GQ’s Top 12 Men’s Hiking Shorts for 2025

Conquer Your Day: The Best Versatile Shorts for Every Adventure

When it comes to essential warm-weather gear, few items offer the blend of functionality and style found in a great pair of shorts. Whether you’re hitting the trails, casting a line, or simply tackling your daily to-do list, the right pair can make all the difference. Here, we highlight two standout options that prove you don’t need to sacrifice performance for a sharp look.

Snow Peak’s Utility Field Stretch Dry Shorts: Technical Minimalism Meets Everyday Utility

For those who appreciate a thoughtful design that prioritizes both form and function, Snow Peak’s Field Shorts are an exceptional choice. These shorts are engineered to keep you prepared, no matter your activity. They feature an integrated belt for a secure and customizable fit, along with angled waist pockets designed for effortless access to your essentials. On the back, dual zippered pockets provide a safe haven for items you want to keep close. The slim cargo pockets on the thighs are a hallmark of the Japanese brand’s commitment to technical minimalism, offering practical storage without unnecessary bulk.

The North Face’s Class V Pathfinder Pull-On 7” Shorts: Comfort, Convenience, and Clever Design

The merits of The North Face’s Class V Pathfinder Pull-On 7” Shorts are so compelling that one GQ writer even declared them a favorite over the highly esteemed Patagonia baggies.A touch of elastane woven into the fabric ensures superior comfort, allowing for unrestricted movement. A particularly ingenious detail is the D-ring integrated into the drop pocket, providing a secure spot to clip your keys – a small but important feature that prevents frustrating searches on the trail. However, the true standout is the Pathfinder’s removable liner. This versatile addition means you can keep it in if a spontaneous swim is on the agenda, or easily remove it for a day focused purely on dry-land activities, be it hiking, climbing, or navigating urban landscapes. It’s a testament to smart design, where a well-executed feature elevates the entire product.Our Approach to Recommending Gear

At archyde.com, we understand that style is personal, but our commitment to helping you make informed choices is unwavering. Our recommendations are built on a foundation of extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of what truly defines quality in menswear. We consider not only the immediate appeal of a product but also the longevity and craftsmanship that brands invest in.

While we can’t personally test every single item available in today’s fast-paced fashion world, our team possesses an intimate knowledge of brands’ strengths and the key indicators of well-made apparel. This includes scrutinizing materials,understanding sourcing practices,evaluating craftsmanship,and assessing genuine sustainability efforts. We prioritize brands that demonstrate clarity and a commitment to ethical production. Ultimately, our recommendations are a reflection of our own editorial integrity – we wouldn’t suggest something we wouldn’t confidently wear ourselves.

The Pillars of Our Selection Process

When curating our picks, we strive for a complete approach, ensuring our selections represent the best options across three critical categories: quality, fit, and value.

What materials are commonly used in high-performance hiking shorts and how do they impact comfort and durability?

The Rise of Performance Hiking Shorts

Men’s hiking shorts have evolved. Gone are the days of bulky, ill-fitting options. 2025 sees a surge in technical fabrics, streamlined designs, and features geared towards comfort and performance on the trail.This year’s picks, curated with a nod to GQ’s discerning eye, balance style with functionality – essential for everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. We’ve focused on shorts offering durability, breathability, and freedom of movement.

top Picks: A Detailed Breakdown

Here’s a look at the best men’s hiking shorts of 2025, categorized by their strengths:

1. Arc’teryx Sabre AR Shorts: (Best Overall)

Key Features: Highly durable, water-resistant, articulated fit.

Price: $120

Ideal For: Rugged terrain, unpredictable weather.

Fabric: Fortius™ Air 40 stretch-woven nylon.

2. Patagonia Nine trails Shorts 9″: (Best for Sustainability)

Key Features: made with recycled materials, agreeable, versatile.

Price: $79

Ideal For: everyday hikes, warm weather.

Fabric: 100% Recycled Nylon.

3. prAna stretch Zion Shorts: (Best Versatility)

Key Features: Durable,quick-drying,multiple pockets,convertible option available.

Price: $85

Ideal For: Hiking, climbing, travel.

Fabric: Abrasion-resistant stretch woven fabric.

4. Outdoor research Ferrosi Shorts: (Best Breathability)

Key Features: Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, excellent range of motion.

Price: $75

Ideal For: Hot weather hikes, fast-paced activities.

Fabric: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane.

5. Lululemon Pace Breaker Short 9″: (Best for Comfort)

Key Features: Buttery-soft fabric, secure pockets, comfortable waistband.

Price: $88

Ideal For: Less technical hikes, trail running, everyday wear.

Fabric: Warpstreme™ fabric.

6. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Shorts: (Best Value)

Key Features: convertible (zip-off legs), UPF 50 sun protection, affordable.

Price: $60

Ideal For: Variable weather conditions, budget-conscious hikers.

Fabric: Ripstop nylon.

7. REI Co-op Sahara shade Shorts: (Best Sun protection)

Key Features: UPF 50+,lightweight,breathable,moisture-wicking.

Price: $69.95

Ideal For: Desert hikes, sunny climates.

Fabric: lightweight woven fabric.

8. Kuhl Renegade Shorts: (Best Durability)

Key Features: Rugged construction, articulated fit, multiple pockets.

Price: $95

Ideal For: Bushwhacking, challenging trails.

Fabric: DURA-BILT™ fabric.

9. Tracksmith Session Shorts: (Best for Trail Running)

Key Features: lightweight, moisture-wicking, split leg for freedom of movement.

Price: $98

Ideal For: Trail running, fast hiking.

Fabric: Merino wool blend.

10. Fjallraven Bergtagen Shorts: (Best for Technical Terrain)

Key Features: Durable, water-resistant, reinforced construction.

Price: $140

Ideal For: Mountaineering, scrambling, demanding hikes.

Fabric: G-1000 Eco.

11. North Face Speedlight Shorts: (Best Lightweight Option)

Key Features: Minimalist design, incredibly lightweight, quick-drying.

Price: $65

Ideal For: Fastpacking, ultra-light hiking.

Fabric: Recycled woven fabric.

12. Rhone Commuter Shorts: (Best Hybrid – trail to Town)

Key Features: Stylish design,comfortable fabric,moisture-wicking,subtle performance features.

Price: $