Women’s Hiking Shorts

Women’s Hiking Shorts at Arc’teryx

Women’s hiking shorts earn their place in the details: a waistband that sits flat under a pack hip belt, pockets that keep small items secure and fabric that keeps up through steep steps and stream crossings. We offer two women’s styles, a lightweight trail short and a fitted softshell short, so you can match the cut to the track. Cooler days call for women’s hiking pants.

Women’s Walking Shorts for Fast, Warm Days

Weighing 80 g, the Norvan Short 5" Women’s is a trail-ready hiking short made from 100% recycled Diem polyester, with a regular fit. Pockets include a side pocket with an invisible zipper and a secure pocket made for bounce-free carry of small items. Mountain running, trail running and hiking are all on its job list, and an FC0 DWR finish repels moisture. Add a women’s hiking shirt and a hiking cap for sunny days.

Women’s Outdoor Shorts With Coverage for Scrub and Rock

For rougher ground, the Gamma Short 9" Women’s steps up to a softshell hiking short in 186gsm Fortius DW 2.0 woven double-weave fabric. The fabric is wind resistant and water repellent, and the trimmer fit is patterned to stay close to the body. Two zippered hand pockets, a harness-friendly zippered thigh pocket and a front fly with a button closure complete the layout. It weighs 200 g and is designed for climbing, hiking and trail use.

Which Women’s Hiking Shorts Suit Your Terrain?

Fast, clear tracks suit the Norvan, which has the lower weight and a regular fit. Scrub, scrambles and climbing days suit the Gamma, whose longer, fitted leg covers more of your thigh. Try your pick on with a loaded pack, since a hip belt changes how a waistband sits.

Explore Women’s Hiking Shorts and Your Trail Kit

Shorts work best as one part of a full kit. Add hiking socks and women’s hiking shoes to suit the terrain, then carry a women’s hiking jacket for wind and weather on an exposed climb.

Women’s Hiking Shorts FAQs

Can I use women’s hiking shorts for climbing and trail running?

Yes, within limits. The Gamma Short is designed for climbing, hiking and trail use, and its zippered thigh pocket works with a harness. The Norvan Short is designed for mountain running, trail running and hiking, so it suits quick days on the move.

How should women’s hiking shorts fit under a pack?

The waistband should lie flat beneath a hip belt without digging in, and you should be able to raise your knee to hip height without the leg riding up. The Norvan Short has a regular fit, while the Gamma Short is fitted.

What if the weather turns while I am hiking in shorts?

Light moisture is no problem, because both shorts carry an FC0 DWR finish and the Gamma Short is also wind resistant. Neither is waterproof, so pack women’s waterproof hiking pants for steady rain and a women’s hiking fleece for a cold start or a windy summit.

Do women’s hiking shorts have secure pockets?

They do. The Norvan Short has a side pocket with an invisible zipper and a pocket made for bounce-free carry, and the Gamma Short has zippered pockets at the hand and thigh. Use a zippered pocket for keys or cards you cannot afford to lose on a scramble.

Women’s Hiking Shorts at Arc’teryx

Women’s hiking shorts earn their place in the details: a waistband that sits flat under a pack hip belt, pockets that keep small items secure and fabric that keeps up through steep steps and stream crossings. We offer two women’s styles, a lightweight trail short and a fitted softshell short, so you can match the cut to the track. Cooler days call for women’s hiking pants.

Women’s Walking Shorts for Fast, Warm Days

Weighing 80 g, the Norvan Short 5" Women’s is a trail-ready hiking short made from 100% recycled Diem polyester, with a regular fit. Pockets include a side pocket with an invisible zipper and a secure pocket made for bounce-free carry of small items. Mountain running, trail running and hiking are all on its job list, and an FC0 DWR finish repels moisture. Add a women’s hiking shirt and a hiking cap for sunny days.

Women’s Outdoor Shorts With Coverage for Scrub and Rock

For rougher ground, the Gamma Short 9" Women’s steps up to a softshell hiking short in 186gsm Fortius DW 2.0 woven double-weave fabric. The fabric is wind resistant and water repellent, and the trimmer fit is patterned to stay close to the body. Two zippered hand pockets, a harness-friendly zippered thigh pocket and a front fly with a button closure complete the layout. It weighs 200 g and is designed for climbing, hiking and trail use.

Which Women’s Hiking Shorts Suit Your Terrain?

Fast, clear tracks suit the Norvan, which has the lower weight and a regular fit. Scrub, scrambles and climbing days suit the Gamma, whose longer, fitted leg covers more of your thigh. Try your pick on with a loaded pack, since a hip belt changes how a waistband sits.

Explore Women’s Hiking Shorts and Your Trail Kit

Shorts work best as one part of a full kit. Add hiking socks and women’s hiking shoes to suit the terrain, then carry a women’s hiking jacket for wind and weather on an exposed climb.

Women’s Hiking Shorts FAQs

Can I use women’s hiking shorts for climbing and trail running?

Yes, within limits. The Gamma Short is designed for climbing, hiking and trail use, and its zippered thigh pocket works with a harness. The Norvan Short is designed for mountain running, trail running and hiking, so it suits quick days on the move.

How should women’s hiking shorts fit under a pack?

The waistband should lie flat beneath a hip belt without digging in, and you should be able to raise your knee to hip height without the leg riding up. The Norvan Short has a regular fit, while the Gamma Short is fitted.

What if the weather turns while I am hiking in shorts?

Light moisture is no problem, because both shorts carry an FC0 DWR finish and the Gamma Short is also wind resistant. Neither is waterproof, so pack women’s waterproof hiking pants for steady rain and a women’s hiking fleece for a cold start or a windy summit.

Do women’s hiking shorts have secure pockets?

They do. The Norvan Short has a side pocket with an invisible zipper and a pocket made for bounce-free carry, and the Gamma Short has zippered pockets at the hand and thigh. Use a zippered pocket for keys or cards you cannot afford to lose on a scramble.