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 CANGHPGIN 2 Pack Mens Workout Athletic Shorts offer a solid option for those seeking lightweight, versatile hiking shorts with a sporty feel. Made from a blend of 90% nylon and 10% spandex, the material is soft, breathable, and designed to wick sweat away quickly, which helps keep you comfortable during outdoor activities or workouts. These shorts have a 7-inch inseam, providing moderate coverage that’s good for unrestricted movement. The regular fit with an elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring ensures a customizable and comfortable fit for most body types.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of three zippered pockets. This is highly practical for hiking or running, as it keeps your phone, cards, or other valuables secure and prevents them from falling out during movement. The V-cut leg design adds extra space and freedom for your legs, making the shorts suitable for dynamic sports or active hiking. The reflective strip on the front adds a safety element for low-light conditions, which is a nice touch for outdoor enthusiasts.

Some considerations include that while the material dries quickly and maintains its shape and color after washes, the regular fit may be less tailored compared to slim-fit options, depending on personal preference. The 7-inch inseam is a good middle ground but might feel a bit short for those who prefer longer shorts for hiking. Care instructions recommend cold machine wash and low tumble dry, which is fairly standard. These shorts are versatile enough for hiking, running, gym workouts, or casual wear, and the UPF 50+ fabric provides some sun protection, making them a practical choice for men looking for reliable and comfortable hiking shorts with secure storage options.

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.