Eddie Bauer Womens Rainier Short - Lightweight Hiking Comfort Athletic

In this review of the Eddie Bauer Womens Rainier Short the bottom line is simple: these are hiking-focused shorts built for comfort, sun protection, and reliable wet-weather performance. They stand out most for the combination of Flexion two-way active stretch and a StormRepel DWR finish, which together keep movement unrestricted while shedding light moisture on trail or at the campsite. Customers consistently praise the fit and pockets, and the fabric choices make these a practical pick for warm-weather outdoor activity.

Key Features

• bluesign certified fabric: provides assurance that the textile was produced with reduced environmental impact and safer chemical management for a more sustainable short.
• Flexion two-way active stretch: improves freedom of movement for hiking, scrambling or everyday activity without binding at the waist or thighs.
• StormRepel DWR finish: sheds light rain and splashes so dampness beads and rolls off instead of soaking in during short wet spells.
• FreeShade UPF 50: protects skin from excessive sun exposure on long days outdoors, reducing need for constant reapplication of sunscreen on covered areas.
• Pockets and washability: practical pocket placement including a zipped front pocket and a machine-friendly fabric make these shorts easy to wear and maintain.

Who It's For

These shorts are best for women who spend significant time hiking, traveling, or doing active outdoor pursuits in warm weather and want a light, mobile short with sun protection and quick-dry performance. The combination of stretch and DWR is useful for day hikes, casual trail runs, and multi-activity travel packing.

Shoppers who need heavyweight insulation, formalwear styling, or fully waterproof rainproof gear for extended downpours should look elsewhere; these are designed for breathability and light moisture resistance rather than extended wet-weather use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, true-to-life fit for many wearers with a length that suits hiking and casual wear.
• Lightweight construction and Flexion stretch make movement easy and natural on trail.
• Practical pockets including a zipped option and good washability for active use.
• Sustainable fabric choice with bluesign certification and UPF 50 sun protection.

Cons

• Some customers report occasional sizing differences, so trying or checking the sizing guide is advised.
• The DWR is designed for light moisture and not extended heavy rain protection.

Specifications

Brand	Eddie Bauer
Model	Womens Rainier Short
Fabric certification	bluesign certified fabric
Stretch	Flexion two-way active stretch
Finish	StormRepel DWR
Sun protection	FreeShade UPF 50
Design highlights	Zipped front pocket, lightweight, machine washable

Our Verdict

The Eddie Bauer Womens Rainier Short is a solid choice for active women who want a comfortable, versatile warm-weather short with sun protection and light water repellency. It delivers good value for day hikes and travel thanks to the stretch fabric, useful pockets, and a sustainable fabric certification; just check sizing notes if you are between sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts good for hiking?
Yes, they are designed for hiking with Flexion stretch, practical pockets and a lightweight build suited to trail use.

Do they protect from the sun?
Yes, the shorts include FreeShade UPF 50 for reliable sun protection on covered areas.

Will the DWR keep me dry in rain?
The StormRepel DWR sheds light moisture and splashes but is not intended for prolonged heavy rain or fully waterproof protection.