Best Ultralight Running Shorts for Hiking: Hip Belt Compatibility, Weight Tiers, and the Pocket Problem

Every “best hiking shorts” roundup recommends the same cargo-style shorts with the same features: zip pockets, UPF fabric, 10-inch inseam. They weigh 7-10 ounces and look like they belong at a suburban barbecue. Meanwhile, the thru-hiking community has quietly moved to running shorts — lighter, faster-drying, more comfortable under a pack — and the mainstream gear press has barely noticed.

The gap is real. Search for “best running shorts for hiking” and you get running reviews that ignore pack compatibility, or hiking reviews that ignore running shorts entirely. Andrew Skurka made running shorts Item 4 in his Core 13 clothing system years ago. PCT thru-hikers have been wearing BOA split shorts for thousands of miles. But nobody has written the comparison that addresses the two questions backpackers actually ask: which running shorts work under a hip belt, and which ones have enough pocket space to be functional on trail?

This guide answers both.

Why Running Shorts for Hiking?

The case is straightforward math. A pair of traditional hiking shorts — say the prAna Stretch Zion or REI Sahara — weighs 7-10 oz and takes hours to dry. A pair of running shorts weighs 2-5 oz and dries in 20 minutes. On a thru-hike, that weight savings is real but the dry-time advantage is transformative. You wash them in a stream at camp and they’re dry before dinner.

Running shorts also eliminate the hip belt friction problem that plagues traditional hiking shorts. Thick waistbands, belt loops, and cargo pockets all create pressure points and bunching under a loaded hip belt. Running shorts have thin elastic waistbands, no belt loops, and a slim profile that sits cleanly under pack straps. If you’ve ever spent a full day adjusting your shorts under your hip belt, you already know why this matters.

The tradeoffs are real too: fewer pockets, thinner fabric that tears more easily in brush, shorter inseams that expose more leg to sun and scratches. But for maintained trails in three-season conditions, running shorts are the better tool.

Weight Tiers: What You’re Actually Choosing

Running shorts for hiking fall into three weight categories, and each one represents a genuine tradeoff — not just a price tier.

Sub-2 oz: Race-Weight Minimalism

What you get: Maximum breathability, fastest dry time, lowest pack weight. What you give up: Durability, pockets, coverage.

At this weight, you’re looking at split shorts and race-day designs. The BOA Elite Split Short (1.5-inch inseam, ~2 oz) lives here. These are the shorts that PCT thru-hiker Oakley “Velveeta” Aguiar wore for the entire trail. They’re essentially two panels of fabric with a liner — nothing else. Made from 100% micro polyester with a built-in liner, they dry absurdly fast and weigh almost nothing.

The catch: the 1.5-inch men’s inseam means significant leg exposure. If you’re hiking through brush, you’ll feel it. And the single small pocket holds a key or a few folded bills, not a phone.

2-4 oz: The Sweet Spot for Most Hikers

What you get: Reasonable pocket space, adequate coverage, still dramatically lighter than hiking shorts. What you give up: Some breathability compared to race-weight; still not as durable as purpose-built hiking shorts.

This is where most backpackers should look. The Patagonia Strider Pro 5-inch (3.8 oz) and the BOA Half Split Trainer 3-inch (3.8 oz) anchor this category.

The Strider Pro is arguably the most popular running short on the thru-hiking circuit. Four stretchy side pockets plus one zippered back pocket give you actual storage. The 50-denier polyester front and back panels are thin but tough enough for trail use, while mesh side panels keep airflow moving. At 3.8 oz with a 5-inch inseam, it hits a balance that works for both fast day hikes and multi-week trips.

The BOA Half Split Trainer takes a different approach — shorter inseam (3 inches for men), no zip pockets, but a liner that doubles as underwear and a lifetime warranty that means BOA will replace them when they eventually wear out. Treelinereview.com tested these extensively on long trails and praised their “surprising durability and long-term comfort at such a lightweight and affordable price.” At roughly $30-40, they cost a third of what premium hiking shorts run.

The Rab Talus Light (4.4 oz for men, 3.4 oz for women) also fits this tier. Built with Rab’s Matrix softshell outer and a Motiv Aero inner brief, these are designed specifically for mountain running in warm conditions. The stretch fabric handles high-step moves well, and the DWR treatment sheds light moisture.

4-6 oz: Maximum Features, Minimum Compromise

What you get: Zippered pockets, longer inseams, more durable fabrics, DWR coatings. What you give up: You’re approaching traditional hiking short territory in weight, though still lighter than most.

The Patagonia Multi Trails 8-inch (6.4 oz) is the benchmark here. It was designed as a hybrid — running-short construction with hiking-short features. Zippered hand pockets, built-in boxer brief liner, recycled polyester with 10% elastane for four-way stretch. The 8-inch inseam provides coverage that approaches traditional hiking shorts, which matters for sun protection and brush on exposed sections.

The Zpacks Trail Cool Hiking Shorts also compete in this space. Built from Toray PrimeFlex fabric with a 7-inch inseam, elastic waistband with drawstring, and PFAS-free DWR treatment. Zpacks designed these specifically for the ultralight backpacking market, so they address hiker needs — the articulated cut handles trail movements, and the quick-dry fabric works for stream crossings and camp washing.

The Path Projects Sykes PX (5-inch inseam) is a premium option with Toray PrimeFlex fabric that feels almost silky against skin. Three functional pockets can hold a phone, gels, and small items. The caveat: no liner is included, which adds $32 if you want one, pushing the total near $90.

Comparison Table

The Hip Belt Problem: Why This Matters More Than Weight

Here’s the dimension that no running-shorts review covers: how the shorts interact with a loaded backpack’s hip belt.

When you’re carrying a 20-35 lb pack, the hip belt transfers 60-80% of that weight to your hips. That belt sits directly over your shorts waistband for 8-12 hours a day. Any bulk, any bunching, any hard edge creates a pressure point that compounds over miles.

Traditional hiking shorts are terrible at this. Belt loops catch on hip belt buckles. Thick waistbands create ridges under the belt. Cargo pockets bunch up and shift as you walk. This is the reason thru-hikers switched to running shorts in the first place — the problem compounds over weeks.

Running shorts solve this almost by default. Thin elastic waistbands sit flat under a hip belt. No belt loops means nothing catches. The slim profile creates no bunching. But some running shorts are better than others:

Best hip belt compatibility: BOA Elite Split and Half Split Trainer. Practically invisible under a hip belt — the thin elastic and minimal fabric create zero interference. The Strider Pro is nearly as good.

Moderate compatibility: Rab Talus Light and Path Projects Sykes PX. Slightly more substantial waistbands, but still dramatically better than any traditional hiking short.

Adequate but not ideal: Patagonia Multi Trails and Zpacks Trail Cool. The longer inseams and additional fabric mean slightly more material under and around the hip belt. Still better than cargo-style hiking shorts, but you’ll notice the difference versus a 3-oz split short.

If you’re using a frameless pack like the Zpacks or Palante options on our ultralight backpack list, hip belt fit is less critical since these packs use minimal or no hip belts. But for framed packs with substantial hip belts, this dimension should be weighted heavily in your decision.

The Pocket Problem: Phone, Snacks, Navigation

The biggest legitimate objection to running shorts for hiking is pocket space. Traditional hiking shorts give you 4-6 pockets including cargo pockets that hold a phone, snacks, maps, and sunscreen. Running shorts give you… sometimes one small key pocket.

Here’s how to think about it practically:

If you hike with a hip belt pocket or fanny pack: Pockets on the shorts become less critical. Your phone, snacks, and lip balm live in the hip belt pocket. The BOA shorts work fine in this setup because you don’t need them to carry anything.

If you need phone access without removing your pack: The Patagonia Strider Pro’s four stretchy side pockets comfortably hold a phone. The Path Projects Sykes PX can manage a phone in its back pockets. The Multi Trails’ zippered pockets are the most secure option.

If you need to carry navigation tools, snacks, and a phone: You’re either looking at the Multi Trails or Zpacks Trail Cool (which have enough pockets), or you’re accepting that the shorts are just shorts and your pack system handles storage.

Andrew Skurka’s approach is instructive: he switched from lined running shorts to plain Nike athletic shorts with bigger pockets when he started wearing separate underwear. The shorts became just shorts — a layer for comfort and decency — and everything else went in the pack or hip belt. That mental shift changes which shorts you choose.

Liner vs. No Liner: The Thru-Hiker Divide

The liner question splits the hiking community cleanly:

Team Liner says: the built-in brief eliminates the need for separate underwear, reducing your clothing weight and laundry. One less item to carry, one less item to wash. On a thru-hike, wearing lined shorts with no underwear is the default for many experienced hikers.

Team No Liner says: liners retain odor faster than the shell fabric, create chafing on very long days, and limit your flexibility. They prefer separate merino wool base layers that they can wash independently and rotate.

For most backpackers doing multi-day trips, a lined short with no separate underwear is simpler and lighter. For thru-hikers putting in 25+ mile days, the choice often comes down to chafe sensitivity — some bodies handle built-in liners for months, others don’t. If you’ve never tested your preference, start with a lined option like the Strider Pro or BOA and try a few long day hikes before committing for a longer trip.

Inseam Length: What Actually Works on Trail

Running shorts come in inseams from 1.5 inches to 8+ inches. For hiking, inseam choice involves three real considerations:

Sun exposure: Shorter inseams mean more leg exposed to UV. If you’re hiking above treeline in the Mountain West, a 3-inch inseam means sunscreen duty on your thighs all day. Pair shorter shorts with a sun hoodie and you’ve got upper body coverage handled, but legs are on their own. The 7-8 inch options from Zpacks and Patagonia Multi Trails reduce this problem significantly.

Brush and abrasion: Anything under 5 inches leaves your upper thighs exposed to trail-side vegetation. On maintained PCT tread, this is a non-issue. On overgrown Eastern trails or off-trail travel, short shorts mean scratched legs. Lightweight gaiters protect ankles and lower calves but don’t help with thigh exposure.

Range of motion: Shorter inseams provide more freedom of movement. If you’re doing big step-ups, scrambling, or moving fast, a 3-inch inseam will never restrict you. Even the 8-inch Multi Trails has enough stretch to handle most trail movement, but the difference is noticeable on technical terrain.

The practical recommendation: 5-inch inseam is the most versatile for hiking. It provides enough coverage for moderate sun protection and light brush, while maintaining full range of motion. The Patagonia Strider Pro 5-inch hits this mark, which partly explains its popularity on long trails.

Budget vs. Premium: Is the Expensive Short Worth It?

The price range for running shorts spans from $30 to $90+. Here’s what you actually get at each tier:

Budget ($30-40): BOA Half Split Trainer. 3.8 oz, built-in liner, lifetime warranty, made in USA. The pocket situation is minimal — one small pocket that holds a key or gel, not a phone. The 100% polyester fabric is functional but will hold odor faster than blended fabrics. For the price, these are remarkable. The lifetime warranty alone makes them a rational choice for thru-hikers who will destroy any short eventually.

Mid-range ($60-75): Patagonia Strider Pro or Rab Talus Light. Better pocket systems, more refined fabrics, proven trail performance. The Strider Pro’s five-pocket design is genuinely useful on trail. The Rab’s Matrix fabric offers a performance edge in wet conditions. Either is a safe choice for any backpacking trip.

Premium ($70-90): Path Projects Sykes PX, Patagonia Multi Trails, or Zpacks Trail Cool. You’re paying for specialized fabrics (Toray PrimeFlex), more pockets, DWR coatings, or brand-specific features. The Multi Trails is the most feature-rich option for hikers specifically. The Zpacks is designed from the ground up for the ultralight backpacking audience. The Sykes PX has the best fabric hand-feel but charges extra for a liner.

The honest recommendation: The BOA Half Split Trainer at $30-40 with a lifetime warranty is genuinely hard to beat for pure hiking use, especially if your pack has hip belt pockets. If you need phone-accessible pockets on the shorts themselves, the Strider Pro at $65-75 is the standard for a reason.

Match to Your Existing Setup

The right running short depends on what you’re already carrying:

Frameless pack, hip belt pockets, fast-and-light style: BOA Elite Split or Half Split Trainer. You don’t need pockets on the shorts because your pack handles storage. Minimal weight, minimal bulk, maximum airflow.

Framed pack, no hip belt pockets, traditional backpacking: Patagonia Strider Pro or Multi Trails. You need some pocket capacity on the shorts themselves, and the hip belt compatibility of these models handles the pressure point problem.

Thru-hiking, 2000+ miles, budget-conscious: BOA Half Split Trainer with the lifetime warranty. When the first pair wears out at mile 800, BOA sends you a new pair. That warranty changes the value calculation entirely.

Weekend trips, varied terrain, want one versatile pair: Patagonia Strider Pro 5-inch. Works for trail running, day hiking, backpacking, and town stops. The five-pocket layout and reasonable inseam make it functional across contexts.

Hot-weather specialist, desert or exposed ridgeline hiking: Rab Talus Light. The Motiv Aero liner and Matrix shell are specifically engineered for heat management. Pair with a sun hoodie and you have a system built for sustained effort in direct sun.

Pair your shorts choice with the right trail runners and hiking socks and your below-the-waist system is dialed at a fraction of the weight that traditional hiking clothing demands.

The Bottom Line

Running shorts for hiking are not a compromise — they’re a better tool for the job, as long as you pick the right pair for your setup. The thru-hiking community figured this out years ago. The key variables are hip belt compatibility, pocket capacity relative to your pack system, and inseam length for your typical terrain.

For most ultralight backpackers, the Patagonia Strider Pro 5-inch offers the best balance of weight, pockets, and trail performance. For budget-conscious thru-hikers, the BOA Half Split Trainer with its lifetime warranty is the rational choice. And for hikers who want maximum features in a running-short form factor, the Patagonia Multi Trails delivers hiking-short functionality at running-short weight.

Stop overthinking it. Pick the tier that matches your pack system, try them on a long day hike before your trip, and move on to decisions that matter more — like your shelter, your sleep system, and your food plan.