First and foremost, men can wear skirts too. In fact, the extra breeze for those special sweaty areas makes hiking skirts a great choice for both male and female hikers – including me! Though not a common sight on the trails, here are some reasons and recommendations on hiking skirts for your next outdoor adventure.
Benefits Of Hiking Skirts
Hiking skirts are a good alternative to shorts. These are the key benefits.
Extra ventilation
Need I say more?
Efficient bathroom time
Do you fear accidentally mooning your trail friends and passersby? A skirt can help! You no longer have to fully expose yourself for a little bathroom time.
Easy to layer
Under your skirt, you can layer up with leggings, down pants, and/or down skirts! Hiking skirts are far more versatile than you may think. They can keep your buns extra toasted for colder, high altitude days, yet ventilated on the warmer sunny ones!
Pro Tip: If you plan on bushwhacking or hiking in a buggy area, a downside to hiking skirts is that they will leave your legs exposed. In this case, just slide on a pair of leggings or hiking pants right under and you are good to go!
Style points
If you consider yourself a “fashionista,” hiking skirts may be the way to go. Hiking skirts can come in many styles too! Skorts or “Built-Ins” come with built-in shorts. This option is great if you experience chafing on your inner thighs. For men, hiking kilts can be a great option! Kilts are knee-length skirts made of tartan cloth. Traditionally Scottish, kilts are commonly made of a thick and warm pleated tartan cloth. However, there are plenty of lightweight options for summer hikes! You can check some out below.
Okay, here is a quick look at our top picks of the best hiking skirts that are available right now.
| The best skirts for hiking | Why we recommend | Where to buy |
| Smartwool Merino Sport Lined Skirt | Top pick for summer day hikes (women) | Check REI Price |
| Smartwool Smartloft 120 Skirt | Top pick for cold or winter hikes (women) | Check REI Price |
| PrAna Esla Skirt | Runner-up for cold or winter hikes (women) | Check REI Price |
| Sport Kilt – Men’s Borealis Black Hiking Kilt | Top pick for summer or winter day hikes (men) | Check Amazon Price |
| Damn Near Kilt ‘Em Men’s Techlite Rogue Utility Kilt | Runner-up for summer day hikes (men) | Check Amazon Price |
Best Hiking Skirts + Kilts For Summer
Material
For a hot summer hike, opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking materials like nylon and polyester. Some synthetic materials provide UV protection to keep your buns from getting toasted!
Most athletic skirts right now come with a built-in bike short-style layer. The inner layer prevents the dreaded chub rub and helps keep the skirt in place. Sometimes these hiking skirts are called skorts, but they are not the type that look like a skirt at the front but shorts at the back. If the lining is not to your liking, it can always be removed.
Pro Tip: Are you unfamiliar with hiking clothing materials but eager to learn more? Check out our Complete Hiking Clothes Checklist.
#1 Women’s Pick: Prana Koen Skort
Material: 81% nylon/10% polyester/9% elastane; bluesign approved
Inseam: 4.25″
Waist: Midrise with internal drawcord
Pockets: 2 flat front slash pockets
Why we recommend this product: The Koen is so flattering and comfortable, I wear it everywhere. The pockets are useful without adding any bulk or width to the silhouette. It is also good for travel, biking, and even swimming.
Check Prana and Moosejaw for more colors.
#2 Women’s Pick: Smartwool Merino Sport Lined Skirt
Material: Skirt: 86% recycled polyester/14% elastane; Liner: Merino sport 150 mesh-54% merino wool/46% polyester
Inseam: 4″ (15.5″ long)
Waist: Internal drawcord
Pockets: 2 drop-in side
Why we recommend this product: Smartwool is a trustworthy brand that consistently delivers high-performance products. Smartwool’s Merino Sport Lined Skirt comes with reflective components to increase your visibility in low light conditions. Its merino fabric repels odors to keep you smelling mountain fresh for days on end! Even better is that this lightweight, quick-drying, and stretchy skirt comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty!
On sale at REI and Backcountry
#3 Women’s Pick: Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Skort
Material: Skirt: 15% elastane/85% polyamide; Liner: 78% polyester/22% elastane liner
Inseam: 6″
Waist: Elastic with drawcord
Pockets: 2 side pockets on bike shorts
Why we recommend this product: If the 90s-style visible undershorts appeal to you, this skirt is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly. The side pockets comfortably hold a phone where it is even noticeable. Silicone grippers keep the bike shorts in place.
Check Fjallraven or Amazon for more colors and sizes.
Budget + Longer Length Pick: Baleaf Athletic Skirt
Material: 90% polyester/10% Spandex
Inseam: 15″
Waist: Elastic with drawcord
Pockets: 2 side pockets, 1 waist hidden pocket, 1 back zipper pocket
Why we recommend this product: For more coverage, try this 20-21/’ inches knee length hiking skirts. The 7″ liner shorts are longer than most athletic skirts. The wide waist and A-line shape are flattering for all figures. There are 12 colors and patterns in addition to basic black and sizing goes up to 3x. The only thing not to like is the logo at the front, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Our #1 Men’s Pick: Sport Kilt – Men’s Borealis Black Hiking Kilt
Material: Polyester blend
Waist: Adjustable elastic waistband
Pockets: Inside stash pocket
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: The Hiking Sport Kilt is the best men’s hiking kilt on the market. They are made with quick-drying, lightweight microfiber and built with thru-hikers in mind. The kilt comes with plenty of customizable options including sewn-down pleats, buckle closures, belt loops, fringe, pockets, and custom lengths.
Our #2 Men’s Pick: Damn Near Kilt ‘Em Men’s Techlite Rogue Utility Kilt
Material: 50/50 Cotton Polyester Ripstop
Waist: Snap-on closure
Pockets: Not listed
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: The Techlite Rogue kilt eliminates all the extra utilities that other kilts come with, for a lighter, faster design.
Best Men’s Budget Pick: Kiltailor Cargo Utility Kilt
Material: Not listed
Waist: Snap-on closure
Pockets: Extra utility pockets
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: Kiltailor’s kilts are made to order. You can customize your kilt by waist size, hip size, fell measurement, kilt length, and buttons & hardware.
Best Hiking Skirts + Hiking Kilts For Winter
Material
One of my favorite things about hiking skirts is their ability to add extra warmth. If you are planning a winter or colder, high altitude hike, opt for a hiking skirt made of wool or down. Wool is more breathable and cooler than down, so choose your hiking skirt based on your body’s thermoregulation (whether you run hot or cold on hikes) and the environment’s temperature.
Pro Tip: Would you like to learn more about the common materials in hiking clothes? Check out our Complete Hiking Clothes Checklist.
Our #1 Women’s Pick: Smartwool Smartloft 120 Skirt
Fit: Regular
Material: Shell: nylon; trim: 56% merino wool/44% polyester; insulation: 88% recycled wool/12% polyester
Waist: Elastic, adjustable
Pockets: Hidden pocket in the waistband
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: This is a great hiking skirt for colder days and winter hikes. It is insulated with 120 gram weight recycled wool. The shell is made of wind-resistant nylon and is treated with durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect you from moisture. The two-way zipper provides extra mobility and makes it super easy to get dressed.
Our #2 Women’s Pick: PrAna Esla Skirt
Material: Matte polyester shell with PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent), recycled polyester chenille fleece lining with diamond/stripe quilting
Waist: Rib waistband, center front zip closure
Pockets: Knit lined zip-pockets – 2 front, 1 back
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: We always prioritize well-built products made of sustainable materials – especially ones with great reviews! This lined hiking skirt from PrAna is a perfect layer for cold days and hikes. The A-line skirt hits at the mid-thigh and easily fits over winter leggings.
Our #3 Women’s Pick: Smartwool Women’s Diamond Peak Quilted Skirt
Fit: Regular
Material: Heathered quilted fabric with merino wool/polyester blend
Waist: Elastic, adjustable
Pockets: Not listed
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: This light but warm hiking skirt is perfect for cool fall days or active winter hikes. It is great as a layer or just on its own, and offers a wide range of motion and soft feel.
Best Women’s Budget Pick: SKHOOP Short Down Skirt
Fit: Regular
Material: 100% polyester, DWR coating, 500-fill down
Waist: Rear elastic, belt loops
Pockets: 2 zippered hand
Weight: 12 oz
Why we recommend this product: Sure, an $80 skirt is not really a budget pick, but for 500-fill down, it sure is! If you want a longer and warmer skirt for hiking, the SKHOOP Short Down Skirt is the way to go. The external fabric is equipped with DWR coating to keep your bum dry and the cold moisture away.
Our #1 Men’s Pick: Sport Kilt – Men’s Borealis Black Hiking Kilt
Material: Polyester blend
Waist: Adjustable elastic waistband
Pockets: Inside stash pocket
Weight: Not listed
Why we recommend this product: Unfortunately, there are not many winter options for winter kilts for men. However, you can make any kilt warmer with extra layering! We think the classic, Hiking Kilt from Sport Kilt is your best option for the summer and winter.
