REASONS TO BUY
Unique and fun style
Made well
Decent comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as lightweight
Not as versatile
Higher price
Cotopaxi Brinco Skort Review
Not a true skort, this pair of casual shorts comes with a mixed approach to style
The design utilizes a skirt overlay in the front, with mesh pockets and hand pockets. Plus, the belt is integrated into the waistband.
Credit: Sara Aranda
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ September 23, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hiking Shorts for Women
Our Verdict
The Cotopaxi Brinco Skort is an interesting pair for many reasons, from the design itself to its relative comfort and construction quality. While the name uses the term skort, we wouldn't consider the design a true skort. The skirt feature exists only on the front of the shorts; in the back, they are just normal shorts. If you're thinking this is kind of trippy, you're right. We feel the fit might be hard to nail and is slightly on the bigger side, depending on your body shape, but overall, our tester found the pair fun to wear both on the trail and in town. We'd say the Brinco is best suited for casual wanderings or playful outings rather than anything high-intensity or hyper-adventurous.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Cotopaxi Brinco Skort | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Hiking Shorts for Women |  Best Bang for the Buck |  Best for Trail Running and Distance Hikes | Best on a Tight Budget | |
| Price | $80 List Check Price at REI | $89 List Check REI (on sale!) | $50 List Check REI (on sale!) | $45 List Check REI (on sale!) | $36 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Not a true skort, this pair of casual shorts comes with a mixed approach to style | A versatile, comfortable, and high-performing pair with subtle styling and great pockets | A cargo-inspired design that prioritizes pocket size, comfort, and overall quality | Easily used for both hiking and running, these shorts are lightweight and have only one pocket | Quality fabric meets mobility in this classically designed, affordable choice |
| Rating Categories | Cotopaxi Brinco Skort | Mountain Hardwear Dy... | REI Co-op Trailmade | REI Co-op Active Pur... | Hugut Lightweight Cargo |
| Comfort and Mobility (40%) | |||||
| Fabric Performance (25%) | |||||
| Versatility and Style (20%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Cotopaxi Brinco Skort | Mountain Hardwear Dy... | REI Co-op Trailmade | REI Co-op Active Pur... | Hugut Lightweight Cargo |
| Material | 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex | 94% nylon, 6% elastane | 94% nylon, 6% spandex | 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex (liner: 86% polyester/14% spandex) | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
| Water Resistance | Wicking finish | PFC-free DWR | DWR (nonfluorinated) | None | DWR |
| Number of Pockets | 5 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| Inseam Options Available | 3.0 in | 9.0 in | 5.0 in | 4.0 in | 9.5 in |
| Sun Protection Rating | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ |
| Measured Weight | 8.0 oz | 4.5 oz | 4.9 oz | 3.9 oz | 6.7 oz |
| Waistband Design | Wrapped elastic waistband with integrated webbing belt | Stretch knit waistband with internal drawstring | Elastic waistband with bungee adjustment | Elastic waistband with internal drawstring | Wrapped elastic waistband with external drawstring |
| Size Options (Size Tested) | XS - XL (size M) | XXS - XL (size S) | XS - 3X (size M) | XS - 3X (size S) | S - 3X (size M) |
| Other Features/Notes | Recycled materials; half skort; hem slit; snap closure back pocket with drain hole; mid to high-rise | Accessory pocket with zipper; some pockets have mesh lining; anti-odor fabric; mid-rise | Accessory cord loop at waistband; Bluesign approved; recycled pocket lining material; mid-rise | Recycled materials; Bluesign approved; small accessory zip pocket with mesh; mid-rise | All pockets zippered; high-rise |
| Dry Time | 45 min | 41 min | 38 min | 55 min | 26 min |
| Saturation Time | 0.08 min | 0.67 min | 0.92 min | 0.08 min | 3.00 min |
| Minimum measured stitch density per inch | 10/in | 10/in | 10/in | 13/in | 9/in |
| Maximum measured stitch density per inch | 11/in | 12/in | 12/in | 15/in | 13/in |
| Measured Leg Opening Circumference | 27.5 in | 20.75 in | 27.0 in | 27.5 | 23.0 in |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The back of the Brinco Skort looks like a normal pair of shorts, which is either a novel idea or a strange take on the skort. Credit: Sara Aranda
Likes
We find high-waisted, belted designs aren't always the most comfortable, but the Brinko Skort is pretty comfy and the waistband isn't too tight. We didn't have any issues with mobility in this skort/shorts combo, and found the fabric pretty comfy. We also loved having so many pockets.
The webbing belt has a plastic clasp closure, making it quick and easy to secure closed or to open. Credit: Sara Aranda
The mesh accessory pockets on the front of the skort have an envelope closure. Credit: Sara Aranda
We actually enjoy wearing the skort for more than just hiking. From dog walks to running errands, the style is probably the most unique thing about the pair. The style receives mixed reviews, but from the front, at least, we really like the skort look. The colors are fun, and the belt is cute. Construction quality is also notable, as no marks or snags were left during our snag test. The fabric itself is a little thicker, which is nice for durability, but not so thick that it takes forever to dry once wet.
Dislikes
As much as the style is fun and quirky, it's also kind of strange. We found ourselves wishing the pair was simply a full skort (it looks so good from the front!). Some folks don't mind that the skirt doesn't wrap all the way around, and we totally get how the quirkiness can grow on you over time, but these bottoms have the word skort in it — just saying.
You're obviously not going to wear this skort with a climbing harness; it's more for casual use and a way to look cute on (or off!) the trail. We wish the rear pocket was bigger and more functional. It's not big enough for a phone, and we honestly don't know what it's useful for.
From the back, the design no longer has the skirt overlay and simply looks like a normal pair of shorts. The featured rear pocket is quite small. Credit: Sara Aranda
Should You Buy the Cotopaxi Brinco Skort?
If you're committed to the look and love the brand, then yes. They're playful, bright, and casual. If you're unsure about the look, then maybe not. There are other pairs of hiking shorts that are much more aligned with function and style that will likely suit your needs better.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
If you're a fan of the belted look, then check out the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts. The Ferrosi is a high-quality pair ready for all kinds of adventure. If belts maybe aren't your thing, then consider the REI Co-op Trailmade shorts, which pack a ton of value for a more affordable price.
—Sara Aranda
You Might Also Like
