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We tested the top 13 hiking shorts for men from Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Prana, REI, and others to find the best
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated September 2, 2026
Warm days on the trail call for lighter gear, top to bottom, and the right pair of shorts is a great place to start. We've found the best hiking shorts to help you move comfortably while keeping you cool, dry, and chafe-free.
After logging hundreds of hours on the trail, we ended up with two favorites. The Patagonia Quandary Short and Chubbies Everywear both earned honors as the best of the bunch because they combine comfort, durability, and performance.
The REI Co-op Trailmade, a drawstring short with great pockets, is your best option if you're looking to save some money.
This review tests 13 of the most popular hiking shorts, meticulously analyzing and rating each pair's performance across various conditions and trail settings. We selected several award winners to help you find the right hiking shorts to grab for your next adventure.
Editor's Note: We updated our hiking shorts review on Sept 2, 2026, after testing shorts from Vuori, Fly Free, and Chubbies.
The Patagonia Quandary offers an exceptional combination of comfort and versatility. They are thoughtfully constructed, with a great design and a true-to-size fit. The fabric is 96% recycled nylon, sourced from retired fishing nets. Not only does this pair look good, but they feel great on, too. Our lead tester Jason Wanlass raves, “I love the cotton-like feel of these shorts — it's super comfortable to hike in all day.” They're lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, and perform admirably on the trail and can comfortably double as swim trunks for cooling down in cold alpine lakes. “My favorite thing about these shorts,” says Jason, “is their lightweight fabric, since it dries so quickly and can keep you cool on hot days.”
With all these great attributes, it's hard to find downsides. That said, we don't love the front hand pockets. They're simply too shallow, and we were afraid to put much in them for fear of the contents falling out. However, we really like the newly added zippers on the leg and right rear pockets — a nice improvement over previously tested versions. Their price is a bit high, but you certainly get your money's worth. The Quandary shorts are our go-to choice for day hikes, long trips, and water activities. If you're looking for a shorter inseam, the Quandary also comes in a 8-inch version, or you could check out the 6-inch Chubbies Everywear. We also love the comfortable and stretchy fabric of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short, which includes a zippered cargo pocket.
Wearing our Quandary Shorts in mountain lakes, rocky trails, and public squares. They are super versatile and comfortable, and they are tough and quick to dry. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Oh wow… the Chubbies Everywear may just be the most comfortable shorts we've ever worn. Since we'd never heard of or tested this brand before, we were a little skeptical at first. However, our doubts vanished the first time we donned our new Chubbies. Not only were they legit and solid, but they were so lightweight and airy that we almost couldn't feel them at all. We don't often pick two Editor's Choice Winners, but after testing these amazing shorts, we absolutely had no other option. If you like shorter shorts and you want extreme mobility and comfort, give these bad boys a try. “I wore mine every day for three weeks and absolutely loved how they felt. They breathe so well that I was always cool and dry,” said lead tester Jason Wanlass. “I also loved hiking in them for the same reasons.” The feature we loved the most was the two-way drawstring that lets you cinch from the inside or outside.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
89% polyester, 11% spandex
Water Resistance
Water-resistant
Pockets
5
Measured Inseam Length (Size)
6" (XXL}
Sun Protection
Not specified
The Chubbies Everywear shorts are reasonably tough. They also dry quickly, wick wonderfully, and they're available in a pile of cool colors. We never experienced issues, but their thin, airy qualities also mean they may not be as durable as other models in our lineup. Additionally, some hikers may not like their shorter inseam. But those are about the only negatives we could muster. We loved these shorts. In addition to hiking, we wore our Chubbies for yoga, swimming, biking, pickleball, and yard work. If you want a bit longer (or shorter!) inseam, they come in 8- and 4-inch options, too. If you like the elastic waist and drawstring style, we also loved the feel of the Fly Free Reverb shorts, which also have a four-way stretch fabric that is lightweight and super comfortable.
The Chubbies Everywear shorts are super comfortable and easy to wear and move in. We tested our at home and in the woods. They passed all of our tests with flying colors. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Shorts are one of the best bargains we've come across. They're not the cheapest on our list, but they do an excellent job of balancing quality with price. They also offer a ton of function and performance: they're fast-drying, lightweight, and comfortable to wear wet or dry. These shorts are about the same thickness as the Patagonia Quandary Short, so they breathe well and keep you cooler, even on hotter days. We loved the full elastic waistband, which is complimented with belt loops and a bungee drawstring, allowing hikers to go beltless. These shorts have a straighter, tailored fit but are accommodating enough for larger movements like stooping, bending, lunging, or squatting. They are reasonably comfortable enough to run in, and on colder transitional days, they offer just enough extra room to add a pair of leggings for early morning starts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
94% nylon, 6% spandex
Water Resistance
DWR finish
Pockets
5
Measured Inseam Length (Size)
8" (XL)
Sun Protection
UPF 50+
Our testers didn't like the overall style of the REI Co-op Trailmade, or lack thereof. They aren't something we'd wear to run errands or grab lunch with a friend. However, they were designed more for function than fashion, and for hitting the trail, they look and feel great. They are perfect for day hikers, backpackers, or thru-hikers looking for a solid pair of shorts with reasonable durability. And we liked that they made water crossings easier. Lead tester Jason Wanlass says, “These shorties are not going to be my choice for days around town, but they are particularly easy to wear when wet, so they are perfect whenever I know I'll be transitioning from river to trail.” The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo and the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Flat Front are some other price-friendly options we tested, but we favored the Trailmade overall for their combo of comfort, performance, and quality construction.
Quick drying and super lightweight make these shorts the perfect choice for hikes with water, but also for hikers who like shorter trunks. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We loved wearing the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short. Though most of the shorts we tested have some level of stretch, the higher spandex content (14%) woven into the Ferrosi's nylon fabric allows these amazing shorts to stretch easily in every direction, making them supremely comfortable. Their fit is somewhat narrow and tailored, but it's never restrictive because they are so thin and move effortlessly with your body, whether you're putting in long days on the trail. Similarly, this superior design combo works great for golfing, climbing, biking, rafting, or even playing pickleball. One tester commented, “I could wear these shorts all day. It barely feels like you're wearing anything at all.” Such amazing comfort and flexibility make the Ferrosi one of the most versatile shorts of the entire bunch — they are a dream to wear no matter what you're doing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
46% recycled nylon, 40% nylon, 14% spandex
Water Resistance
DWR coating
Pockets
5
Measured Inseam Length (Size)
10" (38")
Sun Protection
UPF 50+
The one thing we worried about when donning the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short on brushy trails was snags. Although they held up great during dozens of hikes over several months, the fabric has 10 percent less nylon than many of the top performers in our lineup. It's also very stretchy, so this combination could lead to more snags and scuffs from things like rocky outcrops, tree branches, or sitting on a log. Shorts made from 100-percent nylon, like the Patagonia Baggies Longs, are far less likely to have this problem. But that comfort, though… We think the trade-off for slightly less durability isn't that bad of a deal. The only other short that bested the Ferrosi in comfort was the Chubbies Everywear. If you're looking for a baggier cut, check out a short like the Prana Stretch Zion Short, which works well across a wide range of activities.
If you love having options, we're confident the Vuori Aim shorts will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylin' both on the trail and around town. They're not flashy — these shorts are notable for their simple, understated style that is also distinctively polished and tailored. Their comfortable four-way stretch fabric is a combination of polyester and elastane, but it's also composed of 25 percent cotton, giving the Vuoris a freshly ironed, premium look that can't be missed. These features, combined with a buttoned fly, zippered pockets, belt loops, and an airy feel, make them perfect for the trail, golf course, pub, or any other casual setting. “During testing, these shorts quickly became my personal go-to option for most summer days,” a tester said. “I wore them daily for running around, and then for weekend hikes, and never got tired of them.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
67% polyester, 25% cotton, 8% elastane
Water Resistance
Not specified
Pockets
4
Measured Inseam Length (Size)
8" (38")
Sun Protection
Not specified
Their fabric isn't overly robust, making it slightly prone to snags, and they also tend to wrinkle more readily than the all-synthetic options we tested like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. Their cotton content also means they quickly absorb water and are a bit slow to dry. We didn't see this as a huge problem, they're just not shorts we'd double as swim trunks in a pinch (the Chubbies Everywear were good for that). Some of our testers also felt they were a little tight through the crotch, but only when squatting. Overall, we feel these are minor trade-offs for the comfort, versatility, function, and fit that the Vuoris offer. If your primary motive is style, we think the Kuhl Renegade Short takes the cake, but they aren't as breathable on the trail.
In the end, one of the things we loved most about the Vuori Aims is their versatility. Being able to cross over from trail to town makes them unique and adds value. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Planning to spend weeks or months on the trail? The Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts are worth considering as your go-to trunks for the journey. They aren't as soft as the REI Co-op Trailmade, but these shorts are super tough, fast-drying, and lightweight. They also have a built-in liner, so you can cut out the extra weight of underwear. Made from 100-percent recycled nylon, these shorts are the real deal — no spandex. They are dense, old-school, and can handle the rigors of the trail for long periods. Additionally, their baggy fit is roomy, reasonably comfortable, and has enough space to throw on a pair of leggings during cold snaps. These shorts are beltless and instead have a full elastic waistband with a simple shoestring tie.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
100% recycled nylon
Water Resistance
PFAS-free DWR coating
Pockets
3
Measured Inseam Length (Size)
6" (XL)
Sun Protection
Not specified
Call us weird, but the thing we geeked out the most over the Patagonia Baggies Longs were their super deep front pockets, each can easily swallow an entire one-liter bottle of water and still have room left over. What we didn't like about these shorts was the stiffness of their fabric. These literally no give or stretch, and they are a tad abrasive compared to the comfy stretch fabric available on other pairs like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short. Our lead tester called them out for this combo, saying, “Yeah, I found them to be a little stiff and slightly abrasive, but wow, these shorts sure are tough.” Luckily, the Patagonia Baggies Longs are roomy and very airy. But you will still notice the lack of stretch when squatting or sitting, which takes a bit of getting used to. If the abrasive fabric is a no-go for you, we loved the pure comfort of the Chubbies Everywhere.
Vetting the performance and function of our Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Product Comparison Table
It's all uphill from here. Crushing our first day of trekking in the Italian Dolomites. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
We have been testing hiking shorts for several years. To put this review together, we researched nearly tons of models before choosing and purchasing the most promising to test, hands-on. We took to the trails, hiking, running, and backpacking on trails all over the U.S. and abroad. We took note of their comfort, compared their mobility, examined all the features, determined how well they vented, tested their drying time, and even considered the versatility of their style, considering their appropriateness for everything from a trail run to post-hike social activities (though we know this one is subjective).
Our hiking shorts testing is divided across four rating metrics:
Comfort & Mobility (40% of overall score weighting)
Fabric Performance (25% weighting)
Versatility and Style (20% weighting)
Construction Quality (15% weighting)
An early morning in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. We tested shorts side by side in order to paint an accurate picture of which ones were best. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
Our lead hiker and reviewer is full-time Utah resident Jason Wanlass. Jason has been an avid trail-seeker for more than 25 years, having hiked or backpacked in hiking shorts across thousands of miles of trail in almost every state in the American West, including most of the National Parks. Jason has also backpacked the wilds of Iceland, Chile, and Argentina and traversed trails in Nepal, the Alps, eastern Europe, and more. It's safe to say that he knows a thing or two about all things gear, especially high-quality outdoor clothing.
As much as we can, we test our shorts in real-life settings like day hikes and backpacking. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Counting stitches per inch. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Dunking the bottom half of these shorts for three minutes to see how quickly they absorb water. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We high stepped the local bleachers to test each product's fabric for its comfort, stretch-ability, and movement. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Each model is weighed to determined how light or bulky it is relative to the rest. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Analysis and Test Results
Our testing gave us valuable insight into the performance and quality of these products. Though many hiking shorts share similar design features, the devil is in the details. From waist closures to leg seams and the angle and orientation of pocket zippers, we consider every element that makes a difference. We appreciate it when a company takes a user-centered approach to its products. Below, we discuss standouts in each scoring metric: comfort and mobility, features, versatility and style, and construction quality.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We fully recognize that you can hike in any ol' cheapie pair of shorts, but we figure you found this review because you're looking for some specialty features found in some dedicated hiking shorts. For mid-range prices, we love the REI Co-op Trailmade and REI Co-op Sahara Cargo. The drawstring-waisted Trailmade is ten bucks cheaper than the Sahara, which is a more structured short with a button and fly closure. But both have great pockets, which we consider essential. Either of these offer a great value.
Determining value can be a complicated process. Yes, price is important, but so is quality and durability. And, even if you have all three, if the shorts aren't comfortable, there probably not worth it. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Many of our award winners offer excellent value despite their higher price tags. The Chubbies Everywear is a comfortable pair that we never wanted to take off, and they cost less than the premium options. The versatility of the Vuori Aim makes it a great value, since it's a pair that wears as well on the trail as it does out for dinner. The lowest-priced pair we tested, the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Flat Front, didn't get as much fanfare, nor did it score particularly well in all areas, but these shorts could work well if you just need an inexpensive pair of comfy shorts with some stretch for mobility.
Value is a combination of price, durability, and how each pair performs in a variety of terrain and climates. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Comfort and Mobility
Comfort and mobility are interconnected. Together, they are the highest-priority metric in our testing. We assess the fit and adjustability of the waist, the amount of space in the crotch, and whether or not the crotch is gusseted. We also look for design elements such as anti-chafing waist liners and low-profile seams that reduce rubbing. We consider the softness of the fabric as well.
We think of mobility as 'active comfort.' That is the degree to which each pair of shorts facilitates or limits our ability to do an activity. It includes the cut of the shorts and whether they ride up when stepping up or squatting down. We consider factors such as crotch space and things like the fabric blend and the amount of stretch each pair offers. Some fabrics are manufactured in a way that only permits mobility in a single plane, while others have a quality often marketed as “4-way stretch.”
Putting the four-way stretch of the Chubbies Everywear to the test. We never felt restricted in these shorts. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our testing revealed two top performers for comfort and mobility; the Chubbies Everywear and Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short led the way. We found both to be extremely accommodating and comfortable. The fabric of the Ferrosi and Chubbies shorts stretches in every direction, making them very versatile and easy to move in. The Patagonia Quandary Short was also quite comfortable, but it had a tad less stretch. If you like shorter shorts, the Fly Free Reverb shorts are also a solid option for comfort and mobility.
Showing the comfortable elastic waist found on the Fly Free shorts. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Fly Free shorts are very comfortable to hike in thanks to their fabric blend that includes a fair amount of spandex. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We also enjoyed wearing the Prana Stretch Zion and the Kuhl Renegade Short. If we had to choose between the two, we'd pick the Zion shorts to hike in because they have more stretch and they breathe a little better.
Five days into a 10-day trek in the Italian Dolomites. Although long, and a little baggy, we absolutely loved wearing the Prana Stretch Zion Shorts. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Fjallraven Abisko has ultra-stretchy material incorporated into the design via strategically positioned panels. The Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex shorts are surprisingly comfortable for their low price tag and they allow for a wide range of movement.
Coming in hot. Showing off the Wrangler's stretch fabric. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Wrangler shorts stretch and move well in any direction. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Fabric Performance
We assess each pair of shorts' breathability, drying time, and overall hiking comfort, as well as factors like zipper and pocket functionality. Particular features we look for are the number, placement, size, and shape of the pockets, how they close, and how easy or difficult it is to access something you put in them. We also consider waist fastening mechanisms like buttons versus snaps and waist tightening systems, with integrated belts, drawstrings, or traditional belt loops being the most common.
The Patagonia Quandary Short, Chubbies Everywear, Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Fly Free Reverb, and REI Co-op Trailmade all have decent pockets and are breathable, airy, and fast-drying; they also all sport drawstring ties that allow hikers to go beltless.
We loved the Quandary's fabric. It's nylon, but it has a softer, cotton-like feel. These shorts also have great pockets and a very convenient drawstring waist. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Trailmade, Fly Free Reverb, and Chubbies Everywear have shorter inseams, so some of our testers felt they were easier to wear. All three were among our fastest-drying models. The Patagonia Baggies are also quite quick-drying, but their material is a bit scratchier to the touch.
Testing our Chubbies Everywear shorts to see how well they repel water. Although they didn't perform well at water resistance, we loved how quickly they dried. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Quick-drying fabric and decent pockets were key to the Columbia's good scores in this metric. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Versatility and Style
Versatility is how well the shorts perform across different activities. We took each pair on hikes, of course, shorter day-long adventures and longer, multi-week trips. We also consider their functionality for activities like canoeing, swimming, running, climbing, and traveling.
Style is a special kind of versatility. Especially with clothing, we recognize that people are likely to make a purchase based not just on function but also on how the apparel item looks. Style is inherently subjective. So, to try and provide a reasonably fair assessment that will help you gauge which options might be right for you, we considered how well a pair of shorts might work for an in-town outing with friends (i.e., no one would think you just came from an afternoon on the trail).
Lining up our shorts in Florence, Italy, in order to award style points. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Here, we find the Patagonia Quandary and Vuori Aim at the top. Both uniquely strike a great balance between form and function, keeping all the essential elements we want in a pair of hiking-specific shorts while also looking pretty darn good in off-trail settings. In particular, we found the Patagonia Quandary's soft, lightweight material easy to wear for all sorts of activities: hiking, sightseeing, swimming, climbing, golfing, and more.
From Italy's mountain lakes to its iconic public squares, we loved the versatility of the Patagonia Quandary. Credit: Jason Wanlass
What we loved most about the Vuori is its classy, polished look that let us easily go from trail to town in style. While the Quandary shorts are a little more versatile than stylish, the Vuori shorts are the opposite. They bring a more tailored, understated style to the table that can hold its own with a tucked in polo shirt and fashion sneakers.
From the trail to the farmer's market, these shorts are kings of versatility.
The Kuhl Renegade are just a titch too heavy for hiking-only shorts, but many of our testers still swear by wearing them on the trail, especially the shorter inseam options. What's more, we absolutely love these shorts for their style. They're great for an outdoor concert, walking around town, heading for a picnic or barbecue, or wherever your days may take you. They are also our favorite travel shorts for exactly these reasons.
Shopping day packs at a local gear shop in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Renegades look just as good in the street as they do on the trail. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We liked the Patagonia Baggies' built-in liner, which works like a swimsuit and makes it a very good minimalistic option for ultralight hikers. The Prana Stretch Zion are protective, stretchy, and allow us to do a lot of other activities, including just hanging out. We also really dig their integrated cinch belt.
Our favorite feature on the Prana Stretch Zion was its built-in cinch belt. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Construction Quality
This metric vets each product in side-by-side testing to gauge how well a pair will hold up over time. Compared to other outdoor sports, hiking could be considered a low-impact activity. However, every trail is surrounded by countless threats to your hiking clothes - branches, rocks, sun, weather, and more. While examining each pair of shorts, we take into account things like fabric density, seam and stitch quality, and the durability of its accessories (zippers, pockets, buttons, and rivets).
We were most impressed with the quality of the Prana Stretch Zion Short. Despite the fabric feeling soft and flexible, we found its stretch nylon body to be extremely durable and capable of fending off attacks from rock outcroppings, logs, branches, thorns, and more. Our favorite construction feature on the Zion is the double-stitched — and even triple-stitched — seams and reinforcements.
The Prana Stretch Zion is the only pair in our lineup with triple-stitched seams. It also has double-stitched hems (many brands opt for single stitch). Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Patagonia Quandary Short, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short, Kuhl Renegade Short, Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts, Fjallraven Abisko Short, and Vuori Aim all have quality materials and solid stitching. The REI Co-op Trailmade and REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Short are made from lightweight stretch-nylon fabric that is thin and soft yet still maintains impressive integrity while defending against snags, tears, and scratches.
Although thin and lightweight, we were impressed at the Trailmade's ability to ward off sharp dead tree branches and other surprise attacks from Mother Nature. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Finally, we feel the need to mention the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex. Though not as well-made as the shorts mentioned above, when factoring in the Wrangler's incredible low price, we were blown away by its relative construction quality and overall durability. For the cost, these shorts are an absolute bargain.
For their price point, the Wrangler shorts are engineered well and are quite tough. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Pick the Right Pair of Hiking Shorts
Shopping for hiking shorts is far from rocket science. Luckily, modern fabrics allow most shorts to be comfortable and durable enough for just about any hiker. However, there are a few things to consider before forking over your cash and hitting the trail.
How Often Do You Hit the Trail?
The top question you need to ask yourself is how often you will really hike. Are the shorts you're buying for a few nature strolls? Are you headed out on vacay and planning to conquer a one-time jaunt to a tourist-packed viewpoint? Or do you plan to hit the hilly terrain on a regular basis? If you fall into the first category, you may want to consider shorts with comfortable stretch fabrics and a versatile enough style that you could wear them for daily or casual wear, like the Vuori Aim. Likewise, you may want to consider their price if you do not wear your shorts very often. Die-hard hikers will likely be happiest with tougher fabrics and better construction quality to ensure longevity.
Cruising the streets of a small town in Maine. Heading for the hotel. If you're a casual hiker, go with something that you can wear every day. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Heading for the hills in Utah with plans to hike until the snow gets too deep. If you're more serious, consider shorts built for going all in. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Comfort vs. Breathability
Stretch-nylon fabrics are all the rage. They are the most comfortable to hike in, and they accommodate the largest range of motion. One key drawback to this fabric is that it tends to be slightly heavier than standard nylon or ripstop nylon and runs slightly warmer. It also doesn't breathe as well.
Stretch-nylon shorts allow for maximum comfort. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Durability vs. Mobility
Standard nylon or ripstop-nylon fabrics were once the industry standard for hiking shorts. These fabrics are very tough; they're scratch-, scuff-, and tear-resistant, and generally built to last a long time. The trade-off for this kind of durability, generally, is less mobility. Traditional nylon fabrics have no give or flexibility. Newer, more comfortable stretch-nylon blends are super flexible and allow for maximum mobility but, in turn, are generally a bit less durable and can be more prone to snag, scuff, scratch, and tear.
Although extremely flexible, stretch fabrics are not as durable when it comes to direct, repeated contact with rock, tree branches, or any other abrasive surface. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Knee-length vs. short-shorts
Do you like your shorts to hit the knee, or do you prefer the good ol' days when they rode high on the thigh? Longer shorts are more versatile and provide more protection from sun, branches, rocks, or brush. The trade-off for this length is less ventilation, less breathability, and warmer wear. On the contrary, shorter shorts run cooler, breathe better, dry faster, and are generally easier to move in, especially over long distances. They also provide less protection to the upper legs and may be considered less fashionable in public places. Many manufacturers offer a variety of lengths. Generally, a 12-inch inseam is the longest, followed by shorter 10-inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch options.
Shorter shorts are generally lighter, more breathable, and easier to wear for prolonged periods of time. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
It's easy to get caught up in the technical details of materials and design, and sometimes that matters. However, with shorts, you need a pair you can turn to repeatedly without thinking about it. After hours of research and hundreds of trail miles, we are confident we have found the best. Our experts put hundreds of miles on these models to speak to their advantages and drawbacks. We hope this review provides the basic information you need to make the right decision for you. For more in-depth info on buying a pair of hiking shorts, check our Buying Advice Article. Happy trails.
