Buying Guide
6 Best Men S Shorts For Thru Hiking in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide
Best men's shorts for thru hiking: six cargo and zip-pocket picks compared on inseam, UPF sun cover, waistband and pocket layout for long trails.
Thru-hiking shorts do a different job from a day-hike pair: they get worn for weeks, washed in streams and loaded with a phone, snacks and a map. That makes pocket closures, waistband comfort under a hip belt and sun cover matter more than style.
Six men's cargo-style shorts were compared on the details the listings give: inseam, pocket count and closure, UPF claims, water-repellent finish and waistband design. None of the listings names thru-hiking directly, so the ranking follows trail-ready features.
Danny’s Camping field notes
The Campsite Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- NORTHYARD Men's Cargo Hiking Shorts 9" Lightweight Quick-Dry Outdoor Black S leads this shortlist for All-around long trail use. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 7 pockets, 9 inch inseam, Partly elastic waist plus belt, 5 deep zipper pockets. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Listing advises sizing down between sizes
The Practical Shortlist
A practical look at 6 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
NORTHYARD Men's Cargo Hiking Shorts 9" Lightweight Quick-Dry Outdoor Black S
All-around long trail use
Our take Check price for NORTHYARD Men's Cargo Hiking Shorts 9" Lightweight Quick-Dry Outdoor Black S (opens in a new tab)
Best With Belt
Jessie Kidden Mens Outdoor Casual Expandable Waist Lightweight Water Resistant Quick Dry Fishing Hiking Shorts
Belt wearers with heavy packs
Our take Check price for Jessie Kidden Mens Outdoor Casual Expandable Waist Lightweight Water Resistant Quick Dry Fishing Hiking Shorts (opens in a new tab)
Best Zipper Pockets
Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts 9" with 5 Zipper Pockets
Secure-pocket seekers
Our take Check price for Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts 9" with 5 Zipper Pockets (opens in a new tab)
Longest Inseam
Libin Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts Lightweight Casual Shorts
Sun-sensitive legs
Our take Check price for Libin Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts Lightweight Casual Shorts (opens in a new tab)
Best Relaxed Fit
Boonlight Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Breathable Multi Pocket Summer Tactical Work Shorts
Comfort-first hikers
Our take Check price for Boonlight Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Breathable Multi Pocket Summer Tactical Work Shorts (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price
MOHEM Mens Hiking Cargo Shorts Lightweight Quick Dry Athletic Running Workout Shorts with Zip Pockets
Budget or backup pair
Our take Check price for MOHEM Mens Hiking Cargo Shorts Lightweight Quick Dry Athletic Running Workout Shorts with Zip Pockets (opens in a new tab)
Why You Can Trust Danny’s Camping
At Danny’s Camping, we compare products based on campsite fit, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.
We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall· 1 of 6
NORTHYARD Men's Cargo Hiking Shorts 9" Lightweight Quick-Dry Outdoor Black S
Danny’s Take
The pick when you want pockets, sun cover and flat seams in one short.
Best for
- All-around long trail use
Why it made the shortlist
The NORTHYARD is a 9-inch cargo short with seven pockets, 4-way stretch fabric and an elastic side waistband with a zip fly and belt loops. The listing names UPF 50+ sun protection, a water-repellent finish and flatlock seams to reduce chafing.
Seven pockets give it the most storage of the group, ahead of the Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch with five zippers and the Libin Cargo with five. Flatlock seams are a detail the Jessie Kidden Expandable and Boonlight Cargo do not list.
It suits a hiker who wants one short for the whole trail, with a place for every small item and sun cover for open ridgelines. The 9-inch cut sits at a sensible length for most legs.
Key dimensions & specs
- 7 pockets, 9 inch inseam
- UPF 50+, water repellent
- 4-way stretch, flatlock seams
Pros
- Seven pockets sort a phone, map and snacks
- Flatlock seams cut chafe
- UPF 50+ fabric covers the legs
- Elastic side waist flexes under a pack
Cons
- Listing advises sizing down between sizes
The Catch
It costs the most here, and the sizing runs generous.
Best With Belt· 2 of 6
Jessie Kidden Mens Outdoor Casual Expandable Waist Lightweight Water Resistant Quick Dry Fishing Hiking Shorts
Danny’s Take
Choose it if you prefer a belt and want zipped thigh pockets.
Best for
- Belt wearers with heavy packs
Why it made the shortlist
The Jessie Kidden is a lightweight cargo short with a partly elastic waist and an included belt, built from wicking fabric with UPF 50 sun protection. Six pockets are listed, two front slash, two back and two zippered thigh pockets.
It has more pockets than the Boonlight Cargo, and the zippered thigh pockets hold a phone more securely than open flaps.
It fits a hiker who likes a belted waist for a heavy pack and wants wicking fabric with a water-repellent finish. It also works for town stops after a resupply.
Key dimensions & specs
- Partly elastic waist plus belt
- UPF 50, wicking, water repellent
- 6 pockets, 2 zipped thigh
Pros
- Belt included for a firm fit
- Zippered thigh pockets hold a phone
- Water-repellent, wear-resisting fabric
- Mid and high rise cut
Cons
- Belt buckle can press under a hip belt
The Catch
The belt buckle can rub under a pack hip belt.
Best Zipper Pockets· 3 of 6
Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts 9" with 5 Zipper Pockets
Danny’s Take
Pick it for pockets that close and a price below the top two.
Best for
- Secure-pocket seekers
Why it made the shortlist
The Pudolla is a 9-inch hiking cargo short with five deep zipper pockets, UPF 50+ fabric and a durable water-repellent finish. The back of the waistband is elastic, with a button closure, zip fly and 2-inch belt loops.
Compared with the Jessie Kidden Expandable it has an elastic back waist that gives more flex.
It is a strong match for a hiker who wants to keep a phone, a wallet and a key from bouncing out on scrambles. Zipped pockets let you move fast.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5 deep zipper pockets
- UPF 50+ with water-repellent finish
- Elastic back waist, zip fly
Pros
- All five pockets zip shut
- UPF 50+ sun cover
- Elastic back waist flexes
Cons
- Fewer pockets than the NORTHYARD
- Only the back waist is elastic
The Catch
Only part of the waist is elastic.
Longest Inseam· 4 of 6
Libin Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts Lightweight Casual Shorts
Danny’s Take
Pick it for extra leg cover and a soft, wide waistband.
Best for
- Sun-sensitive legs
Why it made the shortlist
The Libin is a 10-inch inseam cargo short in light, slightly stretchy fabric with UPF 50+ protection and water-resistant behavior. Five pockets include two side zippers, two flap cargo pockets with hook-and-loop and a back zipper pocket.
At 10 inches it is the longest short here, so it covers more of the thigh than the Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch and the NORTHYARD. A wide elastic waistband with an inner drawstring gives a softer feel than the Jessie Kidden Expandable.
It suits a hiker with sun-prone legs or someone who dislikes short cuts. The long length also helps against brush on overgrown trail.
Key dimensions & specs
- 10 inch inseam, UPF 50+
- 5 pockets, zip and hook-and-loop
- Wide elastic waist, drawstring
Pros
- Longest inseam here
- Wide elastic waist is comfortable
- UPF 50+ protective fabric
- Zip pockets on side and back
Cons
- Two cargo pockets close with hook-and-loop only
- Longer cut can feel warm in heat
The Catch
Hook-and-loop cargo pockets are less secure than zips.
Best Relaxed Fit· 5 of 6
Boonlight Men’s Hiking Cargo Shorts Quick Dry Lightweight Breathable Multi Pocket Summer Tactical Work Shorts
Danny’s Take
A loose, light short at a modest price.
Best for
- Comfort-first hikers
Why it made the shortlist
The Boonlight is a relaxed-fit cargo short in lightweight, quick-dry, breathable fabric with a flexible waistband. The listing describes multiple pockets for a phone, keys and a wallet, and says it is machine washable.
It is simpler than the NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch and the Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch, with a looser cut that gives more air flow on a hot climb. It is also easier on the budget than the Jessie Kidden Expandable.
It is a decent choice for a hiker who values comfort and a baggy cut over technical detail. It works for camp, work and travel as well as the trail.
Key dimensions & specs
- Relaxed fit, quick-dry fabric
- Multi-pocket cargo design
- Flexible waistband, machine washable
Pros
- Relaxed cut helps air flow
- Quick-dry, breathable fabric
- Easy machine-wash care
Cons
- Pocket count and closures are not listed
The Catch
The listing names no UPF rating or pocket closures.
Lowest Price· 6 of 6
MOHEM Mens Hiking Cargo Shorts Lightweight Quick Dry Athletic Running Workout Shorts with Zip Pockets
Danny’s Take
A cheap trail short that still names UPF 50+ cover.
Best for
- Budget or backup pair
Why it made the shortlist
The MOHEM is a lightweight, quick-dry cargo short with UPF 50+ fabric, two side zipper pockets and two cargo pockets. A stretch waistband with an adjustable inner drawstring keeps it in place during activity.
It suits a hiker who wants a cheap, light backup short or a first pair to try before spending more. The stretch waist keeps it comfortable on long days.
Key dimensions & specs
- UPF 50+, quick-dry fabric
- 2 zip plus 2 cargo pockets
- Stretch waist, inner drawstring
Pros
- UPF 50+ named on listing
- Stretch waistband with drawstring
- Zip pockets on both sides
Cons
- Inseam length is not stated
- Four pockets, fewer than the top picks
The Catch
No inseam is listed, so check the size chart.
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Pocket layout
- Pocket counts and closure types were compared, with zipped pockets weighted above hook-and-loop.
- Sun cover
- UPF claims and inseam length were compared for leg protection.
- Waistband comfort
- Elastic, drawstring and belted waists were judged for how they sit under a pack hip belt.
- Fabric and dry time
- Quick-dry and water-repellent finishes were compared, along with stretch claims.
- Value
- Price was balanced against the number of listed trail features.
What Matters When Comparing Men S Shorts For Thru Hiking
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pocket closures
A zipped pocket holds a phone through scrambles, while an open or hook-and-loop pocket can let it slip. On a long trail, a lost phone or key is a big setback. Count the zip pockets and check which ones close with hook-and-loop.
Waistband under a hip belt
A pack hip belt sits right on the waistband, so thick seams or a buckle can press into your hips. An elastic waist with a flat drawcord spreads pressure better. Look for elastic side or back panels on the listing.
Inseam length
Inseam is the distance from crotch to hem. A 9 to 10 inch cut gives sun and brush cover, while shorter cuts are cooler. The number should be in the title or bullets; if it is missing, check the size chart.
UPF sun protection
UPF 50+ means the fabric is rated to block about 98 percent of UV rays, which matters on exposed ridgelines. A hiker spends many hours in the sun over a long trail. Look for a stated UPF number rather than only sun protection wording.
Seams and chafe
Flatlock seams lie flat against the skin and cause less rub than raised seams. Over many miles, a small seam can become a hot spot. Look for flatlock or flat seam wording on the listing.
Water-repellent finish
A durable water-repellent finish makes light rain bead off, though it does not make the short waterproof. It wears off with washing. Treat it as a bonus and look for quick-dry fabric too.
Match Men S Shorts For Thru Hiking to Your Camp Setup
By Trail Need
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most pockets, flat seams | NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch | Seven pockets, flatlock seams. |
| Belt for a heavy pack | Jessie Kidden Expandable | Belt included, zipped thigh pockets. |
| Every pocket zips | Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch | Five deep zipper pockets. |
| Maximum leg cover | Libin Cargo 10-Inch | 10-inch inseam, UPF 50+. |
| Loose, breezy fit | Boonlight Cargo | Relaxed cut, quick-dry fabric. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $0 to $20 | MOHEM Cargo or Libin Cargo 10-Inch |
| $10 to $30 | Boonlight Cargo or Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch |
| $20 to $30 | Jessie Kidden Expandable or NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch |
Zipped vs Flap Pockets
- Zipped pockets
- They keep a phone and wallet in place on scrambles. The Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch, Jessie Kidden Expandable and MOHEM Cargo have zip closures on key pockets.
- Hook-and-loop pockets
- They open fast but can let items slip. The Libin Cargo 10-Inch uses them for two cargo pockets, with zips on the others.
Most hikers should lean toward the Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch unless they want the extra capacity of flap pockets.
By Budget
| Price tier | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost | MOHEM Cargo |
| Low, relaxed cut | Boonlight Cargo |
| Low, long inseam | Libin Cargo 10-Inch |
| Mid, all zippers | Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch |
| Upper, belt included | Jessie Kidden Expandable |
| Top of this group | NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch |
For Sun-Exposed Trails Specifically
- Look for
- UPF 50+ fabric, a 9 to 10 inch inseam and quick-dry material.
- In this comparison
- The Libin Cargo 10-Inch adds the longest cut with UPF 50+, and the NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch adds UPF 50+ with flatlock seams.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more on the NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch for seven pockets, flat seams and a long list of trail features.
- Save if
- Save with the MOHEM Cargo or Libin Cargo 10-Inch if you want UPF 50+ cover and a few zips at a low price.
Before You Bring One Home
What should thru-hiking shorts have?
Look for quick-dry fabric, secure pockets, a waistband that works under a pack belt and decent sun cover. The NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch and Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch cover most of these. Skip cotton blends.
What is the biggest mistake when buying hiking shorts?
Ignoring the waistband. A stiff or belt-heavy waist will dig into your hips under a loaded pack. Check for elastic panels.
Are cargo shorts good for long trails?
They give lots of storage, which saves pack space and keeps snacks handy. Heavy pockets can swing when full, so load them lightly. The Pudolla Cargo 9-Inch has zippers to hold items still.
How do I size hiking shorts?
Use the size chart and your waist measurement, not your jeans size. The NORTHYARD Cargo 9-Inch listing suggests the smaller size if you fall between sizes. Try them with a loaded pack.
How do I care for water-repellent shorts?
Wash on gentle with mild soap and skip fabric softener, which can coat the fabric. Line dry or tumble low. Re-treat the finish if water stops beading.
Bottom Line
Best overall: NORTHYARD Men's Cargo Hiking Shorts 9" Lightweight Quick-Dry Outdoor Black S — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all men s shorts for thru hiking on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.
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About the author
Danny Walker
Founder & Lead Editor at Danny’s Camping
Danny covers camping gear, campsite setup, outdoor power, sleep systems, and practical camping advice, with a focus on helping campers make better gear decisions.