Womens Rainier Short by Eddie Bauer - Packable Active Hiking Short

In this review the Womens Rainier Short by Eddie Bauer is presented as a go-to warm-weather hiking short for active women who want mobility and practicality. The biggest reason to buy is the combination of lightweight, stretch fabric and a durable water-repellent finish that keeps these shorts comfortable and usable across day hikes and travel. Fit is slightly curvy with a mid-rise that sits below the natural waist, and the construction emphasizes packability and quick wash-and-go care for long trips.

Key Features

• Performance fabric: Flexion nylon/spandex blend offers enough stretch for unrestricted mobility on steep trails and scrambling sections.
• Water resistance: Durable water-repellent finish sheds light rain and morning dew so you stay drier on wet approaches.
• Pocket placement: Strategically placed pockets, including a zipped front pocket, keep essentials secure without shifting while you move.
• Sun protection: Built-in sun protection helps reduce exposure during long hours in open terrain.
• Packable design: Lightweight and easy to pack, these shorts compress into a daypack without adding bulk.
• Sustainable sourcing: Made under bluesign criteria to limit harmful chemicals in production and reduce environmental impact.

Who It's For

These shorts are best for women who prioritize active comfort on warm-weather outings: day hikers, trail runners who prefer a modest 6.5 to 7 in inseam, and anyone who likes quick-dry, low-maintenance gear that can be dressed up for town. The Slightly Curvy Fit is especially suited to those who want a mid-rise that is moderately curvy through hip and thigh without being restrictive.

Those who need heavy insulation, waterproof protection for prolonged downpours, or an athletic compression fit should look elsewhere. If you prefer a very long inseam or want a true relaxed, loose cut, a different style may suit your needs better.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable stretch and mobility from the 94% nylon/6% spandex blend.
• Functional pockets, including a zippered front pocket, keep small items secure on the move.
• Lightweight, packable construction that washes well and dries quickly.

Cons

• Fit can vary for some customers, so sizing feedback is mixed and trying on is recommended.

Specifications

Brand	Eddie Bauer
Fit	Slightly Curvy Fit; mid-rise; sits below natural waist
Fabric	94% nylon / 6% spandex (Flexion)
Inseam	7 reg | 6.5 in
Finish	Durable water-repellent
Safety/Sustainability	Made to bluesign criteria
Care	Machine wash cold delicate; tumble dry low; cool iron as desired

Our Verdict

The Womens Rainier Short is a practical, well-made active short for women who want stretch, light water resistance, and useful pockets in a packable, travel-friendly package. It represents good value for hikers and outdoor travelers who need versatile warm-weather shorts, though shoppers should check the slightly curvy fit and consider trying on to confirm sizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts good for long day hikes?
Yes. The stretch fabric, secure pockets, and water-repellent finish make them well suited to day hikes in warm conditions.

How should I care for them to keep the DWR working?
Machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with like colors, avoid fabric softeners, and tumble dry low; reproof as needed if water repellency decreases.

Do they run true to size?
Fit feedback is mixed; many find them true to size but some report variance, so trying on or checking a size chart is recommended.