Summer can be over very quickly in Scotland so it’s good to be prepared with a comfortable pair of hiking shorts. Things to consider when buying include: fit; range of movement including fabric stretch; weight, material type and speed of drying and SPF protection; sustainability, number and size of pockets, type of waistband and fastening, durability and cost. We’ve been testing a range of pairs.
Findra: Kilda Trail Shorts
RRP: £90
Fabric: 88% nylon (38% recycled), 12% spandex
These are longer length shorts from women-only Scottish brand Findra. They are designed with comfort in mind and are equally at home on long hikes or mountain bike rides. Although they come down to just above my knee (I’m 5’3″), they are easily turned up for a different look. The fabric is very stretchy and the design seems both robust and based on women’s actual measurements. I particularly liked the larger placket above the zip which is secured with two snap fasteners and feels very secure and comfortable, and the wide waistband which can be adjusted using a button system similar to Keela’s; there are also belt loops. There are 2 good sized front pockets, one including a tiny security pocket, together with a more usefully-sized zipped pocket on the thigh and 2 back pockets. Many seams are double sewn with additional material at the bottom back hem to add durability. The material is super comfy and and dries quickly; it has proven to be breathable and has shed the odd rain shower effectively. The generous design means these can be worn comfortably over tights for biking or for flexible layering on multi-day adventures. The colour range is interesting too and they come in a good range of sizes. I’d expect them to last well.
Available in three colours and 7 women’s sizes XS to XXXL – no men’s version.
Berghaus: Navigator 2.0 Short
RRP: £65
Fabric: 100% polyamide
These very comfy shorts have a lovely soft feel. The Navigator’s have a broad waistband fastened with a single button; there are belt loops (no belt supplied), whilst the band is felty on the inside to be comfy next to your skin. There are two good sized front pockets, one with a zipped security pocket inside – though this zipped pocket is too small for a phone – best for keys. There’s an additional zipped thigh pocket on one side, and another at the rear. They are lightweight, low on bulk and I’ve found them to dry very quickly indeed – a good choice for longer backpacking trips.
Available in men’s sizes 28″ to 42″ in three colours; women’s sizes 8 – 20 in two colours.
Sherpa: Bara Cargo Short
RRP: £80
Fabric: 56% Recycled Nylon, 35% Nylon, 9% Spandex
UK-based brand Sherpa names these shorts after a part of Nepal; they donate a portion of sales to providing children’s education in the Himalayan country – they are also bluesign approved. These are the heaviest of the shorts in this test, with robust-feeling fabric and mostly double stitched seams. The waist band has belt loops; there is no belt included but there is an internal pull cord to draw the waist in; it’s worth noting that the sizing is very generous – I’m a size smaller in these compared to the other shorts on test. The two main front pockets have no zips; there are also two thigh pockets and one pocket – with a zip – at the rear. Though I’d think twice about wearing these when backpacking, I expect them to be extremely durable for day hikes – no worries about abrasion from sitting on those gabbro boulders!
Available in men’s sizes 30″ to 40″, three colours and in women’s sizes XXS – XXL, three colours.
Keela: Bidean Short
RRP: £49.95
Fabric: Stretch-Tec
Another longer-line design, these shorts offer good value from Scottish brand Keela. Four way stretchy fabric means there’s good range of movement in these generously cut shorts. The waistband is wide and incorporates a built in elasticated tightener which I’ve found to be useful and comfortable once adjusted – there are also belt loops (no belt supplied). I liked the 2 large mesh-fronted pockets which each come with a zipped security pocket large enough to take most phones. The construction is strong and the design of the front zip and snap fastener good. They shed water and dirt really well (worn continuously for a 3 day backpack, they looked and smelt as good as new) and seem pretty breathable for fabric of this weight. Good to see a wide range of sizes at a decent price.
Available in 2 colours and 7 women’s sizes 8 – 20, men’s version also in 2 colours and sizes 30 – 44.
Klättermusen: Vanadis 3.0 Shorts
RRP: £160
Fabric: WindStretch – 85% Ultramid Bio-Mass Balanced Polyamide, 15% Elastane
Less well known in the UK, Klättermusen are a Swedish brand founded in 1975 and known for quality, high end mountaineering equipment; the Vanadis 3.0 shorts are bluesign approved. These are very lightweight shorts – coming in at 350g in medium; they dry very fast indeed and comfort is aided by the fabric allowing for a bit of stretch. The waist band has a soft backing, belt loops (again no belt) and is fastened with a press stud. There are two large front pockets and one at the back – only the rear pocket has a zip. They are a shorter length than most of the shorts in the review. The quality is excellent and the design is great – but I doubt that I could personally justify spending quite so much on my shorts.
Available in men’s and women’s sizes XS – XXL, and five colours.
Salomon: Wayfarer Ease Shorts
RRP: £65
Fabric: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane
At around 150g the Wayfarer Ease are the lightest shorts in this test. They have a minimal design, with no belt loops, no fly and elasticated sides to the waistband, though the inside fabric of the waist is very soft on the skin. There’s no drawcord either so good sizing is key – it’s well worth trying a pair on if you get the chance; if you do get a good fit they are extremely comfortable, with a degree of stretch in the fabric. There are just two front pockets, generously sized, and no zips. They are very quick drying, with a PFC-free DWR coating, and are suitable for all kinds of walking, though I think they are particularly ideal for high intensity activity.
Available in 2 colours in men’s sizes S-2XL and women’s sizes XS – XL and 3 colours.
Sprayway: Escape Short
RRP: £55
Fabric: TecWeave – 93% recycled polyamide, 7% elastane fabric
Longer length, relaxed-fit shorts made with hard wearing fabric. I’ve worn a pair of these shorts for the last five years including scrambling and they’ve proved to be robust with only a small amount of wear to the hem stitching. The waistband is high at the back, has elasticated sections at the side and is wide and backed with brushed material for comfort and wickability and fastened with a zip and single button – whilst the fit is generous, there are no belt loops so they need to be the right size. The material has a good amount of stretch, a water-repellant coating and is relatively fast drying. The 2 front pockets are huge with a smaller one on the thigh, all are zipped and mesh lined. If you want a longer short that moves well with you, are long lasting and come in larger sizes this is a good option.
Available in Women’s 3 colours and sizes 8 – 18. Men’s Compass Short is similar in 3 colours and sizes 30 – 40.
Patagonia: Terravia Trail Shorts
RRP: £90
Fabric: 86% recycled polyester/14% elastane recycled dobby
The Terravia are very lightweight 10″ shorts, made from with recycled fabric that has a high amount of stretch. You expect strong environmental credentials from Patagonia, and as well as being recycled, they are bluesign, fair trade certified, and the durable water repellent (DWR) finish is made without intentionally added PFAS. The waist band has belt loops (no belt included) and is fastened with a single button. For such a lightweight design, they are well featured – both main front pockets are zippered, as is the thigh and the two rear pockets. These are great shorts for a range of activities – their stretchiness makes them ideal if your daywalk includes a spot of scrambling, whilst the minimal weight and bulk and fast dry time means they are great for backpacking too. I’d take a little more care when sitting on the roughest rocks as the fabric is so thin.
Available in men’s 28″ to 40″, four colours; no women’s version but Quandary look similar.
Craghoppers: NosiLife Cargo Short III
RRP: £75 but currently priced at £45.00
Fabric: 100% recycled polyamide
I’ve worn various incarnations of Craghoppers’ Cargo shorts for many years. This latest version features their NosiLife insect repellent and odour elimination treatment, which is claimed to last for the lifetime of the shorts. Whilst it’s not yet full midgey season I’ve certainly had the chance to wear these for a good few warmer days without them acquiring a smell. These are fairly light for cargo-style shorts, with the expected array of pockets; two main open front pockets, two additional thigh pockets at the front with velcro fasteners, two at the back, plus one very useful zipped security pocket (the zip has a clip to prevent it coming undone). One of the front thigh pockets contains a small plastic dry bag – big enough for a phone or your wallet; it can be easily removed. The wide waist band has comfy mesh on the inside and loops for a belt (none supplied); it fastens with two buttons. I’m a fan – they are value for money, very comfy, and feel robust and durable without crossing over into being overly bulky or heavy.
Available in men’s sizes 30″ to 42″ in two colours, no direct women’s version.