Womens Rainier Short - Lightweight Packable Hiking Shorts

In this review of the Womens Rainier Short the takeaway is simple: these are practical, lightweight hiking shorts built for warm-weather activity. Designed with a slightly curvy fit and a mid-rise that sits below the natural waist, the shorts combine a flexible nylon/spandex fabric with a durable water-repellent finish to handle damp conditions while staying breathable. The review finds them especially useful for day hikes and travel where unrestricted mobility, sun protection, and quick packability matter most, and notes the sustainable bluesign partnership behind the textile choices.

Key Features

• Fabric blend: The 94% nylon/6% spandex mix provides stretch and recovery for comfortable movement on trails and during active use.
• Water resistance: A durable water-repellent finish sheds light moisture so the shorts stay comfortable during misty starts or light showers.
• Pocket layout: Strategically placed pockets, including a zipped front pocket, keep essentials secure and accessible while hiking.
• Sun protection: Built-in sun protection helps reduce exposure on long, sunny outings without adding weight or bulk.
• Packability: The lightweight, low-bulk construction packs easily into a daypack or travel bag for multi-day trips.
• Sustainable production: Made in partnership with bluesign to limit harmful chemicals and improve textile sustainability.

Who It's For

The Womens Rainier Short is aimed at active women who want a versatile hiking short for warm-weather adventures, day hikes, or travel. The slightly curvy fit and mid-rise suit those who prefer a bit more room through the hip and thigh without sacrificing a tailored look.

Those who need heavy insulation, full waterproofing for prolonged wet weather, or a very short inseam should look elsewhere; the Rainier is optimized for breathability, freedom of movement, and light moisture protection rather than severe weather protection or fashion-forward evening wear.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, stretchy fabric that moves well for hiking and active use.
• Lightweight and packable, making it easy to stash in a daypack or suitcase.
• Useful pocket configuration, including a secure zipped front pocket for small items.
• Good washability and durable finish that stands up to repeated use.

Cons

• Sizing can vary for some customers, so trying on or checking the fit guide is recommended.
• Not intended as a full waterproof short for heavy rain or prolonged wet conditions.

Specifications

Fit	Slightly Curvy Fit; mid-rise, sits below natural waist
Inseam	7 Reg | 6.5 in
Fabric	94% nylon / 6% spandex
Finish	Durable water-repellent (DWR)
Care	Machine wash cold, delicate; tumble dry low; cool iron as desired
Sustainability	Made in partnership with bluesign for safer textile production

Our Verdict

The Womens Rainier Short is a solid choice for hikers and travelers who want a stretchy, lightweight short with practical pockets and light water resistance. It represents good value for active women who prioritize mobility, sun protection, and packability, though shoppers should verify fit if they are between sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts good for multi-day backpacking?
Yes, they are lightweight and packable for multi-day trips, but they are best for warm conditions and light moisture rather than heavy rain.

How should I care for them to keep the DWR finish?
Machine wash cold on delicate with like colors, avoid fabric softeners, tumble dry low and remove promptly to help preserve the finish.

Do these run true to size?
Most customers report a good fit, but some have experienced sizing variation, so checking the slightly curvy fit and trying on when possible is advised.