Best Men’s Hiking Shorts of 2023

JUMP TO:  ARC’TERYX PALISADE / PATAGONIA QUANDARY / KUHL RENEGADE / PATAGONIA NINE TRAILS / FJALLRAVEN ABISKO / PRANA STRETCH ZION / KUHL SILENCR KARGO / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Rob Thijssen

The Short Version:

The Long Version:

Rugged terrain, steep scrambles, prickly shrubs, and the occasional shower are all ingredients for a successful summer hiking adventure. At least for me they are!

And although trousers provide more warmth and better protection overall, a pair of shorts provides much greater freedom of movement – making a summer hiking adventure all the more comfortable.

Freedom of movement, quick dry materials, and thoughtful design are what separates a pair of technical hiking shorts from any other pair of shorts.

 
 

And luckily, nowadays, they don’t look like you wrapped a canvas sheet around your waist! In fact, hiking shorts have become pretty stylish over the years, and I would happily wear many of them around town or at the beach, in addition to on the trails.

In this review I’ve selected a handful of the best hiking shorts – covering several categories of activity — from hiking with a backpack, to fast & light, to an afternoon stroll in your local forest.

So hopefully you can find the perfect fit for your summer hiking!

If you love this list of the best men’s hiking shorts, then you'll likely love reading some of our other gear-fiend related pages:

Best Overall: ARC’TERYX PALISADE

MATERIAL: TerraTex™ nylon blend (94% nylon, 6% spandex)

POCKETS: 5

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 7.9 oz (225 grams)

INSEAM LENGTH: 10” (25.5cm)

PROS: Brushed waistband prevents chafing, very durable, laminated hems

CONS: Material can feel rough at first, not the most affordable pair of shorts

The Arc’teryx Palisade is a technical hiking short that’s built to go far. It’s made from their own TerraTex™ fabric, which might feel rougher than other hiking shorts, but for that you’ll get a pair that’s both lightweight and extremely durable. The nylon blend dries quickly, breathes well and is stretchy. With 6% elastane, it has less stretch than a few other shorts in this review. Even so, thanks to articulated patterning, it still provides unrestricted mobility and overall comfort.

Arc’teryx has an almost mystical status when it comes to manufacturing the finest pieces of outdoor equipment, and with the Palisade, they again demonstrated their skillset. The majority of shorts out there have stitched hems, which can cause chafe marks after many miles on the trail. To reduce this, the good folks at Arc’teryx decided to laminate them instead, creating an incredibly low-profile hem.

The waistband is surprisingly thin, and due to the absence of belt loops, is less noticeable under a hip belt of a backpack, which is great. For all you peeps that think these shorts are a deal-breaker because you can’t wear a belt, hold your horses. The Palisade comes with an integrated flat webbing belt with an easy-to-tighten metal belt buckle. Another great feature that helps prevent chafing is the waist belt lining. This soft fleece-like material feels really nice to the skin and at the same time wicks away moisture.

These shorts are packed with plenty of storage options, divided over two cargo pockets, one rear pocket and two mesh-lined hand pockets, all zippered using high-quality YKK® zippers.

The Arc’teryx Palisade is not the most affordable option in this review, but if you can afford the splurge, treat yourself to an exceptional pair of hiking shorts that is both highly comfortable and durable.

Best for Hiking with a Backpack: PATAGONIA QUANDARY

MATERIAL: 95% nylon (65% recycled), 5% spandex, DWR finish

POCKETS: 6

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 7.2 oz (204 grams)

INSEAM LENGTHS: 8” (20cm), 10” (25cm), 12” (30cm)

PROS: Low-profile button closure prevents pressure points when wearing a hip belt

CONS: Slimmer fit might not be for everyone

Made from a fabric blend of 95% nylon and 5% elastane, the Patagonia Quandary combines all-round performance with style. This combination is a rare find in a pair of hiking shorts, making these ideal for a multi-week trek but also when you’re going for a drink after a challenging day out on the trail.

It has a slimmer fit than many other shorts, and although this might be a deal-breaker for some, it does add to its style. It still has plenty of freedom of movement, thanks to the gusseted crotch.

The Quandary has a total of six pockets. Two mesh-lined hand pockets, that are still easily accessible when wearing a hip belt, also help improve ventilation on a hot day. Two back pockets, of which the left one has a zipper, making sure you won’t lose any of your stuff. Lastly, there’s a pocket on the thigh, which is perfect for a compass or snack and can be closed with a YKK® zipper.

The Quandary has a curved waistband that is designed to follow the natural shape of your hips, which really comes in handy on those steeper trails. If you’re carrying a backpack, a belt almost always gets uncomfortable. That’s why the design team at Patagonia included a flat elastic drawstring on the inside of the waist band, so you can fine-tune your fit. A feature that I especially like is the low-profile button closure, which also helps to prevent pressure points from a hip belt.

Bluesign® approved and made with 65% recycled nylon, the Patagonia Quandary is an excellent hiking short for when you’re carrying a backpack but still looks good on a city trip. All in all, it gives you a great bang for the buck.

Best Storage Space: KUHL RENEGADE

MATERIAL: DURALUX™ 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex

POCKETS: 8

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 9.9 oz (280 grams)

INSEAM LENGTHS: 8” (20cm), 10” (25cm), 12” (30cm)

PROS: UPF 50+, stretchy but durable, lots of storage space

CONS: Not the most stylish look, bulky and quite heavy

The KUHL Renegade is an excellent pair for shorter hiking trips. Eight pockets provide a ton of storage, but the obvious drawback is that it’s one of the bulkier and heavier models in this review. Having said that, if you’re the type that likes to bring a lot of gadgets on the trail, and don’t mind the additional weight, this might be a good option for you.

It has two mesh-lined hand pockets, that also provide extra ventilation, and two pockets on the back with Velcro closure. So far nothing special, right? But check this out: on each thigh, a vertical zipper gives access to a mesh lined pocket, which is ideal for a smartphone or a small camera. A diagonal slide-in pocket on the right, and a stealth small pocket on the left, let you store additional smaller items.

The two-way stretch DURALUX™ fabric and gusseted crotch provide freedom of movement and feels soft to the skin. This exclusive material is strong, breathable, quick-drying and abrasion-resistant, making these shorts a valuable piece in your wardrobe for years to come.

The Renegade excels in terms of water-repellency. Thanks to a high-quality DWR-finish, water beads up and rolls straight off it, and with a UPF 50+ it also protects you from the blazing sun.

More suitable for shorter day hikes than a multi-day trek, the KUHL Renegade is a durable pair of shorts with plenty of storage capacity. You can read our full review here.

Best for Light & Fast: PATAGONIA NINE TRAILS

MATERIAL: 75-denier 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex with four-way stretch

POCKETS: 3

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 6.4 oz (181 grams)

INSEAM LENGTH: 8” (20cm)

PROS: Very lightweight and breathable, soft material, zippered pockets

CONS: Not very stylish, limited amount of pockets

Ok, technically the Patagonia Nine Trails isn’t a hiking short, but a running short. But that doesn’t mean you can’t hike in them, does it! If you like a multitude of outdoor-related activities, like me, and you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight short that you can wear on any one of them, this is a good option!

Made from a lightweight recycled polyester/spandex blend, this pair of shorts is highly breathable, wicks moisture away quickly and thanks to 9% spandex, moves comfortably. These features make it a perfect choice for thru-hikers and trail runners alike. Three zippered pockets keep your belongings safe and also serve as additional ventilation when the temperature rises.

A thin compression-style inner liner provides a snug fit and is treated with a durable odor control technology. A fine and stretchy internal drawstring reduces the chance of uncomfortable pressure points when you’re wearing a hip belt and thanks to the soft material, chafing is prevented even on the longest trips.

They’re not the most stylish pair of hiking shorts in this review, so it wouldn’t be my first choice for a city-stroll. For that, I’d rather have a look at the Arc’teryx Palisade or Kuhl Silencr Kargo. Having said that, the Patagonia Nine Trails is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a do-it-all short.

Best Durability: FJALLRAVEN ABISKO

MATERIAL:
Main: G-1000 Original: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
Inserts: 63% nylon, 26% polyester, 11% elastane

POCKETS: 5

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 11.15 oz (316 grams)

INSEAM LENGTH: 11” (28cm)

PROS:  Outstanding durability thanks to G-1000 Original fabric, plenty of deep pockets

CONS: Heavy, front closure and belt loops can cause unwanted pressure points

The Fjällräven Abisko is a technical hiking short designed to withstand the abuse your gear suffers when you’re out roughing it in the wilderness. It uses Fjällräven’s own G-1000 Original, a hardwearing outdoor fabric of 65% polyester, 35% cotton, treated with their Greenland Wax for improved water-resistance. In between this durable, burly material, the Swedish brand opted for stretchy nylon/polyester/spandex patches for optimal freedom of movement.

The use of cotton isn’t the obvious choice if you’re looking to manufacture a fast-drying and lightweight hiking short. However, the unique blend in combination with their Greenland Wax-treatment, make these shorts pretty water-resistant. And you can easily apply more coatings of the wax if you prefer.

The Abisko has a total of five pockets. Two zippered hand pockets, a large pocket (with a smaller mesh inner pocket) on the right thigh has a flap and button closure, and a small pocket on the left leg which fits a mobile phone or GPS.

The Fjällräven Abisko, because of its weight, isn’t an ideal choice if you’re going on a long trek, and wish to save every ounce possible. It is however an excellent option if you’re in need of a pair of hiking shorts that you can wear when you like to go off-trail through the brambles or if you’re into bushcraft.

Best All-Rounder: PRANA STRETCH ZION

MATERIAL: 97% Nylon / 3% Spandex

POCKETS: 5

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 9.1 oz (258 grams)

INSEAM LENGTHS: 10” (25cm), 12” (30cm)

PROS: 50+ UPF rating, quick drying, integrated belt

CONS: Stitched flaps on side and back pocket make for tedious access

The Prana Stretch Zion may look like just any other casual pair of cargo shorts, but when you take a closer peek, it’s actually a high-performing and very comfortable hiking short. The four-way stretch, abrasion-resistant nylon is less stretchy than many other shorts in this review, but in combination with the gusseted crotch, you’ll still have some mobility. The integrated belt allows you to fine-tune your fit with a single pull.

A total of five pockets allow you to store plenty of energy bars or other items. The two mesh-lined hand pockets help create more ventilation on those hotter days. A cargo pocket on the thigh has dual access, with a zipper on the side and a zipper and flap at the top. Lastly, two back pockets of which the right one has a flap closure. I don’t particularly like these flap closures, as they make the pockets difficult to access.

With a UPF rating of 50+, these shorts are an excellent choice if you plan on heading out on a sunny day. The Stretch Zion doesn’t have a DWR-finish and isn’t water resistant at all, so they’ll take quite a while to dry because of the thicker material. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend this pair if you’re expecting some summer showers.

In conclusion, the Prana Zion Stretch is a good choice if you’re looking for a pair which you can wear on an afternoon stroll or day hike, and is reasonably priced.

Best Casual Look: KUHL SILENCR KARGO

MATERIAL: REFLEX™ Softshell (62% Mechanical Stretch Polyester, 38% Recycled Polyester)

POCKETS: 7

CLAIMED WEIGHT: 10 oz (283 grams)

INSEAM LENGTH: 8” (20cm), 10” (25cm), 12” (30cm)

PROS: Casual look, mechanical stretch material, many pockets

CONS: Heavy, bulky

Our Style Award goes to the Kuhl Silencr™ Kargo. This pair of hiking shorts looks just as good exploring a rugged trail as during an afternoon stroll on the beach. The REFLEX™ Softshell fabric doesn’t use spandex or any other elastic material to achieve its stretch properties. Instead, the polyester yarn is woven with a high twist, creating a four-way mechanical stretch. Therefore, the fabric absorbs less moisture and dries quicker. In case you do get caught in a light shower, a long-lasting DWR-finish makes sure the water beads off easily.

Adding to its overall comfort is a gusseted crotch, that allows for full freedom of movement, and the articulated design follows the natural movement of the body.

In total, the Silencr™ Kargo has seven pockets; two hand pockets, two at the back, two zippered side pockets and one drop-in pocket on the right thigh. On those hotter days, the mesh lining provides additional ventilation, keeping those hard-working legs cool.

Available in three inseam lengths and an array of different colors, there’s surely one that fits your style. Considering its weight, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a longer hiking trip or backpacking though. For that, I’d rather opt for the Patagonia Quandary or Nine Trails, but if you’re looking for some shorts that look good both on and off trail, and don’t mind the weight or bulkiness, these could be a good option.

BUYING ADVICE FOR HIKING SHORTS

When shopping for a new pair of hiking shorts, you have to take a few metrics into consideration. Below, I'll provide you with a few helpful steps to make a well-informed decision.

Use case

The first thing you need to think about is your use case. Where are you going to wear your shorts? Are you the type of person that likes to explore the wilderness on a multi-day trek with a tent, or do you prefer a relaxed afternoon hike in your local forest? Maybe you’re planning on hiking the PCT in one push!

As you can imagine, each of these goals and environments may require a totally different pair of shorts.

When on a trek, you’ll be wearing a backpack. A hiking short with belt loops or a bulky closure system can cause unwanted pressure points or chafe marks due to your hip belt so you may want to avoid belts and buckles. You also might want to look for a lighter pair of shorts for longer treks or backpacking trips, since you’ll be carrying a lot of weight already. It might sound like a cliché, but every ounce really does matter!

If you are likely to be hiking closer to home, perhaps even without a daypack, then consider whether you might want a pair of shorts with more pockets and storage. On longer backpacking trips, the importance of pockets – or lack of it – might depend on how you plan to use any storage space and whether or not you already have hip belt pouches and/or shoulder strap pouches attached to your backpack.

Fabrics

After you’ve determined what you're going to use them for, you can have a look at the materials used. Hiking shorts are made from one or a combination of the following fabrics:

NYLON: A synthetic material that is strong, lightweight, dries quickly and is more abrasion-resistant than polyester. It is also slightly more expensive.

POLYESTER: Also synthetic, polyester is warmer than nylon, and dries slightly faster than nylon. One potential drawback is that polyester absorbs smelly body oils in perspiration more than nylon. This is why polyester garments have the tendency to ‘smell’ more over the long term.

COTTON: Cotton is a natural material. It feels soft to the skin and is very breathable, but it also absorbs and retains moisture and thus, dries very slowly. Therefore, cotton is generally avoided when it comes to technical outdoor clothing. Nonetheless, some brands have created blended fabrics that include a cotton component — for example Fjallraven’s G-1000 fabric, which uses a mix of cotton and polyester.

ELASTANE / SPANDEX / LYCRA: This is the stretchy ingredient in a good deal of outdoor clothing. A higher percentage of this fabric makes for a stretchier garment, and will give you more freedom of movement. This is especially helpful when you’re ascending a steep trail or scramble, so that your clothing won’t restrict your mobility.

Design & style

Every manufacturer designs their hiking shorts differently, and it really is up to you what kind of features you prefer. Nowadays, many hiking shorts are designed in such a way that they still look stylish.

CARGO SHORTS: Cargo shorts are great for storing a lot of items like snacks, a camera or a smartphone, and still look stylish when going to town for a drink after a day hike. Keep in mind though that all these extra pockets add to the shorts overall weight.

RUNNING SHORTS: Running shorts, on the other hand, are often the most lightweight you can get, but often lack pockets, plus they are not the most fancy looking for a stroll through town. Think about your personal preference.

Fit

Nowadays, thanks to stretch materials and articulated designs, hiking shorts have a slimmer fit than before. Make sure you choose the right fit for your activity. For challenging hikes or scrambles, make sure you have enough freedom of movement.

A gusseted crotch also helps in this metric. This is a diamond-shaped patch of fabric stitched into the crotch, eliminating four seams coming together, and improving mobility.

Additional features

SUN PROTECTION: Many hiking shorts have a built-in sun protection of UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). This comes in handy on sunny days and high altitude.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buttons, zippers, snaps, draw cords, stretch waist, you can find about any type of closure system. Like I mentioned before, take into account your use. A hip belt from a backpack can push down on buttons, belt loops, etc. and can cause unwanted chafe marks, turning your hike into a painful endeavor. Be sure you keep this in mind when shopping for a new pair!

LENGTH: Many shorts come in multiple inseam lengths. Depending on your preference, pick the length that suits you.

DWR-FINISH: A Durable Water Repellency (DWR) finish is a coating that’s applied to the fabric to prevent it from absorbing water. Although it might sound like a useless feature on a pair of hiking shorts, it’s actually worth a lot. Hiking through wet shrubs or grass or a light shower is no problem when your hiking shorts have a DWR-finish. Besides that, it also protects against stains.

POCKETS: Pockets are perfect for storing snacks or other small items. However, pockets add to the overall weight of the shorts, plus it can get really uncomfortable when you’re ascending or descending and your camera or smartphone keeps banging into your legs. Depending on your use case, choose the appropriate amount of pockets. If you are going to be carrying a backpack, then consider hip belt or shoulder strap pouches as an alternative. Some of my favorites are Zpacks (hip or shoulder) or Gossamer Gear (hip or shoulder) pouches, but many companies now make them.

MORE INFORMATION

If you loved this gear review article, then you'll likely love reading some of our other gear-fiend related articles:

Happy hiking, and take care out there in the wild!