Helly Hansen Maridalen Shorts review: Womens hiking shorts

Looking for some womens hiking shorts? So was I. Check out this Helly Hansen Maridalen Shorts review to find out how I got along.

Womens hiking shorts

I love going for walks and hikes. But I have always been uncomfortable wearing every day shorts or trousers. As I was planning a hiking weekend in the Dolomites I felt that it was time to invest in some shorts that are made for outdoor activities.

However I wanted something that looked reasonably stylish. They needed to make me feel confident in my appearance, even if I wasn’t that confident in my physical ability!

In my opinion hiking shorts need to be stretchy so they don’t restrict your movement. They should also have pockets that were usable. I am frustrated when pockets are too small and tight. They should be able to carry a few essentials without digging in whilst walking or climbing.

Helly Hansen Maridalen Shorts review

I have tested these womens hiking shorts during the end of the UK summer. They also got an outing while in Val Gardena, part of the stunning Italian Dolomites. I would have worn them more but the weather in the UK and Italy was not suitable.

Fit and feel

When the Maridalen shorts arrived I was surprised at how light they felt.
The Fit Finder app on the Helly Hansen website had done a great job. It matched me perfectly with the right size as the waist fitted high and perfectly.

The fit is close without being tight or restrictive. They are very flattering – I admit I had been expecting them to be a bit shapeless.

The higher waist band is really practical and makes the shorts fit like a second skin. An untucked t-shirt looks flattering while a tucked in t-shirt stays tucked in.

When I was out on the mountain I found that due to the 4-way stretch fabric the shorts moved with me. The legs didn’t ride or ruck up so I stayed chafe free whenever I wore them. That I didn’t notice them at all says it all really.

Pockets and features

Of course this Helly Hansen Maridalen Shorts review wouldn’t be complete without discussing their other features. There are belt loops – which I didn’t use – that will do a good job if the waist is too big.

The fastening is a strong and secure zip fly with a largeish flat button to keep it in place. Although both are solid they are not at all bulky and give a smooth finish to the shorts.

These womens hiking shorts have a great choice of pockets. I loved the two deep hand (side/hip) pockets. They have a reinforced opening to make them more durable.

There are also two leg (discrete cargo) pockets one buttoned, one zipped. These go all the way down to the turn ups and are ideal for keeping valuables safe.

On the back are two good sized buttoned pockets. They are pleated to allow them to expand to fit gear comfortably over your body shape.

Material made for the outdoors

Thankfully I only got caught in light rain, but this showed that the shorts are quick drying. I also noticed this after they had been washed.

The 140 g/m2 ripstop polyamide material also offers very good breathability, so are perfect for warm temperature hikes. Also the material is strong and unlikely to tear if you catch it on a branch.

To top it off these womens hiking shorts are UPF40. This means only 1/40th of ultraviolet radiation reaches your skin as the rest is filtered by the fabric. So one less thing to worry about.

Maridalen Shorts review: Conclusion

Overall these shorts are as good as their product description sounds on the Helly Hansen website. I give them top points for fit, appearance and pockets.

I expect to wear these shots a everywhere from the beach to the bar when we get back around to summer. They are ideal for warm weather walking, hiking and trekking, but I will also use them for climbing, via ferrata and generally outdoor activities.

These Maridalen Shorts by Helly Hansen come in blue, beige or very dark grey. The RRP is £65 but currently they are going for £33 on the HH website: www.hellyhansen.com/w-maridalen-shorts