Best Hiking Shorts For Men
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Kuhl Renegade Short
8 in
Not specified
8
Yes
2 zippered side pockets; 2 hook-and-loop back pockets; 4 open front/cell pockets
18 Months Limited Warranty
8 in
Not specified
8
Yes
2 zippered side pockets; 2 hook-and-loop back pockets; 4 open front/cell pockets
18 Months Limited Warranty
GOODS
- Exceptionally comfortable with a great fit for all-day wear
- Durable fabric that holds up well to rugged use
BADS
- DWR handles light moisture, but these are not designed for sustained wet weather
Compare this product with...
Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Short - 7"
7 in
13.8 oz
Not specified
Yes
1 right-thigh zip pocket; hand and back pockets are drop-in
Infinite Guarantee (product lifetime)
7 in
13.8 oz
Not specified
Yes
1 right-thigh zip pocket; hand and back pockets are drop-in
Infinite Guarantee (product lifetime)
GOODS
- Exceptionally breathable fabric keeps you cool on long hikes
- Comfortable fit with great mobility for scrambling or climbing
BADS
- Only the right-thigh pocket zips; hand and back pockets are drop-in
- Water resistance is minimal, not ideal for wet conditions
Compare this product with...
REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's
9 in
8 oz
6+
Yes
1 cargo pocket zips under its flap; remaining pockets are not specified as zippered
Limited warranty (defects at time of sale)
9 in
8 oz
6+
Yes
1 cargo pocket zips under its flap; remaining pockets are not specified as zippered
Limited warranty (defects at time of sale)
GOODS
- Exceptionally comfortable with a great fit for all-day wear
- Durable fabric that holds up well to rugged use
BADS
- Water resistance is moderate, not ideal for heavy rain
Compare this product with...
Janji M's 5" Multi Short
5 in
4.1 oz (men's medium)
5 waistband pockets
Yes
Bounce-resistant waistband storage; left-front key clip; no zippered pocket specified
5 Years (Run Everywhere Guarantee)
5 in
4.1 oz (men's medium)
5 waistband pockets
Yes
Bounce-resistant waistband storage; left-front key clip; no zippered pocket specified
5 Years (Run Everywhere Guarantee)
GOODS
- Lightweight and breathable fabric ideal for hot weather
- Comfortable fit with no chafing, great for active use
BADS
- Water handling could be better for wet conditions
- Pocket security may not be sufficient for valuable items
Compare this product with...
Patagonia Strider Pro 5″
5 in
3.79 oz
5
Yes
1 center-back zip pocket with key loop; 4 envelope pockets
Ironclad Guarantee
5 in
3.79 oz
5
Yes
1 center-back zip pocket with key loop; 4 envelope pockets
Ironclad Guarantee
GOODS
- Excellent breathability for hot weather hikes
- Durable fabric holds up to rugged trails
BADS
- Poor water handling; not ideal for wet conditions
Compare this product with...
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts
6 in
8.6 oz
5
Yes
2 cargo and 1 back pocket use hook-and-loop; 2 front envelope pockets
Ironclad Guarantee
6 in
8.6 oz
5
Yes
2 cargo and 1 back pocket use hook-and-loop; 2 front envelope pockets
Ironclad Guarantee
GOODS
- Exceptionally comfortable with a flexible fit for all-day wear
- Durable fabric holds up well to rugged outdoor use
BADS
- Water resistance is minimal, not ideal for wet conditions
- No zippered pocket for valuables
Compare this product with...
REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Shorts
8 in
7.2 oz
5
Yes
1 side-zip security cargo pocket; other pockets are drop-in
Limited warranty (defects at time of sale)
8 in
7.2 oz
5
Yes
1 side-zip security cargo pocket; other pockets are drop-in
Limited warranty (defects at time of sale)
GOODS
- Comfortable fit for long hikes
- Good pocket accessibility
BADS
- Durability could be better
- Water handling is just average
Compare this product with...
Patagonia Quandary Short
8 in
7.5 oz
5
Not specified
1 zippered back pocket; 1 zippered thigh pocket; 3 open pockets
Ironclad Guarantee
8 in
7.5 oz
5
Not specified
1 zippered back pocket; 1 zippered thigh pocket; 3 open pockets
Ironclad Guarantee
GOODS
- Comfortable fit for long hikes
- Durable fabric holds up well
BADS
- Breathability could be better
- Water resistance is moderate
Compare this product with...
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Conclusion & Final Verdict:
Choose the Kuhl Renegade Short for the strongest overall balance of comfort, durability and pocket access. The Patagonia Strider Pro 5″ is the lighter hot-weather choice, the Men's Ferrosi Short - 7" favors stretch and mobility, and the REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's prioritizes storage. None is a substitute for rainwear: compare quick-drying fabric and pocket security against your climate, terrain and carry needs before buying.
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Most Useful Comparisons
Compare the closest-rated products and other matchups that have helped readers make a decision.
Janji M's 5" Multi ShortvsREI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's
The Janji M's 5" Multi Short excels in lightweight comfort and pocket accessibility, while the REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts offer better breathability and security. Choose Janji for active use and REI for rugged durability.
Kuhl Renegade ShortvsOutdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Short - 7"
The Kuhl Renegade Short excels in durability and pocket accessibility, making it ideal for rugged hikes. The Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Short offers superior breathability and comfort for warm-weather adventures.
Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Short - 7"vsREI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts - Men's
The Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Short excels in pocket accessibility and breathability, while the REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Shorts offer superior durability and security. Choose Ferrosi for mobility and comfort, or Sahara for rugged, long-lasting use.
Patagonia Strider Pro 5″vsJanji M's 5" Multi Short
The Patagonia Strider Pro 5″ excels in breathability and security, ideal for hot and dry conditions, while the Janji M's 5" Multi Short offers superior fit, comfort, and durability, making it a versatile choice for various activities.
Patagonia Strider Pro 5″vsPatagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts
The Patagonia Strider Pro 5″ excels in breathability and pocket accessibility, ideal for hot weather hikes. The Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts offer superior comfort and fit, making them great for all-day wear.
REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking ShortsvsPatagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts
The Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts offer better durability and comfort, making them ideal for rugged hikes. The REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Shorts, while comfortable, are better suited for moderate conditions and those needing quick-drying fabric.
REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking ShortsvsPatagonia Quandary Short
The REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Shorts excel in breathability and pocket accessibility, while the Patagonia Quandary Shorts offer better durability. Choose REI for comfort and convenience or Patagonia for rugged trails.
How We Rated These Products
How easily and quickly you can access items stored in pockets while moving or standing still.
How well the fabric allows heat and moisture to escape to keep you cool and dry during activity.
How well the shorts conform to your body and move with you without causing chafing or restriction.
How resistant the shorts are to wear, tear, and abrasion during regular outdoor use over time.
How effectively the shorts resist water entry and dry quickly after exposure to rain or sweat.
How well the shorts keep your belongings secure and prevent accidental loss or theft while active.