Men’s Hiking Shorts of 2023: Keeping The Glutes Covered
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Are you planning your next outdoor adventure and looking for the perfect pair of hiking shorts to bring with you? Look no further! As we’ve entered 2023, the world of hiking gear continues to evolve, and a hiking short is no exception. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which shorts are the best fit for you and your outdoor clothing needs.
In this blog post, we’ve scoured the market and compiled a list of the best men’s hiking shorts for 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned or a beginner hiker, these shorts will provide the comfort, durability, and practicality you need to take on your next outdoor excursion confidently.
So, sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and read on to discover the best hiking shorts of 2023!
What Are the Best Men’s Hiking Shorts?
When it comes to selecting the best men’s hiking short, there are several common features and benefits that you should look for. First and foremost, hiking shorts should be made from moisture-wicking fabric that helps to keep you dry and comfortable, even on the hottest and most strenuous hikes.
Additionally, quick-drying fabric (typically synthetic fabrics) is a must-have feature for hiking shorts. It lets you quickly wash and dry your shorts, especially when you’re on multi-day hikes and need to pack light.
Hiking shorts should also be lightweight and breathable fabrics, allowing you to move freely and stay comfortable during long hikes. Furthermore, hiking shorts should be made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of the trail.
Multiple pockets are another vital feature, as they allow you to keep your essentials (such as a phone, keys, and snacks) within reach, so you don’t have to stop and dig through your backpack (A personal preference for me is zippered pockets, which is easier for one-handed retrieval of items in a pocket).
Lastly, some hiking shorts come with built-in UPF protection, which can help to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Overall, the best hiking shorts are designed to provide comfort, durability, and practicality, allowing you to focus on your adventure and not your gear.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, selecting suitable hiking shorts can make all the difference in your hiking or backpacking trips.
- Best Overall Hiking Shorts – prAna Stretch Zion II
- Best Lightweight Hiking Shorts – Outdoor Research Ferrosi
- Best Rugged Hiking Shorts – Kuhl Renegade
- Best Budget Hiking Shorts – Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo
Best Overall Hiking Shorts
prAna Stretch Zion II
Overview
The Prana Stretch Zion ii Shorts are a high-performance pair of hiking shorts designed to meet the demands of outdoor adventurers. These shorts are made from a stretchy, durable fabric that allows for a full range of motion and can withstand the rigors of the trail.
They also feature moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, which help to keep you dry and comfortable during long hikes or in wet conditions. Additionally, the shorts have multiple pockets, including a secure zipped pocket, allowing you to keep your essentials close at hand.
Top Features
- Stretchy and durable fabric: The fabric of these shorts is made with a blend of nylon and spandex, which allows for a full range of motion and is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of the trail.
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties: The shorts are designed with moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, which help to keep you dry and comfortable during long hikes or in wet conditions.
- Multiple pockets: The shorts have several mesh-lined pockets, including a secure zippered pocket, which provides ample storage for essentials such as a phone, keys, and snacks.
- UPF 50+ protection: The fabric of these shorts is rated UPF 50+, which provides excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Adjustable waistband: The waistband of the shorts is adjustable, allowing for a customized and comfortable fit.
- Inseam: 12”, 10”, and 8”
MSRP $75
My Take
You cannot go wrong with having these shorts in your arsenal. I like the stretchiness of them, and the gusseted crotch with breathability holes built-in is a huge bonus, a massive benefit for hot weather hiking, and they are surprisingly durable. If you like their Zion II hiking pants, you’ll love these. With only one zippered pocket, you can safely secure your valuable items.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shorts
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Overview
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are an award-winning and best-selling option with enhanced features, including improved stretch and eco-friendly construction, for optimal performance during climbing and hiking activities.
Top Features
- Lightweight and breathable fabric: The shorts are made from a lightweight and breathable fabric designed to keep you cool and comfortable during hot weather and intense activities.
- Water-resistant and quick-drying properties: The fabric is treated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating that resists water and dries quickly, making them perfect for hiking, camping, and water sports.
- Stretchy and durable: The fabric is made with a blend of nylon and spandex, which makes the shorts stretchy and durable, allowing for a full range of motion and withstanding the wear and tear of the trail.
- Multiple pockets: The shorts have several zippered pockets, including a zippered thigh pocket, providing ample storage space for essentials such as a phone, keys, and snacks.
- UPF 50+ protection: The fabric is rated UPF 50+, which provides excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Inseam: 10” and 7”
MSRP $85
My Take
Super lightweight and comfortable in any situation. They excel in climbing conditions by being harness-compatible and abrasion resistant. After wearing these for a day, you’ll quickly see why they are the best lightweight shorts.
Best Rugged Hiking Shorts
Kuhl Renegade Short
Overview
The RENEGADE™ shorts are ideal for hot weather as they are lightweight, breathable, and offer UPF 50+ protection. They are designed for various activities, providing both toughness and quick-drying performance. With their versatile and easy-care design, the RENEGADE™ shorts are perfect for casual summer fun.
Top Features
- Durability: The shorts are made from a tough, abrasion-resistant fabric that can withstand the rigors of the outdoors.
- Quick-drying: The fabric dries quickly, making these shorts ideal for water sports and other activities where getting wet is inevitable.
- UPF 50+ protection: The fabric is rated UPF 50+, which provides excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Stretchy and breathable: The blend of nylon and spandex makes the shorts stretchy and breathable, allowing for a full range of motion and keeping you cool and comfortable during intense activities.
- Versatility: The Kuhl Renegade Men’s Shorts are designed for multiple outside activities, such as hiking, camping, and climbing, and can also be worn for casual activities.
- Multiple pockets: The shorts have several zippered pockets, including a zippered thigh pocket, providing ample storage space for essentials such as a phone, keys, and snacks.
- Gusseted crotch: The shorts feature a gusset crotch design that allows for greater freedom of movement and reduces chafing.
- Inseam: 12”, 10”, and 8”
MSRP $79
My Take
I love these shorts and the pants too! They are lightweight but rugged as well. Great for bouldering or climbing over many rocks on your backcountry trails. If anyone is familiar with the thru-hike of the Enchantments, you know what I mean about climbing over boulders. Another plus is the standard belt loops to use my wider belt.
Best Budget Hiking Shorts
Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo
Overview
The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Made from a blend of nylon and elastane, these shorts are lightweight and durable and feature moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool and dry.
They also have UPF 50 protection, multiple pockets for storage, and a comfortable, adjustable waistband. The Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts are versatile and can be worn for hiking, camping, or everyday wear.
Top Features
- Comfortable fit: The shorts feature a relaxed fit and adjustable waistband, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Lightweight and durable: The blend of nylon and elastane makes these shorts lightweight and durable, allowing for easy movement and long-lasting wear.
- Moisture-wicking technology: The shorts are equipped with Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology, which draws sweat away from the body and promotes quick drying.
- UPF 50 protection: The fabric is rated UPF 50, providing excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Multiple pockets: The shorts have several pockets, including a zippered security pocket, providing ample storage space for essentials such as a phone, keys, and snacks.
- Versatility: The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo shorts can be worn for various outside activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as for everyday wear.
- Inseam: 12” and 10”
MSRP $50
My Take
Like their convertible pants of this model, I’ve also owned plenty of the shorts version. They are lightweight hiking shorts, do not bunch up, and due to the thin fabric, they dry quickly. It’s nice they’ve added sun protection to these, although they are only shorts, so make sure you use protection on the lower portion.
Patagonia Baggies
Overview
The Patagonia Baggies shorts for men are a classic style that has been around since 1982. Made from quick-drying recycled nylon material, they are perfect for water sports, hiking, or just lounging on the beach. The shorts have an elasticized waistband, an internal drawstring for a secure fit, and a mesh lining for added comfort and support.
With multiple pockets, including a back pocket with snap closure, the Patagonia Baggies shorts are practical and functional. They also have UPF 50+ protection, making them ideal for outside activities in the sun.
Top Features
- Quick-drying material: Made from recycled nylon, the shorts are lightweight and quick-drying, making them perfect for water sports or other activities where you may get wet.
- Comfortable fit: The elasticized waistband and internal drawstring provide a secure and comfortable fit.
- Mesh lining: The shorts have a breathable mesh lining that provides added comfort and support.
- Multiple pockets: The Patagonia Baggies shorts have multiple pockets, including a back pocket with a snap closure, providing ample storage for essentials.
- UPF 50+ protection: The shorts have UPF 50+, helping to protect against harmful UV rays.
- Versatility: The Patagonia Baggies shorts are versatile and can be worn for various activities, such as hiking, swimming, or casual wear.
- Inseam: 7” and 5”
MSRP $65
My Take
Super comfortable and soft, you can wear these anytime or anywhere. Not date night, though, do whatever; he or she loves you for who you are, not what you wear, correct?
Arc’teryx Gamma
Overview
The Arcteryx Gamma Men’s Shorts are designed for high-output activities like hiking, climbing, and trekking. They are made from a durable and stretchy TerraTex™ fabric that offers excellent freedom of movement, abrasion, and weather resistance. The shorts have a trim fit and a gusset crotch for enhanced mobility, as well as an adjustable waistband and a zippered fly.
Other features include two zippered hand pockets and thigh pockets for storing essentials. The Arcteryx Gamma Men’s Shorts offer a perfect balance of performance, durability, and comfort for outdoor activities.
Top Features
- TerraTex™ fabric: This durable and stretchable fabric provides excellent freedom of movement, abrasion, and weather resistance.
- Trim Fit: The shorts have a trim fit that eliminates excess bulk and improves mobility.
- Gusseted Crotch: The gusset crotch allows for enhanced mobility and comfort during high-output activities.
- Adjustable Waistband: The waistband is adjustable for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Zippered Fly: The shorts have a zippered fly for easy on and off.
- Pockets: The shorts feature two zippered hand pockets and a thigh pocket for storing essentials.
- Breathable: The shorts are designed to be breathable, allowing for maximum comfort during high-output activities.
- Inseam: 11”
MSRP $130
My Take
Like what their hiking pants offer, they are equal in every way—comfortable, light, and great pockets. So if you prefer hiking shorts to pants, then give these ones a shot. The only downside for me is the 11” inseam, making them great for everyday use but not so much for hiking, in my opinion.
REI Co-Op Sahara Cargo
Overview
The REI Sahara Cargo Shorts offer outdoor enthusiasts comfort, versatility, and durability. They are made from quick-drying, breathable nylon fabric and feature multiple pockets, an adjustable waistband, and a gusseted crotch for maximum mobility.
Additionally, the shorts have reinforced stitching for added durability and UPF 50+ protection. Overall, they are an excellent choice for any outdoor adventure.
Top Features
- Comfort: The shorts are made from a quick-drying and breathable nylon fabric that ensures comfort even during hot and humid conditions.
- Versatility: The shorts feature multiple pockets, including two hand pockets, two back pockets, and two cargo pockets, providing ample storage space for essentials.
- Durability: The shorts are reinforced with stitching for added durability, ensuring they can withstand rugged outdoor conditions.
- Mobility: The adjustable waistband and gusseted crotch allow maximum mobility and freedom to move and engage in various outside activities.
- UPF protection: The shorts have UPF 50+ protection, providing additional protection from harmful UV rays.
- Inseam: 9”
MSRP $60
My Take
They are an excellent price and have awesome pockets, but they come at a price. They seem too baggy. But for those looking for that relaxed fit, these are the ones for you.
Patagonia Quandary
Overview
The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are perfect for outdoor adventurers. They are made from a stretchy, quick-drying nylon and spandex blend and offer excellent breathability and comfort. With a DWR finish, they also protect against light rain.
These shorts feature a curved waistband and a gusseted crotch for enhanced mobility and comfort during movement, making them ideal for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Features
- Stretchy Fabric: The shorts are made of a stretch-woven fabric that is quick-drying and offers excellent mobility.
- DWR Finish: The DWR (durable water-repellent finish) helps the shorts shed moisture and resist stains.
- UPF 50+ Protection: The fabric provides excellent sun protection, blocking out harmful UV rays with a UPF rating of 50+.
- Multiple Pockets: The shorts have several pockets, including two front pockets, two back pockets, and a zippered thigh pocket, providing ample storage for small essentials.
- Adjustable Waistband: The waistband of the shorts is adjustable with a built-in belt, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
- Fair Trade Certified: Patagonia is committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, and the Quandary Shorts are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
- Inseam: 10” and 8”
MSRP $69
My Take
I prefer the 8” inseam for moving around more easily. Combined with the water repellency, UPF rating, and all the pockets, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better short at this price point.
Patagonia Nine Trails
Overview
The Patagonia Nine Trails Men’s Shorts are lightweight, stretchy, and designed for trail runners. They have a built-in liner, adjustable waistband, and several pockets for storing essentials. The shorts are also ethically made and provide moisture-wicking comfort.
Top Features
- Lightweight and Stretchable Fabric: The shorts are lightweight and stretchy, offering excellent freedom of movement during outside activities.
- Built-in Liner: The shorts have a built-in liner that provides support and enhances comfort.
- Adjustable Waistband: The waistband of the shorts is adjustable, allowing for a customized and secure fit.
- Multiple Pockets: The shorts feature multiple pockets, including a zippered back pocket and front pockets, providing convenient storage options for small items.
- Moisture-Wicking Properties: The fabric of the shorts is designed to wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense activities.
- Fair Trade Certified™: Patagonia is committed to ethical manufacturing practices, and the Nine Trails Shorts are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
- Inseam: 8”
MSRP $75
My Take
These are excellent trail running shorts but double as great trail shorts too. Their lightness and multiple pockets make them great for multi-day hikes, thru-hikes, or just playing around in the backyard.
prAna Brion II
Overview
The Brion™ Short II is a versatile option for relaxed days at home and adventurous journeys. It is made with ReZion™, an Earth-friendly evolution of our bestselling performance fabric. This means that you can confidently take on your outside activities, knowing that the shorts are durable and reliable, with over 20 years of proven performance.
Whether you’re traveling across the country or simply lounging at home, the Brion™ Short II is always up for any challenge.
Top Features
- Durable Fabric: The shorts are made with prAna’s signature Stretch Zion fabric, which is abrasion-resistant and built to last.
- Moisture-Wicking Properties: The fabric is also designed to wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense activities.
- UPF 50+ Protection: The shorts provide excellent protection, blocking out harmful UV rays with a UPF rating of 50+.
- Multiple Pockets: The shorts feature several functional pockets, including two front pockets, two rear pockets, and a hidden zippered pocket, providing convenient storage options for small items.
- Reinforced Rivets: The shorts have reinforced rivets at stress points, adding to their durability.
- DWR Finish: The durable water-repellent (DWR) finish helps the shorts shed moisture and resist stains.
- Inseam: 11” and 9”
MSRP $75
My Take
Much like the Stretch Zion ii shorts, these shorts excel in the outdoors, or anywhere else you happen to find yourself wearing shorts. The natural stretch of the fabric will not hinder you in your movement. Do yourself a favor, buy a pair of these and a pair of the Zion IIs, and you are set.
The North Face Paramount Active
Overview
The North Face Paramount Active Men’s Shorts are designed for outside activities, offering comfort, durability, and functionality. They are lightweight, stretchy fabrics that allow freedom of movement and feature integrated belts for a secure fit.
The shorts have multiple pockets, including a zippered pocket, providing convenient storage options for small items. They also have a DWR finish that repels water and resists stains. The shorts also have UPF 50+ protection, blocking harmful UV rays.
Top Features
- Fabric: The North Face uses exceptionally durable, moisture-wicking FlashDry-XD helps keep you cool and dry.
- Fit: The shorts are designed slim fit and have a crotch gusset for better mobility
- Pockets: Feature multiple pockets, including zippered rear pocket, to provide ample storage for small essentials and two front functional pockets.
- Waistband: The waistband is a snap front with a tonal partial elastic waistband and internal drawcord for adjustability.
- Durability: Non-PFC DWR finish for added protection
- Inseam: Regular (9”) and Long (11”)
MSRP $55
My Take
Lightweight fabric and the 9” inseam is not too bad. I like that North Face has the UPF 50+ on many of their summer goods. One downside for me is the internal drawcord, if the pants fit pretty well, to begin with, then you are probably okay, but hopefully, you do not need to cinch them down too much.
Fjallraven Abisko
Overview
The Fjallraven Abisko Shorts for Men are designed with lightweight, breathable, and stretchable fabric to provide comfort and durability for outside activities. They feature multiple pockets for storage, an adjustable waistband and leg endings, and reinforced seat and crotch areas.
These shorts are built to withstand the elements and provide functionality during long hikes or other outside activities.
Top Features
- Fabric: The shorts are made of G-1000 Air Stretch with recycled polyester and an organically grown cotton blend, making them lightweight, breathable, and stretchy fabric for easy movement and quick-drying capabilities.
- Pockets: They feature multiple pockets, including zippered hand pockets and a zippered cargo pocket (right thigh), to provide ample storage for small essentials.
- Adjustable Waistband and Leg Endings: The waistband is adjustable and features an integrated belt for a secure fit.
- Reinforced Seat and Crotch Areas: These are reinforced for added durability and protection.
- Additional Feature: Adaptable with Fjallraven Greenland Wax (not included)
- Inseam: 11” (only one inseam length)
MSRP $120
My Take
Expensive and too long. However, these would be a good pair if the length does not bother you. Super soft with cotton fabric included in the construction of these shorts. Plenty of pockets to store your goodies.
The North Face Rolling Sun
Overview
The Men’s Rolling Sun Shorts from The North Face are designed to provide performance and comfort during long, warm-weather hiking days outdoors. They feature moisture-wicking FlashDry™ technology and water-repellency for quick-drying comfort during waterside jaunts and hot-weather hikes.
These versatile and lightweight shorts are packable, making them an excellent choice for travel or outdoor activities.
Top Features
- Dobby texture: The dobby texture of the fabric allows for faster dry times and raises the fabric from the skin. The shorts feature FlashDry™ wicking technology that speeds up evaporation to keep you cool and comfortable.
- Non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish: This feature sheds moisture and stains to keep you dry and comfortable.
- UPF 40 fabric: The fabric is designed to shield you from harmful UV rays with a UPF 40 rating.
- Pockets: The shorts feature hand and two back pockets with hook-and-loop closures for storing on-trail essentials.
- Packable: The shorts can be packed into a secure zippered stow pocket on the left thigh for easy transport and storage.
- Fit: A classic pair with an internal flat drawcord at the waist secures your fit. And feature a center front zip-fly with button closure. These shorts have a standard fit, providing a comfortable and relaxed feel.
- Inseam: Long (9”) and Short (7”)
MSRP $60
My Take
What’s not to like here? They seem to have it all, and they are packable. I have yet to try them out in warmer weather, but hopefully, they’ll perform as advertised when it comes to wicking sweat away. However, with them being packable, it makes them perfect for a backpacking base camp.
Cotopaxi Veza Adventure
Overview
The Veza Adventure Short is a highly comfortable and versatile apparel that can be worn for any occasion, whether on an impromptu hike, a quick nap, or a long flight. Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, the fabric is sturdy and flexible, allowing unrestricted movement. The shorts suit any location, even if you’re exploring in your backyard.
Top Features
- Fit: Encased elastic waistband with external drawcord for a customized fit. Gusset crotch for greater mobility and comfort during outside activities.
- Pockets: Slip-in hand pockets for easy access and storage of small items. An invisible zipper stash pocket on the wearer’s right side for secure storage.
- Durability: Quick drying with nylon/spandex fabric blend for freedom of movement.
- Inseam: 8”
MSRP $75
My Take
Soft and comfortable, almost too plush for hiking, but makes excellent athletic shorts. However, it does work well for hiking too. It is more of a day hiker short with a small or no pack. With only the drawstring to hold up your drawers, I do not want too much weight, always trying to push them down.
What is this Inseam Thing?
The inseam is the length of the inner seam of a pair of shorts, measured from the crotch to the hem. In hiking shorts, the inseam is crucial because it determines the length of the shorts and can affect the wearer’s comfort and mobility during outside activities.
If the inseam is too long, the shorts may chafe against the wearer’s thighs, causing discomfort or even blisters. On the other hand, if the inseam is too short, the shorts may ride up and restrict the wearer’s movement, making it difficult to hike or climb comfortably.
Therefore, choosing the right inseam length is crucial in ensuring that the hiking shorts fit correctly and provide the wearer with the necessary comfort and mobility for outside activities.
What Is the Best Hiking Shorts?
The Prana Stretch Zion II Men’s Shorts stand out as the best men’s hiking shorts due to their exceptional quality, practicality, and comfort. The shorts are made from a stretchy, durable fabric that allows for a full range of motion and can withstand the rigors of the trail.
They also feature moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, which help to keep you dry and comfortable during long hikes or in wet conditions. The shorts have ample storage with multiple pockets, including a secure zippered pocket, and offer UPF 50+ protection.
The Prana Stretch Zion II Men’s Shorts are an exceptional choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and comfortable pair of hiking shorts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, or anything in between, invest in high-quality, purpose-built hiking shorts designed to meet the demands of your outdoor adventures. Look for shorts made from lightweight, breathable materials that offer free movement and won’t ride up.
Features like moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric can also help keep you comfortable and dry, no matter the weather. And don’t forget to consider pockets – ample storage space can make all the difference when you’re on the trail.
So buy a quality pair of men’s hiking shorts, so you can focus on the beauty of your surroundings and the thrill of your adventure without worrying about your outdoor gear. If your partner needs a pair of shorts too, we’ve got her covered. Check out our list of women’s hiking shorts.
See you out on the trail!
