10 Best Mens Hiking Shorts 2025 in the United States

The Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts stand out due to their practical design and functionality. Made from a blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, these shorts are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. The moisture-wicking fabric ensures you stay comfortable and cool during summer activities like hiking, golf, and camping.

The shorts feature a 9-inch inseam, providing a balanced length that offers good coverage without restricting movement. The elastic back waistband and 2-inch belt loops, along with the button closure and zip fly, provide a comfortable and secure fit that adjusts to your body as you move. One of the main highlights is the five zipper pockets, including two slash pockets, two flat pockets, and one back pocket, which offer ample and secure storage for essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys.

Additionally, the shorts are designed with UPF 50+ sun protection and a water-repellent finish, helping to block harmful UV rays and resist light moisture and dirt. However, a potential drawback is the low-rise style, which might not be preferred by all users, especially those who favor a higher rise for added comfort and coverage. Despite this, the Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts are versatile and suitable for a variety of outdoor activities and casual wear, making them a good choice for active men looking for practical and durable shorts.

The Jessie Kidden Men's Outdoor Casual Expandable Waist Lightweight Water Resistant Quick Dry Fishing Hiking Shorts (model #6222) offer a variety of features that make them well-suited for outdoor activities. Made from a blend of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex, these shorts are both lightweight and stretchy, providing comfort and flexibility. The material is water-repellent and uses advanced moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable during strenuous activities. Additionally, the shorts offer UPF 50 sun protection, which is a significant advantage for those spending extended periods outdoors.

The fit is designed with a partial elastic waist and includes a belt, making it adaptable to most body shapes and sizes. They are mid to high rise with 3D cutting, which tends to enhance comfort and mobility. The shorts are equipped with multiple pockets: two front slash pockets, two back pockets, and two thigh pockets with zipper closures, providing ample storage for your belongings. However, some users might find the number of pockets excessive or the zippers cumbersome.

They are suitable for various activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. On the downside, the machine wash care instructions might be seen as a convenience, but it could also lead to wear over time if not handled properly. These shorts offer a blend of durability, comfort, and practicality, making them a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo Shorts are a solid choice for men seeking comfortable and functional shorts suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities. Made from a blend of 94% nylon and 6% spandex, the material offers durability with a bit of stretch, which helps when moving around. The relaxed fit combined with a comfort flex waistband makes these shorts especially comfortable for all-day wear, allowing good freedom of movement without feeling tight. The 10-inch inseam, hitting just at the knees, is a practical length that balances coverage and ventilation, making it versatile for various weather conditions.

One of the standout features is the excellent pocket setup: two cargo zip pockets, two back pockets, and two slash pockets provide plenty of secure storage space for essentials like your phone and wallet, which is handy on hikes. These shorts also dry quickly, which is great if you encounter wet conditions or sweat during activity. On the downside, while the fabric blend offers stretch and durability, it may not be as breathable as cotton-based shorts, which might be a consideration in very hot climates. Also, the classic cargo style is more casual than sporty, so if you prefer more technical hiking-specific features like reinforced fabric or ventilation panels, these might feel a bit basic. These shorts fit well for anyone looking for comfortable, reliable outdoor shorts with good storage and easy maintenance, especially suitable for casual hiking and everyday use.