REI Co-op Flash Shorts - Women's
Fast-and-light adventures? Move freely in these stretchy REI Co-op hiking shorts with a 5 in. inseam. The quick-dry fabric has a durable water repellent and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.




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- Flash hiking shorts perfectly balance weight, durability and function
- Lightweight, 4-way stretch nylon/spandex fabric breathes well and dries quickly
- Durable water repellent (DWR) made without PFAS helps moisture bead up on the surface
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Roomy hand pockets
- Right hand pocket has an internal security pocket with zipper
- Left hand pocket has an internal stow pocket for a card or key, holding contents closer to your body for less bounce
- Low-profile, pull-on waistband sits comfortably under a pack hipbelt and has an internal drawcord for adjustability
- Waistband uses our breathable, quick-drying and moisture-wicking Swiftland Grid material
- Crotch gusset panel also uses Swiftland Grid material for great venting and moisture management
- High rise
- 5 in. inseam reduces weight and takes up less space in your pack on thru-hikes
- Machine wash cold; do not bleach; tumble dry low
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Hiking Shorts| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 87% nylon/13% spandex (bluesign approved) |
| Inner Liner | No |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50+ |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Number of Pockets | 4 |
| Pants Rise | High |
| Inseam (in.) | 5 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Nice for this larger lady!
For someone who strongly dislikes shorts, these are actually really nice. One of the problems I have as a larger‑thighed lady is that the leg opening is usually not generous enough, so I typically size up. I was blown away by these shorts because the leg is very roomy. For reference, I usually wear a 12–14 and purchased these in an XL, but I’d probably be more comfortable in a L. They also have great features like a drawstring waist, a zip pocket, another hidden pocket, and some venting in the areas where it’s needed. I also didn’t notice any crotch bunching, which IYKYK.
Great for the thick thigh ladies!
These fit true to size for a medium! They have a drawstring, so I chose to wear them with more of a high rise an they still were long enough. Plenty of space if you're curvier like me! Really light weight, quick drying. Deep pockets, but no zipper closure. Held my phone fine while doing moderate hiking. Could barely tell I was wearing them. Definitely recommend for a higher-coverage short. If worn on the hips they would be close to the knees for an average height woman.
Lightweight, flexible shorts for curvy bodies
These shorts are cut for those of us that have curves. They feature a combination stretchy and drawstring waist to make them adjustable. I like the lightweight fabric and I can use them in colder weather over a pair of tights or just on their own when it warms up. They have 2 ample side pockets which each have another smaller pocket inside. One inside pocket is zippered, which is great for storing something you don't want to loose, like keys or credit cards. The other inside pocket is just a small pocket. I'm not sure what I would use that for and I find it to be weird when I put my hand in that regular pocket and end up in the smaller pocket. I got a large because I wanted them to be loose and fit over another layer, so order your regular size if you like your shorts to fit a bit snugger.
Baggy oversized comfy shorts
These shorts are quite large. I ordered my normal size but they are big on me. They have a stretchy waist that is generous for their size. They are very baggy. The material is thin and lightweight making them perfect for hot summer days. I wore them walking around town on a weekend trip and did not have any complaints. I think they would dry quickly if wet. They are comfortable but not the most flattering style.
Super lightweight and breathable
These shorts are super lightweight. Perfect for high heat and sweat scenarios. The pockets are extra deep and can fit my phone and all the other random items my children hand to me. I also like the high waist and perfect short length.
lightweight multipurpose shorts
i used this shorts for pickleball since they have pockets but the fit was really unflattering. the waistband in particular felt strangely tight given normally those types of elastic bands are very comfortable. not sure if it was the integrated drawstring? the shorts could have probably been even lighter but there was pockets within the pockets and a zipper. while i’m someone that loves it when clothing designers include pockets for women, this might have been overkill.
Lightweight and Comfortable
These shorts are made with incredibly light fabric, making them quite comfortable and versatile to wear. While I mainly planned to wear them on hikes, this winter in the Northeast has been cold. So, I have primarily been wearing them around my home, to bed, and in the gym. I like the longer length and high waist. They come with nice pockets, as well--one with a small zipper to hold your keys. On one strangely warm day recently, I decided to wear them outside for a run and they held up really well. Just a note that there is no liner like you would find in shorts specifically made for running (which, these are not). Also, the available pockets aren't really designed to hold a phone if you're running. So, I wore a running belt to keep my phone tucked in to not bounce. While not described as running shorts, they did the trick for me in keeping me cool on this particularly warm day. If you're looking for a lightweight and comfort pair of versatile shorts, these may just do the trick!
Comfy and lightweight
I've been looking for this kind of shorts! They are lightweight, roomy without being overly baggy, and have fantastic pockets. The length is nice, too, for walking, running, or hiking, and the wide waistband is great for all-day wear. I would say that they run true to size.
I'll be wearing these all summer
I'll wear these all summer for hiking, walking the dog and errands. They are well designed with great pockets, especially the zip pocket for my keys. The fabric is light with strategic vents. I would encourage people to size up. I am a solid size 8 I ordered a large and glad that I did.
Very large legs
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. The shorts are light weight and well made but they are not made for my body type. The waist was fine although a bit tight but the legs were huge. They are specifically made for a particular body type, ie someone with large legs. So I would only recommend them to those people.




