8 Best Hiking Shorts for Men 2018
4.7 (672) In stock
![](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/cf6/816/a2165fb518071f6955fed8a5e881f9f503-1----.rhorizontal.w600.jpg)
The best hiking shorts for men have to be durable, lightweight, and also have storage for whatever you need to bring with you on the trail — these are the eight pairs that will get you through hiking trails, climbing mountains, and more.
I’m on my third pair of Columbia Sportswear convertible pants now, having gotten my first before an eight-week backpacking trip around Europe when I was 18. Considering that 17 years have elapsed since then, I’d say that’s a pretty well-made garment to only require replacing twice. As full-length pants, they’re warm enough with base layers and offer decent rain protection, so long as you’re not in a jungle downpour. (Which I have indeed experienced.) As shorts, they’re airy and flexible while still remaining durable. And perhaps best of all, in the shorts configuration, they don’t look like convertible pants.
A few years back, I spent four or five hours of the down-climb off the Grand Teton with half of the seat of my pants hanging wide open, my inferior hiking pants having torn as I slid down off a large boulder. Fortunately, I was so fatigued, I hardly cared that I was giving every climber we passed a half-moon. With a pair of Mountain Khakis Alpine Utility Shorts on, I’m confident that’s never going to happen again. These rugged and ready shorts feature a reinforced seat and two-ply cotton-canvas construction. There are six pockets, two of which have Velcro closures, and triple-stitched seams that aren’t going to tear no matter in what conditions you wear these shorts, and no matter how badly you mistreat them.
“I bought these shorts because I was on a quest to find quality clothing items at a reasonable cost. These shorts certainly deliver. The material is lightweight, stretches, and dries quickly. Zippers are durable and operate smoothly and will keep important items like keys and money right where they need to be. These are perfect for hiking or any outdoor activity. Compared to Columbia, Mountain Hardware, etc., I think these stand up well in terms of performance. They may not carry the same brand recognition but at a quarter of the cost, I think they are a better option for someone on a budget.”
“Why are most men’s shorts so long while women’s are barely there at all? I got tired of the currently typical man’s shorts that rub the back of the knees (annoying for long walks or any prolonged activity). The Columbia Permit II at mid-thigh are the length shorts used to be, and in a light fabric that adds to the comfort.”
“Six-hour hike in Hawaii, these shorts were more than I expected, or thought they would be. They handled the elements — which ran from steamy hot, pouring rain, falling in rivers, climbing up waterfalls, and cutting through brush — far better than any piece of clothing I’ve ever had. If you’re going on a mild hike, they will be perfect. If you’re doing a serious hike, like the one I went on, they’re perfect. If you go on a super-serious days-long trek, these would be what I’d recommend. Super awesome. They wicked me, they kept me warm, they kept my upper legs free of nicks and bruises.”
![](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/0be/cee/96baecaeb0fd59d3057efe633bbf591654-hiking-shorts-lede.rsquare.w400.jpg)
8 Best Hiking Shorts for Men 2018
Stay Cool and Comfortable in These Top-Rated Men's Hiking Shorts
![](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1KoRNPFXXXXchaXXXq6xXFXXXw.jpg_q50.jpg)
Shop Waterproof Shorts Hiking
![](https://d1nymbkeomeoqg.cloudfront.net/photos/20/5/322011_8562_XL.jpg)
The 4 Best Hiking Shorts
![](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/hiking-snacks-lead-image-cnnu.jpg?q=h_1607,w_2856,x_0,y_0)
21 best hiking shorts, according to outdoor experts
Shop Walking Shorts With Pockets
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81AUN-XMRPL._AC_UY445_.jpg)
Shop Mens Walking Shorts Elastic Waist
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QJF+vy5wL._AC_UL330_SR330,330_.jpg)
Best Sellers: Best Men's Hiking Shorts
![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1685374730-51xMLXVGUL.jpg?crop=1xw:0.953xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
The Best Hiking Shorts in 2024, Tested by Outdoor Editors
Belted Trail Short – Tilley Canada