Best Hiking Shorts for Kids: A Complete Buying Guide for Parents

Comfort and durability are essential for outdoor adventures with children. Kids are naturally energetic and curious, which means they’re likely to climb, run, crawl, and play during a hike—sometimes all within the first ten minutes. That’s why choosing the right gear is crucial. One of the most important pieces of clothing for young explorers is a dependable pair of hiking shorts.

Whether planning a weekend trail excursion, a summer camp expedition, or a casual family walk through the woods, the right pair of hiking shorts can make a difference in your child’s experience. Ill-fitting, restrictive, or poorly ventilated shorts can lead to discomfort, overheating, or chafing—issues that can quickly turn an exciting outdoor activity into a frustrating ordeal. On the other hand, a pair of well-designed hiking shorts offers freedom of movement, breathable fabrics, and rugged construction that stands up to dirt, water, and rough terrain.

But with the overwhelming number of kids’ hiking shorts available in stores and online, how do you know which ones are truly worth the investment?

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know—from essential features to consider to top recommended brands, comparisons of materials and fit, and even care tips to extend the life of your child’s gear. Whether your kid is a first-time hiker or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will help you make an informed decision that ensures comfort, protection, and performance on every trail.

Let’s explore what makes a great pair of hiking shorts for kids—and how to choose the perfect one for your little outdoor enthusiast.

Why Hiking Shorts Matter for Kids

Kids are naturally energetic and curious. They climb, jump, run, and explore — often in hot, sunny weather or rough terrain. Unlike casual shorts, hiking shorts are designed to support these activities. Here’s why specialized hiking shorts are worth investing in:

• Comfort and Flexibility: Hiking shorts typically offer a better range of motion.
• Durability: They’re made from tough materials that withstand rough use.
• Weather Appropriateness: Lightweight and breathable fabrics help regulate temperature.
• Protection: Some shorts offer UV protection, bug repellent properties, or water resistance.

Key Features to Look For

Before buying hiking shorts for your child, consider the following features:

Feature	Description
Fabric Material	Look for nylon, polyester, or spandex blends. These are breathable and quick-drying.
UPF Rating	Indicates sun protection level. Aim for UPF 30+ for sufficient UV shielding.
Pockets	Kids love pockets. Zippered or deep pockets help carry treasures safely.
Adjustable Waistband	Allows growth and ensures a snug fit during movement.
Quick-Dry Technology	Helps shorts dry fast when kids get wet.
Reinforced Seams	Adds durability, especially for rugged trails.
Length and Fit	Mid-thigh or knee-length is best to balance protection and airflow.

Top 10 Best Hiking Shorts for Kids (2025 Edition)

Here are our top picks for the best hiking shorts for children this year. Each has been evaluated based on material quality, comfort, features, and genuine parent reviews.

Brand & Model	Material	Key Features	Price Range
Columbia Silver Ridge™ IV	Nylon ripstop	UPF 50, Omni-Wick moisture control, elastic waistband	$25–$35
REI Co-op Sahara Shorts	Nylon/spandex	Quick-dry, UPF 50+, adjustable waistband	$30–$40
Patagonia Baggies Shorts	Recycled nylon	Water-repellent, elastic waist, mesh liner	$35–$45
The North Face Aphrodite Short	Nylon/spandex blend	Moisture-wicking, stretch fabric, drawcord waist	$30–$40
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts	Stretch-woven nylon	Lightweight, abrasion-resistant, stretch fit	$35–$50
Carhartt Canvas Shorts	Cotton canvas	Durable build, utility pockets	$20–$30
Under Armour Play Up Shorts	Polyester	Quick-dry, anti-odor tech, stretch waistband	$20–$25
L.L. Bean Trail Shorts	Nylon	UPF 50+, water-repellent, built-in belt	$30–$40
Prana Zion Shorts for Kids	Nylon/spandex	Stretch Zion fabric, durable water repellent (DWR)	$35–$45
Eddie Bauer Adventure Shorts	Polyester blend	Sun protection, wrinkle-resistant, cargo pockets	$25–$35

Comparison Table

Brand	UPF Protection	Quick Dry	Stretch Fabric	Pockets	Adjustable Waist
Columbia Silver Ridge™ IV	Yes (UPF 50)	Yes	Moderate	2	Yes
REI Co-op Sahara Shorts	Yes (UPF 50+)	Yes	Yes	3	Yes
Patagonia Baggies Shorts	No	Yes	No	2	Yes
The North Face Aphrodite	No	Yes	Yes	2	Yes
Outdoor Research Ferrosi	No	Yes	Yes	3	Yes
Carhartt Canvas Shorts	No	No	No	4	Yes
Under Armour Play Up	No	Yes	Yes	2	Yes
L.L. Bean Trail Shorts	Yes (UPF 50+)	Yes	No	3	Yes
Prana Zion Shorts	No	Yes	Yes	3	Yes
Eddie Bauer Adventure	Yes	Yes	Moderate	3	Yes

Benefits of Hiking Shorts Over Other Types

Type of Shorts	Pros	Cons
Hiking Shorts	Durable, breathable, weather-resistant	Usually more expensive
Casual Cotton Shorts	Soft, inexpensive	Retains moisture, wears quickly
Athletic Shorts	Lightweight, stretchy	Often lacks pockets and protection
Cargo Shorts	Many pockets	Heavier and less breathable

Hiking shorts provide the best all-around protection and comfort for the specific needs of outdoor environments.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pair

Choosing hiking shorts for kids isn’t just about grabbing the first pair that looks good on the rack. Parents and caregivers need to consider comfort, functionality, durability, and the child’s preferences. Here’s a breakdown of how to make the best choice:

1. Involve Your Child in the Process

Letting your child be part of the selection process can significantly increase the chances that they’ll want to wear their hiking shorts. This is especially important with young children, who may be picky about how things look or feel.

• Let them choose the color or pattern: Many brands offer fun colors, prints, or character designs. Whether it’s camo, bright blue, or a favorite animal print, a child’s enthusiasm for the look can boost their excitement about wearing it.
• Empower their decision-making: Offering a choice between two or three pre-vetted options helps keep the decision practical while allowing them to feel in control.

Why it matters: Children who feel involved are more cooperative and excited to get dressed, especially when prepping for early morning hikes or extended trips.

2. Prioritize Function Over Style

While it’s tempting to go for what looks cute or trendy, hiking is a performance-based activity. The shorts should help your child move freely, stay cool, and withstand rough terrain, not just look suitable for photos.

• Look for moisture-wicking fabric, UPF sun protection, and reinforced seams.
• Avoid unnecessary frills: Drawstrings that don’t work, tight waistbands, or decorative buttons that dig into the skin can be problematic on a trail.
• Choose practicality: Zippered pockets, quick-dry material, and lightweight fabric enhance the trail experience.

Why it matters: Style fades when discomfort kicks in. Well-designed, performance-based gear focuses on fun and adventure, not fixing wardrobe malfunctions.

3. Buy One Size Up

Kids grow fast, and their clothing often struggles to keep up. Buying one size larger can give more room for growth and allow the shorts to be used across more than one season.

• Adjustable waists are ideal: Elastic bands or interior drawstrings can help achieve a better fit while allowing room to grow.
• Longer inseams provide flexibility: Short shorts can prevent chafing and offer more sun protection, especially on sunny hikes.

Why it matters: A looser fit doesn’t just save money and offers better mobility, but can also make layering easier if your child wears leggings or thermal underwear underneath.

4. Consider the Climate and Terrain

The environment where your child will be hiking plays a significant role in choosing the right pair of shorts.

• For hot, humid conditions: Look for breathable mesh panels, ultra-light fabrics like nylon or polyester, and moisture-wicking technology to keep your child cool and dry.
• For higher elevations or cooler regions: Choose shorts made with a slightly thicker fabric or convertible zip-off pants that transition into shorts. These options provide better insulation and versatility.
• If bugs or tall grass are an issue, wear longer shorts or consider convertible pants that protect more skin.

Why it matters: Comfort during hikes is closely linked to how well the gear supports your child’s body temperature and environment. Shorts that are too heavy in hot weather or too light in cold climates can cause discomfort or health concerns.

5. Check Reviews and Parent Feedback

Online reviews, especially those from other parents, offer a goldmine of practical insights that can help you make smarter purchasing decisions.

• Look for notes on fit: Some brands run small or large, and reviews often mention if sizing is accurate.
• Durability clues: If reviewers mention how well the shorts hold up after repeated washes or rough use, it’s a good sign of long-term quality.
• Comfort tips: Many parents point out which materials are too stiff, which waistbands are scratchy, or which designs don’t work well for active kids.

Why it matters: You can learn from others’ trial and error. Reviews often include feedback on real-world use that brand descriptions don’t cover, such as how they perform on long hikes or how quickly they dry after water play.

FAQs About Hiking Shorts for Kids

1. At what age should kids wear specialized hiking shorts?

There’s no set age, but once children regularly walk or hike with you for more than 30 minutes, it’s worth investing in hiking shorts. Typically, this is around age 3–4 and up.

2. Can my child wear athletic shorts instead of hiking shorts?

However, athletic shorts may not offer the same durability, sun protection, or pocket options. Hiking-specific shorts are recommended for serious hikes.

3. Do hiking shorts need to be waterproof?

Not necessarily. It’s more important to be quick-drying rather than fully waterproof, since full waterproofing can reduce breathability.

4. How many pockets are ideal in kids’ hiking shorts?

At least two deep pockets are ideal. If your child enjoys collecting small items like rocks or leaves, more pockets can be helpful.

5. How should hiking shorts fit a child?

They should be comfortable at the waist, with room to move in the legs. Avoid anything too tight or loose, especially in the waistband or thigh area.

6. Are convertible hiking pants better than shorts?

Convertible pants can be great for variable weather, as they zip off into shorts. However, they’re often more expensive and can be bulkier. Shorts are better for consistently hot weather or shorter hikes.

7. What’s the best fabric for hiking shorts for kids?

A nylon-spandex blend is often best — it provides durability, flexibility, and quick drying. Recycled polyester is also a strong choice.

8. How often should you replace hiking shorts?

That depends on how often they’re used. Regularly active kids should expect to replace hiking shorts every 1–2 years, or when they outgrow them or wear out key areas like seams or fabric.

Care and Maintenance

To extend the life of hiking shorts:

• Wash in cold water with mild detergent.
• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can break down technical fabrics.
• Hang dry or tumble dry low to protect elasticity and coatings.
• Check care labels, especially for water-repellent or sun-protective fabrics.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Options

For parents conscious of the environment, look for brands offering:

Brand	Sustainable Practice
Patagonia	Recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified
REI Co-op	Eco-friendly fabrics, member recycling programs
Prana	Bluesign-certified materials and sustainable sourcing
Columbia	Uses recycled fabrics in some models

Choosing sustainable options supports environmental stewardship and teaches kids about responsible consumer behavior.

Conclusion

Finding the best hiking shorts for kids balances comfort, protection, and durability. Whether your child is a casual trail-walker or an all-in explorer, the right pair of shorts can make their outdoor experience enjoyable and safe.

Focusing on key features like UPF protection, quick-drying fabric, adjustable waists, and reinforced seams ensures that your child is ready for the trail ahead.