Last updated on February 27th, 2023 at 06:48 pm
“Should I wear shorts or pants hiking?” is a common question, and a good one at that. Do you choose shorts for their breathability, or pants for their protection? While the jury is out as to which one is the best for all situations, there are several benefits and drawbacks to both.
Here, we determine whether pants or shorts are better for hiking in various terrain, along with the pros and cons of each.
Benefits of Wearing Shorts Hiking
It’s no surprise that shorts seem to be the more comfortable choice for hikes – especially in warm temperatures! Here are some benefits to choosing shorts for a hike:
Breathable
Shorts, simply due to containing less fabric overall, are often more breathable than most pants. Much of your legs are exposed to fresh air, while many hiking shorts are also loose-fitting. This allows more air circulation overall, so you tend to feel less sticky with sweat, especially in humid climates.
Improved range of motion
Because there is less fabric covering your legs, shorts also allow for more range of motion. This translates to feeling unencumbered while climbing hills or rock climbing. Your legs will be able stretch and rotate, allowing you to take bigger and wider steps.
Easier to take bathroom breaks
It may be TMI, but it’s an important topic: bathroom breaks. While pants may be annoying to deal with due to their bulk, shorts tend to make bathroom breaks easier. They’re not only light and flexible, but also quicker to pull up and remove.
Downsides of Wearing Shorts Hiking
While the benefits of shorts sound fantastic, there are some downsides you should know before grabbing a pair. Many of these downsides will depend on the climate or your hike, as well as whether there will be thick brush.
Exposure to scratches
Obviously, since your legs are exposed, wearing shorts during your hike can leave you exposed to thorns, brambles, and even poison ivy.
Shorts may be okay for more open-air hikes, but hikes with thick brush may leave you with scratches.
Chafing
Because shorts tend to only reach somewhere around your thigh region, this can result in chafing. The material can scrape and rub on your inner thighs, which can create some discomfort and even redness or a rash.
Bugs
Another downvote for wearing shorts on your hike is the concern of bugs. Since your legs are exposed, wearing shorts can leave you vulnerable to stinging or biting bugs – some potentially poisonous.
Open to the elements
While it may seem like no big deal to get a little rain on your legs, it can actually cause a problem. Rain can run down your legs and into your boots, which can create an ideal environment for blisters.
Benefits of Wearing Hiking Pants
There are many benefits to wearing hiking pants on your next hike, including many levels of protection.
Keep rain out of boots
Unlike shorts, hiking pants can help keep rain from running down into your boots and causing blisters or other problems. Since pants reach from your waist to below your socks, it is more likely that rain will fall from the bottom of your pants, rather than end up in your shoes.
Protection from weather
Hiking pants can also help protect your legs from the elements, such as wind, dust and harsh sunlight. Especially in desert climates, strong wind combined with sand can burn exposed skin if exposed for too long.
In addition, in open-air hikes, pants can help your legs from getting burned by the sun.
Durable
Hiking pants are generally designed to be more durable than shorts. Shorts, on the other hand, may be thinner and lighter, which equals being more susceptible to tears.
Protection from flora and fauna
Hiking pants cover your entire leg area, which offers protection on the trail. Hiking pants can serve as a first line of defense against snakes, brambles, stinging nettles, poison ivy, stinging bugs, and more.
Usually more pockets
Typically, hiking pants have more pockets than shorts. This means that you can store more items for your hike, which is beneficial for longer-distance hikes.
Add warmth
Hiking pants can also add valuable warmth during shoulder seasons, when a little cover from cold wind is needed.
Downsides of Wearing Hiking Pants
With all of their benefits, hiking pants also come with a few downsides, such as:
Can be restrictive
Unlike shorts, pants can be tight around your knees and hips, which limits range of motion. This can give you less flexibility while hiking hills, climbing over fallen trees, and even going up stairs.
Not as breathable
Hiking pants can also lack breathability, which can ultimately lead to overheating. Less air flow is able to move through pants, so you may sweat more, leading to a higher water need.
Before Choosing Between Shorts and Pants for Hiking
Before you determine whether to choose pants or shorts for your hike, there are a few things to consider:
Weather
Weather should play a huge role in your choice between hiking pants or shorts. Will it be warm, or even hot? Will it be mild? Will there be rain?
Shorts may be ideal for warm, easy-going hikes. However, pants may be ideal for unpredictable weather, harsh sun, or even high winds.
Bugs
Having an idea of what type of bugs you may have to contend with is another thing to keep in mind. Shorts can leave your legs exposed to mosquitos, ticks, horse flies, and other bugs that bite or sting.
Deserts may have less bugs to worry about, while forests and jungles may have all types of critters.
Trail obstacles
Another question to ask is whether your trail area may have obstacles. This includes things like poison ivy, brambles, or even fallen trees.
Generally, the more bush and tree growth on your hike, the more obstacles it may have. If you’re dealing with more rocks and open-air or fields than forests, shorts may be okay. If forested, you may end up exposing your legs to ivy and other irritations.
Fair skin
If you have fair skin, you’ll want to consider choosing hiking pants, especially in a desert climate. Pants can help shield your legs from harsh sun, which can be a lifesaver.
Snakes
If snakes are a concern, pants will obviously provide more protection. It is more difficult for a snake’s fangs to penetrate the fabric of hiking pants. Whereas, if you choose shorts, your bare flesh will be exposed.
Friction/chafing
If you have worn shorts before and have experienced chafing, you may want to avoid hiking shorts. Pants may be less abrasive, since the fabric continues down your leg, rather than rubbing at your thighs.
Breathability
Of course, shorts are typically more breathable than pants. If you’re not hiking in a deep bush or forest, and the day is warm, you may choose shorts.
Hike duration
The duration of your hike is a very important factor to consider as well. Short hikes may call for shorts, while long hikes for pants.
However, for multiple-day hikes, you may find that convertible pants are ideal. Convertible pants can be turned into shorts, and vice-versa, depending upon your needs. Talk about a win-win.
Which Are Better?
Because of the versatility of convertible pants, many hikers prefer them to having to choose between pants or shorts. In most cases however, pants are an overall better option for hikes, simply due to the higher protection factor.
Yet, the choice is still up to your personal preference.
What Should You Not Wear While Hiking
Yes: there are a few things you should avoid wearing while hiking. These include:
Denim
Denim, or jeans, are even more restrictive than hiking pants when it comes to flexibility. It is typically made with little stretch, give, or breathability, and as such can get uncomfortable quickly.
Denim can also absorb water, either from sweat, humidity, or rain, which can lead to intense chafing.
Cotton
Cotton is another material that should be avoided, simply because it is prone to chafing and can hold water. Chafing can make it uncomfortable to walk, while holding water can give you a chill.
No-show socks
While they may seem more fashionable, no-show socks can actually end up being extremely uncomfortable.
No-show socks can slip into your shoes while you walk, which can result in blisters. Plus, they aren’t adept at wicking moisture out of your shoe, which can lead to more chafing.
And, to make things easier, we’ve found the best socks in our Best Socks for Hiking in Summer post.
Flimsy shoes
While the shoes you wear for walks may seem comfortable enough for hiking, you may want to reconsider.
Certain flimsy shoes like flip-flops, Crocs, and even Nike tennis shoes can be a hazard for falling, slipping, and stubbing your toes. Plus, these shoes don’t lend support to your arches or ankles, which can cause short- and long-term injuries.
Shoes to avoid:
- Flip-flops and sandals
- Crocs
- Work boots (bulky, heavy)
- Open-toed hiking sandals
- Converse and Nike sneakers
Be sure to invest in a comfortable pair of snug-fitting hiking boots.
Baggy Clothes and Stiff fabrics
If you want to avoid chafing, it’s important to avoid stiff fabrics and baggy clothing. these items can rub your skin and cause major discomfort, so opt for softer athletic fabrics.
Additionally, baggy clothing is easily snagged, will impede movement, and will get bogged down with water or mud.
Sweet or floral body spray/deodorant
Not only can other hikers get whiffs of your scent on the wind, but bears can too. In fact, all types of smelly sprays and cosmetics can be attractive to animals.
Silk
It’s tempting to think that silk would be comfortable to wear while hiking. However, silk is far from durable (which could lead to tears) and also holds moisture. Both can lead to discomfort and exposure.
Bra with clasps
The problem with bras with clasps is that your backpacks can rub against them, causing them to dig into and chafe your skin. A few minutes of this might be fine, but hours may not.
Find a sports bra or similar bra with no clasps.
What is the Best Outfit to Wear When Hiking
The ideal hiking outfit for all-around comfort, durability, and protection would be as follows:
- Ankle high socks (to wick moisture from boots)
- Convertible or breathable hiking pants
- Supportive hiking boots or shoes
- Sports bra and synthetic underwear
- Athletic shirt or a breathable, lightweight, synthetic athletic long-sleeve shirt or jacket (protection for arms)
Additionally, some hikers prefer to hike in the dark to avoid bugs since they prefer shorts. However, you’ll want to be prepared for everything and we’ve found some essentials in our 7 Headlamps Perfect for Hiking in the Dark post.
What Kind of Pants Should you Hike in
Ideally, hiking pants or convertible pants made of strong, quick-drying materials are best. These can include Nylon and spandex.
Convertible pants earn extra points for being able to turn into shorts or pants at any time.
What Temperature Should You Wear Shorts Hiking
If temperatures are higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit and you are not in direct sunlight, shorts can be ideal.
Hike With Confidence
As you can see, both hiking pants and shorts have their benefits and drawbacks. Depending on the duration of your hike and the weather, one may be better than the other. Overall, the choice depends on your preferences and protection needs, but when in doubt, convertible pants may be the best.
About the Author
Sarah Sampsell
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