From challenging trail objectives to big climbing projects, men’s outdoor shorts are built for breathability, mobility and durability in warmer mountain conditions. Whether you’re choosing outdoor shorts for summer mileage, hut approaches or training laps, focus on how you move, how much support you want and how much protection the conditions demand. Across the range, you’ll find options for steady hiking, faster trail runs and technical climbing.

Men’s walking and hiking shorts compared with climbing and running styles

Men’s walking and hiking shorts help keep you cool on summer hikes. Air-permeable materials like our Fortius™ softshell balance durability with breathable comfort for longer, more demanding days on the trail. 4-way stretch and movement-focused patterning support a natural range of motion across uneven terrain, steep ascents and scrambles. And FC0 DWR finishes add light moisture resistance, useful when brushing through damp vegetation or moving through changeable weather.

On the crag, men’s outdoor shorts with stretch fabrics and gusseted crotches accommodate high steps and wide climbing moves, while more robust, abrasion-resistant materials stand up to repeated contact with rock. Prioritise streamlined designs to minimise bulk beneath a harness on roped routes.

For running and faster mountain objectives, the range shifts towards minimal, quick-drying designs. Inseam length changes both coverage and feel, with shorter styles allowing more exposed movement and longer cuts offering additional protection. Lined shorts offer built-in support, while linerless options give you more flexibility in your choice of underwear or men’s base layer. Half tights provide the closest, most supportive fit, with minimal excess fabric during fast-paced efforts.

Build out your warm-weather setup with men’s outdoor clothing suited to the activity and conditions, pairing your shorts with breathable T-shirts for high-output days and packable windshells for exposed trails and cooler starts.

Frequently asked questions about men’s outdoor shorts

How do I choose the right men’s outdoor shorts?

Consider the fit, inseam, fabric and support. For hiking, prioritise stretch, durable materials and a waistband that sits comfortably under a pack. For climbing, look for similar features, along with abrasion resistance and technical patterning that supports high steps and unrestricted hip movement. For running, superlight, breathable materials help keep you cool. The same applies to women’s outdoor shorts and skirts.

What are the best men’s hiking shorts?

The best men’s hiking shorts are durable, breathable and easy to move in over mixed terrain. Stretchy softshell fabrics are useful for long trail days because they balance airflow with protection against rough surfaces and repeated wear. If conditions are cooler, wet or overgrown, men’s outdoor trousers provide greater coverage.

What are the best quick-drying men’s outdoor shorts?

For quick-drying performance, look at lightweight trail running styles like the Norvan Short, made from breathable, 100% recycled Diem™ polyester with an FC0 DWR water-repellent finish. Pair them with a breathable men’s outdoor T-shirt to keep the whole system comfortable on high-output objectives.