Yes, you can hike in bike shorts. Bike shorts or spandex shorts are meant for exercise, which means they likely will perform ok for a hike. However, some factors, such as the length of the shorts and the features of the shorts might be what deters you from actually enjoying hiking in bike shorts.
Bike shorts aren’t meant for hiking, which can lead to a pretty uncomfortable day depending on the conditions. This is also why triathletes don’t perform the “run” portion of their sport in traditional bike shorts.
Although you can hike in bike shorts, it wouldn’t be my first choice, and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. Try a spandex short or a running short, which has similar fabric without the fancy bike-specific features instead.
6 Pros of Hiking in Bike Shorts
If you’re looking for reasons hiking in bike shorts might be a good idea, look no further! There are some features of bike shorts that might make for a comfortable outing. Reasons to consider hiking in bike shorts include:
1. No Chafing
Because these shorts are skin-tight, they protect every inch of skin and crevice on your body. You will not have any chub rub so long as these shorts stay where they were meant to lay.
2. Can Provide Compression
Some spandex shorts are meant to be tight enough to prevent swelling and can also promote circulation; they are known as compression shorts. This can be extremely beneficial for some people with medical concerns.
3. Elastic Quality
Because bike shorts are stretchy shorts, these shorts (or any spandex shorts) will move with you as you hike. Having the freedom of unrestricted movement can be very beneficial, depending on the trail you plan on hiking.
4. Lightweight
Spandex shorts and bike shorts are meant to be aerodynamic and help you move quickly. They are made of lightweight fabrics and won’t weigh you down during your hike. This can become very helpful over long distances.
5. Draws Sweat Away
Bike shorts are typically made out of a spandex material, or a spandex-blend. Because this fabric is synthetic, it tends to perform better when it comes to pulling sweat off the body.
This function becomes important to prevent moisture accumulation (which can cause odor, blisters, and discomfort), and also helps prevent rapid heat-loss.
6. Wind Resistance
Another benefit of the design of bike shorts is that they have an inherent wind-resistance due to their fabric. Although when you’re wearing shorts, the bottom half of your leg is still exposed to the wind, keeping your thighs warm and protected from the wind can help retain body heat and keep you more comfortable.
Cons of Hiking in Bike Shorts
Despite the good features of bike shorts (and spandex shorts), there are definitely some negative aspects to consider before heading out to hike in your favorite biking attire.
1. No Pockets or Small Pockets
Most spandex and bike shorts do not have pockets to make them as close to the body as possible. Any pockets they do have tend to be too small to really carry much.
2. Can Roll Up
Depending on where your spandex shorts end on your thighs and how they are finished at the hem, the leg cuff may have a tendency to roll upward. This can create an uncomfortable ring of tight fabric and also may lead to chafing.
3. Not Waterproof
Spandex shorts aren’t designed to be waterproof, as they aren’t usually encountering precipitation. They can become wet and uncomfortable in rainy conditions
4. Chamois
“Chamois” is a padded part of the bike short that is meant to ease discomfort from the bike seat. However, this isn’t a necessary function when hiking, and can actually cause chafing exactly where you don’t want it.
Most bikers don’t wear underwear with their bike shorts because of the chamois, but this doesn’t leave options if you need to change underwear for one reason or another on a hike. This also means bike shorts need to be laundered after every use.
5. May Be See-Through
Depending on the quality of your spandex shorts and how much you require them to stretch, the fabric might become see-through in the stretched areas (like your bum).
6. Panty Lines
The skin-tight nature of these shorts means that every lump and bump will show through as an outline, including the outline of your underwear (if you choose to wear underwear)
When to Hike in Bike Shorts
- If you’re prone to chafing – Long spandex shorts work wonderfully to prevent thigh rub, since they protect all the crevices of your skin. Look for long pairs with finished hems to prevent them from rolling up.
- If you find them comfortable – If you feel good in tight shorts and like exercising in them, they can make due as a hiking short.
When Not to Hike in Bike Shorts
- Wet weather – Spandex shorts and bike shorts won’t hold up to the demands of a rainy day. Consider wearing a different pair of shorts, or at the very least, wearing a pair of rain pants over top.
- If you aren’t carrying a pack – Because these shorts don’t have pockets, you’ll be forced to carry important items in your hands (car keys, cell phone, water, etc.), or dole them off on a friend. Consider adding a waist bag (ex. fanny pack or bum bag), to make the shorts functional.
- If you’re doin’ it for the ‘gram – Bike shorts are not a common apparel choice for hiking, nor are they overly fashionable on their own. Panty lines, thin material, and crotch padding all might make for a few odd looks on the trail and some funny memories.
Alternatives to Hiking in Bike Shorts
If you’re planning to hike in shorts because the weather is likely going to be very hot, I would suggest hiking in a running short instead, particularly if you only have proper biking shorts with the chamois padding in them as well.
Another option is to hike in jean shorts, though I would actually recommend hiking in a light legging instead. Although pants don’t offer as much in terms of air circulation to keep you cool, they do offer sun protection and can be quite breathable depending on the fabric.
Check out my other article here about the pros and cons of hiking in shorts to see why shorts might not be the best idea for a hike after all!
Thoughts?
Have you ever hiked in bike shorts? What did you think about it? Drop a comment below to let me know what you think and I’ll get back to you!
Happy trails!