5 Best Women's Rock Climbing Shorts - May 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

Columbia

Women's Sandy River Cargo Short

Customer Favorite

These outdoor shorts are made with an advanced UPF 30 fabric that protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

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PROS

Designed with a breathable and quick-drying fabric that keeps you cool and dry all day long.
Has a classic, mid-rise fit that allows for easy and comfortable movements.
Features a partial elastic waist and an included belt for making waist adjustments.
Comes with 1 security pocket and 2 side pockets for storing small items.

CONS

Side pockets are really small and shallow and cannot hold much.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Willit

Women’s Active Shorts

Lightweight Construction

A pair of lightweight hiking shorts constructed with a soft, 4-way stretch fabric.

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PROS

Shorts are light, skin-friendly, and perform good moisture management to keep you dry.
Includes a wide and comfortable waistband with an adjustable drawcord for a customized fit.
Flatlock stitching reduces irritation and chafing.
Comes complete with 2 hand pockets to hold small essentials like keys and cash.

CONS

Elastic waistband tangles and folds over when shorts are washed.

Little Donkey Andy

Women's Stretch Shorts

Great Value

Made with a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, these shorts are ideal for outdoor activities.

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PROS

Designed with a stretchy, high-performance fabric that holds up to wear and tear.
Features a water-repellent finish that keeps shorts dry and cool during hikes or rock climbing.
Comes with a built-in UPF 50+ that provides protection against damaging sun rays.
Includes 4 roomy zipper closure pockets for secure storage of essentials.

CONS

Some complaints of inconsistent sizing.

BALEAF

Women's Quick Dry Stretch Shorts

Superior Coverage

Consider this if you’re looking for knee-length hiking shorts with a water-resistant coating.

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PROS

Breathable nylon material offers lightweight comfort and a 4-way stretch that allows for non-restrained movements.
Shorts come with a gusset crotch that supports good mobility.
Knee-length design with adjustable tapered cuffs provides extra coverage and protection.
Includes an elastic waistband and multiple storage pockets.

CONS

Fabric makes a rustling noise when you move.
Belt loops would be appreciated.

MIER

Women's Quick Dry Stretchy Hiking Shorts

Most Versatile

Customers love these shorts for its abrasion-resistant construction and stain-resistant finish.

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PROS

Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric makes shorts perfect for hot-weather activities.
Comes with a stain and water-repellent finish that keeps you clean and dry.
Includes a semi-elastic waistband that holds shorts in place and wide belt loops that accommodate most belts.
Available in a good selection of colors.

CONS

A few reports of sizes running big.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

September 23, 2021

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