6 Best Backpacking Shorts For Men That Endure Season After Season

You’re three miles into a humid, uphill slog, sweat dripping from your brow. The last thing you want to feel is the chafe of a damp, heavy pair of shorts clinging to your legs. This is where the right gear choice isn’t about luxury; it’s about fundamental comfort that keeps you moving forward. A great pair of backpacking shorts will disappear, letting you focus on the rhythm of your stride and the view ahead, not on bunched fabric or raw skin.

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Key Features of a Durable Backpacking Short

When you’re miles from the trailhead, a gear failure isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a problem. For shorts, durability starts with the fabric. Look for synthetics like nylon or polyester, often blended with spandex or elastane for stretch. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and takes forever to dry, these materials wick sweat away and dry quickly after a creek crossing or a sudden downpour.

The devil is in the details of construction. A gusseted crotch—an extra diamond-shaped panel of fabric—provides a greater range of motion for high steps and scrambles, drastically reducing the chance of a dreaded blowout. Look for reinforced stitching, known as bar-tacking, at stress points like belt loops and pocket corners. These small features are the difference between a short that lasts one season and one that becomes an old friend.

Finally, consider features that enhance trail life. A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish helps shed light rain and morning dew. Pockets should be functional; zippered security pockets are great for a key or ID, while mesh-lined pockets drain water quickly. Most importantly, the waistband must be comfortable under a loaded pack’s hip belt. A flat, simple closure system is often better than a bulky button and zipper that can dig in over long miles.

Patagonia Baggies: The All-Around Trail Classic

Imagine a warm summer day hike that ends at a pristine alpine lake. You want a short that can handle the trail dust and then plunge right into the water without a second thought. This is the world where the Patagonia Baggies reign supreme. They are the definition of a simple, do-it-all piece of outdoor gear.

Built from tough, quick-drying NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon, Baggies are designed for a life of hard use. Their construction is straightforward: an elastic waistband, a simple drawstring, and deep mesh pockets that drain instantly. While the built-in mesh liner is a point of contention for some (it’s easily removed with scissors), it underscores their amphibious nature.

The Baggies are an ideal choice for day hikers, weekend backpackers, and anyone who values versatility. They aren’t the most technical short; they lack the targeted stretch for serious climbing or the pocket layout for long expeditions. But for their durability, simplicity, and ability to transition from trail to town to swimming hole, they have earned their classic status.

Prana Stretch Zion for Unrestricted Movement

Picture yourself high-stepping over a massive fallen log or stemming your way up a short, rocky scramble. In these moments, you need your shorts to move with you, not against you. The Prana Stretch Zion was practically built for this, offering a legendary level of four-way stretch that never feels restrictive.

The magic is in the original Stretch Zion fabric, a robust blend of nylon and spandex that is both incredibly flexible and surprisingly tough. It’s treated with a DWR finish to fend off moisture and boasts a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection. This combination makes it a favorite not just for hikers, but for climbers who demand total freedom of movement.

The feature set is smart and trail-focused, with an integrated, low-profile belt that sits comfortably under a hip belt and well-placed pockets. The tradeoff for this mobility and durability is a bit of extra weight; they are not an ultralight option. Choose the Stretch Zion when your top priority is unrestricted movement for dynamic, varied terrain.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi for Hot Weather Hikes

Think of a sun-baked trail across an exposed ridgeline in the middle of August. The air is still, and every ounce of breeze is a gift. For these conditions, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi is the gold standard in breathable performance. It feels less like a rugged hiking short and more like a lightweight, airy piece of athletic wear.

The Ferrosi’s key is its softshell fabric, a featherlight blend of nylon and spandex that is incredibly air-permeable. It lets heat and moisture escape with unmatched efficiency, keeping you cooler and drier on the most oppressive days. Despite its light weight, the fabric has a surprising amount of abrasion resistance and stretch, making it more than capable for on-trail use.

This is the short for the summer thru-hiker, the desert backpacker, or anyone who runs hot and prioritizes ventilation above all else. Its DWR finish provides just enough protection for a passing shower, and it dries in a flash. While it may not be as bombproof as heavier options for serious bushwhacking, its comfort in the heat is a tradeoff many are willing to make.

Fjällräven Abisko for Rugged, Abrasive Trails

If your idea of a good time involves bushwhacking through dense brush or scraping against granite on off-trail routes, you need a short built for battle. The Fjällräven Abisko is engineered for exactly this kind of punishment, prioritizing extreme durability for the most demanding environments.

The foundation of the Abisko is Fjällräven’s signature G-1000 fabric, a tightly woven blend of polyester and cotton known for its incredible resistance to wear and tear. This burly material is strategically placed in high-wear areas, while stretch panels are integrated elsewhere to ensure you can still move freely. You can even apply Fjällräven’s Greenland Wax to the G-1000 sections to enhance wind and water resistance.

This level of durability comes with clear tradeoffs. The Abisko is heavier than its purely synthetic counterparts and will not dry as quickly due to the cotton in the blend. This is a specialized tool for backpackers who consistently travel through abrasive terrain and are willing to sacrifice some weight and breathability for a short that will simply not quit.

Arc’teryx Gamma for Technical, Fast-Paced Treks

For the fast-and-light crowd moving through technical mountain terrain, every piece of gear must be dialed. The Arc’teryx Gamma (formerly the Gamma LT) is a piece of precision engineering, designed for alpinists and trekkers who demand a streamlined, athletic fit and high-performance materials without an ounce of excess.

The Gamma uses a weather-resistant and highly breathable softshell fabric called Fortius™ DW 2.0. It provides an exceptional balance of four-way stretch, wind resistance, and durability in a lightweight package. The design is minimalist and clean, with laminated hems and zippered pockets that won’t snag on rock or gear. The integrated belt is sleek and stays completely out of the way of a climbing harness or backpack hip belt.

The primary consideration here is the investment. Arc’teryx gear sits at a premium price point, and the Gamma is no exception. You are paying for cutting-edge materials, a highly refined anatomical fit, and a level of construction detail that is second to none. It’s the choice for the serious mountain athlete whose pursuits justify the cost.

REI Co-op Sahara Cargo for Pockets and Value

Sometimes, you just want a reliable short that works without breaking the bank. You want pockets for your map, your snacks, and your phone, all within easy reach. The REI Co-op Sahara Cargo delivers on this practical need, offering solid performance and thoughtful features at an exceptional value.

Made from a lightweight, quick-drying recycled nylon, the Sahara provides the core functionality you need on the trail, including UPF 50+ sun protection. Its defining feature is its storage capacity, with two cargo pockets providing ample space for on-the-go essentials. It’s a workhorse short that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to be comfortable outdoors.

While it may lack the elite stretch of a technical short or the bombproof fabric of a high-end model, the Sahara Cargo is a fantastic starting point for new backpackers. It’s also a smart choice for seasoned hikers who prioritize utility and affordability. It’s a testament to the fact that good, functional gear can and should be accessible.

Care Tips to Maximize Your Shorts’ Lifespan

Your shorts endure a lot—dirt, sweat, sun, and abrasion. A little care goes a long way in preserving their performance. Always wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent, or better yet, a technical wash designed for outdoor apparel. Crucially, avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as their waxy residues can clog the fabric’s pores, inhibiting breathability and ruining the DWR finish.

To keep your shorts shedding water, you need to care for the DWR coating. Tumble drying on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes after a wash can often reactivate the treatment. When you notice water is no longer beading up and is instead "wetting out" the fabric, it’s time to reapply. Use a spray-on or wash-in DWR product, following the instructions carefully. This simple step can restore your shorts’ performance and significantly extend their useful life.

Ultimately, the best backpacking short is the one you forget you’re wearing. Don’t get paralyzed by the pursuit of the "perfect" gear. Consider your most common adventures, be honest about your priorities—whether it’s pockets, breathability, or sheer toughness—and make a choice. The real goal is to get outside, and the right pair of shorts is just a comfortable tool to help you get there.