REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Quick-drying
Well-made
REASONS TO AVOID
More expensive
Sizing runs large
Drawstrings are too stretchy
Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo Shorts Review
A hiking short with lengthy coverage and many pockets, but some sizing issues
There's a lot going on with the Trekr: lots of fabric, lots of length, lots of pockets.
Credit: Sara Aranda
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ September 23, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hiking Shorts for Women
Our Verdict
The Kuhl Trekr Pull-On Cargo Shorts are one of the longer pairs we've tested. While the 11" inseam isn't out of the ordinary for hiking shorts, we should have heeded other reports that they run large. A bit baggy and on the heavier side of the spectrum, they aren't the most agile and breezy shorts. However, they are comfortable, protective, and well-constructed. Plus, they dried out rather quickly after our water test. Overall, we think the Kuhl Trekr is a good, functional pair, and it likely comes down to whether you love a long inseam and enjoy the look and the fit.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo Shorts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $85 List Check REI (on sale!) | $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  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A hiking short with lengthy coverage and many pockets, but some sizing issues | 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 | Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 1... | 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 | Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 1... | Mountain Hardwear Dy... | REI Co-op Trailmade | REI Co-op Active Pur... | Hugut Lightweight Cargo |
| Material | 57% polyester, 43% nylon | 94% nylon, 6% elastane | 94% nylon, 6% spandex | 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex (liner: 86% polyester/14% spandex) | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
| Water Resistance | None listed | PFC-free DWR | DWR (nonfluorinated) | None | DWR |
| Number of Pockets | 7 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| Inseam Options Available | 11 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 | 9.0 oz | 4.5 oz | 4.9 oz | 3.9 oz | 6.7 oz |
| Waistband Design | Pull-on, rib-knit waistband with external drawcord | 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 | Zippered accessory pocket; mid-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 | 32 min | 41 min | 38 min | 55 min | 26 min |
| Saturation Time | 1.33 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 | 14/in | 12/in | 12/in | 15/in | 13/in |
| Measured Leg Opening Circumference | 23.0 in | 20.75 in | 27.0 in | 27.5 | 23.0 in |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Even with an 11" inseam, comfort and mobility remain high. Credit: Sara Aranda
Likes
We like the feel of the fabric on these shorts: it's smooth, comfortable, and feels durable, and it's also quick-drying. They're versatile enough to wear for a wider range of temperatures and seasons (thanks to the long inseam), and they allow a high range of mobility due to the flexibility of the fabric.
If you like a longer short, there's a lot to enjoy about this pair. We also appreciate that there are plenty of pockets.
The fit is a little baggy for us since these shorts run large. Sizing down might yield a more form-fitting fit, yet it all depends on what you ultimately prefer. Credit: Sara Aranda
Dislikes
Our main thumbs down has to do with sizing and the drawstrings in the waistband. This pair runs large. Our lead tester said, “I'm sometimes in between sizes, but it's clear that sizing up in this case was unnecessary. I recommend sizing down if you're in-between like me.” A usual fix is to use the drawstrings to cinch the waist, but we found the Kuhl Trekr's drawstrings so stretchy that tightening them isn't easy. The more we pull on the drawstrings, the more they stretch out rather than cinch. So we think this was a mismatched design choice in terms of functionality, and because of this, the shorts sagged more than we prefer (for our lead tester, the shorts dropped down past her knees), affecting our perception of the Trekr's style.
The drawstrings are impressively stretchy to a degree that cinching the waistband was a challenge for us. Credit: Sara Aranda
Should You Buy the Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo Shorts?
If you like the functionality and style of a knee-length short, we think you'll be pleased with the Trekr, especially if you size them correctly (we recommend sizing down). Not having to really fiddle with the stretchy drawstring would be the way to go. Plus, the fabric is high-quality, and the comfort was great, and there are plenty of pockets, including zipper pockets. While a tad on the expensive side, these shorts are of great value.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
If you're worried about the fit and how they might look on you, then you should consider the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short instead. They have a 9" inseam and are at the top of the list in terms of quality, comfort, and style. If longer inseams maybe aren't your jam, then we recommend checking out the Patagonia Multi Trails, which has a middle-of-the-road 5.5" inseam but is much more relaxed in its fit and feel.
—Sara Aranda
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