Unlike the sidewalks lining the concrete jungles that many of us call home, the trails out in nature are far more unpredictable and less forgiving. As such, navigating these terrains requires clothing that can not only stand up to the rigors and abuses of hiking and backpacking, but can do so without compromising the wearer’s range of movement or mitigating comfort. And while this is admittedly a tall order, there’s fortunately no shortage of reputable outdoor-specific garment brands that have managed to deliver high-quality clothing engineered from the ground up specifically for hiking — the latest and greatest of which we’ll be counting down today in this hands-on review of the best hiking shorts for exploring the trails. 

Selection & Testing

When we first set out to find the very best hiking shorts on the market, we kicked off our search by generating a list of criteria that we’d use as a lens to view every potential pick. This included scrutinizing areas such as design, materials, construction technique, comfort, storage, and style. Using these parameters, we were then able to scour the market and come up with a shortlist of candidates that we suspected of representing the latest and greatest trail shorts.

With spec sheets, feature lists, and product descriptions only telling one part of the larger hiking shorts story, we then proceeded to get hands-on with each pair on our shortlist. In order to carry out field testing, we used these hiking shorts in their intended environment; on the trail. This afforded us a more comprehensive understanding of each pair’s overall performance and user experience — along with how they stacked up when compared side-by-side. Our hands-on testing phase also allowed us to explore finer details such as each pair’s trim and hardware, craftsmanship and build quality, and comfort and fitment.

Once armed with the information from our time wearing each pair out on the trail, we then whittled our original shortlist down to a final selection of what we found to be the very best hiking shorts.

Measurements: I stand at a slender 6’2” and tip the scales at around 180lbs. For this guide, every pair we tested was a size 32” waist. Our testing on-trail testing was primarily carried out in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park.

Patagonia Baggies 7”

Most Versatile Shorts: Patagonia’s Baggies Shorts are unequivocally some of the most sought-after do-it-all amphibious shorts on the market. Even though they first hit the market all the way back in 1982, they remain one of the all-time best hiking shorts ever produced. So, unsurprisingly, when we set out to uncover today’s best hiking shorts, we had a sneaking suspicion that the Baggies would be receiving a spot on this best-of list. The entire concept of these shorts was to deliver maximum performance while out on the trail, while still lending themselves to casual everyday use in and around town.

The Good

Sporting a 7” inseam — though also offered in a 5” cut — the Baggies are constructed around a shell made from NetPlus. Fortified via a perfluorinated chemical-free DWR coating, this 4.9oz four-ply construction consists of recycled nylon up-cycled from discarded fishing nets. This main shell has been fitted with an elasticized waistband and a quick-drying liner and pockets crafted from 2.1oz recycled polyester tricot mesh. The fit is the very definition of true-to-size as well. 

These material are all pieced together in a Fair Trade-certified factory by workers receiving a fair living wage. Like the fact these shorts are made from up-cycled materials, their Fair Trade factory certification doesn’t impact their performance or user experience, though is nonetheless nice to know — and is definitely a selling point for some people. 

Supplementary Strengths

While there are plenty of pairs of hiking shorts that describe themselves as being quick-drying, the Baggies are on another level in this regard, as they dried nearly twice as fast as some of the other “quick-drying” pairs that I got hands-on with. They’re also not only lightweight, but they break down into a tiny form and are highly packable. The shell construction and gusset also afford this pair a range of motion that’ legitimately comparable to being completely naked. 

Unsurprisingly, the amphibious nature and ultra-quick-drying properties of the Baggies allow these ultra-popular (and ultra-versatile) hiking shorts to also make for an equally impressive pair of swim trunks — in fact, they’re one of our very favorite swim trunks currently on the market. All in all, it’s hard to overstate how truly versatile these shorts are. The super plain appearance, 5” or 7” inseam lengths, and nearly-a-dozen color options collectively allow the Patagonia Baggies to lend themselves to a huge variety of uses and looks right at home in practically any setting or scenario, short of more formal occasions. 

The Not So Good

Though I’d argue the Baggies are unquestionably one of the best pairs of hiking shorts — and just one of the best pairs of shorts, period — they aren’t without a few minor issues here and there. For starters, the lack of belt loops meant I had to rely just on the drawstring, which I found to periodically loosen on its own every few hours of hiking. This also meant I couldn’t use any belt-mounted gear or equipment. My bigger issue with the Baggies is their mesh liner and its elasticized leg holes, as I found that in certain situations (such as long uphill ascents) they tended to ride-up quite a bit — not all the time, but enough of the time that I definitely took note of it. 

Verdict: A super versatile pair of do-it-all lightweight amphibious shorts loved by outdoor enthusiasts since its launch in the early ‘80s.

prAna Stretch Zion Short II

Best Value Shorts: While not a household name on the same level as Patagonia or Fjallraven, pretty much any avid outdoor enthusiast will no doubt be familiar with prAna, as the SoCal outdoor brand has been crafting rugged off-grid-focused garments for over 30 years. And while prAna currently boasts a pretty expansive catalog, its second-generation flagship Stretch Zion model is almost certainly its most popular pair of shorts — and for very good reason. 

The Good

The prAna Stretch Zion Short II is crafted from the Carlsbad-based clothing maker’s own proprietary ReZion construction — an advanced elastane-infused recycled nylon material that, in addition to offering UPF 50+ protection and being highly breathable, also sport both multi-way stretch and moisture wicking properties. Further fortifying this in-house material is a PFAS-Free DWR coating. The shorts are outfitted with five pockets in total — two side hand pockets, two back pockets, and a single off-set cargo pocket. At around 9.5oz, the Stretch Zion Short II is also super lightweight. The UPF50+ protection is another great touch. 

The shorts feature an integrated belt that makes it super easy to perfectly dial-in the fit with just a tug on the webbing, and the front closure’s lay-flat zipper pull makes doing and undoing the fly just as easy. As soon as I went to put them on, I also instantly took notice of how ridiculously well-anchored and reinforced the button is on the waist. Another interesting touch I wasn’t expecting is how the cargo pocket has both a horizontally-running zipper across the top and a vertically-running zipper on the side, providing dual-access. 

Supplementary Strengths

Not only do these shorts also feature a ventilated inseam gusset, but their actual cut also affords them a completely unrestricted range of motion. On top of drainage holes around the seat of the shorts, the mesh pockets also serve as automatic drainage outlets, plus help to massively bolster airflow. Another one of the Stretch Zion Short II’s main selling points is its appearance. They have an understated aesthetic and look right at home on the trail yet are still plain-looking enough to be worn as regular daily-wear/around-town shorts. 

I also really enjoyed the hidden zipper-secured stash pocket that’s built into the top of the right hand pocket — and is hidden so well that I spent several days wearing these shorts without even realizing that pocket was there (until eventually checking its feature list/spec sheet). What’s more, that hidden pocket also boasts an elastic key loop which is another a great touch, as one of the very last last places you want to drop or lose your keys is out on the trails. Another one of my very favorite aspects of these hiking shorts is how they feature an integrated belt while still featuring full-sized belt loops, affording me the option of wearing a regular belt, which allowed me to belt-carry various pieces of gear including an outdoor fixed blade. 

The Not So Good

While I appreciate both the drainage and airflow-bolstering properties afforded by the mesh pocket construction, I’d worry that this perforated construction will eventually be punctured by a set of keys or other pointy objects — though I can’t deduct too many points here as the pockets held up just fine during the time I spent testing the shorts, making this gripe more of a hypothetical one. Additionally, regular non-mesh pockets would further this pair’s already ample-conduciveness to casual and daily wearing. 

Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable pair of shorts for the trail, few options offer better bang-for-your-buck than the value-laden prAna Stretch Zion Short II — a new and improved, second-generation take on what was already widely considered to be one of the best pairs of hiking shorts. 

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts

Best Plain-Appearance Shorts: Founded in 1981 by a nuclear physicist, Outdoor Research is a Seattle-based manufacturer of technical outdoor apparel and gear that’s trusted by both hikers and adventurers as well as first responders and military personnel — a fact that no doubt speaks volumes about the overall craftsmanship, durability, and performance of OR’s offerings. And the PNW purveyor’s MO is on full display in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts

The Good

One of the Ferrosi Shorts’ primary highlights is the pair’s primary construction, which consists of OR’s  Ferrosi  construction — a Spandex-infused 90-denier woven ripstop blend of regular and recycled nylon. The stuff is something of a miracle material, with the construction being resistant to wind, water, and abrasions, plus its breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, equipped UPF 50+ sun protection, and equipped with what the brand calls with “movement mirroring stretch” properties. 

In addition to a regular pair of drop-in hand pockets, this pair also sports a zipper-secured right hip mesh pocket, a back right zip pocket, and a back left drop-in pocket. Though they look like pretty standard pockets, they’re shockingly well anchored, and as such did a terrific job of preventing contents from bouncing around while I navigated the trails. The zipper-secured pockets also all use lay-flat zipper pulls which makes them markedly easier to use. 

Supplementary Strengths

Though they boast a fairly plain appearance, the shorts do feature a few decidedly premium details that help to elevate this pair as a whole. This includes the Ferrosi Shorts’ internal drawcord waist, bonded belt loops, and a super comfy brushed tricot-lined waistband with a custom OR-branded metal shank button closure. After comparing each pair of hiking shorts side-by-side, I feel confident in reporting that the Ferrosi Shorts were almost certainly the most comfortable pair I tried — though the hiking shorts from Vollebak and Patagonia weren’t too far behind. Their mobility was just as impressive, with a range of motion that’s completely unrestricted. 

While they’re offering in 7”, 10”, and 12” inseam lengths, we opted for the middle-of-the-road 10” model. Additionally, this pair comes backed by OR’s Infinite Guarantee which ensures that all of the gear it sells is guaranteed to perform throughout the lifetime of the product — a factor that makes it much easier to justify the-more-than-$80 cost of the Ferrosi Shorts, and one that no doubt bolsters its value. The harness-compatible waist is another excellent and immensely prqactical touch, as it allows these shorts to not only lend themselves to hiking, but it also makes them perfect for backpacking, rucking, or day hikes with a daypack. 

The Not So Good

Despite thoroughly scrutinizing this pair of hiking shorts both on and off-the-trails in an effort to uncover issues, shortcomings, or areas that can be improved, my efforts were to no avail. Aside from the fact that they’re geared towards use in warmer climates — and don’t lend themselves to use in chillier locales, seasons, or climates — I honestly have nothing even remotely bad to say about Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Shorts. They’re simply a really well designed and well-crafted pair of shorts that epitomizes everything a quality pair of hiking shorts should be. 

Verdict: The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts boasts an understated appearance with quality materials and a practical list of features to deliver what’s unquestionably one of the best pairs of hiking shorts on the market. 

Fjallraven Abisko Shorts

Best Overall Shorts: Any quality pair of trail trousers has a difficult balancing act to pull off, as these garments need to be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable enough for all-day use while at the same time affording the abrasion resistant and overall durability needed to survive the rigors of off-grid use. And you’d genuinely be hard pressed to find a pair that strikes a better balance in this regard than the Fjallraven Abisko Shorts. In fact, if I had to select a single pair that best encapsulates what exactly hiking shorts should look like, it would 100% be the Abisko, no doubt about it. 

The Good

While there are numerous smaller details that no doubt help to elevate these technical trekking shorts as a whole, there are really two primary reasons that the Fjallraven’s Abisko Shorts are widely regarded as some of the very best on the market. Employing a combination of G-1000 (a proprietary recycled poly-cotton blend) and an elastane-infused polyester-polyamide blend, these shorts are trimmed in the former construction for all key abrasion and rip-prone locations, while the latter material is used everywhere else, resulting in ample range of motion, breathability, and comfort. Sporting an 11-inch inseam, this pair also features an entire seat that’s been reinforced via a double G-1000 overlay — a detail inspired by modern workwear pants. 

Comprised of a pair of hand pockets, a single large leg pocket, a small mesh inner pocket, and another small secure pocket — the latter of which is meant specifically for accommodation a smartphone, tracker, or GPS unit — the Abisko Shorts’ suite of pockets are all fairly deep, but more importantly are also super wet anchored, largely mitigating bouncing and movement from the pockets’ contents are the wearer moves around. Another noteworthy detail is the supplementary piece of fabric that’s been stitched to the inseams at the crotch in an effort to reduce rubbing and chafing — a design that I can vouch for being surprisingly effective.

Supplementary Strengths

Though it is made in Vietnam, there’s absolutely no denying the absolutely stellar build quality that this pair exhibits. This super-quality craftsmanship on its own affords this pair a fairly premium look and feel, though these areas are amplified by numerous other minor touches such as the shorts’ leather zipper pulls and matching Fjallraven logo patch. Another great touch added to increase their conduciveness to use on the trail is how the waistline is cut so that it’s higher at the back.

A monumental part of what makes Fjallraven’s Abisko Shorts so noteworthy is their on-trail performance, as they manage to be both comfortable and immensely durable — a seldom-seen combination. Considering everything you get for your money, I’d also argue the price on this pair is pretty fair. Additionally, this price also includes free lifetime repairs, which is a pretty big deal considering that, with a bit of upkeep here and there, these shorts can very easily survive an entire lifetime of days on the trail. And, while it doesn’t actually impact performance, I appreciate the environmentally-friendly factor here too. 

The Not So Good

The only actual issue I have with the Fjallraven Abisko Shorts stems from a purely subjective visual element. The ample reinforcements, long cut, and bevy of pockets that make it so conducive to use on the trails also happens to result in an overall aesthetic that just isn’t all that versatile. Though some colorways make the shorts a bit more versatile, they still stand out like a sore thumb when worn to the pub or around town. Lacking versatility aside, I’d still go as far as to say that this very well may be not just the best hiking shorts currently available, but quite possibly the very best of all time. 

Verdict: Perfectly encapsulating everything a great pair of trail shorts should be, the Fjallraven Abisko Shorts are our “just get this” pick as they truly do everything right. 

Arc’teryx Gamma Shorts

Best Quick-Drying Shorts: Few if any brands in the outdoor garment space benefit from as many proprietary features, technologies, and materials as the items from legendary outdoor clothing outfit Arc’Teryx. Sure, the Canadian company’s wares don’t come cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for, as its often able to harness its proprietary elements in order to deliver a superior product. Case in point; the Arc’Teryx Gamma Shorts. 

The Good

The Gamma Shorts boasts a full-on laundry list of features and highlights — so many, in fact, that it’s hard to even know where to begin. These highly-technical lightweight trail shorts are composed of Arc’s durable, quick-drying, air-permeable, wind-resistant TerraTex four-way stretch woven nylon fabric, which has been pieced together using an articulated patterning that affords a truly unrestricted range of mobility. The DWR fortification present on the shorts is in a league of its own, as it doesn’t just boast a DWR treatment, coating or finish, but instead sees the DWR woven directly into the elastane-infused TerraTex nylon blend. 

It doesn’t end there, however, as weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant Gamma layers have been sewn into the shorts’ soft shell. Mesh pockets further bolster airflow while also serving as drainage points. The front of the shorts feature a custom-branded snap closure on the waistband that’s supplemented via a YKK zipper and an integrated webbing belt complete with an aluminum G-hook buckle. Not only is this integrated belt super easy to use, but it also provides a snug fit that remains in place for even hours at a time — unlike some of the other integrated belts I tested. 

Supplementary Strengths

The Gamma Shorts sport a total of five pockets — all of which are zipper-secured — with a pair of hand pockets, a set of thigh pockets, and a single rear pocket. In typical Arc’Teryx fashion, the Gamma Shorts feature an unmistakably modern and technical, Gorpcore-esque appearance which I definitely see as a selling point. Furthering this aesthetic are the four color options that these shorts are offered in. It’s also worth mentioning that the pair I tested tipped the scales at just 7.8oz, making it by far one of the lightest pairs I tested — and quite possibly one of the lightest pairs currently on the market. 

Though I had high hopes for them before even trying them on, I was still somewhat blown away by the Gamma Shorts’ performance, as they did incredibly in just about every area I measured. Their range of motion if stellar, they dry incredibly fast, they feel super comfortable, and they do a great job of standing up to everything from abrasions to the elements. And, though they do have some subtle diagonal stitching across the front of the thighs, these shorts are still exceedingly versatile, and in some colorways can even pass for normal everyday shorts. 

The Not So Good

While there’s a whole lot to like about the Arc’Teryx Gamma Shorts, they’re not exactly perfect. For starters, despite being infused with 6% elastane, there’s very little stretch to the TerraTex construction. Fortunately their cut and gusset still allows for unhindered mobility, but I did take notice of this. And, while I didn’t puncture or tear them during my hands-on testing, I still worried a bit about the durability of the mesh pockets. What’s more, this pair’s lack of belt loops meant I couldn’t wear a belt or carry items on the waist or belt. Lastly, while I do think you actually get what you pay for, the Gamma Shorts — like pretty much all Arc offerings — do not come cheap, with an MSRP of $120 (and that’s before tax and shipping). 

Verdict: Epitomizing modern technical Gorpcore, the Arc’Teryx Gamma Shorts are a great option for anyone  looking for a technical pair of performance shorts for the trails. 

Triple Aught Design Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts

Best USA-Made Shorts: Ticking just about every box one could ask for, Triple Aught Design’s Force 10 Cargo Pants have been some of our very favorite tactical and hiking trousers. Consequently, we weren’t one bit surprised to discover that one of the best pairs of trail pants on the market are essentially just the short-version of TAD’s Force 10 model. Between their classic military-inspired heritage style, an overbuilt construction, abundant storage, and numerous innovative features, it probably isn’t hard to see why Triple Aught Design Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts ended up earning a spot on this list. 

The Good

Designed and manufactured entirely in America, TAD’s Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts features a 3.4oz nylon shell with a 10-inch inseam and a DWR coating, as well as drop-in front welt pockets, external D-rings, and bellowed cargo pockets with internal gear organizers and webbing rails. These interior slips and dividers not only provide organization, but also help to further anchor the pockets and prevent contents from bouncing around or shifting while out on the trails or pounding the pavement. The shell has also been outfitted with custom TAD-branded buttons and trim throughout. 

The shorts sport a series of wide belt loops that all feel super heavily reinforced, making me feel super comfortable mounting gear from the loops or suspending heavy items from a belt running through them. What’s more, the layout of the pockets — which includes ten in total — is practical and functional, in terms of both each pocket’s sizing and location. The DWR coating on the Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts was also wildly effective, trailing only behind the Arc Gamma Shorts which see their DWR treatment woven directly into its TerraTex construction. 

Supplementary Strengths

As per usual with garments and gear from TAD, the build quality on display on the Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts is just stellar. Every stitch and detail looks perfect, and despite thoroughly scrutinizing them, I couldn’t find a single loose or uneven thread.  And, as a garment that’s purpose-built for outdoor adventure and activities, it probably won’t come as surprise to learn that the range of motion offered is fantastic. Even the most awkward poses or movements feel totally unrestricted. The use of bespoke buttons and hardware throughout give it an overall more top-shelf feel, as does its generally top-notch craftsmanship and build quality.

These shorts are also offered in classic military color options (OD green, coyote, grey, or black). At the end of the day, TAD’s Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts are just an insanely calculated pair that was clearly penned by a design team with ample experience on the trails and in the back country. This is evidenced by minor details such as the reinforced knife pocket clip double overlays at the brim of the pocket.

The Not So Good

Interestingly, behind the back pockets, on the inside of the shorts, is a pair of hidden pockets for safely stashing cash, passports, or other vital items that you can’t afford to lose. While this is a cool touch, these pockets can only be accessed when the pants are removed (or at least dropped). This was my only real gripe with this pair — aside from the price which is admittedly a bit steep, but is also fairly easy to justify all-things-considered. 

Verdict: Designed, cut, and sewn in America, Triple Aught Design’s Force 10 AC Cargo Shorts are a modern over-engineered pair of trail shorts — and essentially the short version of what’s already one of our all-time favorite pairs of outdoor pants. 

Prometheus Design Werx 72 Hour Short – ATG

Best Amphibious Shorts: Prometheus Design Werx may be best known for its tactical gear and garments, though the reality is that many of the properties that make for quality tactical kit — durable materials, hardwearing construction techniques, the ability to stand up to abrasions and the elements, and an unrestricted range of motion — also happen to be some of the most important aspects of a quality pair of hiking shorts. So, it’s frankly unsurprising that PDW has managed to deliver one of the best pairs of trail shorts that money can currently buy. 

The Good

Cut from PDW’s new All Terrain Cloth material — a 4.6oz high-performance Spandex-poly blend that’s quick-drying and equipped with four-way stretch properties. Custom-milled to PDW’s specs before being custom dyed, this material is also ffortified via a C6 DWR finish. This propriety construction is also pieced together using equally hardwearing T40 threading. Engineered to offer no less than half-a-decade of hard use, these amphibious shorts were also designed, cut, and sewn in California. 

Designed be easily washed in a river or sink, these shorts boast a slew of small but useful features such as a micro-cord clip-in point, a mobility-bolstering horse shoe gusset, dedicated EDC pockets on either side, and an elasticized waist with an integrated webbing belt with a G-hook-style buckle made from hard-anodized T6061 aluminum. Taking inspiration from tactical and military garments, PDW’s 72 Hour Short also features a small loop for adorning with cat eye or morale patches. Secured using YKK reverse coil nylon zippers with color-matched grosgrain pulls, the shorts sport half-a-dozen pockets in total, including hand pockets each with their own inner coin trip pocket. 

Supplementary Strengths

Considering how many hiking-specific features it has, PDW’s 72 Hour Short maintains a surprisingly versatile look thanks to its more plain and understated appearance. And, while this is admittedly a matter of personal preference, I really like this pair’s middle-of-the-road 10” inseam, as it’s not too short and not too long. Lastly, I had initially jotted down this pair’s price is a negative, but after actually wearing them and getting to experience their premium materials, highly-calculated design, and bevy of features, I’m now convinced its MSRP is completely justified — and that’s before you consider their superb build quality or the fact that they’re made right here in California. 

Thanks to super stringent quality control standards and small-batch American manufacturing, Prometheus Design Werx is legitimately able to deliver a level of craftsmanship and build quality that simply wouldn’t be possible to achieve via mass production overseas. This is obviously another major selling point for these shorts — and is no doubt one of the reasons that they’re expected to last at least five seasons. The integrated belt and alloy buckle, along with the bespoke zipper pulls and trim also give PDW’s 72 Hour Short a pretty high-end overall look and feel — and one that only reveals more premium details the closer you inspect it. 

The Not So Good

While I’d be lying if I said I didn’t absolutely love these shorts, I did come across a few minor issues during testing. Though its integrated belt does a great job of providing a snug and precise fit, its lack of belt loops meant I wasn’t able to wear the shorts with a belt, and as such was unable to carry a knife that I normally wear on my belt. Also, they clearly don’t lend themselves to use in colder climates or seasons — though it’s hard to fault PDW for this considering they were designed to be amphibious warm-weather outdoor shorts. I should also point out that these minor gripes are massively outweighed by this PDW pair’s many, many strengths and highlights.  

Verdict: Cut from the brand’s new proprietary All Terrain Cloth material, the Prometheus Design Werx 72 Hour Short – ATG are a premium pair of hiking shorts that strike the ultimate balance between comfort, durability, and performance. 

Vollebak Equator Shorts

Best Warm-Weather Shorts: If you were to throw out the rulebook and attempt to design a pair of warm-weather hiking shorts from the ground up with zero concern for cost and the sole aim of delivering the highest performing, highest quality garment, the end result would likely look quite a bit like the Vollebak Equator Shorts. Though they make resemble your average pair of modern technical shorts, there’s a lot more here than what meets the eye. 

The Good

Offering mild sun protection, Vollebak’s Equator Shorts are cut from a super-silky construction comprised of a combination of ultra-fine cotton, polyamide, and elastane that’s sourced from the Nile Delta and manufactured in Italy. Boasting quick-drying and two-way stretch properties, these super-premium hiking shorts come loaded with a collective 7 pockets — all of which feature pocket linings consisting of a French-made polyamide and elastane blend. 

In terms of mobility and range of motion, this pair received top marks. Like you’d expect from a pair of shorts costing three bills; the craftsmanship on display is nothing short of extraordinary. The Equator Shorts are also wildly comfortable, thanks to both the two-way stretch properties and the silky-feel of its shell construction. There are also numerous small but premium touches that I thoroughly appreciate such as this pair’s use of bio resin waistband buttons.

Supplementary Strengths

What’s almost certainly the most unique and noteworthy aspect of Vollebak’s Equator Shorts is its super-advanced ventilation system. Affording unparalleled amounts of breathability and airflow, this meticulously-designed system is comprised of over 300 vents that have all been laser-cut into the shell and pockets. And, while subjective, I’m particularly fond of the sleek, modern, and technical appearance of these top-shelf trail shorts. 

Another one of the most noteworthy elements of these pants is their versatility. In fact, they’re almost certainly the most versatile pants I tested, lending themselves to pretty much any scenario where shorts are appropriate, from beach days to camping to hiking to games of kickball to yacht parties. I also really appreciate the immense versatility, as it makes it a bit easier to justify this pair’s price if you know you can wear them in a myriad of different situations and settings. 

The Not So Good 

There are really only two downsides to Vollebak’s Equator Shorts. The first issue is the fact this pair isn’t ideal for use in anything other than warm weather — though it’s hard to deduct too many points here as they’re quite literally engineered from the ground up for tropical climates (hence the name). And, though it doesn’t actually negatively impact performance, the bigger issue with this pair is its exceedingly steep price. Unlike some of the other premium pairs on this list from the likes of Arc’Teryx, Prometheus Design Werx, Fjallraven, and Triple Aught Design Force, it’s pretty difficult to justify this pair’s nearly-$300 MSRP. With that said, you pretty much always have to pay at least some “Vollebak” tax when buying from this brand — after all, the latest, greatest, and most advanced garments and gear very seldom come cheap. 

Verdict: An ultra-premium pair of finely-crafted warm-weather-specific hiking shorts with over 300 laser-cut vents and a shell cut from a silky elastane-infused cotton-polyamide blend.

Best Hiking Shorts Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

Needing to be able to survive anything one may encounter while out on the trails, hiking shorts tend to be far more durable and robust than your average pair of athletic trunks or khakis. What’s more, shorts that are engineered specifically for trekking duties also tend to sport numerous features designed to cater to the specific needs of hikers. Below, we’ll quickly touch on seven of the most pivotal areas to consider before buying a new pair of hiking shorts.

Materials: Without a shadow of a doubt, the single most important aspect that determines a pair of shorts’ overall quality is the material(s) used to construct them. As such, you’ll always want to review the type of construction used to craft a pair of shorts, as this also plays a major role in the model’s pricing, as well. And, while the primary construction is the most important, it’s also worth checking into secondary materials used for components like the liner, waistband, and/or pockets, as well as if the primary construction has been fortified with a weatherproof membrane or any type of treatment (such as a DWR finish).

Construction Technique(s): While the materials used will play an enormous role in determining how rugged and hardwearing a pair of shorts will be, the manner in which those materials are pieced together is also of significant importance. This means keeping an eye out for elements like double or triple-needle stitching, laser-welding, and bar-tack construction. You’ll also want to look for reinforced areas at crucial stress points, as well as overlays in regions like the shorts’ seat and knees.

Zippers, Trim, & Hardware: A pair of shorts is only as strong as its weakest link, which is why it’s also important to take into account the type of zippers and hardware that are being utilized, as even a pair of ballistic-grade nylon shorts are pretty useless with a broken zipper. This includes elements such as waterproof zippers, D-rings, Duraflex hardware, carabiners, and other items that come preinstalled on the shorts.

Length & Fit: Just like with practically any other kind of shorts, hiking-specific models come in a wide variety of lengths and fits. This area mainly boils down to the wearer’s personal preference, though it’s definitely still worth looking into as this one factor can greatly impact the wearer’s overall experience.

Storage & Attachment Points: While we’d almost always recommend taking a daypack or backpack on your hikes, having the ability to store gear and items on your person is extremely helpful while out on the trails, which is why it’s important to consider a pair of shorts’ storage. This includes the number of pockets and the type of pockets, as well as built-in attachment points for securing additional items. And, because hiking shorts are designed for movement, oftentimes they feature anchored pockets that prevent items from jumping around with each stride.

Supplementary Features: On top of D-rings, carabiners, and other attachment points, some hiking shorts are equipped with numerous additional features that can increase a pair of shorts’ comfort, performance, and/or utility. This includes items like hidden pockets, supplementary adjustment points, and included integrated webbing-style belts, as well as special properties such as being antimicrobial, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, or offering multi-way stretch.

Style: Though primary material, construction technique, features, and fit should always be the main guiding factors in your search, there’s nothing wrong with letting your aesthetic tastes play a role in your decision-making process. This is especially true as hiking shorts come in a wide variety of styles, from super plain and minimalistic pairs to ultra-tactical models and practically everything in between. What’s more, the vast majority of pairs on the market are also offered in a variety of colors (albeit typically of the earth tone variety.)

Honorable Mentions

While they may not be as rugged and high-performance as some of the other, pricier models on this list, these Colombia Trail Shorts are an excellent and affordable entry-level pair. On top of an all-cotton construction, these shorts were designed specifically for use on the trail and feature extra-wide belt loops, a classic four-pocket configuration, and a partially elasticized button-closure waist. This pair of shorts is also offered in a whopping 28 different model variants.

A lot of shorts, and clothing for that matter, are made with recyclable materials, but Foehn’s Jarvis Schoeller Short takes this one step further. Not only is the Bluesign-approved polyester shell made from 37% bio-based fabric but its construction uses 40% less energy, releases 56% fewer greenhouse gasses, and is recyclable at the end of its lifespan. If that weren’t enough, it also uses biodegradable DWR coating. Overall, these trousers offset 100% of their carbon footprint and give to 1% For the Planet with each sale. As for performance, the stretchy fabric is given articulated knees and a gusseted crotch for total comfort on the trails.

Don’t let the accessible price point on this item make you think these are anything other than a high-quality pair of shorts engineered from the ground (or rather, trail) up specifically for hiking. Made from 100% polyester construction with TNF’s proprietary FlashDry tech and a non-PFC DWR finish, The North Face Paramount Pro Shorts boast an integrated belted waistband, zipper-secured hand pockets, UPF50 ultra-violet protection, and a TNF heat transfer logo adorning the pair’s right thigh.

We couldn’t leave off the Topo Designs Mountain Shorts, which feature a traditional construction with a snap closure and zippered fly, a 7-inch inseam, and a T-Lock belt for adjusting on the go. Made from 98% organic cotton and 2% spandex, these are super soft and stretchy for a really relaxed fit. There are only a few color options, but they’re all really versatile, just like these shorts, which can be worn on the trail or around town just the same.

Tested: The Best Men’s Hiking Pants for Exploring

Want to check out some other stellar bottoms for use in the backwoods and out on the trails? Then be sure to trek over to our guide to the best hiking pants for exploring.