Reader support keeps this site open, opinionated, and happily independent. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Backpacking Shorts | Ditch the Sweaty Denim for Good

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The Abisko is the closest thing to a technical hiking short that also passes for streetwear. Fjällräven added articulated stretch panels at the crotch and rear, which means you can high-step over a fallen log without that fabric-tugging sensation that cheaper shorts create. The main body uses their durable G-1000 fabric, so granite outcroppings and thorny brush won’t leave you with shredded hems after one trip.

At 15.2 ounces, these are noticeably heavier than the sub-6-ounce competition, but that weight buys serious abrasion resistance and a reinforced seat that lets you sit on any rock without concern. The waistband has a clean look with zero cargo flaps, making it hip-belt friendly. Owners report surviving 90-degree Ohio humidity without feeling swampy, which confirms the fabric’s breathability is genuinely functional.

One potential deal-breaker: there are no rear pockets. The reinforced butt panel replaces them. That means your wallet or phone needs to live in the front pockets, which are deep enough but may press into your thigh when sitting in a car or on a plane. If you want back pockets for trail maps or a slim wallet, you will need a different system.

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CQR has built a reputation for making shorts that appeal to concealed carriers and hikers alike, and this model delivers on both fronts. The fabric is lightweight, quick-drying, and abrasion-resistant—reviews note it feels like half the price of Kuhl shorts while providing similar durability. At 3.2 ounces, these are genuinely ultralight, making them a strong contender for fastpackers counting every gram.

What makes this short unique is the four-version system: Sedona (tactical layout with many pockets), Shenandoah (expandable waist with removable nylon belt), Rocky (lightweight stretchy with old-school coach look), and Hike Flex (ultralight breeziest option). This means you can pick the exact pocket layout and fit you need for your specific style of hiking. The hip-level cell phone pocket with an adjacent slot for a folding knife is a genuinely smart design that surveyors and outdoor workers will appreciate.

The catch is that you must pay attention to which version you order—they are all listed under the same ASIN but have dramatically different pocket counts, belt loops, and fits. The Hike Flex version specifically has been criticized for thin fabric and minimal pocketing, so if you want durability, stick with the Sedona or Rocky variants. The zipper pulls can also be hard to grip with gloves on, a minor annoyance in cold-weather hiking.

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The women’s version of Eddie Bauer’s Rainier short shares the same core DNA as the men’s—lightweight, quick-drying, and stretchy—but adds a dedicated side utility pocket that reviewers consistently praise for its phone-fit. The pocket sits flat against the thigh, so your iPhone doesn’t bounce around, and the zipper keeps it secure during scrambles. At mid-thigh length (around 5-7 inches depending on size), it hits a sweet spot for mobility without being too short for conservative tastes.

Every single verified review mentions the fabric’s durability after multiple washes—no pilling, no fading, no bagging out at the knees. The material is a nylon-spandex blend that feels soft against the skin but snaps back into shape after a day of hiking. One reviewer at 5’2″ and 180 pounds found the size 14 fit perfectly, which suggests the sizing is consistent and accommodates a range of body types. The waistband sits comfortably without digging in, even under a pack belt.

The only recurring critique is that the pockets, while well-positioned, are not incredibly deep. A large smartphone in the main side pockets may peek out slightly, though the zippered utility pocket is deep enough for most phones. If you carry a bulky phone case, test the depth first. The lack of a rear pocket may also be a deal-breaker for some, but the side utility pocket compensates for trail essentials.

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The Dynama/2 Bermuda has been a cult favorite among women hikers for years, and for good reason: this short disappears on your body. At just 4.8 ounces, it’s one of the lightest options in this guide, yet the Coolmax EcoMade stretch fabric is breathable, quick-drying, and holds its shape through gardening, tennis, and hiking. The pull-on waistband forgives water weight fluctuations, which is a real advantage on multi-day trips where meals change your mid-section volume.

Reviewers unanimously love the length—hitting about 2 inches above the knee—which provides coverage without restricting movement. The fabric is soft and quiet, with no swish-swash sound that cheaper nylon shorts make. One reviewer wore them swimming and they dried completely within an hour, making them an excellent crossover piece for coastal hikes that include a dip. The zippered side pocket is useful for keys or a hotel card, though multiple reviewers note it’s too shallow for a modern smartphone.

The downside is a minimalist pocket layout: only one rear pocket and front pockets that are shallow enough that a phone may be at risk of falling out during active hiking. If you carry a dedicated GPS device, a map, or a large phone, you’ll need to rely on a hip belt pocket or a pack. The price premium also stings for what is essentially a very simple short, but the quality and fit justify it for dedicated users who own multiple pairs.

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Columbia’s Silver Ridge line has been a staple of budget-conscious hikers for years, and the Utility Cargo Short updates the formula with modern fabric and a genius integrated belt design. The Omni-Shade fabric blocks UV rays while remaining incredibly lightweight and breathable—perfect for exposed high-altitude ridges or desert hikes where the sun is relentless. The material dries fast and resists wrinkles, so you can rinse them in a stream and wear them damp into town without looking disheveled.

The belt is the standout feature: a thin, flexible webbing that adjusts with a single-handed pull, eliminating the bulk of a traditional belt under a hip belt. Pockets are well-placed and include the classic cargo flap on the left leg with a zippered internal compartment for valuables. Reviewers consistently mention sizing up for a better fit, as Columbia’s cut runs slightly trim through the thigh. The 9-inch inseam provides good sun coverage without swimming in fabric.

Two complaints surface repeatedly: the included belt is flimsy and may not last through multiple trips, and the cargo pocket has a relatively small opening that makes it tricky to retrieve items quickly. If you habitually stash snacks in your cargo pocket, you may need to practice a two-handed retrieval. Additionally, the fabric, while light, can snag on barbed wire or sharp branches more easily than the heavier-duty Fjällräven or CQR shorts.

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The men’s Rainier is the short that keeps surprising people. Reviews describe it as “the perfect shorts”—high praise for a budget-tier option—and the reason is the pocket layout. Eddie Bauer managed to fit flush cargo pockets, horizontal side pockets deep enough for a modern phone, velcro-secure rear pockets, and proper belt loops into a lightweight quick-dry shell that includes a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. The 9-inch inseam is ideal for tall hikers or anyone who wants knee coverage for sun protection.

The stretch fabric is noticeable but not aggressive—reviewers caution that you should not expect to perform full-depth squats without risking the seams, but for normal hiking movement (stepping over roots, climbing over rocks, walking), there’s plenty of give. The fabric stays cool and breathable even during high-output hiking. After a year of hiking, workouts, and daily use, one reviewer reported zero deterioration, which is exceptional at this price point. The DWR coating beads off light rain and stream splashes effectively.

The biggest trade-off is that the fabric has limited stretch compared to premium options like the Fjällräven. If your style involves dynamic movements like trail running, lunges, or scrambling up steep faces, you may feel the restraint. Also, the velcro closure on the rear pockets can snag on backpack straps or trail debris, though this is a minor annoyance rather than a deal-breaker for most users.

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Weatherproof Vintage answers a specific need: a short that looks sharp enough for a post-hike dinner but performs well enough for a moderate day hike. The fabric is a nylon-polyester blend with a subtle water resistance that sheds light rain, and it dries quickly when wet—one reviewer’s pair dried out rapidly after a swim. The slimmer cut gives these a more tailored appearance than the baggy cargo shorts typical of the category, making them the best option in this list for travelers who want one short for both trail and town.

The pocket layout is functional but not overbuilt: two standard side pockets, one zippered pocket on the right leg, and a single back pocket that fits a phone. Reviewers appreciate the comfort and the lightweight feel but consistently note that the pockets could be deeper. The zippered pocket is large enough for a slim wallet or keys, and the back pocket works for a phone, but the front pockets are too shallow for a modern smartphone to sit securely during active hiking.

The main limitation is that these are not designed for aggressive off-trail use. The slimmer cut restricts movement on high-stepping sections, and the fabric lacks the stretch or reinforced panels of the CQR or Fjällräven. They are best suited for well-groomed trails, casual day hikes, and as a travel short that can handle a light scramble. If your backpacking trips involve route-finding through dense brush or talus fields, you will want a more burly option.