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 XKTTAC Men's Outdoor Quick Dry Lightweight Cargo Shorts are a versatile option for a variety of outdoor activities. The shorts are made of a lightweight blend of 92% polyester, 6% spandex, and 2% PVC, making them breathable, quick-drying, and slightly stretchy for added comfort. This material is also durable, ensuring longevity even with frequent use. The fit is enhanced by an elastic and adjustable waistband, which helps keep the shorts secure and comfortable around your waist.

These shorts feature a total of 6 pockets, including 4 large, deep side zipper pockets and 2 front pockets, providing ample storage for your essentials. Reflective strips are an added safety feature for early morning or late evening hikes. With a UPF 50+ rating, they offer significant protection from harmful UV rays during sunny days. These shorts are easy to care for with machine washability.

The length and styling might not suit all tastes, particularly if you're looking for something more tailored or fashion-forward. While they excel in functionality, they may be less appealing for casual, everyday wear if style is your priority. These shorts are ideal for hikers, campers, and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, offering practical features without compromising on comfort.

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.