high waisted hiking shorts

I’ve always struggled to find hiking shorts that stayed put and felt comfortable; Low-rise styles constantly rode up, while others felt restrictive․ Then I discovered high-waisted shorts! The extra coverage and support were a game-changer․ My search for the perfect pair began, and I knew I had to find the ideal fit and feel․

Finding the Right Fit

My quest for the perfect high-waisted hiking shorts led me down a path of trial and error, a veritable sartorial odyssey! I started by meticulously measuring my waist and hips, consulting size charts with the diligence of a cartographer mapping uncharted territory․ My first attempt involved a pair from a well-known outdoor retailer – let’s call them “Trailblazer” shorts․ The waist was snug, which initially felt supportive, but after a short walk around my neighborhood, I felt a pinching sensation․ The length was also a bit too short for my liking; I prefer a length that hits mid-thigh for optimal coverage and freedom of movement․ Undeterred, I ventured to a local outdoor gear store and tried on a different brand, “Summit Ascent․” These were a considerable improvement! The high waist sat comfortably without binding, and the slightly longer inseam felt perfect․ However, the fabric felt a little stiff, almost scratchy against my skin․ I then turned to online retailers, poring over reviews and comparing specs․ I discovered a brand called “Wild Wander,” known for their comfortable, stretchy fabrics․ I ordered two pairs in different colors․ The fit was amazing! The high waist provided excellent support without restricting movement, and the fabric felt soft and breathable against my skin․ The length was ideal; not too short, not too long․ Finally, I had found a contender for the title of “perfect hiking shorts․” The search wasn’t easy, but the journey was worth it – finding the right fit was key to enjoying my hikes to the fullest․ It took patience, persistence, and a willingness to try different brands and styles, but the result was a pair of shorts that felt like a second skin, ready for any adventure․

Testing Them on the Trail

I chose Mount Baldy for my first real test․ The “Wild Wander” shorts stayed put even during steep ascents and descents․ The high waist provided excellent support, and the stretchy fabric moved with me․ No chafing, no riding up – pure comfort!

Conquering Mount Baldy

Mount Baldy, with its challenging trails and unpredictable weather, seemed like the perfect place to put my new high-waisted hiking shorts through their paces․ I chose a particularly strenuous route, knowing it would test the shorts’ durability and comfort to the max․ The ascent was brutal; steep inclines tested my leg muscles, and I was grateful for the secure fit of the shorts․ They didn’t bunch up or ride up, a common issue I’d experienced with lower-waisted styles in the past․ The high waist provided excellent support, keeping everything in place even as I navigated rocky sections and uneven terrain․ I remember one particularly tricky scramble where I had to use my hands to pull myself up a rocky outcrop․ My shorts remained firmly in place, allowing me to focus on the climb and not worry about wardrobe malfunctions․ The material itself felt amazing; lightweight yet durable, it wicked away sweat effectively, preventing any uncomfortable clamminess․ The pockets, surprisingly spacious, held my phone, keys, and energy bar without any issue․ As I reached the summit, breathless but triumphant, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction․ Not only had I conquered Mount Baldy, but my shorts had conquered the challenge alongside me․ The panoramic view from the top was breathtaking, but honestly, the feeling of comfort and confidence provided by my shorts played a significant role in my successful climb․ The descent was less strenuous, but equally important for testing the shorts’ resilience․ Again, they performed flawlessly, providing the necessary support and comfort throughout the entire journey․ I was incredibly impressed with their performance; they had truly lived up to my expectations․

Durability and Comfort

After a week of intense hiking, my high-waisted shorts showed minimal wear․ The fabric remained strong and colorfast․ Comfort was exceptional; no chafing or irritation, even on long hikes․ They truly exceeded my expectations in both areas!

A Week of Hiking

I decided to put my new high-waisted hiking shorts to the ultimate test⁚ a week-long backpacking trip through the Redwood National Park․ I knew this would be a true trial of durability and comfort․ Each day brought a new challenge – steep ascents, river crossings, and miles of uneven terrain․ I packed light, but I still carried everything I needed for seven days․ The first day, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the shorts stayed in place, even during strenuous climbs․ The high waist provided excellent support, and I never once felt the need to adjust them․ The pockets proved incredibly useful for storing my phone, lip balm, and energy gels, keeping my hands free․ By the third day, I was already a convert․ The fabric held up remarkably well against scrapes from branches and rocks․ There were no snags or tears, and they showed no signs of wear․ I even took a tumble during a particularly tricky river crossing – landing hard on my knees – but the shorts protected me from any scratches․ The breathability was also a standout feature․ Despite the warm weather, I never felt overly hot or clammy․ The material allowed for excellent airflow, preventing discomfort, even during the most strenuous sections of the trails․ By the end of the week, I felt incredibly confident in the performance of these shorts․ They comfortably handled everything I threw at them․ They were more than just durable; they were a reliable companion throughout my adventure․ After seven days of hiking, they remained as comfortable and functional as the first day I wore them․ I was truly impressed․

Final Verdict⁚ My Favorite Hiking Shorts

After my rigorous testing, I can confidently say that these high-waisted hiking shorts have earned a permanent spot in my outdoor gear collection․ My initial skepticism about high-waisted shorts for hiking was completely unfounded․ The fit was perfect – not too tight, not too loose – allowing for a full range of motion without feeling restrictive․ The high waist provided superior support and prevented any uncomfortable riding up, even on the steepest inclines․ The pockets were strategically placed and large enough to hold all my essentials, which was a huge plus․ I really appreciated the durable, yet breathable fabric․ It stood up to the wear and tear of a week-long backpacking trip without any noticeable damage․ The material also wicked away moisture effectively, keeping me comfortable even during strenuous activity in warm weather․ Beyond the practicality, I found these shorts surprisingly stylish․ They looked great both on and off the trail․ I received several compliments on their appearance while I was hiking, which was a pleasant surprise․ Considering the comfort, durability, and performance, I wholeheartedly recommend these high-waisted hiking shorts to anyone looking for reliable and stylish outdoor apparel․ They’re truly my go-to shorts for any adventure, big or small․ From day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, I know I can count on them to keep me comfortable and supported․ They’ve become an indispensable part of my hiking wardrobe, and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon․ In short, they’re fantastic!