Buying Guide
5 Best Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50 in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide
Best hiking shorts for women over 50: comfort-waist, UPF 50+ and longer-coverage picks from SANTINY, baleaf, MAGCOMSEN and NY Threads compared.
Women hiking after 50 usually want the same things at any age, only with less patience for pinching waistbands, thin coverage and pockets that spill. Comfort, sun cover and easy fit decide the best pair.
No listing here targets an age group, so these picks were chosen on features that matter to comfort-first hikers: elastic adjustable waists, UPF 50+ fabric, longer inseam options and secure pockets. Ordering runs from the most versatile to the simplest.
Danny’s Camping field notes
The Campsite Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z leads this shortlist for Hikers who want to pick coverage. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 5, 7 or 9 inch inseam options, Below-knee capri, UPF 50+, 5 inch inseam, side slit legs. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Cargo pockets add bulk
The Practical Shortlist
A practical look at 5 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z
Hikers who want to pick coverage
Our take Check price for SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z (opens in a new tab)
Best Longer Coverage
baleaf Women's Long Hiking Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Capris Dark Grey L
Sunny and overgrown trails
Our take Check price for baleaf Women's Long Hiking Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Capris Dark Grey L (opens in a new tab)
Best Side-Split Short
MAGCOMSEN Women's 5" Hiking Golf Shorts with Pockets Summer Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Running Shorts Waterproo
Steep, warm trails
Our take Check price for MAGCOMSEN Women's 5" Hiking Golf Shorts with Pockets Summer Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Running Shorts Waterproo (opens in a new tab)
Best Four-Way Stretch
MAGCOMSEN Women's Hiking Cargo Shorts 4 Pockets Quick Dry Athletic Running
Comfort-first waist and stretch
Our take Check price for MAGCOMSEN Women's Hiking Cargo Shorts 4 Pockets Quick Dry Athletic Running (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Cost Pick
NY Threads Hiking Shorts Women 7" Inseam 4 Zipper Pockets
Budget hikers wanting a middle length
Our take Check price for NY Threads Hiking Shorts Women 7" Inseam 4 Zipper Pockets (opens in a new tab)
Why You Can Trust Danny’s Camping
At Danny’s Camping, we compare products based on campsite fit, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.
We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall· 1 of 5
SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z
Danny’s Take
The most adaptable pick. Choose your length and enjoy a waist with no pinch.
Best for
- Hikers who want to pick coverage
Why it made the shortlist
The SANTINY Cargo comes in 5, 7 and 9 inch inseam choices, so you can pick the coverage you like. It is a lightweight, quick-dry, water-resistant short with a 360-degree elastic waist, adjustable drawstring, built-in UPF 50+ and four zipper pockets.
Compared with the NY Threads 7 Inch, it gives three inseam options and deeper zipper pockets. Against the MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch, it adds cargo pockets and a longer cut.
It suits women who want to choose their own length and a waist that never digs in. The stretch-woven fabric moves with climbs.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5, 7 or 9 inch inseam options
- 360-degree elastic waist, drawstring
- UPF 50+, 4 zipper pockets
Pros
- Three inseam lengths to choose from
- Elastic waist avoids pressure marks
- Deep zipper pockets for a phone
- UPF 50+ stretch-woven fabric
Cons
- Cargo pockets add bulk
The Catch
Cargo pockets add some bulk at the sides.
Best Longer Coverage· 2 of 5
baleaf Women's Long Hiking Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Capris Dark Grey L
Danny’s Take
The most coverage here. Capri length is a comfortable middle ground between shorts and pants.
Best for
- Sunny and overgrown trails
Why it made the shortlist
The baleaf Capri is a below-knee short with a mid-rise elastic waistband, adjustable drawstring and four-way stretch UPF 50+ fabric. The listing says the length is designed for coverage and reduced chafing, with a DWR finish and three pockets.
Next to the SANTINY Cargo, it has more leg coverage and a stretchier fabric. Compared with the NY Threads 7 Inch, it shades more of the leg from sun and brush.
It suits hikers who want more cover for knees and thighs on sunny or overgrown trails. The fabric is described as non-see-through.
Key dimensions & specs
- Below-knee capri, UPF 50+
- 4-way stretch, DWR finish
- 3 pockets with zip side pocket
Pros
- More leg coverage from sun and brush
- Four-way stretch moves with you
- Capri cut designed to reduce chafing
- DWR finish sheds light rain
Cons
- Warmer than true shorts in heat
- Only three pockets
The Catch
The longer cut holds more heat on hot days.
Best Side-Split Short· 3 of 5
MAGCOMSEN Women's 5" Hiking Golf Shorts with Pockets Summer Lightweight Quick Dry Gym Running Shorts Waterproo
Danny’s Take
A light, free-moving short with three zipper pockets and sun cover.
Best for
- Steep, warm trails
Why it made the shortlist
The MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch is a quick-dry, lightweight women's hiking short with UPF 50+ and a water-resistant fabric. It has side slit legs, two side zipper pockets, one rear zipper pocket and a high-elasticity drawstring waistband.
It suits hikers who want freedom of movement on steep steps. The adjustable external drawstring fits a range of waist sizes.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5 inch inseam, side slit legs
- UPF 50+, water resistant
- 3 zipper pockets, drawstring waist
Pros
- Side slits free up high steps
- Three secure zipper pockets
- Drawstring fits many waists
Cons
- Five inch inseam is short
- No stated stretch percentage
The Catch
A short inseam leaves the thighs mostly uncovered.
Best Four-Way Stretch· 4 of 5
MAGCOMSEN Women's Hiking Cargo Shorts 4 Pockets Quick Dry Athletic Running
Danny’s Take
A stretchy short with a wide, soft waist and four pockets.
Best for
- Comfort-first waist and stretch
Why it made the shortlist
The MAGCOMSEN Cargo is a lightweight, quick-dry short in four-way stretch fabric with UPF 50+ and water resistance. It has two side zipper pockets, two cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closures and a wide elastic waist with drawstring, with a 5 inch inseam.
Compared with the MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch, it adds four-way stretch and cargo pockets.
It suits women who like a wide, soft waistband and plenty of stretch. The pockets close securely.
Key dimensions & specs
- 4-way stretch, UPF 50+
- 4 pockets, hook-and-loop closures
- Wide elastic waist, drawstring
Pros
- Four-way stretch moves with the body
- Wide waistband sits comfortably
- Hook-and-loop cargo pockets
- UPF 50+ and water resistant
Cons
- Only a 5 inch inseam
- Cargo pockets add bulk
The Catch
The short 5 inch inseam gives limited coverage.
Best Low-Cost Pick· 5 of 5
NY Threads Hiking Shorts Women 7" Inseam 4 Zipper Pockets
Danny’s Take
A soft, simple short with zipper pockets at a low price.
Best for
- Budget hikers wanting a middle length
Why it made the shortlist
The NY Threads 7 Inch is a 7 inch inseam hiking short in soft, stretchy, lightweight fabric with built-in UPF 50+ and an adjustable drawstring waist. It has four zipper pockets at the side and thigh and a contoured back yoke.
It is a simpler, cheaper alternative to the SANTINY Cargo, at a similar length.
It suits budget hikers who want a middle inseam and a flattering back. The care guide calls for low-heat machine washing.
Key dimensions & specs
- 7 inch inseam, UPF 50+
- 4 zipper pockets, soft stretch
- Drawstring waist, contoured back yoke
Pros
- Soft, stretchy lightweight fabric
- Four zipper pockets
- Contoured back yoke for fit
Cons
- Little detail on water resistance
- Only one inseam length
The Catch
The listing says nothing about a water-repellent finish.
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Waist comfort
- Elastic waists, drawstrings and band widths were compared first.
- Sun cover
- UPF 50+ claims and inseam lengths were compared.
- Movement
- Stretch and side slits were weighed for steep steps.
- Pockets
- Zipper pockets were prioritized over open ones.
- Coverage options
- Choices in inseam length were noted.
What Matters When Comparing Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Waistband comfort
A 360-degree elastic waist with a drawstring spreads pressure around the middle and adjusts as you eat, sweat or add layers. A stiff, narrow waist digs in on long walks. Look for elastic, wide waistband or drawstring wording.
Inseam choice
Inseam is the leg length from crotch to hem. Some hikers like a 5 inch cut, others prefer 7 or 9 inch for sun and brush cover, and a capri for even more. Look for inseam options in the title.
UPF 50+ fabric
A UPF 50+ fabric blocks about 98 percent of ultraviolet rays on the skin it covers. More coverage means more protected skin without sunscreen. Look for UPF 50+ on the listing, not just sun protection.
Stretch for steps
Four-way stretch and side slits let your legs lift high without the hem pulling. This helps on steep steps and rocky scrambles. Look for stretch, four-way stretch or side slit wording.
Pocket closures
Zippered pockets keep phone and keys from falling out when you bend or climb. Open cargo flaps are easier to reach but less secure. Check closure type and where the pockets sit.
Match Hiking Shorts For Women Over 50 to Your Camp Setup
By Trail Condition
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing your own length | SANTINY Cargo | Three inseam options. |
| Sunny, brushy trails | baleaf Capri | Below-knee coverage. |
| Steep, warm climbs | MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch | Side slits and light weight. |
| Soft waist with stretch | MAGCOMSEN Cargo | Wide waist and four-way stretch. |
| Easy budget outings | NY Threads 7 Inch | Soft stretch, low price. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $10 to $20 | NY Threads 7 Inch or MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch |
| $10 to $20 | MAGCOMSEN Cargo or baleaf Capri |
| $20 to $30 | SANTINY Cargo |
Short vs Capri Length
- Short
- Cooler and freer, with less sun cover. SANTINY Cargo, MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch, MAGCOMSEN Cargo and NY Threads 7 Inch.
- Capri
- More coverage from sun and brush, with a bit more heat. baleaf Capri.
Most hikers should choose the SANTINY Cargo, and sun-sensitive hikers the baleaf Capri.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost | NY Threads 7 Inch |
| Low cost side slit | MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch |
| Low cost stretch | MAGCOMSEN Cargo |
| Mid-priced adaptable | SANTINY Cargo |
| Capri coverage | baleaf Capri |
For Sun-Sensitive Hikers Specifically
- Look for
- UPF 50+ fabric and extra coverage.
- In this comparison
- The baleaf Capri covers the most skin, and the SANTINY Cargo offers a 9 inch option.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more on the SANTINY Cargo or baleaf Capri if you want more length, more cover and better fit options.
- Save if
- Save with the NY Threads 7 Inch or MAGCOMSEN 5 Inch for short, easy days.
Before You Bring One Home
Do these listings mention age?
No. They are general women's hiking shorts, chosen on comfort, sun cover and fit features.
What is the biggest mistake?
Choosing a tight waist because it fits at first. Pick elastic or drawstring waists that adjust through the day.
Is a capri better than shorts?
It covers more of the leg, which many find comforting on sun or brush. The baleaf Capri also runs warmer.
How do I check the fit?
Try them on and take a high step to see if the hem or waist pulls. Check pockets for reach.
How do I keep UPF fabric working?
Wash gently without bleach or fabric softener. Hang dry to protect the finish.
Bottom Line
Best overall: SANTINY Women's 5''/ 7''/9'' Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Summer Shorts for Women Athletic Golf Z — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all hiking shorts for women over 50 on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.
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About the author
Danny Walker
Founder & Lead Editor at Danny’s Camping
Danny covers camping gear, campsite setup, outdoor power, sleep systems, and practical camping advice, with a focus on helping campers make better gear decisions.