Table of contents

Men’s Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts Review

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.
Man hiking down a rocky trail.
The Kuhl Renegade Rock shorts are durable even on tough rocks. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Bottom Line

The Kuhl Renegade Rock hiking shorts are among our favorite hiking shorts. These are durable enough for multiple seasons of intense hiking, yet stylish enough to head to dinner after a long hike.

These shorts repel water well, and if they do get wet while hiking they dry quickly. We enjoyed these so much testing them that after the hike we continued to wear them not just around town, but on the golf course and paddle boarding making them one of the more versatile shorts on our list.

Quick Specs

Stock image of Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts

Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Carrying Capacity

Score: 81/100

Price: $75

Weight: 8.5 oz.

Inseam: 7 in. / 9 in.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Stylish
  • Dries quickly
  • Great pockets
  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavier than some
back hiking shorts pocket with zipper.
The rear pocket with a zipper is good for securing small items. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Comfort

These hiking shorts are very comfortable both on and off the trail. We hiked, biked, and bummed around town in these for many months during our main testing period and we loved every moment. They are available in 7″ and 9″ inseams and have a signature FreeRyde waistband with a soft micro-chamois to help with comfort and odor. The crotch is gusseted, making them easier to hike in and stronger than ever. These shorts received top marks not only for durability but also for comfort and for how quickly they dry.

Close up of button on hiking shorts.
There’s no built-in belt or drawstring, just a metal button. However, they fit well and have belt loops. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Durability

These hiking shorts are built to last. The Renegade Rocks are true to their name – hard as rock against the trail. These shorts also have additional inseam options and high-performance fabric that you can feel as soon as you put them on. The material is a two-way stretch performance signature blend Duralux fabric, which translates to a durable yet stretchy feel. 

The fabric is rated UPF 50+ for UV protection and is both water and abrasion-resistant. We wore these in the rain and tall grasses hiking and neither posed any issue for the durable fabric that handled it all with ease.

Man steps up on rock in hiking shorts.
These shorts are flexible and durable to stand up to long days on trail. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Features

These shorts come with the basic features you would expect, but we especially like the stealth phone pocket on the side of the right leg. A normal-sized smartphone will easily slip into the pocket and stay secure. It is easy to access while hiking with a pack on for photos or navigation purposes. That makes for a total of five pockets: two front hands, two back, and the stealth cell phone pocket. The right-hand pocket has a zipper to keep car keys or a wallet secured and safe.

They have a signature Kuhl FreeRyde waistband that is lined with a micro-chamois material making it nice and soft. It does not come with a built-in belt, which could be a drawback for some hikers. We especially like the stealth phone pocket on the side of the right leg. A normal-sized smartphone will easily slip into the pocket and stay secure. It is easy to access while hiking with a pack on for photos or navigation purposes.

Man's hand pulls cell phone out of a side pocket of shorts.
The phone drop pocket is a unique feature that makes them good for day hikes and quick but secure access. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Dry Time

These shorts are not only durable and comfortable but also dry quickly because of how lightweight and breathable they are. We tested these in the rain and submerged them in water to see how fast they would dry and it took about 15 minutes. They are water resistant, so a light rain storm is not a problem. And if you do end up getting soaked or going for a swim, they will dry on the trail within half an hour in the sun. In terms of quick-dry shorts, these are among the best.

Beads of water close up on hiking shorts.
The Kuhl Renegade Rock shorts bead water and dry quickly. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Weight & Packability

These are light at 8.5 ounces and pack down into a softball-sized ball into your pack. They are not as light as some hiking shorts, however, the extra ounces amount to more protection and durability for longer miles on the trail. 

We tested these hiking multiple trails in the Rocky Mountains and weight was never an issue for these shorts. They are light enough to move with you as you hike and still strong enough to provide some solid protection against the sun and elements.

Man's hand in a pocket of hiking shorts.
The material is thicker and heavier than other options so they aren’t the most packable but they are still plenty light. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

Should You Buy the Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts?

Hikers who are looking for lightweight and stylish shorts are sure to be happy with the Kuhl Renegade Rock. They would work well for hiking on any trail but are equally qualified for a weekend round of golf or a bike ride to the local pub. Hikers who are concerned about saving weight may not like these as they are a few ounces heavier than some other hiking short options. While a bit more expensive, their long-term durability also means they are not something that you will have to repurchase often. 

Close up view of man in in hiking shorts.
Kuhl Renegade Rock shorts with a gusseted crotch. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: These are excellent alternatives to the Renegade Rock shorts since they offer lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable hiking shorts. They are both durable and look good enough to wear on and off the trail.

prAna Brion II Review: The prAna Brion II offers a similar style of shorts with its durability and town-to-trail style. These will also last a long time and look good doing it.

Patagonia Multi Trails Review: Like the Renegade Rock shorts, the Multi Trails Shorts are a lightweight quick-dry option. While not as durable, these are comfortable and in a similar value range. 

Close up of man in hiking shorts sitting on rocks.
Sitting in the Kuhl Renegade Rock shorts. They are durable and comfortable for day hikes and weekend adventures. – Photo Credit: David Young (CleverHiker.com)