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What are the best hiking shorts for men?
Planning for a summer hiking trip? Even though you can wear any type of shorts and shirts for your summer hike, we would suggest you to get hiking clothing. Because hiking clothing is made of quick-drying, breathable and lightweight materials that feel so much more nice on your skin, and they also keep you cool. Cotton shirts and denim shorts are not the best options. In this article we will discuss hiking shorts. What you should keep in mind when buying a new pair of shorts?
How to choose the best shorts for hiking? Read on to find out.
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Table of Contents
Best Hiking Shorts for Men
What are the options? And which one to choose?
Which are the best hiking shorts for men?
1. prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Short (click for more details)
Durable hiking shorts with a little stretch.
Overall, the best hiking shorts for men, our favorite.
The prAna shorts are made of quality nylon and spandex. The material is stretchy and has a moisture wicking finish and UPF 50+ protection to keep you cool, dry and also safe on especially sunny days. They are built to stand up to different conditions, while not compromising on looks. The shorts have 5 deep pockets — 2 on sides, 2 at the back and 1 on the left leg.
There is an adjustable waistband, meaning you don’t need a belt.
Available in different colors and sizes.
2. Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Shorts (click for more details)
Comfy men’s hiking shorts with a timeless design.
Versatile men’s lightweight hiking shorts, one of the top hiking shorts on the market. These Eddie Bauer hiking shorts are made of two-way stretch, water-repellent nylon/spandex material. Thanks to the stretchy fabric, the shorts provide excellent mobility. Featuring the StormRepel DWR water-resistant finish, they also don’t easily get soaked in rain. The waistband of these shorts is made using Polygiene technology which helps minimize odor (the shorts smell less).
The Eddie Bauer hiking shorts also feature FreeShade 50+ UPF sun protection, which is an important factor when choosing summer hiking gear. These shorts feature 2 low-profile zippered cargo pockets and front and back pockets for your essentials.
The shorts are lightweight and take up very little space.
3. Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Short (click for more details)
High quality durable walking shorts for men.
The Columbia Silver Ridge hiking shorts are among the best cargo shorts on the market. With the advanced Omni-Wick® technology that wicks sweat and Omni-Shade® UPF 30 sun protection, these shorts are perfect for hikes on hot and sunny summer days. The shorts feature an elastic waistband inserts for extra comfort, and lots of pockets.
These Columbia hiking shorts are lightweight yet durable, and easy to pack. They are designed to provide comfort during any activity, from hiking to sightseeing and travel.
4. Fjallraven Abisko Shorts (click for more details)
Well-made classic design travel shorts / backpacking shorts.
Made of polyester (60%) and cotton (40%) blend, these Fjallraven hiking shorts are great for backpacking and hiking trips. Wear them for mountain hikes or long walks in the city. They have a classic design, so they’re quite versatile and will look good even if you wear them on a daily basis. The shorts are stretchy in the lower back and reinforced in the rear. There’s an extra piece of fabric in the crotch and a strategically placed inseams (it helps to decrease rubbing).
The shorts are designed with hikers and backpackers in mind. The waist is a bit lower at the front and higher at the back, so that the shorts sit comfortably when you are wearing a hiking backpack. The zippered front pockets are placed so that you can access them easily even when wearing a backpack’s hip belt.
5. Arc’teryx Lefroy Short (click for more details)
Extra lightweight, breathable and comfortable shorts for long hikes.
Made of an Aequora AirPerm which is 86% nylon and 14% elastane, these stretchy hiking shorts are perfect for warm weather and long hiking adventures. The fabric is breathable, and it helps regulate the body temperature. So you feel extremely comfortable and cool during your summer hikes.
The shorts have several pockets (including a zippered pocket) and an adjustable integrated belt. There’s a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement.
6. Quiksilver Men’s Union Amphibian Hybrid (click for more details)
Extra lightweight, versatile outdoor shorts for men.
These are the shorts I’ve been wearing myself for 2+ years. Last summer I bought two extra pairs. These shorts are extra lightweight, super comfortable and, thanks to their design, also extremely versatile. The material is 90% polyester (recycled!) and 10% elastane blend. These are fast drying shorts for men that can be used for hiking adventures too. Only they aren’t as durable as some others mentioned on this article.
Other thing I love about these hybrid shorts is that they are also swimming shorts. It’s especially important if you are planning to swim in nature during your hiking trips. Or you want a pair of shorts that work for everything, just like I do. With these quick dry hiking shorts it’s possible.
Last but not least, they feel very nice to wear.
Read our full review: Quiksilver Union Heather 20″ Amphibian
How to Find the Best Hiking Shorts for Men?
What do all best hiking shorts for men have in common?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Style and Features
When it comes to style, there are not many variations.
Most men’s hiking shorts look very similar to each other. Most shorts feature a traditional cargo short design with leg pockets. When you are buying new hiking shorts, check the length, as some shorts are slightly shorter than others.
The number of pockets may differ too.
Built-in belt is a great feature to have.
2. Material
Good hiking shorts should be lightweight, quick-drying and breathable.
Of course, you can wear any shorts on a hike, but the most comfortable shorts will be the ones made of special synthetic material. They will dry much faster than, let’s say, denim shorts. Unlike denim shorts, special hiking shorts won’t get heavy if they get wet. And lightweight hiking shorts are much more breathable. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of at least 30 (but better higher — 50+) is also important. It will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Water resistance is another cool feature to have. If fabric doesn’t absorb water, but rather repels it, you won’t end up with wet and sagging shorts.
Last but not least, you want the fabric to be durable.
So it doesn’t snag on branches and rocks.
3. Comfort and Mobility
When you are hiking, you are moving a lot.
Hence it is important to buy stretchy shorts that won’t restrict your movements. Look if there are a little bit of lycra or spandex added to the material. Don’t forget to read reviews of other hikers — this is where you will find all the answers to most, if not all, of your questions.
4. Price
Cheap price doesn’t mean low quality.
However, more expensive shorts are more durable, breathable and lightweight. If you plan to hike often, invest in a better pair of shorts.
What is your experience with summer hiking clothing? Do you hike in shorts, or do you prefer hiking pants? What are the best hiking shorts you have worn?
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