By Rifan Muazin 
From the knee down, these garments offer unparalleled ventilation, but from the ankle up, they represent a kind of liberation that only high-performance gear can provide. Great hiking shorts are engineered to be "Land Rovers for your legs"—rugged enough to tackle a punishing incline on a rocky trail, yet refined enough to transition seamlessly into a casual urban environment. They are constructed from featherweight nylon or sophisticated ripstop blends, frequently infused with a percentage of spandex to ensure that crucial four-way stretch factor. This technical DNA is further enhanced by functional details like reinforced stitching, gusseted crotches for maximum range of motion, and integrated webbing belts that eliminate the need for bulky leather accessories. When you factor in modern textile treatments such as Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings, you are left with a piece of equipment that is as much a tool as it is a garment.
The true magic of the contemporary hiking short, however, lies in its aesthetic flexibility. We have moved past the era where "outdoor gear" meant baggy, unappealing safari-wear. Today’s top-tier options are just as comfortable paired with leather loafers and a loosely buttoned Oxford shirt in a downtown cafe as they are conquering a seven-mile out-and-back trail tracked on AllTrails. To help you navigate this crowded market, we have curated a comprehensive guide to the absolute best hiking shorts available today. Our selection spans the spectrum from industry legends like Patagonia and The North Face to avant-garde newcomers and niche artisanal labels like ROA, Big Rock Candy Mountaineering, and 18 East. Whether your idea of "getting out there" involves a summit at dawn or a slow-poured pilsner by a serene lake, these are the shorts that will take you there.
The Gold Standard: Gramicci G-Short
If one were to reverse-engineer the perfect hiking short, the blueprint would look remarkably like the Gramicci G-Short. At a retail price of approximately $70, these shorts offer a level of historical pedigree and functional design that is difficult to match. The origin story of Gramicci is rooted in the "Stonemasters" era of Yosemite rock climbing during the 1970s. Mike Graham, a climber seeking more movement than traditional trousers allowed, developed the signature gusseted crotch and the one-handed "EZ-click" belt system that remain hallmarks of the brand today.
The G-Short features deep front pockets designed to keep belongings secure during vertical ascents and rear pockets with Velcro closures for added peace of mind. Available in both rugged organic cotton and quick-drying nylon versions, the G-Short is built to handle thousands of feet of elevation gain or a grueling weekend of errands with equal aplomb. Its durability is legendary; these are the kind of shorts that don’t just last for seasons, but for decades, developing a unique patina of adventure along the way.
The Timeless Icon: Patagonia Baggies 7”
It is impossible to discuss outdoor apparel without mentioning the Patagonia Baggies. While the 5-inch version often gets the most attention for its "short-short" retro appeal, the 7-inch Baggies are the pragmatic choice for the serious hiker. Priced at $69, these shorts represent Patagonia’s commitment to both performance and environmental stewardship. Constructed from 100% recycled nylon—specifically NetPlus, which is made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution—they are as ethical as they are tough.
The 7-inch inseam provides just enough extra coverage to protect your thighs from brush and brambles during off-trail excursions, yet the fit remains airy and non-restrictive. The elastic waistband is supportive without being constrictive, and the quick-drying mesh liner makes them arguably the best "amphibious" shorts on the market. They function better as swim trunks than most dedicated swimwear, yet they look perfectly respectable at a taco truck after a day at the beach. The Baggies are designed to be abused; they seem to gain character with every scrape against a granite boulder or soak in a salt-water tide pool.
The Intersection of High Fashion and High Peaks: ROA x and wander Ripstop Wind Short
For those who demand that their technical gear meet the standards of the Parisian or Milanese runways, the collaboration between ROA and and wander is a revelation. Retailing for $365 (though often found on sale for around $183), these shorts are a testament to the "Gorpcore" movement, where outdoor utility meets luxury design. ROA, an Italian brand known for its avant-garde hiking footwear, and and wander, a Japanese label obsessed with technical fabrics, have created a garment that is impressively rugged despite its featherweight feel.
The shorts utilize a high-tenacity ripstop nylon that resists tears and abrasions while remaining breathable. The internal belt system is innovative and secure, and the aesthetic is undeniably sleek. These are "If You Know, You Know" (IYKYK) shorts—perfect for the hiker who wants to maintain a sharp, monochromatic look while navigating a ridgeline or a high-end gallery opening in Lower Manhattan.
The Retro Revival: Big Rock Candy Mountaineering Doubleback Short
While many brands are racing toward the future with laser-cut seams and synthetic membranes, Big Rock Candy Mountaineering is looking back to the golden age of alpinism. The Doubleback Short, priced at $148, is a love letter to the heavy-duty gear worn by climbers who scaled El Capitan before the advent of modern synthetics. These shorts are built from a robust fabric that feels "practically bulletproof," offering a level of protection that lightweight nylon simply cannot provide.
The design features a vintage-inspired silhouette that wears comfortably in the backcountry but looks entirely rational at a local craft brewery. Because they are made from a heavier blend, they aren’t the best choice for a swimming hole, but they will wear in beautifully over time, molding to the wearer’s body like a pair of raw denim jeans. They evoke a sense of "old school" ruggedness that is increasingly rare in a world of disposable fashion.
The Ultimate Utility: The North Face Class V Pathfinder 7”
For many hikers, the primary drawback of cargo shorts is the bulk. Traditional bellows pockets can flop around when loaded, throwing off your stride. The North Face has solved this with the Class V Pathfinder 7” Shorts ($70). By integrating two low-profile zipper pockets at the sides, TNF has maximized carrying capacity without the "pack mule" aesthetic.
These shorts are crafted from a blend of recycled nylon and elastane, providing a hint of stretch that is essential for steep scrambles. They also feature FlashDry technology, which pulls moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry during high-intensity efforts. The built-in belted waistband ensures a custom fit, even when your pockets are full of trail mix, maps, and a smartphone.
Expanding the Horizon: More Hiking Shorts of Note
Beyond the top five, several other brands are pushing the boundaries of what hiking shorts can be. EarthStudies offers the MP-104 Field Short ($190), which features a unique, asymmetrical pocket layout that is perfect for foraging or carrying specialized tools. Their use of "clay strata" colors and innovative silhouettes makes them a favorite for those who want to stand out on the trail.
William Ellery provides a quirky yet functional alternative with the Froggies Shorts ($195). These liner-less, packable shorts include a specialized key-ring and an "amphibious" design that lives up to their name. For those on a budget, the REI Co-op Trailmade Amphib Shorts ($50) offer incredible value, featuring deep drop-in pockets and a dedicated cord loop for gear attachment.
Athletic giants are also getting in on the action. Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) continues to impress with the Smith Summit Shorts ($135), which use a rugged nylon-blend canvas that feels more like a workwear garment than a traditional hiker. Meanwhile, Adidas TERREX offers the Multi Shorts for a highly accessible $45, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a pair of shorts that can handle a local summit.
For the style-conscious trekker, 18 East’s Warren Trek Shorts ($154) feature a magnetic Fidlock buckle and a wide-leg retro fit that is currently dominating the menswear conversation. Vuori’s Volley Short ($78) offers a softer, more lifestyle-oriented approach with high-stretch fabric, while Snow Peak’s Utility Field Stretch Dry Shorts ($180) provide enough storage to rival a small backpack, all wrapped in the minimalist Japanese design language the brand is famous for.
Our Rigorous Testing and Review Process
At GQ Recommends, we understand that style is subjective, but quality is measurable. Our selection process is not merely a collection of aesthetic preferences; it is the result of years of hands-on experience and an insider’s understanding of the garment industry. We evaluate hiking shorts across three primary pillars: material integrity, ergonomic fit, and value proposition.
Our team consists of individuals who have worked in every facet of the fashion world—from retail floor veterans to designers for small-batch labels. We analyze the hallmarks of quality, such as the use of reinforced bar-tack stitching at stress points, the quality of the zippers (YKK is the gold standard), and the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. We look for "PFC-free" DWR coatings and recycled fibers to ensure that the gear we recommend isn’t harming the very environments we use it to explore.
While we cannot climb every peak in every pair of shorts, we rely on a "braintrust" of testers who put these garments through the wringer in real-world conditions. We look at how the fabric handles sweat, how the waistband reacts to the weight of a heavy pack, and how the shorts look after twenty cycles through a washing machine. Our mission is to find the absolute best version of every item, ensuring that whether you are buying an affordable "beater" or a luxury designer riff, you are making a sound investment in your wardrobe. The shorts on this list represent the pinnacle of the category—true Land Rovers for your legs that are ready for whatever terrain lies ahead.
