The hiking short is an essential piece of kit for summer hikes. Thanks to its ergonomic cut, it provides great freedom of movement while keeping you cool on the trails. But with lightweight, durable and multi-functional models to choose from, the decision can be tough. Check out our tips to find out which short to choose for a hike.
Key takeaways:
- The short must adapt to hiking, with a lightweight model for a day out and a more durable model for a trek.
- Comfort and freedom of movement are not to be overlooked when choosing a hiking short.
- The short must adapt to weather conditions, offering protection against sun, rain, and tropical environments.
- Convertible models are perfect for hikes in changing weather conditions.
Which short should you choose for a day hike?
For a hiking trip of a few hours or a full day, the hiking short should be lightweight and breathable. To achieve this, we recommend looking at synthetic fabric models such as nylon or polyester. These have the advantage of efficiently wicking moisture and drying quickly, which is particularly well suited to an active outing.
For great freedom of movement, go for a stretch model. Cimalp has, for example, equipped its hiking shorts with Cimaflex technology for optimal stretch. For summer outings, particularly at altitude, UV protection is also essential. Make sure to choose a fabric with a UPF rating of at least 30.
In terms of cut, your hiking short should be fitted without being too tight — to prevent chafing against the skin. An above-the-knee cut offers a good balance between protection and freedom of movement. Finally, women looking for a more feminine style can opt for a skort.
Which short should you choose for a multi-day hiking trip?
If you're heading out on a trek or a multi-day hiking trip, choosing your short is a little different from a simple day walk. Whether it's choosing your hiking socks, your shoes or your three layers, everything will need to be more durable. On long outings, clothing can snag and wear out more easily.
To make sure your short is sufficiently durable, you can opt for a model with reinforcements. It features panels on the areas most exposed to friction or abrasion, such as the seat or inner thighs. The only downside is the weight, which is greater than that of standard hiking shorts.
Just like for day outings, the short for multi-day hikes must be sufficiently breathable and stretchy to handle intense activity. High sun protection and a water-repellent finish for sudden bad weather are also recommended.
Finally, for a long hiking trip in a tropical environment, your best option is a short treated against mosquitoes and other harmful insects. Cimalp uses the EULAN treatment, which acts as a powerful repellent while remaining harmless to humans. Check out all our clothing designed for hot and humid climates.
The 2-in-1 trousers compromise
Hiking enthusiasts know it well: in the mountains, temperature and weather changes are frequent, especially at altitude. You're never safe from a sudden downpour or gusts of wind on a summer hiking outing. To adapt to this changing weather without having to carry a full wardrobe, convertible hiking trousers or shorts are the answer.
Thanks to their practical design, they convert to a short in seconds. When the weather turns, you can stay in trousers. Once the sun returns, just open a zip and your trousers become a short — no need to take off your shoes. This makes them a very handy option for mountain hiking.
To complete your hiking outfit, in addition to a short suited to your activity, it's important to choose your top carefully. You might ask yourself, for example, which hiking jacket to choose for changeable weather. In that case, a waterproof jacket can make all the difference.
As you'll have gathered, choosing the right short for a hike isn't all that complicated. Each model suits different preferences. For an active outing, a breathable and lightweight model will be ideal. For a trek, you'll want to go for a more durable model. Finally, convertible trousers make a great compromise when the weather is unpredictable. In any case, don't forget to protect your legs from the sun on every outing.
