At last! Colourful walking shorts to fit curvy figures

You’re looking for a practical and good-looking pair of walking shorts that gives you confidence on hot days out on the hill? Could that be the Berghaus Women’s Kinnivie Trail Shorts? Fi puts a pair through their paces.

Walking shorts always look fabulous on models but often don’t live up to expectations when worn by an average-shaped woman. I’m a tall size 16\18 and up to now (we’re talking decades here), haven’t been able to find a pair of trail shorts that:

1. Feel comfortable i.e. they’re long enough in the body to account for my curves, made of stretchy enough fabric to move with me, and don’t have legs that ride up and chafe my inner thighs.
2. Look good i.e. they’re not black or grey, don’t make me look an unappealing square shape, and are cut to flatter instead of drape my curves.
3. Have sensible pockets i.e. multiple pockets with zips, that are big enough for my phone, and don’t leave me looking a strange shape when I fill them.

And then Berghaus sent me a pair of Kinnivie Trail Shorts in Calgary Blue (think light teal). I loved them from the offset and was even happier when I tried them on.

Just a note here. I didn’t pay for these shorts (although I am now tempted to buy another pair in a different colour) and was under no obligation to provide a gear review, good or otherwise.

‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ Was my first reaction.

This was quickly followed by.

‘Please let them fit!’

And they did. On first receiving my shorts, it was immediately obvious that they were a quality piece of gear that had been designed with outdoor practicality in mind as well as actual women.

I was impressed with the colour (perfect for the beach too) and also the fabric, which had amazing stretch and felt light enough for the hottest of heatwave days.

Once I had established that they fitted, my only concern was, would I ever want to take them off?

5/5 *****

PROS

Lightweight, stretchy fabric

Flattering and comfortable cut

Three zipped pockets

Great colour

CONS

Not yet made in orange 😉

£75 might be out of budget for some

Super comfortable. The half elastic waistband and four-way stretch fabric mean these shorts sit where they’re supposed to. They’re generously enough cut to fit a curvy shape, which means they don’t leave an annoying gap with my top.

Best of all, the split side seam detail doesn’t just provide cool venting, it ensures the shorts don’t ride up on the inside thigh (for me this is a complete gamechanger).

So far I’ve mostly worn these shorts for walking the dog. In the summer this usually involves us both getting hot and then cooling off at the beach (yes I know I’m lucky).

I’ve noticed a difference when I’m wearing these hiking shorts. For a start, I don’t get as hot because my legs are exposed and the fabric is so breathable. Even when the sweat does eventually appear, it wicks away so quickly, I haven’t noticed any unpleasant dampness around the waistband or anywhere else.

As often as possible. Especially during a heatwave.

I’ve gained so much confidence from wearing them. I’ve had walking shorts that have been comfortable before (just one pair!) They had good pockets, but I didn’t feel great in them. I can’t remember ever wearing them for more than half a day.

Thanks to Berghaus, that’s all changed. My Kinnivie shorts are my go-to for walking and for beach days, and my legs (after years of being hidden) are finally turning brown.

Although I’ve put the £75 cost of these shorts as a ‘con’ at the top of this gear review, I actually think they’re well priced for the excellent level of comfort and design features they offer. Nevertheless, I always end my gear reviews with a couple of comparisons, so here they are:

Patagonia Women’s Multi Trail Shorts – £70 – similar cut, light colour available, two zip pockets, mid-rise, slightly shorter, good eco-credentials, available to size XXL (22)

Arc’teryx Silene Short 6″ Women’s – £90 – similar cut, bright colour available, unzipped pockets, mid-rise, similar length, designed for climbing, only available to size 16

Although Berghaus has its own MADEKIND sustainability program, these shorts are not labelled as meeting the strict criteria. They are made from Polyamide, Elastane and Polyester in Vietnam. Unusually (and very impressively) the Berghaus Repairhaus team offer free repairs (not postage) for life.