Eddie Bauer Womens Rainier Short - Lightweight, Sun Safe Active Shorts

Our review of the Eddie Bauer Womens Rainier Short finds it best suited to women who want a lightweight, comfortable short for hiking and everyday active use; the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of breathable, sustainable fabric and practical protection that keeps you comfortable on trail and in town. The shorts balance mobility with modest coverage thanks to Flexion two-way active stretch, while the FreeShade UPF 50 and StormRepel DWR finish provide reliable sun and light moisture protection without adding weight.

Key Features

• bluesign certified fabric: Promotes safer, more sustainable textile production so buyers can feel better about the environmental impact.
• Flexion two-way active stretch: Allows unrestricted movement for hiking, scrambling, or everyday walking while maintaining shape.
• StormRepel DWR finish: Sheds light rain and splashes to keep you drier during unpredictable weather.
• FreeShade UPF 50: Provides strong sun protection for exposed legs on bright days without heavy fabrics.
• Lightweight construction: Feels comfortable and packable for multi-day trips or travel where weight matters.

Who It's For

The Rainier Short is designed for active women who prioritize comfort, mobility, and simple protection on summer hikes, day trips, or travel. It suits those who value fabric performance and washability and want a short that can be dressed up slightly off the trail while still performing outdoors.

Those who need heavy waterproofing or insulated warmth should look elsewhere, as these shorts offer light moisture resistance and sun protection rather than full weatherproofing. Also, shoppers who require very precise sizing may want to try them on first, since customer feedback shows some variation in fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable fit and lightweight feel make them pleasant for long hikes and travel.
• Good pocket options, including a zipped front pocket, keep essentials secure on the trail.
• Fabric combines sustainability with performance thanks to bluesign certification and UPF 50 sun protection.
• Easy to wash and maintain without losing shape or performance.

Cons

• Not fully waterproof; the StormRepel DWR sheds light moisture but is not a substitute for rain pants.
• Sizing varies for some customers, so trying on or checking the size guide is recommended.

Specifications

Brand	Eddie Bauer
Fabric Certification	bluesign certified fabric
Stretch	Flexion two-way active stretch
Weather Treatment	StormRepel DWR finish
Sun Protection	FreeShade UPF 50
Style	Lightweight active shorts for women

Our Verdict

The Rainier Short is a smart choice for women who want a versatile, performance-minded short that works on trails and off. With sustainable fabric, effective sun protection, and a comfortable, stretchy fit, it offers strong value for active use; just be mindful of sizing differences and that the DWR is for light moisture, not heavy rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts good for hiking?
Yes, they are lightweight, comfortable, and designed for mobility with pockets and zippered storage suitable for day hikes.

Do they protect from sun and light rain?
They offer FreeShade UPF 50 for sun protection and a StormRepel DWR finish that sheds light moisture but not heavy downpours.

How true to size are they?
Many customers report a true-to-size fit, but some have experienced sizing variation, so trying on or consulting the size guide is recommended.