Eddie Bauer Women's Rainier Shorts - Durable Hiking Performance

In this review of the Eddie Bauer Women's Rainier Shorts the bottom line is simple: these are practical, performance-focused shorts for active hikers who need stretch, water repellency, and sun protection without fuss. The reviewer found they balance comfort and durability during long days on trail, and the mid-rise, slightly curvy fit suits women who prefer moderate shaping through the hip and thigh. Built-in UPF and a durable water-repellent finish make them useful for changing weather, while the two-way nylon/spandex fabric stands up to rough terrain and overgrown trails.

Key Features

• Two-way stretch fabric: The nylon/spandex blend allows full range of motion on steep approaches and technical switchbacks for comfortable mobility.
• Durable water-repellent finish: A DWR treatment sheds light moisture and helps keep the fabric drier during mist or light rain on the trail.
• Built-in UPF protection: Sun protection is integrated, so the shorts reduce UV exposure during extended summer hikes without extra layers.
• bluesign partnership: Materials meet bluesign criteria for safer, more sustainable production, reducing harmful chemicals in manufacturing.
• Machine washable care: The shorts can be laundered on cold delicate and tumble dried low, making post-hike cleaning simple and reliable.
• Slightly Curvy fit: The mid-rise sits below the natural waist and offers moderate shaping through hip and thigh for a tailored yet active fit.

Who It's For

The Rainier Shorts are aimed at women who spend time hiking, daypacking, or doing other active outdoor recreation and want a reliable short that balances stretch and durability. They are especially well suited to hikers who prefer a mid-rise, moderately curvy silhouette and value sun protection and easy-care materials.

Those who need full waterproofing, heavy insulation for cold-weather mountaineering, or a very loose, fashion-forward summer short should look elsewhere; the Rainier Shorts are optimized for active use in temperate conditions rather than urban fashion or extreme wet-weather protection.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable two-way stretch fabric that moves with you on trails and scrambles.
• Durable water-repellent finish adds practical weather resistance for wet grass and light rain.
• Built-in UPF offers continuous sun protection on exposed sections of trail.
• Sustainable production credentials through a bluesign partnership reduce harmful chemicals.

Cons

• Not fully waterproof or insulated, so they are not ideal for prolonged wet or cold conditions.
• Slightly curvy fit may not suit those who prefer a very loose or high-rise waistband.

Specifications

Brand	Eddie Bauer
Material	Nylon/spandex two-way stretch
Fit	Slightly Curvy; mid-rise, sits below natural waist
Finish	Durable water-repellent (DWR)
Sun Protection	Built-in UPF
Care	Machine wash cold delicate; tumble dry low
Sustainability	Produced in partnership with bluesign

Our Verdict

The Eddie Bauer Women's Rainier Shorts are a smart choice for hikers who want a durable, stretchy short with sun protection and easy care. They deliver good value for active outdoor use, especially in temperate conditions, and the sustainable production note is a meaningful bonus for environmentally minded buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts machine washable?
Yes, wash cold on delicate with like colors and tumble dry low; avoid bleach and fabric softeners.

Do they offer sun protection?
Yes, the shorts include built-in UPF to help reduce UV exposure during outdoor activities.

Are they waterproof?
No, they have a durable water-repellent finish for light moisture but are not fully waterproof or intended for prolonged heavy rain.