The Ultimate Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Bottoms: Five Hikers Share Their Secrets for 2,000-Mile Trails

The quest for the perfect hiking bottoms is a monumental undertaking, a critical decision that can make or break the experience of traversing 2,000 miles of rugged terrain. Whether one gravitates towards the classic utility of pants, the breezy freedom of shorts, or the hybrid convenience of a skort, the choice of legwear is a deeply personal and highly strategic one. These garments must offer a delicate balance: robust protection against the elements—sun, wind, and the biting chill of mountain air—while simultaneously providing exceptional breathability for those grueling, sun-drenched ascents. In the demanding world of thru-hiking, where every ounce counts and comfort is paramount, the humble pair of pants, shorts, or skort becomes an indispensable piece of equipment, as vital as a sturdy backpack or reliable footwear.

For years, the author of this piece found solace and unwavering reliability in convertible pants, a personal favorite that served faithfully through countless miles. Specifically, REI Sahara Convertible pants were the go-to choice, a testament to their durability and adaptability. This long-standing reliance continued until, after nearly a decade of rigorous use, they finally succumbed to the unforgiving demands of the trail, developing threadbare patches and significant tears during an arduous trek on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This personal anecdote underscores the profound impact that even seemingly minor gear choices can have on a thru-hiker’s journey, highlighting the constant search for gear that can withstand the extreme conditions of long-distance trails.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of this crucial gear decision, we reached out to five seasoned thru-hikers, each with a wealth of experience on some of the nation’s most iconic trails. Their insights offer a diverse spectrum of preferences, strategies, and product recommendations, providing invaluable guidance for anyone contemplating their own long-distance hiking adventure.

Grace: The Unassuming Durability of REI Savanna Trail Pants

Grace, a recent finisher of the demanding John Muir Trail (JMT) in 2024 and currently navigating the scenic Colorado Trail, has developed a profound appreciation for REI’s Savanna Trail Pants. Her choice is rooted in a combination of practical features and unexpected resilience. "I bought them not expecting much, because usually you get what you pay for," Grace admits, reflecting on her initial purchase. "I figured I’ll just upgrade to the fancy brands when they fall apart. To my pleasant surprise, they’ve actually survived hundreds of trail miles over the past few years, including the JMT."

A significant advantage for Grace, who stands at a petite stature, is the availability of these pants in petite and short sizes. This attention to fit is crucial for preventing chafing and ensuring comfort over extended periods of hiking. The Savanna Trail Pants boast a UPF 50 rating, offering excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays, a critical consideration for prolonged exposure to the sun at high altitudes. The newest iteration of these pants has been updated and is now known as the Trailmade Pant, promising continued innovation in comfort and functionality.

Grace’s endorsement is particularly compelling due to the pants’ remarkable durability, a quality she initially underestimated. "I love them for their simplicity and they’re more durable than I expected," she states emphatically. "I can’t tell you how many times I’ve slipped and scraped my butt on rocks and gravel and not gotten a hole on my bottom. There was even one time I tripped and fell really hard on my knee. My skin suffered some scrapes and burns and a little blood, but my pants? Not a scratch." This testament to their ruggedness speaks volumes about their ability to withstand the inevitable scrapes and tumbles that are part of any thru-hike. The fabric’s ability to resist abrasion and tears is a significant advantage, reducing the need for repairs and the worry of gear failure in remote locations.

Strodo: The Uninhibited Freedom of Running Shorts

For Strodo, a seasoned thru-hiker with an impressive resume including the Bigfoot Trail (BMT) in 2019, the Superior Hiking Trail (STT) in 2021, the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2023, and the PCT in 2025, the choice is unequivocally shorts. "Hiking in shorts is always a must for me," Strodo declares. "I hike in Chicken Legs shorts, and they hold up and give you plenty of room for movement." Chicken Legs is a small, independent running apparel company known for its distinctive, often whimsically designed shorts. These garments are characterized by their exceptionally short inseams, vibrant patterns, and strategically placed pockets designed to hold small essentials. A key feature is their nylon-spandex inner lining, which provides support and helps to prevent chafing.

Strodo’s preference for shorts is driven by a combination of physiological and personal factors. "Shorts are better for me because I chafe more, feel restricted in pants, and run hot," he explains. "So the less the better for me. Plus, I like seeing hikers in shorts to see them hiker legs on people! Especially calves!" This sentiment highlights the individual nature of gear selection; what works for one hiker may not be optimal for another. The desire for unrestricted movement and efficient heat dissipation is paramount for many, and shorts excel in these areas. Strodo’s lighthearted comment about appreciating the visual of strong hiker legs also adds a touch of camaraderie and personal expression to the discussion of trail attire.

Yi Ting: The Lightweight Versatility of Typhoon No. 8’s Sherpa Running Shorts

Yi Ting, a thru-hiker based in Taiwan, has conquered the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in 2023 and is currently on the PCT in 2025, relying on the Typhoon No. 8’s Sherpa running shorts. This Hong Kong-based brand designs apparel specifically for runners, and their Sherpa shorts have proven exceptionally well-suited for the demands of thru-hiking. A standout feature of these shorts is the integrated waist belt, equipped with four "hyper-stretch" mesh pockets. This innovative design is a game-changer for thru-hikers who often carry ultralight packs and may lack ample storage on their hip belts.

"These shorts are so light," Yi Ting exclaims. "As someone who carries an ultralight pack without a ton of hip belt pockets, the pockets on this waist belt come in handy. I put my phone in the front pocket, which is super convenient when I need to look at my map. The other pockets are also convenient: if it’s about to rain, I can keep my rain poncho there. Plus, there are loops on the hip belt (designed for pinning racing bibs) where I can hang things like my bathroom kit, including things such as a Kula cloth." The practicality of these pockets cannot be overstated. They offer immediate access to essential items like navigation devices, emergency gear, and personal hygiene products, streamlining on-trail operations. The ability to quickly deploy a rain poncho or access a Kula cloth, a reusable antimicrobial pee cloth, demonstrates the thoughtful design and functional benefits of this apparel.

Echoing Strodo’s sentiment, Yi Ting also favors shorts for their comfort and efficiency in warm weather. "It’s breezier, you can hike quicker, and the heat disperses off of my body quickly," she says. While acknowledging the potential for minor abrasions, Yi Ting embraces these as badges of honor. "I don’t mind getting a cut or two on my legs, because even if I do, those scars are a mark of what I have experienced and memories I have made." This philosophical perspective underscores the deep connection between physical challenges and personal growth on the trail. The minor discomforts, she suggests, are ultimately outweighed by the profound experiences and memories forged.

Sam: The Budget-Conscious Ingenuity of Walmart Scrub Pants

Sam, who has completed the JMT in 2024 and is currently hiking the Colorado Trail, champions a more unconventional approach to trail attire: exclusively wearing budget-friendly, long pants sourced from big-box retailers. This strategy reflects a strong belief in creative problem-solving without breaking the bank. For warm-weather hiking, Sam’s go-to choice is a pair of drawstring scrub pants from Walmart, retailing for a mere $16.

"The stretchy lightweight fabric doesn’t feel too hot or itchy for me," Sam explains. "They’re durable and easy to clean. They dry quickly and are wrinkle-free. Wearing long pants saves me from having to slather sunscreen on my legs." The affordability and practicality of these pants are their primary appeal. The lightweight, stretchy fabric offers comfort and ease of movement, while their quick-drying properties are essential for managing sweat and potential rain. The added benefit of not having to apply sunscreen to the legs is a significant time-saver and reduces the risk of missing spots. Sam’s ingenuity extends to a clever modification: "And if you find a bell-bottom version of these pants, you can add a hook at the front and velcro at the back to make a built-in gaiter." This DIY approach to creating integrated gaiters demonstrates how resourceful hikers can adapt inexpensive clothing to meet specific trail needs, enhancing protection against debris and insects.

Cinderella: The Stylish and Functional Skort

Cinderella, an accomplished thru-hiker with the AT completed in 2021 and the PCT in 2025, is a staunch advocate for the skort. While hiking skirts have gained popularity for their exceptional breathability, the skort offers a compelling compromise, combining the airy feel of a skirt with the practicality of built-in shorts. "I’ve found I prefer a skort or shorts most of the time," she states. "I do sometimes feel like I’m missing out on the bug/sun protection from a long pant but I feel so trapped if my legs aren’t free." This sentiment captures the common dilemma faced by hikers seeking freedom of movement without sacrificing essential protection.

After experimenting with various brands, Cinderella has found her favorite in the Smartwool Skort. "It’s cute and functional," she enthuses. "The built-in shorts are merino-based so they dry super fast and aren’t constricting. I haven’t had any issues with them riding up or chafing. The outside skirt material is also light and flowy." The use of merino wool in the inner shorts is a significant advantage. Merino wool is renowned for its moisture-wicking properties, natural odor resistance, and excellent temperature regulation, making it ideal for activewear. The fact that the shorts are non-constricting and do not ride up or chafe is crucial for long-distance comfort. The light and flowy outer skirt material further enhances breathability and freedom of movement, making the Smartwool Skort a well-rounded choice for hikers who prioritize both style and performance.

In conclusion, the choice of bottoms for a 2,000-mile hike is a deeply personal journey of discovery. Whether embracing the time-tested versatility of convertible pants, the uninhibited freedom of running shorts, the functional design of specialized athletic wear, the budget-friendly ingenuity of everyday garments, or the stylish practicality of a skort, each hiker’s preference is a reflection of their individual needs, priorities, and experiences on the trail. The diverse strategies shared by Grace, Strodo, Yi Ting, Sam, and Cinderella underscore that there is no single "right" answer, but rather a multitude of effective solutions, each tailored to the unique demands of the thru-hiking adventure. The ultimate goal remains the same: to find legwear that allows for comfort, protection, and the unhindered pursuit of the next horizon.