The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shorts [2021 Best Travel Shorts Reviews]

Looking for the best men’s travel shorts to take on your upcoming trips? Check out this buying guide to the best shorts for travelling!

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I hope this buying guide helps you find the best men’s travel shorts possible!

Picking the perfect pair of men’s travel shorts is no mean feat.

You want them to look good, feel good, and be well-suited to the endless array of activities you’ve got planned for your trip…

With limited space in your pack, whichever ones you choose have to be as fit for hiking as they are to nights out and general day-to-day roaming…

…all without being crazily expensive.

As someone who practically lives in shorts on the road (and who’s current pair is rapidly falling apart), I thought I’d do some research into the best men’s travel shorts I could find!

Want to see what I came up with?

Read on for 8 reviews of the best travel shorts for men (followed by a few tips on how to choose the right ones for you).

[Last updated: February 2021]


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Summary Table – The Best Travel Shorts for Men At a Glance

bestmenstravelshorts-8271666

Material: 100% nylon

Sun Protection: UPF 50

Rating: 4.6/5

Price:

bestshortsfortravelling-4022483

Material: Polyester and Spandex

Sun Protection: N/A

Rating: 4.5/5

Price:

bestshortsfortravel-5180296

Material: Nylon & Spandex

Sun Protection: UPF 30

Rating: 4.6/5

Price:

bestmene28099stravelshorts-2167398

Material: Polyester & Spandex

Sun Protection: UPF 50

Rating: 4.6/5

Price:

travelshortsmens-6386839

Material: 100% cotton

Sun Protection: N/A

Rating: 4.6/5

Price:

lightweighttravelshorts-8209372

Material: Stretch Zion Fabric

Sun Protection: UPF 50

Rating: 4.8/5

Price:

besttravelshorts-3943013

Material: Unspecified

Sun Protection: UPF 50

Rating: 4.7/5

Price:

travelshortsformen-5936676

Material: 100% cotton

Sun Protection: N/A

Rating: 4.5/5

Price:


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Get ready for the 8 reviews of the best travel shorts for men that I could find!


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The Best Travel Shorts For Men: 8 of the Best Shorts for Men Who Travel

Let’s take a closer look at the top 8 contenders for men’s travel shorts:

1. Columbia Silver Ridge Travel Cargo Shorts

PRODUCT FEATURES

Multiple secure pockets

The Columbia Men Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts feature many various sized pockets to hold different personal items.

Between the top pockets with a security flap on the bum and two zippered ones on the thighs, you’ll never be short of space to keep your phone, cash, or keys secure. There are also two regular pockets on the side.

Built-in belt

I like these shorts for a variety of reasons, but the built-in belt is one particular feature that’d prove useful on the road.

The waist band’s partially elasticated anyway, which adds to the comfort level, but having a belt means you can adjust them to your preferred size (and make sure they stay snug if you lose weight throughout your travels).

You can wear them loose when lounging around, and tighten up the belt when engaging in outdoor activities.

Versatile shorts & UPF 50 sun protection

The materials deserve a mention too.

Their heavy-duty nylon fabric would make these cargo shorts both durable and moisture-wicking (read: breathable); the varying neutral colours you can choose from mean they’re less likely to show up any dirt/stains you collect on the move.

Finally, these cargo shorts offer UPF 50+ sun protection, which means you can wear these shorts outside without worrying about those harmful UV rays affecting your thighs!

All told, these Columbia shorts are hard to fault.

Let’s face it, they aren’t going to win any award for style, but they’re definitely a high-quality, versatile pair of shorts made by a reputable brand in the industry.

The popularity speaks for itself. With over 1000 reviews, of which more than 700 hundred rated them 5-stars, you can definitely buy these shorts with confidence.

PROS

  • High-performing in wet weather
  • Extremely breathable and comfortable
  • Available in numerous neutral colours
  • UPF sun protection
  • Well made & durable

CONS

  • These shorts should dry pretty quickly, but they’re not intended for swimming

-> Read more about the Columbia Silver Ridge shorts here!


2. XKTTAC Men’s Quick Dry Shorts (Best Hiking Shorts Mens)

PRODUCT FEATURES

Designed for outdoor wear

These XKTTAC shorts would be a perfect choice for any travellers who plan to spend lots of time outdoors. Their tactical design is perfectly suited to outdoor activities!

You’ll enjoy high-quality sun (UPF 50+) protection, abrasion resistance, and tear-resistance at the seams. The fabric is light, breathable, stretchy, quick-drying, water-resistant, and great at wicking away moisture as well.

With 4 big/deep pockets and 2 smaller front pockets (with zips), you’re well covered in the pocket department too.

Another cool feature is its ‘reflective strip’ design to help you show up better on early morning/ late night excursions.

Elasticated closure

Instead of closing tightly with buttons, these shorts have an elastic waistband with a clasp that fastens shut.

This allows the shorts to automatically adjust to your waist size, without you having to fumble with buttons and drawstrings.

The waistband’s adjustable too, with a strip of material that you can pull tighter and attach to a slip of Velcro.

High-quality and durable shorts

If you’re looking for a well-made, high-quality pair of shorts to take on your travels, then then you can’t go wrong with the XKTTACs.

With reinforced seams, reinforced buttoms, YKK zippers, and stretchable material, they’re sure to offer the perfect combination of comfort and durability.

The dark colours mean they’re well suited to hiding dirt and stains as well.

Once again, I’d say these shorts are designed to be practical as opposed to stylish. But they’re still fairly smart and could definitely be worn for more than just outdoor pursuits.

PROS

  • Size chart included so that you can find your perfect fit
  • 6 different zippered pockets offer a greater storage space
  • Breathable and comfortable
  • Great-quality
  • Perfect for outdoor usage

CONS

  • Not the most stylish set of shorts out there

-> Read more about the XKTTAC shorts here!


3. Columbia Sportswear Backcast III Water Shorts

PRODUCT FEATURES

Omni shade protection

I like the look of these Columbia shorts a lot. Why?

Because they seem like a useful combo of stylish, smart, and (relatively) practical.

They’re far more fashionable than many shorts here, but would still be useful in the outdoors. The nylon fabric’s certified UPF 50+, which means you don’t have to worry about UVA or UVB rays when you’re out and about on sunny days.

The tight weave construction makes sure that there’s full UV protection.

Made for swimming

These quality shorts are as comfortable and practical to wear in the sea as they are on land.

The ‘PFG swim-ready’ design would make swimming in them a dream. Their quick-drying capability means you could get out and dry off in a flash.

That’s good news if you’re out and about, fancy a dip somewhere, and don’t want to get changed afterwards. You’d wear these shorts into the water, keep them on when you get out, and continue to wear them thereafter!

The light-weight, breathable, and quick-wicking material means you’d stay cooler in warm weather too.

Flexible fitting options

Okay, so these Columbia shorts don’t come with all the practicality of other shorts on this list, but they would be versatile.

You could wear them on the beach, in the pool, as everyday shorts, and more), comfortable, perfect for casual use, and ideal for any water-based activities.

Furthermore, the elastic waistband would provide a snug fit and the hoops mean you could wear a belt with them if you want them any tighter.

Throw in the wide array of colours and you can pick a pair to suit your individual style/needs.

PROS

  • Available in a wide variety of colours
  • Stylish & versatile
  • Protection from the sun
  • Interior mesh provides breathable support
  • Zip closed-back security pocket keeps your phone/keys safe

CONS

  • No fancy features of outdoor/tactical shorts

-> Read more about the Columbia Sportswear shorts here!


4. Wrangler Authentics Cargo Shorts (Best Men’s Cargo Shorts)

PRODUCT FEATURES

Easy to maintain

Looking for a sturdy, well-made, and versatile pair of shorts that’d be easy to maintain on the road?

These Wrangler Performance shorts would be a solid option. From dark colours that wouldn’t show up the stains to machine washable materials, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more ‘easy-going’ pair of shorts.

Comfort flex waistband

I like the flex waistband of these shorts too, which gives the waistband extra elasticity and helps it adjust to your size. The result?

You can look forward to a relaxed and snug fit. If it ever starts feeling a little loose, then the hoops mean you could wear a belt to tighten everything up.

With 94% nylon and 6% spandex, you can expect a sturdy and stretchy fabric that’d be both comfortable and well-suited to any adventurous activity.

Despite those attributes, though, these shorts do seem to lack the adjustability of others on this list. The lack of belt, drawstring, or other gizmo to tighten things up could be an issue if you lose weight or buy a pair that’s a little too large.

Style & storage

I reckon these shorts look great as well, which would make them well-suited to a range of activities on your travels.

From smarter evenings out to general use and into the great outdoors, they have all the attributes you need in any scenario.

And one part of that is the ‘storage-space’ they come with. Have more than just your phone, wallet and keys to carry safely? The 6 various pockets have your covered. These include 2 cargo zip pockets, 2 back pockets, and 2 ‘slash’ pockets for easy access storage.

PROS

  • Made to be an all-day comfort wear
  • Versatile design
  • Stylish & relaxed fit
  • Quick-drying material
  • Comfort flex waistband

CONS

  • The back pockets do not have a zipper closure

-> Read more about the Wrangler shorts here!

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Here are four more of the best travel shorts for men…

5. JINSHI Outdoor Sports Shorts (Best Lightweight Travel Shorts)

PRODUCT FEATURES

Stylish, sporty, & multipurpose

These Jinshi sports shorts are another versatile choice. Lightweight, elasticated, breathable, and quick-drying, they’d be a great fit for all occasions.

Whether you’re lounging around in the hostel, going for a run, hitting the beach, or exploring a new city, the Jinshi shorts should keep you feeling comfortable and looking stylish at all times.

Zip-closed security pockets

These shorts don’t boast the endless array of pockets and compartments of proper outdoor/hiking shorts.

But they do have three zippered pockets that a) reduce the risk of dropping/losing your items and b) keep you safe from pickpockets.

All told, those zippers are handy additions and make these shorts even better-suited to the road.

Comfortable & versatile

With 95% polyester and 5% spandex, the Jinshi shorts would be amazingly comfortable to wear on your travels.

On top of the quality overall design, the elasticated waistband would provide a snug fit from the outset; a drawstring means you could adjust the size to your specific needs.

Dark-coloured, quick-drying, and lightweight, they’d be convenient, stain-resistant additions to anybody’s backpack/suitcase!

PROS

  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Well-made
  • Zippered pockets for security
  • Stylish and great for sports

CONS

  • Some customers complain that the sizing is inconsistent

-> Read more about the JINSHI shorts here!


6. LEE Dungarees Belted Wyoming Cargo Shorts (Most Comfortable Shorts for Men)

PRODUCT FEATURES

Incredible comfort

These shorts are woven with 100% cotton, making them incredibly soft and comfortable for the wearer.

Their loose fit also helps in this regard- the lack of restriction meaning you’d have plenty of room to move around in!

That’s good news for anybody who wants to wear these shorts on a hike as well as for general day-to-day use. There’s also a belt included to keep the shorts cinched tight.

However, that 100% cotton could spell trouble in bad weather. These are heavy shorts compared to others on this list anyway. But they’re absorbent nature means they’ll really weigh you down when wet!

Likewise, you might have to be careful when washing then to ensure they don’t shrink.

Lots of pockets/storage space

These shorts definitely aren’t short on storage space.

They’ve been specially designed with a total of 9 pockets, spanning the front, back, and sides. This array of shapes and sizes mean you’ll have plenty of room for everything and anything you want to carry around on your person.

Even better, all of the pocket flaps are reinforced and secured with buttons and Velcro, keeping your belongings safer on the move.

Stylish choice

These cargo shorts might not be the most practical pair on this list, but they are some of the more fashionable ones! And that attribute only adds to the versatility on offer.

You could as easily wear them out on the town as you could for general day to day use and on the occasional hike too.

With a bunch of different colours to choose from, though, I would recommend opting for a darker material. That’ll stave off the stains and ensure they remain as good-looking throughout your trip.

PROS

  • Machine washable
  • Stylish design
  • Breathable
  • Well-made and super popular online
  • Belt included
  • Practical array of buttoned pockets

CONS

  • Less than ideal for swimming or getting wet
  • 100% cotton means they could fade, wrinkle or shrink on the road

-> Read more about the Lee shorts here!


7. Unionbay Cordova Messenger Cargo Shorts

PRODUCT FEATURES

Super comfortable & long inseam

Anybody hunting for a comfortable pair of cargo shorts for their travels should like the look of these Unionbay Cordova Messengers.

Measuring a full 15 inches, these shorts have one of the longest inseams on this list, dropping below the knee and guaranteeing ample room for movement. That should also provide a whole lot of comfort for the wearer.

The hems have drawstring ties too, which means you can pull these tight if you wish.

FYI, the length of these shorts would come in handy if you plan on visiting temples/holy sites on your travels.

Many of these places have a strict, conservative dress-code and ask that visitors cover their knees at all times as a sign of respect. That wouldn’t be an issue if you were wearing a pair of these Unionbays!

Comes with an adjustable belt

These shorts don’t come with an elasticated waistband and are fastened using a good old-fashioned zipper fly and button instead.

Now, this could be an issue if you lose or gain weight on the road (expect them to fall down or get a little tight, respectively), but they do come with a belt that’d help out with the former.

That lack of elasticity could also make them slightly less forgiving and mean a lesser degree of comfort around your waist if you’re wearing them for outdoor activities.

The 100% cotton could cause trouble in adverse weather as well.

Highly popular, many colours/styles, & multiple pockets

All told, though, these Unionbays are some of the best cargo shorts for men I could find

Aside from their comfortable nature and the adjustable belt that’s included, you’ll enjoy the multitude of useful pockets (all with flaps for added security) and the wide array of colours that you have to choose from (helping you find a pair to meet your aesthetic requirements).

With around 9,000 top-rated reviews, out there, you know you’re going to end up with a high-quality pair of shorts to wear on your travels.

PROS

  • Great choice of colours available
  • Adjustable tabs at hem/cuffs
  • Highly popular
  • Useful length for visiting sights of cultural significance overseas
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable belt included

CONS

  • The waistband isn’t elasticated
  • 100% cotton means they could fade, wrinkle or shrink on the road

-> Read more about the Unionbay shorts here!


8. PrAna Zion Lightweight Water-Repellent Shorts (My Pick: Best Travel Shorts Mens)

PRODUCT FEATURES

Versatile shorts

The prAna Zion shorts are probably my pick for the best men’s travel shorts on this list. And that’s largely because they’re so versatile.

They have a stylish look to them, which means they’d be suitable for nights out and general day to day wear.

But they’re also made from durable materials, with a good degree of stretchiness that’d make them both comfortable to wear and ideal for outdoor activities too. In other words, they tick all the right boxes in terms of aesthetics and practicality.

You could buy a single pair of these Zion shorts and wear them for almost anything on your travels.

Perfect materials

Another practical advantage of the Zion shorts is the fabric they’re made from.

With 97% Nylon and 3% spandex, they have all the elasticity/stretch that you need on the move and a material that both wicks moisture away and is quick to dry. It also features a UPF of 50+ to protect you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

The result?

These awesome shorts can be worn in all settings and any weather conditions- be it sunny and dry, or rainy and wet. I imagine that’s just one more reason why they’ve been rated 4.7/5 over hundreds of reviews.

Durable fabric, various colours, adjustable waistband

These shorts would be super durable too.

The heavy-duty materials mean they’d be resistant to tears and the reinforced seams and rivets mean they’d stand up to any adventurous activity you throw at them. I like that the waistband can be adjusted too.

The classic button closure fastens the shorts together, and the adjustable ‘belt’ on the right-hand side means you can pull them tighter if you need to. That all amounts to extra comfort and a better fit when you’re out and about.

To top it all off, you’ve got plenty of pockets and a host of different colours to choose from too.

PROS

  • Machine washable
  • Adjustable waistband
  • Super stylish
  • Practical, durable, and well-made
  • Versatile shorts
  • UV protection
  • Moisture-wicking and quick-drying

CONS

  • None that I can see!

-> Read more about the Zion shorts here!


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Choosing the best shorts for travelling isn’t easy. The following considerations should help!


Don’t Forget to Check Out…


How to Choose the Best Shorts for Travelling

There’s no ‘shortage’ of options when it comes to buying the best shorts for travelling.

But that isn’t always a good thing! With so many high-quality shorts to choose from, picking one pair over the others can be a definite challenge.

Taking certain considerations into account should make your life a little easier though. After all, not all shorts are made equal and the best travel shorts have to tick certain boxes in order to be well-suited to life on the road.

I hope the coming section will prove useful in this regard. Keeping the following factors in mind should help you find and buy the best men’s travel shorts possible.

1. Versatility & Durability

First off, the best travel shorts tend to be versatile and durable.

In other words, you can wear them in all sorts of situations without having to worry about them ripping, wrinkling, or getting damaged in any other way. Let’s dive a bit deeper though…

Versatility’s a key attribute for most gear in your backpack. If one item can serve multiple purposes, then you don’t have to carry as much stuff around. That saves space and weight, making your life far easier on the road.

As far as shorts are concerned, versatility means being able to wear the same shorts on the beach, in the water, or out on the town. You’ll look as good and stay as comfortable regardless of what you’re doing.

Finding a well-made, high-quality, and durable pair of shorts means you’ll be able to wear them time and time again without worrying about them getting damaged or worn out.

You can get stuck into adventurous activities without having to replace your shorts every few weeks, saving money down the line and ensuring you still look somewhat presentable on the road!

2. Size & Weight

Size and weight have been and always will be two primary considerations for travellers and backpackers!

Smaller, lightweight gear is always preferable when you’ve got minimal space in your backpack/suitcase and have to lug everything around on your shoulders.

The same goes for your travel shorts. Now, the size you need will depend on your body type and the style you want. But I’d say that lightweight shorts (instead of bulky/heavy ones) are the best bet.

Aside from the practical packing benefits, they’re cooler to wear in warm weather and quicker to dry if they get wet.

Another point on sizing: try to buy travel shorts with a little give in them and that come with a built-in belt or drawstring. This allows you to adjust the size of the shorts as you go through the trip. It might seem unnecessary, but you never know if/when you’re going to lose weight or put some on while travelling!

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Comfort and practicality are two of the most important considerations when choosing the best shorts for travelling.

3. Stretch & Comfort

It goes without saying that the best backpacking shorts are comfortable to wear as well. The last thing you want is to be walking around in state of discomfort all day long!

Remember, the nature of travel (if you pack light) is that you won’t have many clothes to choose from. This might literally be the only pair of shorts you have with you, which means they sure as hell need to be comfy.

Weight (lighter shorts are comfier when you’re on the move a lot), material (lightweight, quick-drying, and soft to the touch are best), and fit (it’s never fun walking around in unforgiving shorts that don’t fit properly) all come into play here.

However, I think stretch is arguably the most important factor when it comes to comfort.

For one thing, stretchiness is great for versatility- you can move more easily and with less restriction. This lets you wear the shorts for all sorts of different activities and occasions, from running and climbing to doing yoga and lazing around on the beach/in the hostel.

4. Pockets & Zippers

Be sure to take the number and style of pockets on the shorts into account as well.

After all, you’re bound to carry around a host of personal items when you’re out and about on your adventure.

And, when you don’t want to lug a daypack around with you, having a range of good-quality zippered pockets will help you transport everything from your phone and keys to your cash and camera.

Now, I wouldn’t say these features are essential when buying travel shorts (you could always carry a bag with you instead).

But they’d definitely be convenient additions- especially when you’re carrying valuables in crowded places. The pockets would make everything more convenient than carrying things in your hand(s); the zippers would protect it from pesky pickpockets.

Once again, it’s all about versatility and practicality. Having more pockets on a pair of the best men’s cargo shorts is sure to make your life easier on your trip.

5. Quick-Drying and Stain Resistant

Last but not least, having a pair of men’s quick-dry shorts would be ideal- especially if you plan on travelling in wet weather or want to be able to swim in them.

The quick-drying material means you could go for a dip without getting changed and be dry again soon after. That’s always useful when you’re on the move.

Stain-resistance would be another practical attribute. Honestly, travel can be a dirty business- especially when you like doing adventurous activities and/or don’t have the luxury of carrying multiple pairs of shorts to change into when one set gets mucky.

Colour comes into the equation here too.

Those bright white shorts might be a great fashion statement, but they’re far from ideal when you’re on a long, muddy hike in the great outdoors. Those light colours will show dirt, stains, and marks much more than darker shades, and can be a lot harder to clean.

Darker materials tend to be the smarter choice.


Time to Buy the Best Mens Travel Shorts Possible

There you have it: the best men’s travel shorts on the market.

I know from personal experience how hard it can be to find the best travel shorts for men!

You have to identify a single set that can handle a host of different functions on the road. Throw in the endless array of options out there and picking one pair over another can be a challenge.

That’s why I decided to put this buying guide together. With any luck, it will have highlighted a selection of the best travel shorts out there and helped you settle on the perfect pair for your upcoming trip.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out these top travels shorts instead.


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