6 Best Shorts For Backpacking Beginners for a First Multi-Day Hike

You’re halfway up a steep, sun-baked switchback on the second day of your first backpacking trip, and the only thing you can think about is the rough, swampy cotton shorts clinging to your legs. Choosing the right pair of hiking shorts is about more than just style; it’s a critical decision for comfort, safety, and morale on a multi-day journey. The right shorts disappear, letting you focus on the views, while the wrong pair can become a constant, chafing distraction.

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What to Look For in Your First Hiking Shorts

Imagine a sudden afternoon downpour soaking you on an exposed ridge. With the right shorts, you’ll be damp for a few minutes and dry an hour later. With the wrong ones, you could be cold and waterlogged until you make camp. This is why material is king when it comes to backpacking shorts.

Look for synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, often blended with spandex or elastane for stretch. These materials don’t absorb water like cotton, meaning they dry incredibly fast and wick sweat away from your skin. Durability is another key factor. A sturdy ripstop nylon will fend off snags from thorny bushes, while a lighter, stretchier fabric will offer better mobility for scrambling over downed trees. Pockets matter, too—a zippered thigh pocket is perfect for keeping a map or phone secure but accessible while wearing a hip belt.

Ultimately, you are balancing three things: weight, durability, and comfort. An ultralight pair might feel amazing but tear easily. A bombproof pair might last a decade but feel restrictive. For your first pair, aim for a balance:

• Fabric: Quick-drying nylon or polyester blend.
• Stretch: At least a small amount of spandex for freedom of movement.
• Pockets: At least one secure zippered pocket that doesn’t interfere with your pack’s hip belt.
• Fit: Comfortable and non-restrictive, with a gusseted crotch for better mobility.

Patagonia Baggies: A Durable, All-Purpose Classic

If your backpacking route includes a series of alpine lakes or a refreshing river crossing, the Patagonia Baggies are an iconic choice for a reason. Their design is brilliantly simple: a tough, 100% recycled nylon shell with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish and a comfortable mesh liner. They are essentially a rugged pair of swim trunks built for the trail.

This versatility is their greatest strength. You can hike all morning, jump in a lake for a swim at lunch, and be dry long before you set up your tent for the evening. The durable fabric holds up exceptionally well to abrasion from sitting on granite slabs or navigating overgrown trails. They are the definition of a multi-purpose piece of gear, reducing the need to pack a separate swimsuit.

The tradeoffs are in technical performance. The pockets are simple vertical slits, which aren’t the most secure for valuables on the move, and the fabric has no built-in stretch. This can feel slightly restrictive on high-step maneuvers compared to more technical shorts, but for straightforward trail hiking and all-around adventure, their simplicity and durability are hard to beat.

prAna Stretch Zion II: Unmatched Trail Mobility

Picture yourself needing to high-step over a massive fallen log or scramble up a short, rocky section of trail. This is where the prAna Stretch Zion II shorts shine. Built with prAna’s legendary Stretch Zion fabric, they offer a level of four-way stretch that feels incredibly liberating. There is zero restriction, allowing for a completely natural range of motion.

This mobility doesn’t come at the expense of toughness. The nylon-based fabric is highly abrasion-resistant and treated with a PFC-free DWR finish to shed light rain and morning dew. The pocket layout is also thoughtfully designed for backpackers, with a dual-entry zippered cargo pocket on the thigh that remains accessible even with a hip belt cinched down.

These shorts are a fantastic investment for a beginner who wants a piece of gear that will grow with them. They are just as capable on a simple weekend trip as they are on more demanding terrain. The only consideration is that their robust build makes them slightly heavier than some minimalist options, but the tradeoff for comfort and durability is one many backpackers are happy to make.

REI Co-op Sahara: Top Value for New Backpackers

Getting into backpacking can feel expensive, and it’s easy to think you need the most premium gear to get started. The REI Co-op Sahara shorts are proof that you don’t. They deliver 80% of the performance of top-tier shorts at a fraction of the price, making them an ideal entry point for new hikers.

The Sahara shorts are made from a lightweight, quick-drying nylon fabric with a touch of spandex for comfortable movement. They breathe well in hot weather and won’t stay wet for long after a creek crossing or rain shower. With ample pocket storage, including a zippered thigh pocket, they have the core features you need for a multi-day trip without any unnecessary frills.

Where’s the compromise? The fabric may not be as tough or feel as premium as more expensive options, and the overall durability might be less over thousands of trail miles. But for your first—or first dozen—backpacking trips, this is an excellent, no-regrets choice that prioritizes function and accessibility, letting you spend your money on other critical gear like your pack or sleep system.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi: Breathable & Fast-Drying

For trips into hot, humid environments where sweat is your biggest enemy, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are a game-changer. The Ferrosi fabric is legendary in the outdoor world for its incredible breathability and air permeability. On a strenuous, uphill climb under the summer sun, these shorts feel noticeably cooler and less clammy than almost anything else.

Despite their lightweight, soft-shell feel, the Ferrosi material is surprisingly durable, blending nylon and spandex for a tough, stretchy, and weather-resistant package. They move with you, dry in a flash, and offer solid protection from wind and light precipitation. They represent a near-perfect balance point in the weight-durability-comfort triangle.

These are for the hiker who runs hot or is planning an adventure in places like the Southeast during summer or the desert canyons of the Southwest. They are light enough that you’ll barely notice them in your pack or on your body, making them a fantastic choice for beginners who want to prioritize all-day comfort in warm conditions.

Arc’teryx Motus Short: For Built-In Liner Comfort

If you come from a running background or simply value a minimalist, athletic feel, the Arc’teryx Motus Short is an outstanding option. This short blurs the line between trail running and fast-and-light hiking gear. Its primary feature is a high-quality, boxer-brief-style liner that provides excellent support and moisture management, effectively eliminating the need to wear separate underwear.

This integrated system is fantastic for preventing chafing, a common issue for new backpackers on long, sweaty days. The outer short is made from an extremely lightweight, air-permeable fabric that dries almost instantly. The design is streamlined, with a simple zippered back pocket for a key or gel, encouraging a minimalist approach.

The Motus is best suited for hikers covering good mileage in warm weather who don’t need extensive pocket storage. The tradeoff for its ultralight, chafe-free comfort is a lack of durability for serious bushwhacking and minimal storage. But for on-trail performance where freedom of movement and moisture control are paramount, it’s a superb, specialized choice.

Vuori Kore Short: Versatile On-Trail Performance

Sometimes the best piece of gear is the one you’re most comfortable in, and the Vuori Kore Short is, above all else, comfortable. Known for its incredibly soft, breathable fabric and supportive boxer-brief liner, the Kore Short has become a favorite for its "trail-to-town" versatility. It feels as good lounging at camp as it does hiking the trail.

While not a hyper-technical hiking short, it checks the most important boxes for a beginner’s multi-day trip. The fabric is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and the built-in liner helps prevent chafing. The athletic fit provides great mobility, and the simple style means you won’t feel out of place grabbing a post-hike burger on the way home.

The main consideration is its durability and pocket design. The soft fabric isn’t as resistant to snags and abrasion as a ripstop nylon, and the hand pockets aren’t as secure as zippered cargo pockets. However, for well-maintained trails and hikers who prioritize supreme comfort and versatility, the Kore Short is an excellent and popular choice.

How to Choose the Right Inseam and Fabric Type

Beyond picking a specific model, two key decisions will dictate your comfort: inseam length and fabric blend. These choices are highly personal and depend on your body, the climate, and the terrain you’ll be hiking in.

Inseam length—the distance from the crotch to the bottom of the leg opening—is about finding your personal sweet spot between coverage and freedom.

• Short (5-inch): Offers maximum ventilation and freedom of movement. Ideal for hot weather and hikers who don’t mind less coverage. Can be a poor choice in overgrown areas where your thighs might get scratched.
• Medium (7- to 8-inch): A popular middle ground. Provides good coverage without feeling restrictive. This is a great starting point for most beginners.
• Long (9- to 11-inch): Gives the most protection from the sun, scrapes, and insects. Some hikers find longer inseams can bunch up or feel restrictive, while others prefer the added coverage.

Fabric is the engine of your shorts, determining how they perform when you’re sweating, it’s raining, or you’re scraping against a rock. Almost all hiking shorts are made from a synthetic blend, but the ingredients matter. Nylon is known for its exceptional durability and abrasion resistance. Polyester excels at wicking moisture and drying quickly. Spandex (or elastane) is what provides that crucial stretch for mobility. A short with a high nylon content will be tougher, while one with more polyester may feel lighter and dry faster. Most of the best shorts blend these materials to capture the benefits of each.

Don’t let the paradox of choice paralyze you. Any of these shorts will serve you far better than a pair of old gym shorts or jeans. The most important thing is to pick a pair that feels good, get it dirty, and learn what you truly value on the trail.