It can be a challenge to find hiking shorts for women that are made of quality fabric, provide a good fit, and that have useable pockets. The Kuhl Freeflex and Trekr shorts meet all of those requirements plus have wicking and sun protection features important for hiking.

Kuhl Freeflex Shorts

The Freeflex shorts have a wide yoga-style waistband, zippered front pockets, and chino-style back pockets. Unlike most pants for women, the pockets are actually large enough to hold items you may need while hiking, and the zippered front pockets help to keep items secure. The overall build quality is high, with no skipped or loose stitches, and the fabric is thicker for durability. Some shorts have a tendency to ride up while walking but I haven’t noticed that with these shorts. The fit is a bit looser to allow for freedom of movement.

For fit reference, I’m 5’1″ / 114 lbs. and I’m wearing a size small with 4″ inseam.

Features

• wide yoga-style waistband
• internal drawcord
• zippered front pockets
• stretchy fabric with rebound to maintain form
• moisture-wicking
• quick drying
• sun protection: UPF 50+
• available in multiple lengths

Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL
Inseam options: 4″, 8″
Fabric: 50% Polyester, 50% New Polyester
Color shown: Rainstorm

View on the Kuhl website

Kuhl Trekr Shorts

The Kuhl Trekr shorts have traditional styling, with a front snap and zipper, and two deep front pockets. The front snap is one of my favorite features: it’s easy to use yet provides a solid closure that won’t pop open. An internal drawstring allows for adjusting the waist, and the durable, stretchy fabric doesn’t bind when you need to move. And the traditional style back pockets have hidden snaps for keeping items secure.

For fit reference, I’m 5’1″ / 114 lbs. and I’m wearing a size 4 with 5.5″ inseam.

Features

• built-in stretch for comfort
• two hidden snapback pockets
• internal drawcord
• quick drying fabric
• available in multiple lengths

Sizes available: 0-16
Inseam options: 5.5″, 8″, 11″
Fabric: 57% Polyester, 43% Nylon
Color shown: Inkwell

View on the Kuhl website

MY REVIEW POLICY

Kuhl sent me this product to test and review. Regardless, I’m under no obligation to give it a favorable review. As an independent gear reviewer, my policy is to review only items that I have used on multiple outdoor trips and that I feel are quality products worthy of recommending. If I don’t like a product, I send it back and don’t review or recommend it. The links on this page are not affiliate links. : )