off trousers are pants that are equally suitable for a rainy day as for a warm and sunny day. Equipped with a waxed surface treatment and BIONIC-FINISH ECO water-resistant treatment, they can handle both drizzle and light showers. The trousers are highly breathable and have a comfortable stretch, making them perfect to wear all day.

¾ Trousers

¾ Trousers are trousers that end at the calf. These pants are perfect if you want an airy option but still want to protect your knees and thighs from mosquitoes, thickets, and chilly winds. Capri pants are especially good on cool summer days or early autumn days when hiking shorts are too cold.

Finnveden Sports Light ¾ trousers  are pants made from a thin and stretchy material that ensures high mobility. The fabric is impregnated to resist light rain. By tightening the drawstring at the leg cuffs, you can easily shorten the trousers for an even cooler and shorter model. There's a belt with a plastic buckle at the waist so you can adjust the fit.


Hiking T-shirts

Don't forget to match your new hiking shorts with a T-shirt. Our hiking T-shirts are made from thin, stretchy material, offering a flexible design and high comfort. For hiking, we recommend choosing a T-shirt in a breathable, quick-drying material, such as polyester, which is also very durable. A T-shirt works just as well on its own as it does layered under a sweater or jacket. Curious to know more about our T-shirts? Click here!


Lightweight Shell Jacket

Even if the weather is nice, it can be a good idea to bring a thinner shell jacket on your hike. It serves as extra protection if the weather changes suddenly or if you need to protect your skin from the sun's rays. Pinewood's shell jackets are lightweight and flexible, making them the perfect outer layer for most activities. They are also wind and waterproof, so they work excellently even on rainy days.


Cap

A cap is a great headwear choice for spring and summer hikes. Besides keeping your hair out of the way, a cap helps protect against both rain and UV rays. For summer, we recommend choosing a cap with mesh at the back. Mesh helps keep you cool on warm days. At Pinewood, you'll find a wide selection of caps in various styles and colors.


Hiking Socks

For a successful trip, good hiking socks are essential. To keep your feet dry and warm all day, choose socks made from wool or synthetic materials. Avoid cotton socks as cotton is a slow-drying material. Here at Pinewood, you'll find socks made from wool and merino wool. These materials wick away excess moisture and keep your feet dry. If you also want to prevent bad odors, choose bamboo hiking socks.

A woman is sitting on a tree stump in the forest, looking up at the sky with binoculars. She is wearing a tank top and hiking shorts.

FAQ – Common questions about hiking shorts

Find solutions to your most common queries here.

What's the difference between regular shorts and hiking shorts?

There are a few key differences between hiking shorts and regular shorts. Hiking shorts, for instance, are generally more durable and functional. They often feature reinforcements on pockets and the seat. Hiking shorts are typically made from quick-drying materials and often have a more relaxed design with many practical pockets.


Can you hike in regular gym shorts?

You can hike in gym shorts, but it might be more or less optimal depending on the hike. Hiking shorts are often more durable with more practical pockets. Additionally, hiking shorts are designed to provide protection against chafing.


Which material is best in the heat?

When it comes to hiking shorts, we recommend materials like nylon and polyester. These are durable materials that dry quickly. They also help to wick away moisture.


How should hiking shorts fit?

The most important thing is that your hiking shorts fit comfortably and allow you to move freely. As a general rule, hiking shorts should ideally end just above the knees to prevent chafing.

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