Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts - Women's Review

When we first pulled these shorts out of the bag, we were both impressed by their thin, ultralight material and concerned about what we'd find when it came to their durability. The more we wore them, however, the more they instilled confidence. Constructed with Columbia's Perfecta Plus II quick-drying nylon, they weigh an incredibly light 5.1 ounces (4.1 ounces without the belt). The style itself is quite classic for hiking shorts, and the color we recently tested is rather neutral, which can either be a pro or con, depending on your style preferences. Columbia does offer different colors for this model, but they lean toward earthy tones more than fun patterns if that's what you are after.

Performance Comparison

With fabric performance as its top quality, this pair fares decently but still scores rather average overall when compared with the majority of the other competitors.

Comfort and Mobility

It's become quite common to have a mid-rise short, so these “regular rise” shorts actually feel very high-waisted, something we notice all the more due to the snug nature of the wrapped, elastic waistband. It is challenging to have them sit any other way, but we got used to it nonetheless. The nylon is not necessarily abrasive, but the general constriction of the waistband can become irritating over long periods. At the very least, we are grateful that the belt is removable to lessen weight, as we felt the waistband is snug enough not to need it. The rest of the fabric is gentle and fluid. We measured the leg opening circumference to be around 25 inches, which is relatively wide but not necessarily baggy. The shorts are unlined, but the risk of exposure is thankfully minimal due to the lengthy inseam, which we measured at 5.5 inches despite the manufacturer stating 6 inches.

Sizing-wise, these shorts technically run small. According to Columbia's online sizing chart, an XS is equivalent to a size 2, which in itself isn't so unusual. But in the past, we've tested other shorts from this brand and found a size 2 to be a fairly relaxed fit. So, our testers are thoughtful about which sizes they select to ensure a proper fit. For the latest update, our lead tester wore a size Small. The trickiness with higher-waisted shorts, however, is the ratio between the waist, hips, and thighs, which can all be very unique for each person. Our lead tester could have easily worn a Medium to enjoy an even more relaxed fit at the waist, but in doing so, the fit around her hips and thighs would have been too baggy and unflattering. If you're in between sizes, we advise trying on multiple pairs to find the combination that's right for you. In addition, one of the drawbacks we noted in this pair is that the fabric itself has little flexibility to ensure unimpeded mobility. This is not an issue in some of the other competitors. So, if you need something more suitable for all-day wear, consider a more traditional waistband or a smoother, non-irritating elastic design.

Fabric Performance

This metric is where these shorts truly shine. Nylon is naturally moisture-wicking, and these shorts are no exception. Adequate venting is also a given due to the wider leg openings. We did not notice any extraordinary retention of heat or sweat during our tests. Even after running in them, we were not encumbered by sweat or heat retention. We found this quick-dry material to be the best of the entire bunch. In our soaking and drying time tests, the nylon Perfecta Plus II fabric (which is actually treated to be water-resistant) became completely soaked through in about 3 minutes. But once hung, the same soaked shorts dried in front of a blow dryer (set to air-only, with no heat) in just 22 minutes.

The speed at which these shorts became dry to the touch was the fastest of any in the lineup, a really impressive feat that captures exactly why these are a great option if your trail days are going to include water play or an unexpected downpour. This versatile short is ready for creek crossings, warm summer thunderstorms, or a refreshing dip in an alpine lake. Plus, the Perfecta Plus II nylon offers Omni-Shield UPF 30 sun protection, which means that only about 3% of all available UV radiation can penetrate the fabric, keeping your skin well-protected as well.

Versatility and Style

Designed for active use, the primary goal of this model is not to make it easy to transition into urban settings. But given the neutral color tones it is sold in, they can still pair well with just about any casual top. From running errands to visiting the dog park, they are practical but equally athletic in style. We would not call them particularly inspiring for a lunch date where you may want to stand out a bit more (but that may just be us — you do you!). Of course, this is our most subjective metric, and it is important to note style preferences will inevitably differ. If you want something that will be bold and eye-catching on and off trail, this isn't it. But if you want a reliable pair of shorts that will make for a great day of hiking and keep you dry across miles, this is a great option to consider.

The inseam on the Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts is considered mid-length, yet wearing them at the waist creates the illusion that the shorts are shorter than they actually are. Something to consider when you select a size. We tested these across a variety of warm-weather activities, and their versatility proved among their key advantages. Running is doable, although we would only recommend them for short distances since the material bunches between the legs. Their technical material and mid-length inseam also make these applicable to water-based activities like kayaking or paddle boarding, where you may want decent coverage, SPF protection, and quick-dry features to ensure a successful outing. But keep in mind the tight elastic waistband may prove an uncomfortable nuisance when running or engaged in other endurance sports, especially when seated beneath a pack with a hip belt for activities like backpacking.

Construction Quality

Despite not having rear pockets, this pair still comes with four options. Two of them are located on the thigh and are cargo-style. We wish that at least one of these zippered side pockets was bigger, as their current size just didn't prove particularly functional for our needs. This deficit was noted when we scored the Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts for their overall comfort and quality in design for long-term use. For casual hikes, one may not need to stow away anything more than a chapstick or a key in either pocket. In that case, they work fine. However, the pocket zipper makes the opening notably tight at the leg, making it challenging for our fingers to open and less functional for average carrying tasks. In general, we are a huge proponent of big pockets on hiking shorts. Fortunately, the main two in front are spacious and mesh-lined. But, due to the extra-light fabric, we wouldn't recommend carrying heavy items inside as they hang with obvious weight and little support against the body of the shorts. Carrying a phone in either of the larger hand pockets also diminishes the ability to high-step comfortably when the need arises.

This pair is, of course, designed with belt loops and comes with a removable belt; plus, you'll find a plastic snap and zip fly closure at the waist. As mentioned previously, our lead tester tended to remove the belt altogether since the fit at the waist was already more than sufficient without it. To better grasp the construction quality of these features and of the seams themselves, we measured the number of stitching loops per inch in various places across the shorts. The results came in at 10-12 stitches per inch, which is good in our opinion but not particularly great or exceptional. We also noticed that there was little reinforcement for stitching in high-stress areas. Our snag test proved the material is strong enough to withstand minor abrasions and runs against sharp objects, although we did note some very faint markings remained after the paper clip was applied, even if nothing snagged or ripped as a result.

Should You Buy the Columbia Sandy River Cargo?

Manufactured in Indonesia, these shorts retail for a relatively affordable price. Offering ultralight perks and reasonable utility in motion, they are a unique interpretation of a classic hiking cargo style. While we feel the belt is a bit superfluous, they are of decent value, especially if you find that such a style and water play flexibility fit your needs. If possible, try on a couple of different sizes of these shorts before making a decision, as you may find a waistband that is too tight to be comfortable, even if the rest of the body suits your dimensions just right. In the end, scoring high in fabric performance isn't enough to outweigh the need for more comfort and mobility in the cut. However, not everyone will have the same complaints, especially when there are so many different possibilities for use. The Sandy River Cargo Shorts is still a superb apparel choice for active days and more than adequate for the casual or intermediate hiker seeking a great deal. And if you're here for their water versatility, it is hard to ignore how quickly they dry and how well they withstand absorption before they even need to be.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?