A reliable, comfortable, and breathable pair of hiking shorts are a must-have component of any hiking outfit in warm weather. We prefer to hike in shorts for most of our summer adventures, since they make it easier to stay cool in warmer weather and allow for a full range of motion.
The CleverHiker team has tested over 30 pairs of different shorts across 5,000 miles of trails all over the world, and we’ve learned what makes a pair stand out. Whether your top priorities are a low price, breathable and lightweight fabric, unique style, or inclusive sizing, you’ll find your new favorite pair of hiking shorts below.
If you want better sun protection for your legs, then it’s definitely worth considering a pair of hiking pants. And when the weather takes a turn in the other direction, we can help you stay prepared with top picks for rain pants and rain jackets as well.
Quick Picks for Men’s Hiking Shorts
Check out this quick list of the best backpacking stoves if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
Best hiking shorts overall: Patagonia Quandary ($85)
Best athletic shorts for hiking: Nike Dri-FIT Challenger ($41)
Best value hiking shorts: prAna Stretch Zion II ($75)
Best balance of durability, utility & style: Outdoor Research Ferrosi ($79)
Best budget hiking shorts: Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo ($50)
Quick drying cross between board shorts & hiking shorts: REI Trailmade Amphib ($50)
What’s new
The Clever Hiker team has been hiking and running in all the new shorts that came out this year and comparing them against our long-time favorites. We’ve revamped this list completely, and the order of products has been reorganized.
- The low weight and durable Patagonia Quandary Shorts are at the top of our list as a high-value pair of shorts built for long days on trail.
- It’s tough to beat the Nike Dri-FIT Challengers when it comes to soft athletic shorts that dry quickly. These shorts are super stretchy, making them perfect for climbing, hiking, and big movements.
- Columbia’s Silver Ridge Cargo shorts are a slim, more athletic-fitting version of classic cargo shorts that stand out as a super affordable and lightweight shorts for hiking.
- After field testing, we added Cotopaxi’s Brinco shorts to the list, and named them best swim/hiking shorts hybrid.
- The REI Trailmade Amphib make the cut as one of the most affordable, versatile and stylish shorts for hikes that involve water, since they dry quickly after a soaking.
Men’s Patagonia Quandary
Best hiking shorts overall
Price: $85
Weight: 7.2 oz.
Inseam: 8 in. / 10 in.
Pros
- Durable
- Good value
- Breathable
- Great pockets
- Stretchy
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit tight in the thighs
- No built-in belt
The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are an awesome value with a great balance of low weight and durability. These classic shorts are some of our favorites for day hiking since they have a nice town-to-trail look. And the breathable, stretchy fabric is also great for long-term comfort and mobility on backpacking trips. The Quandaries have a plethora of pockets, but they all sit flat and make these shorts feel very sleek for the amount of storage. If we could change / add anything about the Quandary’s, they would include a built-in belt, but this isn’t a dealbreaker for us: these shorts fit well and have a nice, stretchy waistband to accommodate different body shapes. For those wanting a versatile pair of shorts that easily transition from urban to alpine, the Quandaries are hard to beat.
Men’s Nike Dri-FIT Challenger
Best athletic shorts for hiking
Price: $40
Weight: 4.8 oz.
Inseam: 5 in. / 7 in. / 9 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Dries quickly
- Soft/comfy fabric
- Breathable
- Built-in liner
- Ultralight
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as versatile as some
- Drawstring waist is not as adjustable
- Not as durable as some
Hiking can be quite the workout, so we often opt to wear athletic shorts on the trail. The Nike Dri-FIT Challengers have been our go-to for many years since they’re affordable, lightweight, breathable, and quick drying. The simple design makes them easy to move in, and we’ve found the ultralight material this Editor’s Pick is made from to be just durable enough for a couple of seasons of intense hiking. That said, for more casual day hikes, we’d probably choose something more burly and utilitarian like the Patagonia Quandaries above. For those who are tackling challenging hikes and longer distances, the Challengers are what we wear thanks to their light material, airy feel, and easy-to-love fit.
Men’s prAna Stretch Zion II
Best value hiking shorts
Price: $75
Weight: 9.7 oz.
Inseam: 8 in. / 10 in. / 12 in.
Pros
- Very durable
- Great value
- Stretchy
- Stylish
- Built-in belt
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit heavy
- A bit bulky
PrAna clothing is known for having a great balance of style and longevity, and the Stretch Zion II shorts certainly live up to that reputation. The fabric is stretchy, easy to move in, and thick yet breathable for durability and comfort. The Zions are a bit on the heavy and bulky side, so we like the trimmed down design of the prAna Brions (below) for most casual outings. But those going for utility will like that the Zions offer a ton of secure storage without feeling or looking frumpy like some other cargo shorts, and they come in a ton of stylish color ways for every style. These crowd-favorites are an awesome value since they’re comfortable, they have a built-in belt for dialing in the fit on long hikes, and they can be worn for pretty much any occasion.
Men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Best balance of durability, utility & style
Price: $79
Weight: 7.6 oz.
Inseam: 7 in. / 10 in. / 12 in.
Pros
- Stretchy
- Breathable
- Durable
- Versatile
- Dries quickly
- 7 in. shorts include belt
- Stylish
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Expensive
- Handwarmer pockets are a bit floppy
We love the Ferrosi Pants from Outdoor Research, so we had high hopes for the Ferrosi Shorts – and they didn’t disappoint! We’re big fans of the comfortable material, highly adjustable built-in belt, and plenty of stretch for a full range of movement. We find the look and fit to be comfortable on trail as well as stylish enough for around town use, so these versatile shorts are ready for any adventure. Our only complaint is the handwarmer pockets are a bit floppy – you’ll have to be extra careful if you’re stashing keys in them, for example – but this is a small con. Whether you’re going for a quick jaunt in a city park or setting off for a thru hike, the breathable and durable Ferrosis are a great choice.
Men’s Cotopaxi Brinco
Best swim/hiking shorts hybrid
Price: $70
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Inseam: 5 in.
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Stylish
- Good value
- Versatile
- Tons of bright colorways
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not stretchy
- Material can cause chafing during long periods in the heat
- 5-inch inseam isn't for everyone
Who says hiking clothes can’t be trendy? The style-forward Cotopaxi Brincos are designed with colorful, retro flair, and they’re down for any adventure – hiking, going for a swim, or heading out for lunch. The Brincos are made with nylon material that dries quickly for fun in the water and holds up to hard use for fun on the trail.
We’ve tested several pairs of shorts that fall into this swim shorts hybrid category, including the REI Trailmade Amphibs and the Patagonia Baggies. The Brincos are our favorite because the material is a bit softer and less prone to causing chafing than others. That said, these aren’t as soft as material used in athletic shorts, like the Nikes above, so we wouldn’t recommend them for multi-day treks in hot weather.
It can sometimes feel like the options for men’s hiking shorts are an endless sea of browns, beiges, and army green. But the vibrant Brincos offer a fresh change of pace and are sure to be a clothing item that you reach for often.
Men’s prAna Brion II
Best town-to-trail shorts
Price: $75
Weight: 8.6 oz.
Inseam: 9 in. / 11 in.
Pros
- Stylish
- Stretchy
- Durable material
- Versatile for town to trail
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as good for long backpacking trips (not as many pockets, fit is a bit tighter)
- No built-in belt
- Longer fit isn't for everyone
We own several pairs of the prAna Brion shorts and have been rocking them for years because we love their town-to-trail style. When it comes to a pair of shorts that transitions easily from day hikes and rock climbing to a brewery with friends, this pair can handle it all. With a simplified pocket setup and a more flattering fit, the Brions are a trimmed down version of the iconic prAna Stretch Zions (above). We highly recommend these for day hikes and frontcountry camping, but something with more pockets and a looser fit, like the Stretch Zions or Patagonia Quandaries, are better for backpacking. That said, the Brions have a good amount of stretch to balance out their slim fit, and they’re ready for any adventure if you prefer more traditional bottoms.
Men’s Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo
Best budget hiking shorts
Price: $50
Weight: 10.4 oz.
Inseam: 10 in. / 12 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Breathable
- Town-to-trail look
- Good pockets
- Built-in belt
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as durable as some
- A bit heavy
Cargo shorts have a tendency to look bulky, but the affordable Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo are a trimmed down take on these utilitarian shorts, which is why they earned our Budget Buy badge. These stylish bottoms have a secure pocket on each thigh – one with Velcro, the other zippered – that we find really useful for storing important small items like a key or an ID. But the fabric isn’t very durable or breathable compared to some others, and the pockets will typically be the first thing to show signs of wear. That said, we think the weight tradeoff is worth the small durability penalty since the Silver Ridges don’t feel as frumpy as other cargo shorts we’ve worn.
Men’s Vuori Kore
Stylish & versatile athletic shorts
Price: $68
Weight: 7.7 oz.
Inseam: 5 in. / 7.5 in.
Pros
- Stylish for athletic shorts
- Built-in liner
- Very soft & comfortable
- Dries quickly,
- Stretchy
- Versatile
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Boxer brief liner can bunch up
- Not as durable as some
The Vuori Kore shorts are versatile bottoms that we use for everything from swimming, to day hikes, to casual outings around town. They’re good looking for athletic shorts and comfier than dedicated hiking shorts (like the prAna Stretch Zions), so they’re a good in-between when the occasion calls for a balance of performance and style. The draw-string cord is simple, the pockets are functional, and they come in a ton of colorways to match the occassion. In general we prefer the Nike Challengers above for longer hikes because their brief liner is so functional – we’ve found the boxer briefs of the Kore shorts have a tendency to ride up over time. That said, the Kores are some of our favorites for shorter hikes and urban walks.
Men’s Patagonia Multi Trails
Athletic hiking shorts with secure hand pockets
Price: $79
Weight: 6.4 oz.
Inseam: 8 in.
Pros
- Stretchy
- Dries quickly
- Breathable
- Zippered hand pockets
- Lightweight
- Built-in liner
Cons
- Not as durable as some
- Very thin
The Patagonia Multi Trails are a close second to our go-to athletic shorts, the Nike Dri-FIT Challengers above. We ranked the Nikes higher for their friendlier price point, more functional brief liner, and wider range of size offerings, but the Multi Trails win out is for their more flattering fit and the inclusion of zippers on the hand pockets. The Multi Trails are less billowy, but still plenty breathable and airy for toasty days on trail. We found the lightweight material of the Multi Trails is a little thin, so they’re not as durable as other options on this list – which means they may not be the best choice for trails that include a lot of butt-scooting down rock. But we think the tradeoff in durability is worth it for the soft, comfy fabric and outstanding fit that comes in almost every color you could want.
Men’s REI Trailmade Amphib
Quick drying cross between board shorts & hiking shorts
Price: $50
Weight: 6 oz.
Inseam: 6 in.
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not stretchy
- Material can cause chafing if worn for long periods in the heat
The REI Trailmade Amphib are one of our Budget Buys: they are affordable and versatile bottoms that sit somewhere between board shorts, hiking shorts, and casual everyday shorts. This amphibious model are perfect for those who never miss a chance to dip into a lake on trail, as they’ll be dry not long after you resume hiking. The Amphibs are very similar to the popular Patagonia Baggies (in Honorable Mentions below), but these are a bit more affordable, they come with a built-in belt, and the fabric feels a little softer than the Baggies. The Amphibs are nice looking, but since they’re not stretchy we typically only use them for short, easy hikes or when swimming is part of the plan.
Men’s The North Face Wander
Budget-friendly hiking shorts with a flat waistband
Price: $50
Weight: 4.4 oz.
Inseam: 7 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Flat waistband sits nicely under a hipbelt
- Ultralight
- Dries quickly
- Comfortable
- Simple design
Cons
- Fabric is swishy & stiff
- No waist cinching
The affordable Wander Shorts from The North Face are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between an athletic short and a casual short. We found the flat waistband of the Wanders to be one of the most comfy under a hipbelt, and the simple pocket setup (just two hand pockets) keep the legs bulk-free as well. While the drop pockets are fine for holding a small item or two, we appreciate the stealthy zippered pocket for better security. We just wish the Wanders were made with a softer fabric, because the stiff polyester has a tendency to bunch up a bit and can feel uncomfortable on really long adventures in hot weather. That said, we still find these shorts to be exceptionally comfortable, and we even lounge around in them at home.
What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Hiking Shorts?
PRICE
When it comes to clothes you’ll rely on heavily hour after hour and day after day, we think it’s worth spending a bit more money for high-quality, comfortable, and durable clothing. In our experience, a well-designed fit takes priority over cost, but we recommend excellent options for every budget below.
Best budget hiking shorts
Best mid-range hiking shorts
WEIGHT
Weight matters, especially when you’re looking for new shorts. Lightweight shorts are easy to move in, breath well, and dry quickly – all super important factors when you’re hiking. That said, heavier shorts are worth considering if your top priotiy is long-term durability for use season after season.
Best ultralight hiking shorts
Best lightweight hiking shorts
Best heavy-duty hiking shorts
STYLE
Style is a matter of personal preference and how you use your shorts. Some folks like shorts with a plethora of useful pockets, some look for a pair that transitions well from town to trail, and others want a minimal pair that’s light and airy. Check out our favorites in each category below.
Best athletic hiking shorts
Hiking shorts with the best cargo pockets
Hiking shorts that transition well from town to trail
INCLUSIVE SIZING
High-performance, top-quality, good-looking shorts should be inclusive and accessible for every body, shape, and size – the outdoors is for everyone!
Hiking shorts with inclusive sizing
VUORI KORE – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
COTOPAXI BRINCO – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Shorts Vs. Pants
SHORTS
Hiking shorts are lightweight, cool, and comfortable – which is why they’re our first choice for fair weather adventures. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can use their favorite shorts with a quality set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty. That said, shorts will make your skin more vulnerable to hazards like scrapes, sunburn, brambles, and mosquitoes. Most shorts don’t have as many pockets for storing things. either.
PANTS
Hiking pants offer the best protection from the elements, bugs, and spiky, stinging plants. If you’re hiking in an area with thick brush or where the threat of pests such as ticks is increased, pants are probably the better choice. Of course there are some downsides – it’s harder to regulate your body temperature in pants, they’re heavier, and they can limit your movement a bit more than shorts. Convertible and roll-up pants give you more control over temperature, although we tend to prefer roll-ups for their more flattering fit. Check out our Best Hiking Pants list to see our top picks.
Critical Hiking Shorts Considerations
FABRICS MATTER
Synthetic materials are great for outdoor clothing since they’re durable and don’t absorb moisture. We prefer shorts made with stretchy fabrics to allow for easy movement.
Nylon
Nylon is an exceptionally durable synthetic fabric that dries quickly. It tends to feel slightly softer on the skin than other synthetic fabrics. Because of the way nylon is made, it tends to be a bit pricier.
Polyester
Polyester is very durable (although slightly less so than nylon) and naturally hydrophobic. It absorbs less water than nylon and wicks moisture more effectively. It’s also less prone to pilling, so it will stay looking nice for longer.
Cotton
Cotton is soft and comfortable, but it absorbs water. It dries very slowly, sticks to the skin and causes chafing when wet, and can be potentially dangerous in cold/wet climates. Because of these downsides, cotton is generally not recommended for outdoor activities.
Spandex/elastane
We prefer hiking shorts with some spandex/elastane content for mobility. Most shorts we tested have two-way stretch, which means they stretch in one direction (typically crosswise). Some have four-way stretch, which means the fabric stretches crosswise and lengthwise. Four-way stretch is usually more expensive, but it’s more comfortable and provides a greater range of motion.
POCKETS
Pockets are the most helpful on pants – in general, we don’t use the pockets on hiking shorts as often, since they can feel bulky and annoying over time and can impede natural movement. That’s why we prefer shorts with minimal pockets, because they look more sleek and feel more comfortable.
Back pockets
We almost never use back pockets on trail because they’re hard to access with a backpack on, and things stored there get in the way when we want to sit down. WE prefer using hip-belt pockets on our backpacks or a small front pocket instead.
Front pockets
Front pockets can be useful around town, but we use them less often on trail because they’re hard to access with a hip belt on. Items stored in front pockets can also be uncomfortable when you have to lift your legs high for scrambling.
Leg pockets
In our opinion, zippered pockets on the thigh tend to be the most useful, but we’ll keep small items like chapstick, a lighter, or a small multitool in there for quick access.
Technical Fabric Care
PRETREATED FABRICS / MAINTENANCE
Some technical clothing comes pretreated with water or bug repellent. These pretreatments aren’t permanent, will need regular reapplication, and they drive up the cost of the garment. You can easily maintain a treatment or add one to your shorts with these products:
Water repellency
To maintain or add water resistance to hiking shorts we recommend using Nikwax Softshell Proof. This treatment will maintain breathability while effectively causing water to bead and roll off the fabric. Keep in mind that this won’t make your shorts completely waterproof, since moisture can still get through the seams.
Bug-proofing
To maintain or add bug repellant to your clothing we recommend Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray. It repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers. It lasts about six weeks or six washes before you need to reapply it.
Repairing tears/holes
To patch holes and tears, we recommend using the Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit. These patches don’t require any sewing or ironing, can withstand repeated machine washes, and are UV protective and waterproof.
GENERAL CARE
Technical fabrics require a bit of additional care to keep them performing their best year after year. Always follow the washing directions on the tags carefully, but we outline some general tips below:
Use a front loading washer
The agitator in a top loading washer can be rough on seams and thin fabrics, and can snag zippers or drawstrings. Make sure you zip all the zippers and tie the drawstrings before washing in a front loader to prevent wear and tear.
Use a laundry bag
If you’re worried about how your garments will hold up in the wash – especially if your only option is a top-loading washer – consider picking up an inexpensive mesh laundry sack to better protect the fabric, drawstrings, and seams of your clothes as they’re washed.
Use a technical fabric wash
We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash for washing any technical fabrics. You can also use a gentle detergent, like Woolite.
Only wash when you need to
A lot of technical fabrics are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldn’t hold odors. Hiking clothing doesn’t necessarily need to be washed after every single adventure, especially if it’s a shorter hike or a day trip. Consider airing your clothing out first to see if that does the trick before washing.
Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets
Fabric softener and dryer sheets can deposit residue on the fabric and affect the overall performance. Both products can be harsh on technical fabrics, so wash your hiking gear separately and without these additions.
Hang dry when possible
Heat and agitation in the dryer can damage technical fabrics, especially over time. We recommend hanging your garments to dry for longevity and durability.
Honorable Mentions
The following hiking shoes didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these pairs of shoes might be perfect for you:
Affordable cargo shorts with secure, expandable pockets. We prefer the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts for their lower price, less bulky look, and included belt.
Comfortable and affordable running shorts with hand pockets. We prefer the Nike Challenger Shorts for their increased durability and better fit.
Very similar to the REI Trailmade Amphib above – the Baggies are quick-drying board short/hiking short crossovers with a stylish look. Many people, us included, have reported having trouble with the fit of these shorts due to the lack of stretch.
