6 Best Shorts For Weekend Camping That Last Season After Season

You’re crouched by the fire, poking at the logs, when a rogue spark lands right on your thigh. Or maybe you’re scrambling over a granite slab to get a better view and feel that dreaded scrape of fabric against rock. The right pair of shorts won’t just feel comfortable; they’ll stand up to the small, repeated abuses of a weekend spent outdoors, season after season.

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Choosing Shorts for Durability and Camp Comfort

When you’re packing for a weekend trip, your shorts need to pull double duty. They have to be comfortable enough for the drive, tough enough for the trail, and relaxed enough for sitting around the campfire. This is where fabric choice becomes critical.

Forget cotton. It soaks up moisture from sweat or a sudden rain shower and stays wet, leaving you cold and prone to chafing. Instead, look for synthetics like nylon and polyester, often blended with spandex or elastane for stretch. Nylon brings exceptional abrasion resistance, while spandex provides the freedom of movement you need for setting up a tent or climbing over a fallen log.

A good camping short balances three things: durability, comfort, and weight. A super-burly short might be bombproof but feel stiff and heavy. An ultralight short might feel amazing in the summer heat but snag easily on a thorny branch. Your ideal pair sits somewhere in the middle, tailored to the terrain you expect and how hard you are on your gear.

Patagonia Baggies: The Iconic, All-Purpose Short

If there’s one short that defines casual outdoor adventure, it’s the Patagonia Baggie. Made from a tough, quick-drying Supplex nylon with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, they are built for versatility. They shed water from a splashed paddle and dry quickly after an impromptu swim in an alpine lake.

Their design is brilliantly simple: an elastic waistband, a drawstring, and deep mesh pockets that drain instantly. This makes them the ultimate utility player for car camping, canoe trips, or relaxed weekend hikes where you might end up in the water. They aren’t the most technical short for long-distance trekking, as the mesh liner isn’t for everyone and the fit is very relaxed, but for all-around camp life, their durability is legendary.

Prana Stretch Zion II: Unmatched Mobility & DWR

For campers who are constantly in motion, the Prana Stretch Zion II is a top-tier choice. These shorts are built with Prana’s proprietary Stretch Zion fabric, a blend of nylon and spandex that offers incredible four-way stretch. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about unrestricted movement whether you’re high-stepping over rocks or stretching to hang a bear bag.

The fabric is also treated with a PFC-free DWR finish that easily repels water from a light drizzle or a spilled camp coffee. Thoughtful features like a low-profile integrated belt, a gusseted crotch for extra mobility, and a zippered cargo pocket make them exceptionally functional on and off the trail. They represent a fantastic blend of ruggedness and flexibility, making them a go-to for demanding hikes that end at a backcountry campsite.

KÜHL Radikl Short: Rugged Build for Tough Use

When your camping trips involve more than just hiking and lounging—think gathering firewood, clearing brush, or working on trail projects—you need a short built for abuse. The KÜHL Radikl is engineered for exactly that. Its defining feature is a clever panel construction that places tough, non-stretch fabrics in high-wear zones like the seat and front pockets.

To ensure you can still move, KÜHL incorporates soft, stretchy knit panels at the crotch, yoke, and side seams. This hybrid design gives you the abrasion resistance of a work short with the mobility of a technical hiker. With a plethora of pockets and a reputation for long-lasting construction, the Radikl is the choice for anyone who is notoriously hard on their gear and needs a short that won’t quit.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi for Breathable Comfort

Hot, humid summer camping trips call for a different kind of performance. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are all about lightweight, breathable comfort. The Ferrosi fabric is a cult favorite for a reason: it’s incredibly air-permeable, meaning it breathes exceptionally well and wicks sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and dry during high-exertion activity.

While highly durable for its minimal weight, the Ferrosi’s main advantage is its barely-there feel and fantastic stretch. It’s the short you choose for a fast-paced hike into camp on a sweltering July afternoon. The trade-off is that it’s not as resistant to snags and scrapes as a heavier-weight nylon, but for pure hot-weather performance and comfort, it’s in a class of its own.

Title Nine Clamber: A Versatile Women’s Favorite

Finding a short that combines a flattering fit with trail-ready toughness can be a challenge, but the Title Nine Clamber nails it. Designed specifically for an active woman’s body, these shorts are made from a stretchy, abrasion-resistant nylon/spandex blend that moves with you without riding up or restricting movement. The fabric is substantial enough to handle sitting on rough logs but light enough for warm-weather hiking.

The Clamber shines in its practical details. The wide, comfortable waistband lies flat under a backpack’s hip belt, and the pockets are both functional and well-placed. It’s a true do-it-all option, equally at home on a tough day hike, setting up camp, or running errands back in town. For many, it’s the one short that can handle the entire weekend adventure.

REI Co-op Sahara Amphib: Quick-Dry Value Pick

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a durable, functional camping short. The REI Co-op Sahara Amphib is a perfect example of a high-value piece of gear that delivers where it counts. As the "Amphib" name suggests, its primary strength is its ability to handle water, making it ideal for trips involving creek crossings, kayaking, or just getting caught in a downpour.

The lightweight, recycled nylon fabric dries in a flash and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. While it may lack the four-way stretch of more premium models, it provides reliable performance and durability for countless weekend trips. For new campers building their first kit or veterans looking for a dependable, no-frills option, the Sahara Amphib is a smart and economical choice.

Key Features: Fabric, Pockets, and Inseam Length

When you’re comparing shorts, focusing on a few key features will help you make the best decision for your needs. These details dictate how the shorts will perform in different conditions and for different activities.

First, consider the fabric. This is the heart of the short.

• Stretch-Woven Blends (Nylon/Spandex): This is the most common and versatile category. It offers a great mix of durability, stretch, and breathability. Look for this in shorts designed for active hiking and scrambling.
• Ripstop Nylon: This fabric has a grid pattern of heavier threads woven in to prevent small tears from becoming large rips. It’s a great feature for shorts intended for rugged, off-trail use.
• DWR Finish: A Durable Water Repellent coating causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric. It won’t make the shorts waterproof, but it’s invaluable for fending off light rain and morning dew.

Next, evaluate the pockets. More isn’t always better. Think about what you actually carry. A secure, zippered pocket is fantastic for a car key or ID, while deep front pockets are great for hands and a snack bar. Cargo pockets add storage but also bulk and weight. Consider if the pocket layout will be comfortable under your backpack’s hip belt.

Finally, don’t overlook inseam length. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but it has practical implications. A shorter inseam (5-7 inches) offers maximum ventilation and freedom of movement, great for hot weather and trail running. A longer inseam (9-11 inches) provides more protection from the sun, scrapes from branches, and insects.

The best shorts for camping are the ones that disappear from your mind once you put them on, letting you focus on the trail ahead or the stars above. Don’t get paralyzed by the options; pick a pair that matches your likely adventures and get them dirty. The goal isn’t to own the perfect gear, but to have experiences that last a lifetime.