GOT a summer adventure on the cards? The best men's hiking shorts are just the ticket for your warm-weather escapades and the right pair will quickly become a hiking essential.
They should be super comfortable to wear, give you plenty of breathing room and many are even designed with useful compartments and the ability to withstand a summer downpour.
What kind of shorts are best for hiking?
There are many fabrics, styles and features of hiking shorts available for men right now - so it can feel a little overwhelming when you're faced with the choice.
Whether you're on the hunt for something lightweight and breathable, you need water and UV protection, or you're after a pair of hiking shorts that will withstand serious wear and tear (and save any nasty chafing) – there's something for you in our selection.
And for hikers who can't decide whether they want trousers or shorts for their next outdoor adventure, you can even snap up a pair of zippable trouser/shorts, so you can get the best of both worlds.
What are the best hiking shorts for men?
This very much depends on your needs and your budget – but a general rule of thumb is they should fit well and feel comfy to wear, they should have a fair amount of stretch in them so it's easy to walk with no discomfort and they should be durable and ideally made from a sweat-wicking, water-repellant fabric.
Here's our selection of some of the best hiking shorts on the market right now – whatever your style and budget, there's something for you here.
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Men’s Titan Pass 2.0 Hiking Shorts
- Men’s Titan Pass 2.0 Hiking Shorts, £45.50 - buy here
We've tested out these hiking shorts from Columbia over a couple of months and found them to be excellent for easy summer hiking.
We wouldn't back the relatively thin material to protect you from course undergrowth, so if you're planning on smashing your way through a jungle, you might want something more robust.
But if you're planning on walking nice trails in the heat, these are perfect as they're lightweight and moisture wicking which will keep you cool.
The elasticated waist band keeps things comfortable and they're anti-bacterial to boot.
Decathlon Quechua Men's Hiking Long Shorts - MH500
- Decathlon Quechua Men's Hiking Long Shorts - MH500, £24.99 from Decathlon - buy here
Designed by a team of passionate mountain trekkers, these affordable men's hiking shorts are thoughtfully constructed, with details that only come with experience.
Comfort is key here as the shorts are super stretchy, with 15% elastane and a slit at the bottom to provide maximum freedom of movement. They're also lightweight, breathable and wick away perspiration swiftly.
The shorts feature an elasticated waistband, a removable belt and there are three zipped pockets, including one at the thigh.
Made by Quechua, a brand that has a design centre at the foot of Mont-Blanc, these well-priced shorts have been made with serious hiking in mind.
Rab Men's Oblique Short
- Rab Men's Oblique Short, £50 from Rab - buy here
While strictly speaking these Rab shorts are designed for climbing, their next-level flexibility and lightweight feel make them perfect for almost all outdoor adventures.
Long, slim and with a fuss-free style, they're one of the best-looking pair of shorts in our edit and they come in four colours, including Nightfall Blue (pictured) and a punchy Cumin.
They're practical to boot, boasting four pockets, a part-elasticated waist with a single snap fastening, a drawstring adjustment and zipped fly.
They're made from a cotton/elastane mix, giving them excellent stretch and strength – just the ticket for a tough day's hiking in the sun.
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge II Cargo Shorts
These sleek shorts from outdoor specialists Columbia have been hailed as the perfect find for hikers in need of lightweight shorts that can be worn year-round.
They're made from Omi-wick technology, which is breathable and fast drying, and there's an emphasis on getting a great fit as they have a built-in belt and adjustable inner belt to get them feeling exactly right.
If your partial to carrying a few snacks on your person as you hike, these shorts have great storage, with a total of six pockets, including two large cargo pockets for larger items like your phone or camera.
Made from 100% nylon, they're also perfect for rolling up tight and packing away into your backpack or luggage, making them a great travel companion.
Patagonia Men's Altvia Trail Shorts
- Patagonia Men's Altvia Trail Shorts, £80 from Patagonia - buy here
The sort of shorts you'll wear and wonder how you ever survived without them – these quality Trail Shorts from Patagonia are guaranteed to become a firm favourite in your hiking wardrobe.
Built for year-round use and made for long days on the trails, they're constructed from 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane, meaning they have good eco credentials and a decent level of stretch too. They're also coated with a water repellent finish, so it's not the end of the world if the heavens open.
They have five zipped pockets, a partially elasticised waistband and they're available in three muted shades.
The North Face Men's Tanken Short
- The North Face Men's Tanken Shorts, £40 from Cotswold Outdoors - buy here
Renowned outdoor brand The North Face are the masters of fashionable yet technical outdoor gear - and these men's hiking shorts are a testament to the brand's authority and expertise.
Made out of 100% ripstop nylon, these breathable shorts have an elasticated waist for extra comfort and two pockets - one is zippable for added security.
Containing Flash-Dry technology, they perform well under rainy (or sweaty) conditions.
Weighing just 290g, they can be rolled up compactly and packed away ready for your next hike. That said, they also wouldn't look out of place at a casual BBQ when teamed with a t-shirt, scoring them major versatility points.
Salomon Wayfarer Men's Shorts
- Salomon Wayfarer Men's Shorts, £65 from Salomon - buy here
Weighing a rather feathery 190g, you'll hardly even realise you're wearing these Salomon Wayfarer Shorts as you traverse the landscape.
Made from 85% recycled polyamide and 15% elastane, the fabric has a four-way stretch, so it's easy to move freely and the wide elasticated waistband adds to the feeling of comfort and freedom.
If you like to carry all manner of snacks, maps and compasses with you on your hikes, these may not be the shorts for you as they only have three pockets, but the three they do have are roomy and well placed, include one zipped compartment on the right leg.
The fabric has a water-repellent treatment added to it, making the shorts extra durable and resilient.
Mountain Warehouse Lakeside Men's Cargo Shorts
- Mountain Warehouse Lakeside Mens Cargo Shorts, £19.99 from Mountain Warehouse - buy here
For an affordable yet functional pair of hiking shorts, these Mountain Warehouse beauties give you a serious amount of bang for your buck.
Made from 100% twill cotton, they're lightweight and breathable, have multiple pockets (we counted six), they're machine washable and they come in a whopping nine colour options, including this striking orange hue, which is guaranteed to get other hikers talking for all the right reasons.
The perfect budget-busting shorts for hiking, walking, or even climbing - they're extremely versatile for the price.
Arc'teryx Gamma Quick Dry Short Men's
Arc'teryx Gamma Quick Dry Short Men's, £85 on Arc'teryx - buy here
For serious hikers, Arc'teryx are a go-to brand. And these top-rated Gamma shorts deliver on all of the brand's lofty promises according to its happy reviewers.
Made from quick-drying TerraTex stretch nylon fabric, they're wind resistant, durable and they dry fast.
Comfort and flexibility when walking is key and these shorts tick every box, as the fabric is breathable and temperature-regulating, plus there's an adjustable waist belt for optimum fit. There are also five zippered pockets – including one at each thigh.
Available in three classic colours, they look pretty good too – who says you can't be on-trend while you trek this summer?
Fjällräven Barents Pro Shorts
- Fjällräven Barents Pro Shorts, £105 - buy here
Famed for their iconic backpacks, Swedish brand Fjällräven keep the outdoors at the heart of everything they do.
While they're a pricey choice, these top-quality hiking shorts work hard for their price tag.
Made out of a breathable, lightweight and durable fabric - they also have a reinforced rear to cushion any stumbles.
Featuring seven flapped pockets, including an inside mobile phone pocket, plus a map and slimline axe/knife pocket – there's a decent amount of space to keep all your essentials to hand.
They're water-resistant, and can even be waxed with the brands' own Greenland Wax to make them last longer.
Choose from six nature-friendly colours, and say hello to the great outdoors, Scandi-style.
Peter Storm Mens Ramble Double-zip 2-in-1 Trousers/Shorts
- Peter Storm Mens Ramble Double-zip 2-in-1 Trousers/Shorts, £25 from Go Outdoors - buy here
For a hiking garment that's truly useful all year round, Peter Storm has got you covered with this versatile, 2-in-1 design.
With two zip-offs at the calves and thighs, there are three ways to wear them – as 3/4 lengths (pictured above), as shorts, or as full-length walking trousers.
Granted, they might not be the most fashion-forward choice in our selection, but when it comes to practicality and value for money, these trousers/shorts get the gold medal.
Made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton, they're lightweight and water-resistant - with seams at the knees, to make scrambling and climbing hills easier.
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