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It’s officially hiking-in-shorts weather! In fact, all summer long you’ll rarely find us playing outside in anything else. We don’t like clingy fabric (which means breathable sun shirts only on our upper halves), prefer to feel the breeze on our skin, and don’t mind applying a little sunscreen for the easy-breezy feeling shorts provide on the trail. But a perfect pair can be hard to find, especially if you want a more sustainable pair from a brand that puts Earth first. Fortunately, we put several pairs to the test to help you find the ideal pair for you. Here are 5 of the best sustainable hiking shorts for men we’ve found.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
For shorts that are light and loose, can handle land- and water-based adventures, and are comfy to boot, look no further than the Ferrosi shorts from Outdoor Research. They are stretchy but durable and the ripstop nylon feels like it’s going to stand up to plenty of grabby brush, log sits, and technical butt scoots over rough rock. But they’re also breathable, easy to pull off and on, and don’t look out-of-place at the farmers markets as well as on the trail.
They have an elastic waistband paired with a lockable webbing belt to really dial in the perfect fit. The legs are on the loose side, but not overly baggy, and the 7″ inseam hits at just above the knee on short hikers (like me) and at low thigh on taller hikers. There are two hand pockets and a zippered pocket on the side that’s large enough for a phone or snacks. We’ll be grabbing these for hot weather hikes, ultralight backpacking, float trips, you name it all summer long.
How it’s sustainable: Bluesign approved 46% recycled Nylon, durable, inclusive sizing.
Sizes and colors available: S-3XL, 5 colors including neutrals and brights (plus leftover last season colors)
Pros
- Front and back pockets
- Stretchy
- Comfortable
- Loose and light
- Multiple colors available
Cons
- Crotch hangs a bit low on low-waisted hikers
Free Fly Reverb Short
We love a pair of shorts that can do it all, from trail runs to hiking, beach days to kayaking. And these shorts fit the bill. The fabric is soft with a touch of stretchy and not only are the shorts very comfortable, but they didn’t creep up during high-output activity. Likely because the space between the crotch and waistband is a touch shorter, so low-waisted hikers will find they fit nicely.
There are two hand pockets and a Velcro pocket on the back, a drawstring in the elastic waistband and the pockets are mesh for more airflow in warm temps and quick draining if you decide to take a dip. We’ll grab these for everything from hiking to trail running to Frisbee in the park to beach days, because they’re a comfortable, multi-functional pair of shorts designed for all types of adventures.
How it’s sustainable: Made of partially recycled polyester and cotton.
Sizes and colors available: Sizes S-3XL, three neutrals.
Pros
- Soft fabric
- Pockets
- Stretchy
- Don’t ride up or chafe
- Multi-functional
Cons
- No secure zipper pockets
Royal Robbins All In Short
Another pair of shorts designed to do it all: the Royal Robbins All In short. That said, I didn’t find them comfortable for running (so not ALL in…) because the inseam was a bit on the short side and they crept up, but they’re a durable short that can go from beach to backcountry without missing a beat. So if you’re into swimming in alpine lakes, these might be your jam. They’re not stretchy, but are just loose enough to offer adequate freedom of movement. And yes, there are a few solids available if prints aren’t your thing.
There are two front hand pockets and a zipper pocket on the right seam that was big enough for keys, credit cards, etc. As for fit, the waist is fairly long, so as a short-waisted individual, I will likely end up rolling the elastic waistband once for a better, more close fit when hiking. The nylon material feels durable, so I’m not too worried about them scuffing or snagging, at least not for several seasons. It’s also light and breathable, which made for comfortable hiking and quick drying after a hot tub session.
How it’s sustainable: Recycled nylon.
Sizes and colors available: Sizes S-XXL, four bright patterns and one solid.
Pros
- Fun colors and patterns available
- Several solids
- Pockets
- Stretchy waistband with drawstring
Cons
- Long-waisted design doesn’t fit men with lower hips as well
Astral Kinisi Short
We love a lightweight, breathable, durable short when it’s really hot out. And the Kinisi short is just the thing. The first apparel to launch from kayak-centric brand Astral, these shorts bridge the divide between active and everyday beautifully. No, they’re not as good at wicking sweat or drying super fast as a pair of shorts made entirely out of polyester, but they do feel way nicer on your skin, are soft and flexible, and can hold their own on the trail or in town.
Made of what Astral calls “performance hemp,” these shorts are a combination of hemp and recycled polyester. And they’re as light and breathable as can be (read or watch what we have to say about hiking in plant-based fibers). They don’t have much stretch (except for a touch in the drawstring waistband), but they fit loosely, so it was never an issue whether hiking or hoofing it around town. We are happy to tackle a few miles on a hot day in these shorts AND wear them to hang with friends, go out to lunch, or stroll around an outdoor festival afterward.
How it’s sustainable: Made of sustainable and renewable hemp and recycled polyester.
Sizes and colors available: Sizes S-XL, three colors.
Pros
- Light
- Breathable
- Made partially of natural fibers
- Lots of pockets
- Drawstring waist for the perfect fit
Cons
- Limited colors
- Limited sizes
Mammut Zinal Hybrid Shorts
Sometimes you want hiking shorts that look, perform, and feel like hiking shorts. And that’s OK. Not all your clothing has to be multi-functional. But when shorts only do one thing, you want them to do it well. Fortunately, the Zinal Hybrid shorts from Mammut meet that high bar with ease: they’re truly excellent for hiking. The hybrid functionality refers to the combo of solid stretch material on the front and a durable ripstop stretch fabric on the seat, the perfect combo for comfort, functionality and durability.
That means they’re more than suitable for rugged outdoor adventures of all kinds, including mountain summits. But they’re still lightweight so breathe better than more burly, overbuilt shorts. They have two hand pockets, a zippered back pocket, and two pockets on the front of the thigh: one zippered, one with a Velcro flap, both large enough for a phone or snacks. The waist sits at a comfortable height so the crotch isn’t too baggy and slimmer legs mean they highlight muscular thighs (and aren’t too baggy on slimmer legs).
How it’s sustainable: Made of 95% recycled polyester, Bluesign product, Fair Wear certified.
Sizes and colors available: Available in sizes 28-40, only black currently available.
Pros
- Durable
- Stretchy
- Lots of pockets
- Fitted, not baggy
- Hike-specific design
Cons
- Available in limited colors
Bottom Line: Hiking Shorts for Men
If you need new hiking shorts, one of these should do the trick nicely wether you’re looking for something more performance-oriented or town-to-trail approved. Did we help you figure out which ones might be right for you? Let us know or ask more questions in the comments. And remember, buy less, buy quality, and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Wander on.
