Shopping for hiking shorts in Waterbury can be harder than you’d think—because sizing, weather, and trail-ready features rarely line up the first time you shop. Many stores carry shorts, but not always the “quick-dry,” “durable,” or “pocket-ready” kinds that feel right on the path. If you’re trying to plan for sudden New England weather swings, the search can feel like a scavenger hunt. And when you finally find a pair you like, the price can make you stop dead in your tracks. Don’t worry, though—this list will help you find trail-friendly shorts without wandering in circles.
Below are 10 places in Waterbury, Connecticut, where you can buy hiking shorts, plus a link to each store and an **average price** you can generally expect (based on typical in-store/offers for hiking-style shorts from well-known brands).
*Every stop gets you closer to the trail—so let’s keep it moving!*
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### 1) REI (Waterbury area shopping)
**Website:** https://www.rei.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$30–;$80**
**Why it’s great:** REI often carries reputable hiking and outdoor brands with useful features like quick-dry fabric and zippered pockets.
*Consider this a “gear” win—short on doubt, long on quality.*
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### 2) Dick’s Sporting Goods (area options)
**Website:** https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$25–;$70**
**Why it’s great:** You’ll usually find a range of athletic and outdoor shorts that work well for hiking, especially during warmer months.
*No need to “dick around”—get in, get outdoors.*
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### 3) Walmart (Waterbury)
**Website:** https://www.walmart.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$15–;$40**
**Why it’s great:** Budget-friendly options are common, and you can often sort by lightweight or activewear styles.
*Wallet feeling light? That’s the goal—no heavy lifting here.*
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### 4) Target (Waterbury area shopping)
**Website:** https://www.target.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$18–;$45**
**Why it’s great:** Target’s activewear lines frequently include quick-dry or stretch shorts suitable for casual hikes.
*Walk out feeling “well-bought,” not “well-worn.”*
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### 5) Academy Sports (nearby shopping option)
**Website:** https://www.academy.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$20–;$60**
**Why it’s great:** Often stocks outdoors-focused brands and seasonal deals.
*It’s like finding a shortcut to the checkout line.*
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### 6) Sportsman’s Warehouse (if available nearby)
**Website:** https://www.sportsmans.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$25–;$75**
**Why it’s great:** Outdoor-centric inventory can include hiking-specific cuts and materials.
*Short on time, long on options.*
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### 7) Best Buy (for online pickup/gear section via website)
**Website:** https://www.bestbuy.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$— (varies; not a typical shorts destination)**
**Why include it:** If you’re shopping online for hiking accessories, you may bundle orders with other travel/outing needs—while shorts are not usually their main inventory.
*This one’s more of a side quest than a main trail.*
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### 8) Local thrift/consignment shops (Waterbury area)
**Example search link:** https://www.thriftstores.com/ct/waterbury
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$8–;$25**
**Why it’s great:** You can sometimes score durable outdoor shorts at a fraction of retail—just check fit and fabric condition.
*Vintage finds make every hike feel like a treasure hunt.*
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### 9) TJ Maxx / Marshalls (Waterbury area)
**Website:** https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/ and https://www.marshalls.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$15–;$45**
**Why it’s great:** Brands rotate frequently, so deals pop up—especially during seasonal clearance.
*It’s a “short cut” to savings—just try them on first.*
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### 10) Online: Backcountry (ships to CT)
**Website:** https://www.backcountry.com/
**Average hiking shorts price:** **$45–;$110**
**Why it’s great:** Huge selection of technical hiking shorts, filters for features, and lots of brand variety.
*If the store shelves are bare, let your search “web out” to the right pair.*
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If you tell me your **budget range**, preferred **inseam length** (5", 7", 9"), and whether you want **zip pockets / quick-dry**, I can narrow this down to the best 2–;3 options for your exact hiking style—no detours required.
*Let’s get you geared up and hiking—shortly!*