Will I regret wearing shorts?

[Tundracamper]

I've hiked the AT, but only in the fall and winter. About to head up to the GA/NC state line area and wondering if I will regret hiking in shorts. Is the foliage thick enough next to the trail to snag your legs? Or, is traffic through there heavy enough that I don't have to worry about ending up at camp with scratches on my legs should I elect to wear shorts?

[ChrisJackson]

I've gone to running shorts for this time of year in Georgia. No problems. No snags. Though, I do stick to the AT this time of year specifically because it is easier to avoid poison ivy due to trail width. I still bring something like a running tight for camp and pajamas. I'd say you wouldn't regret shorts.

[illabelle]

Absolutely wear shorts. I've seen some weedy patches on the AT, but nothing so overgrown I'd be willing to wear long pants for a summer hike in the South. Most of the trail that I've seen has been cleared plenty wide. Like Chris said, bring something to stay warm in camp as it can be cool at night - and stay away from the poison ivy!

[Kevin108]

Why not wear something like the REI Sahara and have the best of both worlds?

[jbwood5]

I've hiked the AT, but only in the fall and winter. About to head up to the GA/NC state line area and wondering if I will regret hiking in shorts. Is the foliage thick enough next to the trail to snag your legs? Or, is traffic through there heavy enough that I don't have to worry about ending up at camp with scratches on my legs should I elect to wear shorts?

These days, the trail maintainers do a good job of keeping the trail clear. There have been some years where I have had briars almost close the trail in, but it's pretty infrequent. It might still happen, because the briars can grow several inches a week.

Maybe consider packing some lightweight long pants?

[dbright]

I look to wear long pants to keep the ticks away as much as possible.

[bangorme]

Wear shorts, put some repellent bordering the leg openings (above and below). Do the same with your shirt/tops. Ticks are a given until you get to northwestern Maine.

[hikernutcasey]

Summer in the south = shorts

Just spray your shoes, socks, shirt and shorts with Permethrin before you go to keep the ticks off.

[RockDoc]

Yes, the zip-off convertible pants are the ticket. Any given day, you may want to have both long and short pants available.

[garlic08]

In addition to bug repellent, you might need sunscreen. To avoid carrying and applying chemicals, I just wear lightweight long trousers (and sleeves). I don't like PI either.

Look at people who work out in the sun all day. They're covered up.

But many if not most hikers wear shorts, certainly in the South in late spring, and no, I don't think you'll regret it.

[Rain Man]

The problem is, 95% of the time, you'll like wearing shorts due to the heat. However, that 5% when you are walking through over-grow poison ivy, you'll regret not wearing pants. Poison ivy is the state plant of GA and of NC too.

Perhaps convertible pants?

[HDLV]

I am a big fan of the brand prana's Strech Zion pants. they are light weight and wick water well, On me they comfortablely roll up into shorts when I want them. No taking on and off shoes to change, you can actually convert shorts to pants while walking.

[Starchild]

The problem is, 95% of the time, you'll like wearing shorts due to the heat. However, that 5% when you are walking through over-grow poison ivy, you'll regret not wearing pants. Poison ivy is the state plant of GA and of NC too.

Perhaps convertible pants?

Poison ivy on pants is also a problem, the oil will stay on the fabric and transfer to the skin.

[Tundracamper]

In addition to bug repellent, you might need sunscreen. To avoid carrying and applying chemicals, I just wear lightweight long trousers (and sleeves). I don't like PI either.

Look at people who work out in the sun all day. They're covered up.

But many if not most hikers wear shorts, certainly in the South in late spring, and no, I don't think you'll regret it.

Is the canopy not thick this time of year? Again, I haven't been in the summer. But based on all the trees I remember seeing, it seems the trail would not always be in full sun.


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[Namtrag]

Columbia kayaking shorts ftw!

[Carbo]

Go with the shorts. Carry a few band-aids, which you should have anyway.

[Fredt4]

I wore shorts. Started my NOBO hike April 2nd. Got some poison ivy, no big deal. Got Lyme disease on my lower left keg, no sure if pants would have made a difference. Your call.

[Buttercup01]

I do a lot of off trail hiking. Doing that requires sturdy long pants and medium weight (or heavier) socks. On the trail, my major issues with shorts are:
1. Insect bites
2. Cuts and scrapes - I fall a lot
3. Poison ivy
4. Spider webs - I hate how they feel!
5. Sunburn
6. Tick landing zones (legs)
7. Annoying insects that you constantly swat.
8. My legs are pretty ripped up and don't look very pretty.

I think the best of both worlds for on trail hiking is very light pants with calf height socks.

[Dogwood]

What about kilts?

[fastfoxengineering]

In the hotter months on the AT, I prefer shorts.

I'm still not sold on pants being better with dealing with ticks or poison ivy. There's a lot of personal experience from people going both ways on that topic.

When it comes to dealing with the sun, being fair skinned, I prefer being covered with clothes over applying sunscreen. However, in hot and dry climates, long clothing is fine for me. On the AT, it's so humid, I can't deal with pants.

If your worried about bumps and bruises, it's gonna happen anyway, and you'll come out a stronger person.