Eddie Bauer Women's Rainier Shorts - Lightweight Active Hiking Shorts

In this review of the Eddie Bauer Women's Rainier Shorts the bottom line is clear: these are practical, lightweight hiking shorts built for hot-weather activity and everyday outdoor use. Designed with two-way stretch fabric and a DWR finish, the shorts strike a good balance of comfort and durability for long days on the trail. The reviewer found them especially useful for hikes, travel, and chores where sun protection and quick drying matter, and notes that the fit and pocket placement make them a reliable choice for active women.

Key Features

• Flexion two-way active stretch: The nylon/spandex blend moves with the body so climbing, scrambling, and stepping are comfortable without restriction.
• StormRepel DWR finish: A durable water-repellent coating sheds light moisture and brief splashes so the shorts stay comfortable in damp conditions.
• FreeShade UPF 50 sun protection: Built-in sun defense reduces UV exposure on long days outdoors without needing extra sleeves or sunscreen on covered areas.
• Secure zip cargo pocket: A left-thigh zip pocket keeps a phone or keys secure and accessible while hiking or walking.
• Lightweight construction: The fabric washes and dries quickly, making these shorts convenient for travel and repeat use.

Who It's For

The Rainier Shorts are aimed at women who spend time hiking, backpacking day trips, or doing active outdoor pursuits in warm weather and want reliable sun protection, quick-drying fabric, and useful pockets. They are also a good option for travelers who need low-maintenance clothing that packs light and washes easily.

Those who prefer very loose or fashion-focused shorts, or who need heavy insulation or full waterproofing for prolonged wet conditions, should look elsewhere; these are optimized for breathability and light moisture resistance rather than as rainwear for storms.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable two-way stretch fabric that supports active movement and long wear.
• Built-in UPF 50 adds meaningful sun protection on exposed legs.
• Lightweight material that washes well and dries quickly for travel and repeat use.
• Useful secure zip pocket for storing a phone or essentials while on the trail.

Cons

• Sized a little variably for some customers, so trying or checking size guidance is advisable.
• Not fully waterproof; the DWR helps light moisture but is not a substitute for rain pants in heavy downpours.

Specifications

Brand	Eddie Bauer
Fabric	Nylon/spandex two-way stretch
Finish	StormRepel durable water-repellent (DWR)
Sun protection	FreeShade UPF 50
Pocket	Secure zip cargo pocket on left thigh
Use case	Hiking and active outdoor pursuits
Care	Machine wash, quick-drying fabric

Our Verdict

The Eddie Bauer Rainier Shorts are a solid choice for women who need lightweight, comfortable shorts for hiking, travel, and daily outdoor activity. With stretch fabric, sun protection, and a secure zip pocket they deliver practical performance and easy care, making them good value for active users who value mobility and low maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts good for hot weather?
Yes. The lightweight, two-way stretch fabric breathes well and dries quickly, making them comfortable in heat.

Do they protect from the sun?
Yes. The material includes FreeShade UPF 50 for built-in sun protection on covered areas.

Can they handle rain?
The StormRepel DWR sheds light moisture and brief splashes but the shorts are not fully waterproof for prolonged heavy rain.