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5 Best Hiking Shorts in 2024

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Are you ready to conquer the great outdoors? Just like a trusty sidekick on your hiking adventures, the right pair of hiking shorts can make your journey even more enjoyable. We’ll take you through the best hiking shorts of 2024. We’ve scoured the market, leaving no stone unturned, to bring you the most comfortable, durable, and functional options available.

Our team of experts has evaluated these shorts based on factors like breathability, versatility, and weather resistance, guaranteeing top-notch performance in any terrain. If you’re looking to upgrade your hiking gear, look no further. Get ready to hit the trails with confidence and comfort as we unveil the best hiking shorts for your epic outdoor escapades.

List of best hiking shorts in 2024

5. NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic

  Get it now on Amazon.com

When it comes to the best hiking shorts in 2024, you can’t go wrong with the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic shorts. These shorts are made of a comfortable fabric that allows for easy movement during hikes. They fit well and have a pocket for a cell phone, making it convenient to keep your essentials close by.

The lightweight and quick-drying fabric is perfect for outdoor activities, as it keeps you dry and comfortable. The adjustable waistband with a drawstring ensures a customizable fit that stays securely in place. Additionally, the length of the shorts is just right, not too long or too short, providing optimal coverage and freedom of movement.

Pros:

  • The quick-dry feature keeps you dry and comfortable
  • Customizable fit with adjustable waistband
  • Practical pocket design with multiple pockets, including a zippered one at the back
  • Lightweight and sturdy
  • Cool design
Cons:

  • The fabric feels slightly thinner than expected
  • Limited color choices

4. Rdruko Men’s Quick Dry Hiking Shorts

Rdruko Men's Quick Dry Hiking Shorts

  Get it now on Amazon.com

The quick-dry fabric ensures that you stay dry even during intense physical activity or in wet conditions. The lightweight construction makes them easy to pack and carry, making them ideal for travel. The multiple zipper pockets provide secure storage for your essentials, such as keys, wallet, or phone.

With their comfortable fit and durable construction, these shorts are suitable for hiking, running, or any other outdoor adventure. Stay cool, dry, and organized with the Rdruko Men’s Quick Dry Hiking Shorts.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and quick-drying fabric
  • Multiple zipper pockets for secure storage
  • Comfortable fit
Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • Some users may find the sizing to be inaccurate
  • Fabric may be too thin for colder weather hiking.

3. XKTTAC Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry

XKTTAC Men's Outdoor Quick Dry

  Get it now on Amazon.com

Check out the XKTTAC Men’s Outdoor Quick Dry shorts, the top choice for the best hiking shorts in 2024, offering exceptional durability and quick-drying capabilities. These shorts aren’t only durable but also lightweight, making them perfect for any outdoor adventure.

The good-sized pockets and zippered compartments on both legs provide ample storage space for your essentials, ensuring easy access while on the go. With their flexibility and no riding up, these shorts offer maximum comfort and freedom of movement. The breathable and quick-drying fabric keeps you cool and dry even during intense hikes. The elastic waistband with a velcro adjuster ensures a secure and customized fit.

Pros:

  • Exceptional durability
  • Quick-drying capabilities
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Good-sized pockets with zippered compartments
  • Flexibility and no riding up
  • Breathable fabric
Cons:

  • The size chart is not accurate, the recommendation is to go up one size
  • Lack of back pocket
  • Concerns about durability against tree branches or thorns

2. Pudolla Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts

Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts

  Get it now on Amazon.com

You’ll love the Pudolla Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts for their durability and functionality. These shorts have received positive reviews for their lightweight and quick-drying fabric, making them perfect for outdoor activities. The zipper pockets are a great feature, providing secure storage for your essentials while on the trail. Additionally, the colors of the shorts are vibrant, adding a stylish touch to your hiking outfit.

The Pudolla Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts aren’t only comfortable but also offer good value for the price. They’re designed to be lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool during your hikes. With their full elastic waistband, these shorts provide a comfortable fit for all-day wear. The zip pockets are also praised for their functionality, allowing you to securely store your belongings without worrying about them falling out.

Pros:

  • Durable and lightweight fabric
  • Quick-drying material
  • Vibrant colors
  • Zipper pockets for secure storage
  • Comfortable fit with full elastic waistband
Cons:

  • Some customers suggest adding a wallet pocket on the left side for left-handed users
  • Side pockets could be bigger
  • Only one back pocket, some users prefer two back pockets.

1. Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts Stretch Quick Dry

Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts Stretch Quick Dry

  Get it now on Amazon.com

Stay cool and comfortable on your hikes with the Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts Stretch Quick Dry, the best hiking shorts in 2024, designed for optimal stretch and quick-drying performance. These shorts are made from a lightweight and stretchy material, allowing for maximum flexibility and freedom of movement on the trails.

The smooth-working zippers ensure easy access to the zippered pockets, providing secure storage for your essentials. With a nice array of colors to choose from, you can find the perfect pair to suit your style. The precise stitching and elastic sides ensure a comfortable and precise fit, accommodating your waist size and providing a comfortable experience throughout your hike.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and stretchy material for optimal flexibility
  • Smooth working zippers for easy access to zippered pockets
  • Nice array of colors to choose from
  • Precise stitching and elastic sides for a comfortable and precise fit
  • Quick-drying performance for added comfort on the trails
Cons:

  • Not deep enough front pockets for larger items
  • Only one back pocket, limiting storage options
  • Material may not be as durable as desired for rugged outdoor use

What to consider when choosing the best hiking shorts

best hiking shorts

Material and fabric durability

The durability of the material plays a crucial role in determining the longevity of your hiking shorts. Look for shorts made from high-quality fabrics such as nylon or polyester blends, which are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. These fabrics are also lightweight and quick-drying, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

Additionally, check for reinforced stitching and double-layered fabric in high-wear areas like the seat and thighs to ensure extra durability. It’s important to choose hiking shorts that can withstand the rigors of the trail and provide long-lasting performance, so carefully assess the material and fabric durability before making your final decision.

Fit and comfort

Consider your body shape and size when choosing the best hiking shorts. Fit and comfort are crucial factors to consider to ensure an enjoyable hiking experience. Look for shorts that provide a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing for ease of movement without being too tight or restrictive. Opt for shorts with an adjustable waistband or drawstring to customize the fit according to your preference.

Additionally, consider the length of the shorts. Some hikers prefer longer shorts for added coverage and protection from the elements, while others prefer shorter options for increased breathability. The best hiking shorts will provide a comfortable fit that allows you to move freely and confidently on the trail, enhancing your overall hiking experience.

Length and style

When it comes to length, you have a few options to consider. Longer shorts, such as those that fall just above the knee, provide more coverage and protection from the elements. They’re a popular choice for hikers who want to shield their legs from sun exposure, bugs, and foliage.

On the other hand, shorter shorts, like those that hit mid-thigh or higher, offer greater freedom of movement and breathability. They’re favored by hikers who prioritize comfort and prefer a more casual look.

As for style, hiking shorts come in various designs, including cargo, convertible, and regular shorts. Cargo shorts feature multiple pockets for convenient storage of small essentials. Convertible shorts can be transformed into pants by zipping off the lower portion, providing versatility for changing weather conditions. Regular shorts are simple, without any additional features.

The choice of length and style depends on your personal preferences, the type of hiking you plan to do, and the climate you’ll be hiking in. Consider factors like comfort, functionality, and aesthetics when making your decision.

Pockets and storage options

One important aspect to think about while selecting the best hiking shorts in 2024 is the availability of pockets and storage options. When you’re out on the trail, having sufficient storage space for your essentials is essential.

Look for hiking shorts that offer multiple pockets, both on the front and back, as well as on the sides. These pockets should be spacious enough to hold your phone, keys, wallet, and other small items securely.

Additionally, consider the placement and design of the pockets. Ideally, they should be easily accessible and strategically located to avoid hindering your movement. Some hiking shorts also come with zippered or secure closure pockets to provide extra security for your belongings.

UV protection

When choosing the best hiking shorts in 2024, prioritize UV protection for optimal outdoor comfort. Spending long hours in the sun can be harmful to your skin, so it’s important to invest in hiking shorts that offer adequate protection against harmful UV rays.

Look for shorts that are made with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, which provides a barrier against the sun’s rays. A higher UPF rating indicates better protection.

Additionally, consider shorts that have a longer inseam or provide coverage for sensitive areas like the thighs. Some shorts also have built-in sun protection features like a sun-blocking gusset or a sun shield.

Conclusion

Get ready to hit the trails with the best hiking shorts of 2024! These shorts are the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure, offering comfort, durability, and breathability. Whether you’re tackling a day hike or a multi-day trek, these shorts will keep you cool and comfortable. With their incredible performance and functionality, they’re like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, allowing you to conquer any terrain with ease. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to upgrade your hiking gear and make your outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.