Australia offers some of the world's most spectacular hiking, from coastal tracks to alpine trails to outback adventures. But our unique landscape also presents distinct challenges for outdoor apparel. The shorts that work for a casual beach walk won't necessarily hold up to a multi-day bushwalk through scrubby terrain under intense sun.

Hiking shorts need to balance durability, comfort, protection, and functionality in ways that regular shorts simply don't. This guide covers what to consider when choosing shorts for Australian hiking and outdoor adventures.

Durability: Built for the Trail

Hiking environments are tough on clothing. Rough rock, scratchy vegetation, and repeated use demand shorts that can withstand abuse without falling apart. Durability should be your primary consideration for serious hiking shorts.

Fabric Weight and Construction

Hiking shorts typically use heavier-weight fabrics than running or casual shorts. While lightweight fabrics are comfortable, they tear more easily when you brush against sharp branches or rough surfaces. Look for shorts with fabric weights around 150-200 gsm (grams per square metre) for a good balance of durability and comfort.

Reinforced Areas

Quality hiking shorts reinforce high-wear areas like the seat, inner thigh, and pocket openings. Double-layered fabric in these zones dramatically extends the life of the shorts. Some designs also reinforce the knee area for scrambling and rock work.

Seam Quality

Examine the stitching carefully. Look for double or triple-stitched seams on stress points. Bar tacks (small reinforcement stitches) at pocket corners and other vulnerable spots indicate attention to durability. Poor stitching is often the first point of failure in cheaper shorts.

Trail Test

Before a major trip, test new hiking shorts on several shorter hikes in similar terrain. This reveals any fit issues, chafing points, or durability concerns before you're committed to wearing them for days on end.

Protection from the Elements

Australia's outdoor environments can be harsh. Your hiking shorts should offer protection from sun, water, and abrasion.

Sun Protection (UPF Rating)

Given Australia's extreme UV levels, UPF-rated shorts are highly recommended for hiking. A UPF 50+ rating blocks over 98% of UV radiation, significantly reducing sun exposure on covered skin during long days outdoors. Darker colours and tighter weaves naturally offer better UV protection even without specific UPF treatment.

Water Resistance

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings cause water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. This is valuable for stream crossings, unexpected rain, and morning dew on vegetation. However, DWR doesn't make shorts waterproof. They'll eventually wet through in sustained rain.

Quick-Dry Properties

Shorts that dry quickly are essential for hiking comfort. Wet shorts cause chafing, feel cold when temperatures drop, and add uncomfortable weight. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester naturally dry faster than cotton. Some hiking-specific fabrics are engineered for particularly fast drying.

Protection Priorities for Australian Hiking
  • UPF 50+ rating for extended sun exposure
  • DWR coating for water crossings and light rain
  • Quick-dry synthetic fabric for creek crossings and sweat management
  • Coverage length appropriate for vegetation type

Comfort for Long Days

Hiking often means hours of continuous movement. Comfort features that seem minor become crucial when you're 15 kilometres into a 20-kilometre day.

Freedom of Movement

Hiking involves varied movements: long strides, high steps over obstacles, scrambling over rocks, and occasionally climbing. Your shorts shouldn't restrict any of these movements. Look for articulated designs, gusseted crotches, and stretch fabrics that move with you.

Waistband Comfort

With a backpack's hip belt sitting on your waist, waistband design matters. Low-profile waistbands without bulk or raised seams work best under hip belts. Some hiking shorts are specifically designed with pack-compatible waistbands. Test fit with your actual pack if possible.

Anti-Chafe Features

Chafing can turn a great hike into a miserable slog. Flat-lock seams, seamless inner thigh construction, and appropriate length all help prevent chafing during extended use. Some hikers prefer shorts with brief liners; others find them uncomfortable. Know your preference before purchasing.

Ventilation

Staying cool improves comfort and performance. Look for shorts with mesh vents, strategically placed perforations, or highly breathable fabric. Side vents at the hem allow air circulation without compromising durability.

Functional Features

Hiking shorts benefit from features that address trail-specific needs.

Pockets

Pockets are more useful on hiking shorts than athletic shorts. Consider what you need to carry: snacks, phone, compass, map, small tools. Cargo pockets provide capacity for trail essentials. Secure closures (zippers or velcro) prevent items from falling out during scrambles or when sitting on rocks.

Pocket placement matters too. Deep hand pockets are handy for quick access items. Back pockets can be uncomfortable when sitting on hard surfaces. Thigh pockets shouldn't interfere with your leg swing when walking.

Belt Loops or Integrated Belt

Belt loops allow you to use your preferred belt and attach gear with carabiners. Some hiking shorts feature integrated webbing belts that eliminate the need for a separate belt and allow easy adjustment.

Length Considerations

For hiking through scrubby Australian bush, longer shorts (8-10 inch inseam) provide better protection from scratches. For more groomed trails or very hot conditions, shorter options may be more comfortable. Consider your typical hiking terrain when choosing length.

Convertible Pants Option

Some hikers prefer convertible pants with zip-off legs. These offer flexibility to adapt to changing conditions or vegetation without carrying separate garments. The zip line can create a pressure point under pack hip belts, so test fit carefully.

Material Choices for Hiking

Most quality hiking shorts use synthetic materials optimised for trail performance.

Nylon

Nylon is the go-to fabric for hiking shorts. It's exceptionally durable, abrasion-resistant, and quick-drying. Nylon also accepts DWR treatments well. Ripstop nylon weaves include reinforcing threads that prevent small tears from spreading, extending the life of the garment.

Polyester

Polyester offers similar performance to nylon with slightly better UV resistance. It's often used in blends with nylon. Polyester is typically less expensive than nylon, which can make it attractive for budget-conscious hikers.

Stretch Blends

Most hiking shorts include some elastane (typically 3-8%) for stretch. This improves mobility without significantly compromising durability. Mechanical stretch fabrics achieve similar flexibility through weave construction rather than elastic fibres.

Avoid Cotton

Cotton has no place in hiking shorts. It absorbs water, dries slowly, provides no insulation when wet, and offers poor durability. Even cotton blends are suboptimal for serious hiking. Stick with fully synthetic options.

Choosing Length for Australian Conditions

The ideal shorts length depends on your typical hiking environment.

  • Short (5-7 inches): Maximum ventilation for hot conditions on well-maintained trails. Less protection from vegetation.
  • Medium (7-9 inches): Good balance of ventilation and protection. Works for most Australian hiking conditions.
  • Long (9-11 inches): Best protection for bush-bashing and scrubby terrain. May feel warm in hot conditions.

If you hike in varied terrain, having shorts in multiple lengths allows you to match your gear to conditions.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends the life of hiking shorts significantly.

  • Shake off dirt and debris after each hike
  • Wash in cold water with mild detergent
  • Avoid fabric softeners, which can impair DWR coating
  • Reapply DWR treatment periodically (follow product instructions)
  • Repair small tears promptly to prevent them from spreading
  • Store clean and dry to prevent mildew

Price and Value

Hiking shorts range from budget options under $50 to premium technical shorts exceeding $150. For occasional day hiking, mid-range options around $70-100 typically offer good quality without excessive cost. Serious hikers and those doing multi-day trips should consider investing in premium shorts that will withstand hundreds of trail kilometres.

Quality hiking shorts are worth the investment. A pair that lasts five years of regular use costs less per wear than cheaper shorts replaced annually. More importantly, reliable gear you trust enhances your outdoor experience.

For more on fabric choices, see our comprehensive shorts fabric guide. Happy trails!