Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Hiking Shorts
A pair of high-quality shorts can be incredibly beneficial for hiking in warm weather, offering superior ventilation, comfort, and freedom of movement compared to regular pants. It’s important to note, though, that shorts are best suited for well-groomed and less demanding trails, where the need for protection against dense vegetation and rough terrain is minimal.
Making this review, we’ve handpicked the best hiking shorts to simplify your purchase decision. Our search was guided by several key features: durability, comfort, lightweight design, and breathability. Additionally, we prioritized shorts that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying to keep you comfortable on the trail. It’s a journey we embarked on together, diving into countless options to bring you a selection that meets our shared standards for quality and performance.
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1. Our Hiking Shorts Picks
Best Hiking Shorts
- Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts
- prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts
- Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
- Kuhl Renegade Shorts
- Patagonia Quandary Shorts
2. Comparison of Hiking Shorts
| Feature/Product | Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo | prAna Stretch Zion | Outdoor Research Ferrosi | Kuhl Renegade | Patagonia Quandary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Nylon | 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex (DWR) | 86% Nylon, 14% Spandex (DWR) | Duralux (95% nylon, 5% spandex) | 95% Nylon, 5% Elastane |
| Pockets | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Belt Included | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Inseam | 10 or 12 inches | 10 or 12 inches | 7 or 10 inches | 8, 10 or 12 inches | 10 or 12 inches |
| Average Weight (metric) | 10 oz. (283 g) | 10 oz. (283 g) | 8 oz. (227 g) | 9 oz. (255 g) in size 33/12 | 7 oz. (204 g) |
| UPF | 50 | n/a | 50 | 50 | 50 |
3. The Selection
Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts
1. Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Climbing
- Travelling
- Everyday use
The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo shorts have won the hearts of many hikers for their exceptional comfort and durability. Made from nylon, these shorts incorporate mesh panels made of polyester in the crotch area, enhancing both freedom of movement and ventilation—a feature we’ve found incredibly useful on our own hiking adventures. The use of Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technologies means these shorts not only wick moisture away from the skin effectively but also provide excellent UV protection (UPF 50), ensuring you stay dry and shielded from the sun’s harmful rays. With a total of six pockets—two hand pockets, two back pockets, and two side pockets, including a zippered side pocket on the left for securely storing valuables—the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo shorts are as functional as they are comfortable. The inclusion of an elastic waist and hook and loop closure offers an adaptable fit, while the availability in six different colors and the inclusion of a minimalistic belt ensure you don’t have to compromise on style for functionality. This combination of features makes them a standout choice for us and many others in the hiking community.
Women's Version: Available - Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Stretch
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- High durability and comfort due to the nylon construction with polyester mesh panels for ventilation
- Features Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technologies for moisture management and UV protection (UPF 50)
- Equipped with six pockets, including a zippered side pocket for securing valuables
- Comes with an elastic waist and hook-and-loop closure for a customizable fit
- Available in six colors, offering a range of options
Cons:
- The style may not appeal to all, especially those looking for a more modern or slim fit
- Some users might find the fabric too thin for rugged terrain
Where to buy?
Also available at:
prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts
2. prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Climbing
- Travelling
- Everyday use
The prAna Stretch Zion II shorts are another great option offering exceptional freedom of movement and comfort. These shorts blend nylon for durability and abrasion resistance with spandex to ensure flexibility, allowing the fabric to stretch without restricting your movements. Reinforced with triple stitching, the durability of these shorts is nothing short of impressive. They also feature a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, effectively repelling water and keeping you dry. The design includes an elastic waist and six strategically placed pockets, including a large flap-covered side pocket and a smaller zippered pocket beneath it, ensuring your items stay secure. Even one of the back pockets comes with a flap for added security. Available in 12 colors and three different inseam lengths, these shorts provide options to suit any hiker’s preference. In our experience, the thoughtful design and functional features of the prAna Stretch Zion II shorts have made them a reliable companion on many adventures.
Women's Version: Available - prAna Women's Halle II Shorts
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Blend of nylon and spandex provides both durability and stretch for excellent freedom of movement
- DWR treatment repels water, making them suitable for various conditions
- Features an elastic waist and six pockets, including a large covered pocket and a smaller zippered pocket for organization
- Available in 12 colors and three different inseam lengths, offering a wide range of options
Cons:
- The price point is a bit higher
- Some might prefer a lighter fabric for extremely hot conditions
Video
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
3. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Climbing
- Travelling
- Everyday use
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are super light and thus great for hiking and mountaineering on warm summer days. These shorts are made from a blend of 86% nylon and 14% elastane, resulting in a softshell fabric that is not only thin and stretchy but also impressively durable. We’ve all experienced the discomfort of restrictive clothing on a challenging climb, and it’s clear that the designers of these shorts have too. They’ve crafted a fabric that offers exceptional abrasion resistance, sun protection (UPF 50), and even stands up to wind and water, all without sacrificing breathability or freedom of movement. The shorts are equipped with two hand pockets, two back pockets, and a zippered side pocket that’s perfect for securing your valuables. Additionally, they feature belt loops, a button/zipper fly, and a low-profile waist that’s designed to sit comfortably under a climbing harness—a thoughtful touch that we, as avid hikers, greatly appreciate. Available in eight different colors and two inseam lengths (8” and 10”), these shorts offer both versatility and function, making them a stellar choice for any outdoor enthusiast looking to enjoy the great outdoors without compromise.
Women's Version: Available - Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight, making them perfect for warm summer days
- Made of thin and stretchy softshell fabric (86% nylon, 14% elastane) for durability and stretch
- Tightly woven fabric provides excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and sun protection (UPF 50), as well as wind and water resistance
- Includes practical pocket configuration with a zippered side pocket for valuables
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Some might find the fit too slim
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Kuhl Renegade Shorts 12”
4. Kuhl Renegade Shorts
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Climbing
- Travelling
- Everyday use
The Renegade shorts by Canadian brand Kuhl are available in three inseam lengths, ensuring a perfect fit for any preference. Featuring an impressive eight pockets, they offer unparalleled storage options for all your essentials, from zippered thigh pockets to a stealth cell phone pocket. Made from DWR-treated nylon fabric with UPF-50 rating and two-way stretch, these shorts are designed for maximum comfort and freedom of movement, thanks to a gusseted crotch and the Free Ryde waistband lined with soft micro chamois. We appreciate the thoughtfulness Kuhl has put into these shorts, making them a standout choice for anyone looking to tackle the trails with everything they need right at their fingertips.
Women's Version: Available - Kuhl FreeFlex Shorts
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Available in three inseam lengths to suit different preferences
- Equipped with eight pockets, offering ample storage options
- Made from DWR-treated nylon fabric with a UPF-50 rating and two-way stretch for comfort and movement
- Features a gusseted crotch and Free Ryde waistband lined with soft micro chamois for extra comfort
Cons:
- The large number of pockets might add bulk for some users
5. Patagonia Quandary Shorts
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Climbing
- Travelling
- Everyday use
The Patagonia Quandary shorts are a favorite among hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts for their lightweight design and exceptional freedom of movement. Made from a blend of nylon and elastane (95% nylon, 5% elastane), these shorts excel in breathability and quick-drying capabilities, essential qualities for any outdoor activity. The high content of recycled nylon fibers not only enhances the shorts’ durability but also underscores Patagonia’s commitment to environmental sustainability. With a UPF rating of 50+, the tightly woven fabric provides ample protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Featuring two hand pockets, two rear pockets, and a zippered right-thigh pocket, the Quandary shorts offer convenient storage solutions. Available in four versatile colors—black, brown, beige, and green—and three different lengths (8, 10, and 12 inches), they cater to a wide range of personal preferences and styles. In our experience, these shorts have been a reliable companion on many adventures, blending practicality with a strong environmental ethos.
Women's Version: Available - Patagonia Women's Quandary Shorts
Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.
Pros:
- Lightweight and offer great freedom of movement with a blend of 95% recycled nylon and 5% elastaneFast-drying and breathable, ideal for active use.
- Eco-friendly, thanks to a high percentage of recycled nylon fibers
- Provides excellent sun protection (UPF rating of 50+)
- Available in four colors and three lengths, catering to diverse tastes and needs
Cons:
- Limited color selection
4. Hiking Shorts Buying Advice– What is important?
Material:
Hiking shorts should be made of a breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and durable material. Therefore, hiking shorts are typically made of polyester or nylon. Nylon is more abrasion-resistant (durable) than polyester but polyester, on the other hand, offers slightly better moisture-wicking properties and breathability. Both materials absorb very little moisture and therefore dry very fast. Spandex is often added to these relatively non-stretchy materials to enhance elasticity (for freedom of movement) and recovery performance.
Some shorts feature DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treated fabric so that they repel the water (rain) instead of absorbing it. It is discussable how useful DWR treatments are for shorts, but as they don’t add any additional bulk to the garment there is no reason to avoid DWR-treated shorts. For more information about the qualities of different materials for hiking clothing, check out our Hiking Clothing Guide.
Pockets:
Hiking shorts should have conveniently placed and easily accessible pockets so that you can quickly store and retrieve your hiking accessories. The pockets should also be deep enough (or zippered) to prevent the items from falling out during activities.
Sun Protection (UPF):
Hiking shorts should protect the upper part of your legs against harmful sun rays. The level of sun protection in garments is rated by UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and indicates what percentage of UV rays penetrates through the fabric. For example, a fabric with the UPF of 50 allows 1/50 (2%) of UV radiation through. The UPF rating of a fabric mainly depends on its weave, thickness and fibers (nylon, polyester, cotton etc.). The construction, treatments and condition of a garment also influence the UPF rating. Manufacturers seldom disclose UPF ratings of their garments. For more information about garments and sun protection, check out our article Sun Protective Clothing. As shorts will only cover the upper part of your legs, don’t forget to apply sun cream to your lower legs before going on a hike.
Weight:
Hiking shorts are typically very light as they are made of relatively thin fabrics. Lightweight garments are recommended for hiking, as they are more comfortable to wear and provide better freedom of movement than heavier garments.
