Shorts are a staple in the summer and it is important to have a good pair. Done are the days of heavy cargo shorts. Under Bluereviews 10 pairs of shorts from some of the industries best manufactures. We couldn’t find a bad thing to say about any of them.
Aventura / Ecoths Men’s Kenzo Short

A great all purpose short, heavy enough for rugged encounters but comfy enough you don’t mind spending all day in them. Made from 98 organic cotton/2 Lycra® the peached twill blend adds a nice touch of stretch. The Kenzo Short is also available in a wide range of colors. The 10″ inseam and button-thru back pocket closures make it perfect for any summer activity.
Retails: $64.00 | www.aventuraclothing.com
Royal Robbins Coast Short
The Coast Short takes a quick dry fabric and brings you a great looking trail to town men’s adventure short. This casual yet refined short has UPF 50+ protection, water resistant, wrinkle resistance, and stretch for ease of motion. In short, it takes you anywhere. The 5.1oz lightweight fabric feels great against the skin and provides tons of movement. Perfect for the trail, road trips and wine tastings. Made with eco-conscious bluesign® approved fabric. We liked the fact they came in a fun orange color.
Retails: $65.00 | www.royalrobbins.com
Purnell Men’s Quick Dry Short
The names says it all, the Quick Dry Short is a performer wether you are in the water or producing a little sweat. The 7 oz. midweight stretch blend is perfect for anything commuting around town to hanging at the beach. In the evening, it dresses up rather well for a pair of shorts. Single welt back pockets keep the look slim while the stretch fabric performs well when task oriented and provides quick dry and wicking properties.
Retails: $68.00 | www.purnellgear.com
Outdoor Research Men’s Equinox Shorts
The perfect “cargo” shorts for a hot day. Built to allow perspiration to rapidly evaporate, the quick-drying nylon fabric is the perfect material to keep you comfortable and cool on the trail. The 8.5oz fabric is comfortable and durable, this short is sure to make it into your pack on every trip you go on. Extra zippered pocket provides a little extra room while keeping keys and money safe.Retails: $65.00 | www.outdoorresearch.com
Duluth Trading Company
More known for those steamy, stifling work shorts, but Duluth also offers the air-go-nomic breathability of DuluthFlex® Breezeshooter™ britches. Countless tiny perforations in the fabric ventilate away heat – you can’t see through ’em, but you’ll sure feel the breeze shooting through. Yet they’re strong and snag-free with built-in flex and crouch gusset – won’t ever crowd your cojones when you work close to the ground.
Retails: $69.50 | www.duluthtrading.com
Mountain Khakis Men’s Trail Creek Short Relaxed Fit
Need performance? The Trail Creek short will deliver. Inspired by Trail Creek – the gateway to Teton Pass’ year-round recreation – these shorts are designed to hike, bike, fish, explore and more. UPF 40+ (98% UV blockage) keeps you protected from the sun while providing quick-dry, wicking, packability & easy care. We really liked the low-profile cargo pockets on front, perfect for cell phones, credit cards, etc. The inseam action gusset provides lots of room for the boys when tackling activities like climbing or cycling. The Trail Creek short won’t let you down. This relaxed fit short is also available in a pant for the cooler months.
Retails: $59.95 | mountainkhakis.com
Toad & Co. Cetacean Trunk
Add a little “waterfront style” to your wardrobe with the Cetacean Trunk from Toad & Co. Don’t be confused though and think these bad boys have a liner, they are liner-less but still quite comfortable and functional. They’re constructed of a 4–Ply Supplex, Toad’s performance–proven nylon fabric that’s tightly woven for extreme durability, treated for quick–dry convenience. The fit in on the beach, the trail and the clean styling lets you wear them in town, too: flat–lying waistband with lace adjuster, button–fly front, and handy zip side pocket with key loop.
Retails: $69.00 | www.toadandco.com
Eddie Bauer Men’s Guide Pro Shorts
Designed with Eddie Bauer’s most athletic fit, close to the body without restricting mobility. From fast hiking to multi-day climbing trips into remote backcountry locations, or even a trip to the park this pair of shorts will get the job done. The moisture-wicking nylon/spandex Guide Pro Shorts can take anything you dish out. StormRepel DWR finish sheds moisture. Two low-profile, secure zip cargo pockets are perfect for phones and credit cards.
Retails: $70.00 | eddiebauer.com
SmartWool Men’s Zapata Ranch Shorts
When you pack a lot into your long summer days, you need shorts that can go the distance and still look good getting there. From afternoons on the trail to evenings manning the grill, the Zapata Ranch Shorts are a warm-weather staple. Featuring all the temperature and moisture management benefits of no-stink Merino, these highly breathable shorts also offer ample pockets for keeping valuables close.
Retails: $120.00 | smartwool.com
Columbia Men’s Washed Out Novelty II Short
You’ll be looking dapper on the trail, the boat or on the patio at your favorite pub. Kicking back or heading out, this lightweight cotton short outfitted in a variety of washed-out prints brings an understated style to carefree days in the warmth. Perfect for the gentleman that prefers a little shorter leg length. 100% cotton design feels good against the skin and looks great after numerous washes.
Retails: $45.00 | www.columbia.com