13 Best Shorts for Travel

Shorts weather is finally upon us, and one of the best things about warm weather is freeing yourself from the confines of pants. Whether you’re packing for a Europe trip or warming up to where you live, the best shorts for travel are game-changing. Shorts are not great just for casual outings; even hikers love a good pair of hiking shorts for walking trails. When we were coming up with this list of great shorts, a few factors were very important to us. First, we chose ones that are comfortable and offer good freedom of movement. Secondly, we went for those that we could see ourselves wearing all day long. We haven’t just looked at the price tag but also considered what you’ll be doing on your vacation. So, read on to learn about good shorts which you could choose for your next vacation or even for everyday use.

Meanwhile, if you’re heading out on vacation and looking to overhaul your wardrobe, you might also want to consider investing in a good pair of travel walking shoes or a traveling jacket.

How To Choose The Best Shorts For Travel?

• Inseams and Length: The most important factor for choosing shorts is inseam and length for comfort and practicality. The inseam is the length from the crotch seam to the hem of the shorts. While length is a personal preference, do take into account the activity you’re doing and sun exposure.
• Fabric: Look for tough, durable, and stretchable fabric that can stand up to multiple days of walking, hiking, and the outdoors. Leave delicate, wrinkly fabrics at home.
• UPF ratings: Some shorts, like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts, have a UPF rating that can block harmful UV sun rays. Determine if you’re looking for UPF protection or not.
• Fit and Sizing: Another important factor is sizing and fit. If you’ve put up with ill-fitting cargo travel shorts until now, you don’t need to anymore. With stretchy fabrics and sleek additions like gussets and elastic waistbands, the fit is better than ever before.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts

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Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi collection is a real winner, and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts are no exception. We found these shorts not just breathable and lightweight but also standing up extremely well to long-term use.

Ferrosi fabric

The namesake Ferrosi fabric, which can also be seen in softshell jackets and pants from the brand, is what impressed us enough to put this on the list of the best travel shorts. Since the fabric has a generous amount of spandex in the form of 14% elastane, it’s extremely durable and doesn’t tear under pressure. What’s more, the fabric is “giving” and adds great mobility and stretch. Since we prefer stretchable clothes for movement-based activities like backpacking, hiking, and even cycling, these shorts are our favorite choice. And most importantly, it uses 46% recycled nylon, which is sustainable without compromising on performance, looks, or quality. That’s one of the reasons that the Ferrosi shorts are also one of the best eco-friendly clothes for travel.

Non-baggy fit

We love the regular, non-baggy, and low-profile fit of the shorts, which can even be worn under certain work clothes like doctors’ scrubs. The internal drawcord waist might not be as effective for dialing in the fit, but the loops make it easy to add a belt to do so. It’s an improvement that the brand made over the previous version of the Ferrosi shorts, which had reports of the waistband loosening over time. Moreover, the length is versatile, as the shorts fall just above the knees on a 5-foot-9-inch-tall tester. So, the shorts provide good coverage without feeling too baggy or long.

Zippered pockets

There’s nothing compared to good storage when it comes to bottoms, and the Ferrosi takes care of that. Despite the practical and simple layout, these shorts come with a host of zippered pockets. This includes frontal drop-in hand pockets, two back pockets, one zippered and one drop-in, and a secure-zip mesh pocket on the right hip.

At a glance

• Inseam: 10 inches
• Materials: Bluesign-approved 86% 90D ripstop nylon (46% recycled), 14% elastane
• Waist: Button, zipper
• Pockets: Back pockets, zip thigh right pocket, front jean-style drop-in pockets
• Fit: Regular, low-profile fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 70-85 USD, depending on color and size

The North Face Motivation High-Rise Pocket Shorts

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High-waisted shorts are finally having their moment, and we couldn’t wait to jump on the bandwagon. That’s why we tried – and loved – the North Face Motivation High-Rise Pocket Shorts on this list. As far as mild summer days, yoga, and casual outings go, these are stylish shorts that perform well.

Quick-drying fabric

The fabric is a blend of 88% nylon and 12% elastane, but the special factor is that it’s equipped with FlashDry-XD technology. Since they feature a polyester and stretch knit blend, these shorts offer breathable and soft comfort. Moreover, the stretch makes them an easy-moving companion for casual days around the town or on easy, open trails. FlashDry technology is quick-drying and wicks moisture speedily while helping keep your skin cool.  

High-rise fit

We like that these shorts are different from other regular shorts. The fitted high-rise design gives you confidence that it won’t get in your way, no matter what activity you have in mind. But what we really like about them is that they didn’t ride up when we were walking, biking, doing yoga, or doing any other activity. So we didn’t have to constantly keep adjusting our shorts awkwardly in the middle of any activity. The stylish waistband complements the superior compressive fit, which keeps things together. And any shorts that stay put during great movement get our points.

Mesh pockets

Reviewers say that the best part about the Motivation shorts is the pockets – and we couldn’t agree more. After all, it’s hard to ignore a pair of shorts that has pockets in the title, right? These have two generously-sized mesh thigh pockets. In fact, they can fit everything from a wallet and phone to even a small digital camera. What makes it all the better is that both pockets are low-profile, so they don’t stand out in a jarring way.

At a glance

• Inseam: 9 inches
• Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastane, with FlashDry-XD technology
• Waist: Elastic
• Pockets: Two large mesh thigh pockets
• Fit: Compression fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 20-55 USD, depending on color and size

Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts

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Best value for money. If you’ve never owned a piece from Columbia’s Silver Ridge collection, it’s time to do so. We found the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts one of the best cargo shorts for travel. Firstly, we were excited by the 50 USD price tag, which is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers. However, these shorts are more than just that – they offer good all-around performance.

UPF-protected fabric

The brand’s Silver Ridge line of clothing uses a mix of fabrics: 43% polyester mesh/57% recycled polyester, and 100% ripstop. It’s the 100% nylon construction that renders these shorts breathable. But, the feature we love the most is the brand’s rather useful Omni-Wick technology. It dries the shorts very quickly when they’re damp, even if it takes a slightly longer time to dry when they’re wet. Hence, we found them to be a fabulous option for wet walking and hikes. Secondly, the fabric makes the shorts very comfortable and soft. The best bit? The fabric features Omni-Shade technology, which offers UPF 50 protection. Hence, the skin is protected from long-term damage that happens from sunlight.

Versatile fit

The shorts are available in two inseam lengths of 10 and 12 inches and waist sizes ranging from 28 to 42. So, there are multiple combinations of inseam and waist sizes to choose from to find what fits most comfortably. That said, we appreciate that the brand has included a gusset to aid you when you want to bend over or squat, making it more comfortable. Furthermore, the hem falls somewhere in the middle of the knee. Coming to the fit, these cargo shorts are crafted with a classic fit, offering the ultimate blend of style and comfort during active days.

Mesh-lined and zippered pockets

Storage is yet another highlight of these shorts, especially since all their pockets are lined with mesh. This helps these cargo travel shorts breathe better by drying faster. There’s a zippered security pocket on the left thigh, where we could stash our wallet without feeling weighed down. Three massive cargo-style pockets, one on the right leg and two at the back are perfect for keys and phones. What’s more, the pockets are deep, easily accessible hand pockets.

Feed The Habit reviews these shorts in detail.

At a glance

• Inseam: 10, 12 inches
• Materials: 43% polyester mesh/57% recycled polyester, 100% ripstop, polyester mesh lining.
• Waist: In-built belt, button closure, zipper
• Pockets: Mesh pocket bags, side pockets with hook-and-loop closure, and one zip-closure security thigh pocket.
• Fit: Classic fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 30-50 USD, depending on color and size

prAna Halle Shorts II

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Sometimes, we tend to prefer slightly shorter shorts for around-town and casual hiking use. That’s what makes the prAna Halle Shorts II one of the best shorts for travel. These shorts are an absolute winner in this category, nicely balancing stylish looks with a bunch of trail-ready features.

Fabric

We’re big fans of the brand’s ReZion fabric, which has a subtle sheen, is moisture-wicking, and is rated UPF 50+ for sun protection. Together, it provides the fabric, and the shorts, with maximum durability. In fact, this lighter and breathable ReZion fabric has been tested to ensure that it stacks up against the original. It’s reminiscent of lightweight softshell material but has a premium feel that is resistant to abrasions. However, what we like best is the touch of elastane, which allows us to stretch the shorts four ways without them stretching out over time.

Breathable, comfortable fit

The Halle II shorts come in two inseam lengths, 5 and 7 inches, and fall to your upper thigh. However, they also have a button and zip closure over a modest mid-rise waist. So, when we’re doing high-movement activities such as hiking over boulders, the shorts offer excellent coverage. The cherry on top is the additional room that the brand has added to the upper thigh, furthering the secure fit and comfort. Vents at the seam hem on each side add breathability, while the low-profile plastic closure lays flat. So it doesn’t leave a painful red line when we attach a backpack with a hip belt or a climbing harness.

Deep pockets

The Halle II shorts have two drop-in hand pockets, a left coin pocket for carrying loose change, and two snap-flap back pockets. With these shorts, prAna has increased the pocket depth, so they can fit even larger smartphones with ease.

At a glance

• Inseam: 5 and 7 inches
• Materials: ReZion stretch-performance recycled nylon blend fabric
• Waist: Button and zip fly closure with inner twill tape drawstring
• Pockets: Left coin pocket, front hip pockets, back patch pockets with flap/snap closures
• Fit: Mid-rise fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 35-100 USD, depending on color and size

Arc’teryx Gamma Quick Dry Shorts

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The Arc’teryx Gamma Quick Dry Shorts have been purposefully built for warm-weather hiking and is a fantastic all-around option for moving-about shorts.

Abrasion-resistant fabric

We reached for these shorts because the fabric build makes them so comfortable and lightweight. The shorts use the TerraTex™, which is a mix of 6% elastane and 94% nylon, giving them the right amount of stretch. What’s more, the fabric is relatively light and thin and yet is abrasion-resistant, holding up to heavy use. We also found the shorts amply breathable with lots of de facto ventilation. Overall, they’re perfect for summer hikes and even slightly chillier trips, as they effectively block wind too.

Neat fit

The fit is not baggy but rather neat without being tight – keeping in line with the brand’s customary slim design. We could move quite nimbly and comfortably, thanks to the air-permeable four-way stretch. At the same time, we didn’t feel like we’d been wearing spandex bike shorts. When it comes to the length, the shorts have two inseam lengths, 9 and 11 inches, and the hem falls just above the knees.

Low-profile pockets

These shorts boast a minimalist design, with two neat, low-profile zippered hand pockets in the front. Since they’re angled, we could easily slip in wallets, keys, and even our phones in. Arc’teryx also adds a horizontal zippered thigh pocket perfect for stashing snacks. Check out more details of the product on the official website.

At a glance

• Inseam: 9, 11 inches
• Materials: TerraTex™ stretch woven with DWR, 6% elastane, and 94% nylon
• Waist: In-built belt, snap closure, zippered fly
• Pockets: Two angled frontal hand pockets, zippered thigh pocket
• Fit: Neat, slim fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 130 USD

Arc’teryx Gamma LT Shorts

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Best technical shorts. We couldn’t help but include yet another Arc’teryx product on this list, the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Shorts. This is one of the most technically-oriented shorts on this list and stands out for its top-notch performance. These shorts follow in the footsteps of the much-loved Gamma LT pants with all its best features.

Fabric

These shorts are made with Arc’teryx’s proprietary Fortius DW 2.0 softshell fabric, with 12% elastane and 88% nylon. It translates to a great balance of breathability, wind protection, and durability. We especially love the higher-than-usual proportion of elastane, which augments the stretchability quite a bit. So, when we moved around, even on hikes that required climbing, the shorts moved with us and were comfortable as well as durable.

Length and Fit

The shorts fall well above the knees but below the thigh, making them perfect for summer or warm weather. Another reason we included Arc’teryx on this list is that its shorts are well-fitted, and the Gamma LT is no exception. There are 10 size choices and 2 inseam choices of 6 and 9 inches. Moreover, the in-built belt offers a customizable fit without too much bagginess or bulk. What adds to the fit is the gusseted crotch, with the additional fabric creating extra room.

Zippered pockets

The Gamma LT shorts’ storage is the best in the game. Firstly, what excited us is that all its three pockets are zippered – yes! The two hand pockets could easily fit our smartphones, while the thigh pocket is perfectly accessible when we were wearing harnesses.

At a glance

• Inseam: 6, 9 inches
• Materials: Bluesign-approved Fortius DW 2.0 softshell fabric, 12% elastane, 88% nylon.
• Waist: Snap closure, zippered fly
• Pockets: Two hand pockets with zipper, one thigh zippered pocket
• Fit: Slim fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 130 USD

KUHL Renegade Shorts

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Most options. The KUHL Renegade Shorts are one of the best shorts for travel. The brand has made a name for itself in the hiking apparel space, and the distinctive utilitarian styling is evident in the Renegade shorts.

Stretchy fabric

These shorts use the Duralux fabric, which features a mix of 95% nylon and 5% spandex fabric, making it horizontally stretchy. So, they moved freely as we moved, whether we indulged in casual hiking or even climbing activities. What we also loved about the fabric is that it can dry off very quickly when wet and stand up to abrasions and scratches. If that wasn’t enough, the thicker fabric even stood up against the wind, so we felt protected against the chill. The best bit? The fabric is even rated UPF 50 for protection against the harshness of the sunshine.

Versatile fit

Between 3 inseam lengths and 11 waist sizes ranging from 28 to 42, the Renegade shorts have the most possible combinations of appearance and fit on this list. While the hem of the shorts falls just above the knee, the longer inseam offers more coverage. We love the relatively true-to-size waist, especially the soft waist liner that greatly reduced abrasion when wearing a climbing backpack. The shorts do have traditional belt loops for those who prefer wearing belts.

Most pockets

We were very pleased with the eight-pocket layout, including two back and two hand pockets. They also have two traditional zippered side pockets, which didn’t get in our way, unlike traditional cargo travel shorts. Wrapping up the storage are the back drop-in-style pockets, which are superb for stashing quick-access snacks.

Check out this detailed YouTube video review of these shorts by Engearment.

At a glance

• Inseam: 8, 10, 12 inches
• Materials: Duralux, 95% nylon, 5% spandex
• Waist: Snap closure, zipper fly
• Pockets: Drop-in back pockets, two zippered side pockets, two hand pockets, one 3D phone pocket, one stealth phone pocket
• Fit: Loose fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 80-110 USD, depending on color and size

The North Face Class V Shorts

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Hot weather hiking is not easy, and the last thing we wanted to do is deal with a bad pair of shorts. That’s why we tried the North Face Class V Shorts. We didn’t feel weighed down by these quick-drying shorts, which makes them perfect for water activities too.

Water-repelling fabric

We love the shorts for their ultimate water-repellent build. It’s made of 6% elastane, 26% nylon, and 68% recycled nylon, along with the brand’s proprietary FlashDry™ technology. But what makes them truly water-repellent is the non-PFC DWR (durable water-repellent) finish. So, while the elastane adds stretch for mobility during outdoor activities and the nylon wicks moisture, the DWR dries the shorts quickly. The best bit? The fabric even has UPF 50 protection.

Length and Fit

We love nothing better than a pair of pull-on shorts. These shorts have a 4-inch inseam and a hem falling down to the upper thigh. However, what we love the most is the in-built drawcord for dialing in the fit even better. In our opinion, the 4-inch inseam is an excellent middle ground between shorter and longer options.

Pockets

Despite being elastic pull-on shorts, the North Face Class V does decently on storage. It has two angled side pockets where we could put our phones easily. There’s even a back left zippered pocket where we were able to stash our wallets securely.  

At a glance

• Inseam: 4 inches
• Materials: 68% recycled nylon, 26% nylon, 6% elastane, FlashDry™ technology, and a non-PFC DWR finish
• Waist: Elastic and drawcord
• Pockets: Two angled side pockets, one rear zip pocket
• Fit: Loose fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 30-70 USD, depending on color and size

Fjallraven Abisko Shorts

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When searching for trekking bottoms, we fell in love with the Fjallraven Abisko Shorts. This Scandinavian brand is known for its premium craftsmanship, and these shorts are a testament to that.

Unique fabric blend

The headliner here is, undoubtedly, the brand’s legendary G-1000 fabric. It’s basically a mix of cotton and polyester, which is rare when it comes to shorts fabrics. The lower legs, lower hip/back, and front are all made from a blend of 11% elastane, 26% polyester, and 63% polyamide, making them extremely stretchy. Meanwhile, the pockets and the seat are made from a super durable 35% cotton and 65% polyester blend. They didn’t wear out no matter where we sat or how much we stretched. So, the shorts stretch in all the right places, especially when we were outdoors.

Length and Fit

Yet another unique feature is the waist design, which is higher at the back and lower at the front for maximizing backpack-carrying comfort. Plus, Fjallraven adds extra fabric at the crotch to minimize rubbing, which is very crucial to us. The 11-inch inseam, along with the hem falling down to the knee, ensures good comfort and coverage. However, the best feature in the fit department for us is the waist sizes ranging from 32 to 56!

Functional pockets

Functional storage is the motto of the Abisko shorts, which feature flap-protected cargo pockets on each side. What’s more, they also have two hip-belt-friendly hand pockets with zippers, which is very rare in the hiking shorts market. We could fit not just our smartphone but even our handheld GPS. Meanwhile, the right one is much larger and can even fit in a small reading tablet! The best bit? It has a smaller mesh pocket perfect for energy bars or car keys.

At a glance

• Inseam: 11 inches
• Materials: G-1000 fabric, cotton, polyester, polyamide, and elastane
• Waist: Fly and button
• Pockets: Two thigh pockets with plastic and metal snap closures, two front zippered hand pockets
• Fit: Classic fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 80-130 USD, depending on color and size

Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda

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Gone are the days when bermudas were the height of uncool. The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda is a testament to that and had us changing our opinions about bermudas in a flash. These are the most well-rounded shorts we’ve tested for hikers that prioritize both performance and comfort.

DWR-treated fabric

When it comes to the fabric, this Dynama/2 Bermuda checks all boxes better than most shorts. It’s made from 94% nylon and 6% elastane and treated with a DWR finish. We found this fabric as lightweight as it’s incredibly flexible and comfortable. Not only did it dry quickly after a dousing, but it even wicked moisture on a particularly hot, despite the DWR treatment. In fact, even the water beaded fairly well during our testing, ensuring that the resistance is enough to prevent 100% absorption. 

Relaxed Fit

Despite the modest 9-inch inseam, the bermudas have a stretchy and wide waistband that slides smoothly over our hips. It did an excellent job of keeping the shorts in place while not feeling bulky under our backpack hip belt. When it comes to the hem, the shorts fell above the knee and did not restrict our movement in any way. The cherry on top is the relaxed cut, and we didn’t have to worry about any tearing in the wrong places even when we stretched.

“It’s hard to believe that bermudas could be so stylish. We felt like we were wearing the correct shorts for any kind of activity we did.

WOW Travel

Pockets

We appreciated the depth of the three main pockets, all of which are mesh-lined for additional venting. Two are deep hand pockets angled in the front, while the other is a zippered rear pocket. There’s even a zippered one on the thigh, which is also quite deep.

At a glance

• Inseam: 11 inches
• Materials: 94% nylon, 6% elastane, PVC-free DWR finish
• Waist: Wide elastic waistband
• Pockets: One zip back pocket, two frontal, angled pockets, and one zippered thigh pocket
• Fit: Relaxed fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 40-100 USD, depending on color and size

Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Shorts

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Most stretchable shorts. The Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Shorts are one of the best shorts for travel. We felt like we could wear them throughout the year, defying the myth of “shorts season!” The brand’s vibrant and bright styling might have put them on the map, but these shorts take it far ahead in the looks and function department too.

Strechiest fabric

With just 85% nylon and a spandex percentage of 15%, the Veza is the stretchiest option on this list. The healthy dose of spandex makes the shorts extremely comfortable with a ton of mobility. Meanwhile, the nylon ensured that the shorts didn’t tear when we navigated a particularly challenging trail. At the same time, we didn’t feel too hot either, as the shorts offered good ventilation and wick moisture too.  

Length and Fit

We like the clean and modern design of the shorts, especially since the hem falls down to above the knees. Thanks to the 8-inch inseam and the gusset at the crotch, we felt we were able to move more freely. Meanwhile, the elastic waistband kept them firmly on our waist while the outer drawcord helped dial in the fit.

Hidden pockets

The slip-in hand pockets are easily accessible, but what we really liked is the hidden zippered pocket on the right. We could stash small valuables like our keys easily without worrying about how to carry them.

At a glance

• Inseam: 8 inches
• Materials: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
• Waist: Elastic, drawstring
• Pockets: Two slip-in hand pockets, one hidden zippered right pocket
• Fit: Relaxed fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 75 USD, depending on color and size

prAna Kanab Shorts

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Best cotton-heavy shorts. As one of the only cotton-heavy shorts on the list, the prAna Kanab Shorts outdo even the Halle 2. That’s because they’re pull-on ones! Since we prefer the comfort of cotton sometimes but don’t want to compromise on performance, the prAna Kanab is perfect.

Fabric

Unlike the Halle 2, the Kanab shorts feature a mix of 62% cotton, 36% nylon, and 2% elastane. So, we felt a nice boost in overall softness and comfort when we donned them. At the same time, the healthy dose of nylon ensured durability, especially when we stretched our legs far and wide. And thanks to the elastane, there’s far better four-way stretch and mobility as compared to other cotton peers. So, even though they’re cotton-heavy, these shorts breathe well and have an airier feel. 

Length and Fit

We loved the versatile 5-inch inseam on the Kanab as it focuses on comfort. But what makes Kanab pip Halle 2 is the lower-profile elastic-knit waistband. Since Halle 2’s button closure dug into the stomachs of some of our testers, they loved Kanab’s waistband. It stayed securely in place and did so with far less bulk. Finally, the upper thigh length ensures breathability, especially if you’re headed somewhere in hot weather.

Pockets

The Kanab has no zippered pockets but does have good storage for pull-up cotton-based shorts. We liked that it had two hand and back patch pockets, all of which allow easy access.

At a glance

• Inseam: 5 inches
• Materials: 62% cotton, 36% nylon, 2% elastane.
• Waist: Elastic waistband
• Pockets: Two front and two back slip-in pockets
• Fit: Standard fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 50-70 USD, depending on color and size

The North Face Rolling Sun Packable Shorts

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The North Face Rolling Sun Packable Shorts are a versatile yet classic option for water and mixed hiking activities.

Quick-drying fabric

These North Face shorts are made from a mix of 89% recycled polyester and 11% elastane. We love the performance features like FlashDry and the non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. They not only wicked moisture during long, warm hikes but also dry quickly due to their unique inner texture. As traditional hikers, we loved the absence of a hanging liner too, along with the stretchiness, softness, and styling. The most useful feature, according to us, is that the fabric is UPF 40-rated, thus shielding our skin from harmful UV rays on hot hikes.

Adjustable fit

The Rolling Sun offers 2 inseam choices, 7 and the more-covering 9-inch one. However, what we loved is the waistband which has both belt loops and an inner, flat drawcord. So, we were able to adjust our shorts better, especially during changes in the weather. And with the hem of the shorts falling just above the knee, we had no issues with mobility either.

Pockets

We loved the unique secure zippered stow pocket on the left thigh in which the shorts can be stowed away, fitting them in our backpacks easily. Meanwhile, the two back hook-and-loop closure pockets and two slash-welt hand pockets are perfect for stashing on-trail essentials.

At a glance

• Inseam: 7, 9 inches
• Materials: 89% polyester, 11% elastane
• Waist: Drawcord, fly
• Pockets: Two hook-and-loop-closure back pockets, slash hand pockets, left thigh secure-zip stow pocket
• Fit: Standard fit
• Price on Amazon at the time of publishing: 58-60 USD, depending on color and size

Our Verdict!

While we love each and every one of the shorts mentioned above, we found different shorts better suited for different sensibilities. That’s why we’ve come up with a more specialized and curated list that will also help you choose better.

• Best value for money: Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts
• Best cotton-heavy shorts: prAna Kanab Shorts
• Best technical shorts: Arc’teryx Gamma LT Shorts
• Most options: KUHL Renegade Shorts
• Most stretchable shorts: Cotopaxi Veza Adventure Shorts

Where should shorts sit?

Generally, shorts should extend to either right below or right above your knees, notwithstanding body build.

How much room should you have in shorts?

They should be comfortable and fitted and shouldn’t be skin-tight. Ensure that there’s a bit of wiggle room between your skin and the fabric.

How often should you wear shorts?

While it’s up to how soon you can find facilities during hikes, casual shorts should be washed after three or four times of wearing.