Top 6 best men's hiking shorts
1. The most breathable: GALIBIER COURT
Who is it for? The hiker who prioritises mobility and coolness with a cut sitting well above the knee. The ideal model for hot climates and sustained ascents. Its cut unlocks total freedom of movement and promotes maximum natural ventilation. Made from 3D-FLEX fabric, it is stretch, breathable and highly durable all at once.
- Key strength: Unmatched freedom of movement and ultra-fast drying — essential for treks where you need to keep your pack light.
- Use: Summer hiking, travel, active walking.
2. The most versatile: GALIBIER MEDIUM
Who is it for? Those looking for the quintessential "standard" short, with a classic leg length. This is the most balanced model in the range. It delivers all of Cimalp's technical features (stretch, UV protection, water-repellency) in a cut that works in every situation, from steep trails to café terraces.
- Key strength: Its absolute versatility. It strikes an excellent balance between protection and freedom of movement.
- Use: All-distance hiking, trekking, outdoor leisure.
3. The most covering: GALIBIER LONG
Who is it for? Hikers who want to protect their thighs from the sun or irritation caused by vegetation. This short comes down to knee level. It is particularly appreciated by those looking for more protective coverage without moving to heavier cropped trousers.
- Key strength: Enhanced protection against abrasion and the elements, while retaining the lightness and stretch of 3D-FLEX fabric.
- Use: Long-distance hiking, scrubland terrain.
4. The most built-to-last: ROCK COURT
Who is it for? Those who tackle technical, rocky terrain but prefer a short cut. The Rock Court is built for commitment. It combines the agility of a short cut with ultra-resistant reinforcements on wear zones. The go-to short for summer mountaineering.
- Key strength: Its exceptional durability. The reinforcements let you lean against rock or cross scree fields without fear of snagging.
- Use: Alpine hiking, approach routes, via-ferrata.
5. The most resistant: ROCK MEDIUM
Who is it for? The demanding hiker looking for maximum protection and a classic cut. It carries the technical DNA of the Rock Court but with a medium length. This is the model built to last against the toughest mountain conditions.
- Key strength: The addition of functional zipped pockets and strategic reinforcements make it genuine protective equipment for demanding treks.
- Use: Trekking, high-altitude mountaineering, hiking on rough terrain.
6. The lightest: FAST SHORT
Who is it for? Fans of "Fast Hiking" for whom every gram counts. As the name suggests, this short is built for speed. Made from an ultra-lightweight stretch fabric, it feels almost weightless. Its minimalist elasticated waistband delivers a perfect fit with zero discomfort.
- Key strength: Its featherlight weight and moisture-wicking performance. It dries within minutes after a downpour or a river crossing.
- Use: Fast-hiking, trail running, intensive hiking in extreme heat.
Top 5 best women's hiking shorts
For women hikers, the ideal short must combine freedom of movement, abrasion resistance and thermal comfort. Here is our selection tailored to every type of walker.
1. The most versatile: AERRA
Who is it for? The woman hiker looking for a classic, built-to-last and ultra-stretch short. The best-seller of the range. Made from CIMAFLEX® fabric, it offers maximum stretch that moves with your every step, whether on flat trails or scrambling over scree.
- Key strength: Its DWR water-repellent treatment and UPF 40+ UV protection. An all-terrain short that dries in the blink of an eye and keeps the elements at bay.
- Use: Classic hiking, trekking, travel.
2. The most dynamic: AERRA COURT
Who is it for? Those who prefer a shorter cut for total freedom of movement (or a better tan!). It carries all the technical features of the AERRA (stretch fabric, quick-drying, zipped multi-pockets) but with a reduced leg length.
- Key strength: An enhanced feeling of lightness and optimal airflow on hot days. Its modern cut sacrifices nothing in terms of technical performance.
- Use: Summer hiking, Nordic walking.
3. The most protective: ARAVIS (Cropped Trousers)
Who is it for? Those who want to protect their knees or are looking for more coverage for travel. Technically, the ARAVIS is a stretch cropped trouser. It is the ideal solution for those torn between shorts and full-length trousers. It offers the same breathability as the AERRA range while covering the upper legs.
- Key strength: Exceptional comfort thanks to its stretch fabric and strong protection against abrasion (brambles, rocks).
- Use: Hiking, Nordic walking, travel and trekking.
4. The most feminine: ACACIA (Skort)
Who is it for? Women hikers who refuse to choose between a feminine look and technical performance. This skort plays it close to the chest: beneath its elegant skirt lies an integrated stretch mesh boxer. It lets you walk, climb or sit down without any discomfort or risk of chafing.
- Key strength: The perfect marriage of aesthetics and functionality. The integrated boxer prevents inner-thigh chafing, a common issue on long summer hikes.
- Use: Leisure hiking, summer outings, travel.
5. The lightest: RESTONICA (2-in-1)
Who is it for? Fans of "Fast Hiking" or those who also do trail running and want a single short. From the trail range, the RESTONICA is an ultra-lightweight short with an integrated liner. It is designed to wick away moisture at record speed and provide light muscle support.
- Key strength: Its ingenious multi-pocket belt, which lets you carry keys, a phone or a few energy bars without needing a bag.
- Use: Fast hiking and trail.
How to choose your hiking short?
Beyond looks, a good hiking short should feel like it's not even there. To avoid buyer's remorse after a few kilometres on the trail, here are the three technical criteria to scrutinise.
1. Materials: stretch and quick-drying
Forget cotton — it absorbs moisture, gets heavy and takes hours to dry. A technical short must be:
- Stretch: Look for technologies such as 3D-FLEX or CIMAFLEX. A stretch fabric follows your movements during big strides or rocky sections without ever holding you back.
- Breathable and water-repellent: The synthetic fibre wicks away moisture. If treated with DWR, it will bead off light rain, keeping you dry when an unexpected shower hits.
- Built-to-last: For high-altitude terrain or off-piste, opt for models with Ripstop reinforcements on high-friction zones (seat, thighs).
2. Carrying capacity: the importance of pockets
The number of pockets depends on your personal organisation:
- Zipped pockets: Essential for securing your keys, bank card or phone.
- Cargo pockets: Handy for keeping a trail map or a beanie within reach without opening your bag.
- Multi-pocket belt: Usually found on trail-oriented models, it distributes the weight of your small accessories around the waist, preventing bouncing.
3. Length: protection vs ventilation
It is often a matter of personal preference, but each length has its purpose:
- Short cut: It offers maximum ventilation and total freedom of movement. The go-to choice for fast hikers and trail enthusiasts.
- Medium cut: It provides optimal protection against chafing and sun exposure without ever compromising the feeling of freshness essential during effort.
- Long cut (or cropped trousers): Recommended if you move through scrubland, brambles, or if you have sun-sensitive skin. It also prevents direct skin contact with rocks during seated breaks.
