Bottom Line
If you want a versatile pair of hiking shorts that double as swimming shorts, the REI Trailmade Amphibs are ideal for you. They are simple, very lightweight, and packable. This pair makes our list of best men’s hiking shorts and is one of our favorite affordable picks.
These are versatile bottoms that work for a day of hiking with a dip into a lake, as they’ll be dry not long after you resume hiking. The Amphibs are nice looking, but since they’re not stretchy we prefer them for short hikes or when swimming is part of the plan.
Quick Specs
Men’s REI Trailmade Amphib
Quick Drying Cross Between Board Shorts & Hiking Shorts
CleverHiker Rating: 69.3/100
Price: $50
Weight: 5 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
Comfort
These shorts are comfortable and work well for day hikes in the mountains and around town. The 89% nylon/11% polyester is quick-drying, so they are a great option for hiking through waterfalls to fishing on the beach.
However, we found for longer hikes it does not perform as well as stretchier, more breathable hiking shorts. The lack of stretch in these shorts limits your flexibility while hiking. When stepping up or over something the shorts tend to ride up and even dig into your legs a bit, causing some discomfort. The waist, button, and built-in belt are comfortable on these shorts. It is more the shorts material and lack of stretch.
If you are planning on a hike where there is lots of water, or you anticipate getting wet, these shorts are ideal for the price as they dry quickly and are very lightweight.
Durability
The nylon polyester fabric blend is less stretchy than some other shorts, however, they still stand up to rough rocky terrain and sharp branches. REI uses what it calls amphibious ripstop nylon/polyester blend that is both snag- and tear-resistant for more durability. They also have a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that causes water to bead up and roll off the shorts’ material.
They have UPF 50+ sun protection to keep harmful rays at bay. It’s recommended that you wash these with cold water, do not bleach, and tumble dry low (we air-dried them to ensure they did not shrink). These may not hold up long-term like some other hiking shorts that are built a bit stronger. The fabric is thinner and feels less durable than some other hiking shorts that we tested. Against sharp rocks or sticks, there’s a chance these shorts could tear or puncture. But for the money, they are a solid option that will hold up to short hikes and lots of water.
Features
For such small lightweight shorts, these do have a few features that are great. They have two side drop-in hand pockets with mesh lining and a zippered back pocket for a wallet or cell phone. The elasticized waistband comes with a built-in belt to help cinch them tight.
There is no liner in these, which we like, and there is a small cord loop on the waistband to clip keys or sunglasses. In our testing, we found these performed best with nothing in the pockets to weigh them down. While you can certainly carry items in the three pockets, the lightweight fabric will sag under any weight.
Dry Time
These shorts are some of the quickest to dry that we have tested. Their swimsuit quality means that they will completely dry in 15 to 20 minutes on the trail. We tested these by submerging them in water and leaving them out in the sun. The DWR nylon/polyester blend means precipitation rolls off these shorts and dries quickly when saturated.
If you plan to encounter water on your hike then these are a great option.
Weight & Packability
The REI Trailmade Amphibs do excel when it comes to weight. They are simple, very light, and packable. They are the size of a softball when balled up, and we even found that you can pack them into their own back pocket if needed. They weigh a mere ounces and they have a shorter 6-inch inseam so they don’t inhibit movement while hiking.
These felt as if they weighed next to nothing when hiking on a trail, and when we tested them by getting the shorts wet, they dried quickly and didn’t add much additional weight.
Should You Buy the REI Trailmade Amphib?
Hikers who are looking for lightweight and quick-dry shorts are going to love the REI Trailmade Amphib. They would work well for day hikers who encounter lots of water. Hiking through water or jumping in lakes is a great fit for these shorts. These would not be as good for long-distance hikers who are prone to chafing, as the shorter inseam can ride up and rub while walking.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
Nike Dri-FIT Challengers Review: The Nike Dri-FIT Challengers offers a similar style with ultralight material that dries quickly. These have a built-in liner and a drawstring, but no belt like the Amphibs.
prAna Brion II Review: These are lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable hiking shorts similar to the REI Trailmade Amphibs. The difference is that they are closer to hiking shorts than swimming trunks.
Cotopaxi Brinco Review: Like the REI Trailmade Amphib, the Brincos are a hybrid swimsuit and hiking shorts. They have similar pockets but do have built-in briefs.
