Last Updated: July 27, 2022
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Best Travel Shorts For Men and Women in 2023

Have you ever owned a pair of travel shorts? I usually just find any pairs of shorts from my closet and take them traveling and they end up being kind of destroyed and I am usually not that comfortable while traveling around either.

Choosing travel shorts that are actually designed as lightweight travel shorts that can handle everything you want to throw at them is kind of revolutionary. You are always comfortable and in super versatile shorts that you can do anything in from swimming to hiking and even running. A pair of shorts like this is pretty life-changing if you travel a lot.


At A Glance: Our Top 3 Travel Shorts For Men and Women


But, finding the best travel shorts for your needs isn’t so simple as there are a ton of different travel shorts to choose from. Luckily, I have done the hard work for you and hand-selected, and reviewed the best travel shorts on the market for you to choose from.

Top Product Overview

Best Men’s Travel Shorts
  • Super durable
  • Lightweight and quick drying
SEE ON REI →
Columbia Men's Tech Trail Short, Stain Resistant, Sun Protection, Stone Green, 36
Best Shorts For Men On A Budget
  • Stain resistant Omni-Shield
  • Repels moisture
SEE ON AMAZON →
Kuhl Men's Renegade Short (36 10, Koal)
  • Soft against your skin like cotton
  • Durable and long lasting
SEE ON AMAZON →
  • Fair Trade Certifiedâ„¢ sewn
  • Made from recycled fishing nets
SEE ON PATAGONIA →
prAna Stretch Zion Shorts II Sepia 32 12
  • ​​Bluesign Approved
  • Recycled/Repurposed materials
SEE ON AMAZON →
Best Travel Shorts For Women
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Stretchy fabric for mobility
SEE ON REI →
prAna 5' Halle Shorts II Shoreline 8 5
  • Stylish design
  • Great fit
SEE ON AMAZON →
Columbia Women's Standard Sandy River Short, Nocturnal, Medium x 5
  • Blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays
  • Soft and comfortable against your skin
SEE ON AMAZON →
Royal Robbins Women's Backcountry Short,JET BLACK ,18
  • Lots of pockets for everything
  • Zippered pockets for valuables
SEE ON AMAZON →
The North Face Class V Shorts TNF Black XL R
  • Super lightweight and comfortable
  • Elasticized drawstring waist
SEE ON AMAZON →

Best Travel Shorts For Men and Women


Best Men’s Travel Shorts

KUHL Radikl Shorts

The best travel shorts I have come across are the KUHL Radikl Shorts as they can do everything. You can use them as hiking shorts to gym shorts and even swimming shorts, plus they are super tough too.

Built from 100% four-way stretch fabric called ENDURO™ these are super lightweight men’s travel shorts that are abrasion resistant and comfortable.

The stretch and gusseted crotch allow for great mobility so you never feel constrained, they are well ventilated so you are cool, and they are quick-drying shorts to boot.

With 7 total pockets, you have a place for everything with 2 front and back pockets, a coin pocket, a hidden cell phone zipper pocket, and a 3D gusset too.

The only con to these otherwise awesome and stylish travel shorts is that they are expensive but they are worth it for the quality in my eyes.

Pros

  • Super durable
  • Lightweight and quick drying
  • Knit panels for stretch and ventilation
  • SPF 50 for UV protection
  • 7 pockets for all your things
  • Gusseted crotch for mobility
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Great for hiking
  • Stealth cell phone pocket
  • Dry quickly

Cons

  • Quite expensive

Product Information

  • Material: ENDUROâ„¢ fabric
  • Sizes: 30 - 42
  • Colors: 10
  • Pockets: 7
SEE ON REI

Best Shorts For Men On A Budget

Columbia Tech Trail 10" Shorts

Columbia Men's Tech Trail Short, Stain Resistant, Sun Protection, Stone Green, 36

The Columbia Tech Trail 10″ Shorts are another pair of great men’s travel shorts, especially if you are shopping on a budget.

Built from 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane with Omni-Shield and Omni-Shade technology, these shorts can do it all while being extremely comfortable to wear. They feature a DWR (durable water repellent finish) that repels moisture and stains and ensures they dry quickly.

The Omni-Shade uses a tight weave construction with UV absorbent yarns to ensure no harmful UV rays hit your skin and the stretch in the elastane ensures great mobility too.

These travel shorts are soft on your skin to boot and they are designed to keep you cool. You can use them as athletic shorts, for swimming, on a hike, and more. There are also four pockets so you have a spot for everything.

Overall, they are fantastic quality for the price they are at and the only negative is that some people can find them a little baggy.

Pros

  • Stain resistant Omni-Shield
  • Repels moisture
  • Super quick drying
  • Full block on all UVA & UVB rays
  • Soft against your skin
  • Lightweight and great mobility
  • Stretch for being active
  • Great durability
  • Very affordable for the quality
  • Easy to clean, machine washable

Cons

  • Can be a little baggy for some

Product Information

  • Material: 96% Polyester, 4% Elastane
  • Sizes: 28 - 44
  • Colors: 4
  • Pockets: 4
SEE ON AMAZON

KUHL Renegade Shorts

Kuhl Men's Renegade Short (36 10, Koal)

Another pair of men’s travel shorts that can do it all are the KUHL Renegade Shorts. This pair of travel shorts is very similar to the other KUHL travel shorts we looked at earlier but have a slightly different design to them.

This pair of travel shorts are made from DURALUX fabric which is as soft as cotton while being a high-performance fiber.

It provides full sun protection, is breathable to keep you cool, is abrasion resistant so they last, and it stretches for freedom of movement.

The features of this fabric don’t end there either, as it actively wicks moisture to remove sweat and dries quickly when wet after you have been for a swim or got caught in the rain.

Like all KUHL travel shorts, there are 7 pockets so there is space for everything but the lack of zipper pockets is a little annoying as it would be nice to have two zipper pockets for valuables on these.

Overall, these are a good pair of travel shorts that are extremely versatile and long-lasting but they are a little expensive.

Pros

  • Soft against your skin like cotton
  • Durable and long lasting
  • Abrasion resistant and breathable
  • Dry out very quickly
  • Provides UPF 50
  • Stretchy material and gusseted crotch
  • Lovely freedom of movement
  • A lot of pockets
  • 3D and drop-in hidden pockets for valuables
  • Good moisture wicking

Cons

  • Quite expensive

Product Information

  • Material: DURALUX
  • Sizes: 30 - 40
  • Colors: 2
  • Pockets: 8
SEE ON AMAZON

Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts

If you are looking for a good pair of travel shorts to take to watery places where swimming and surfing are on the cards then look no further than the Patagonia Men’s Baggies Shorts.

Patagonia holds some of the highest Eco-standards around meaning these shorts are Fair Trade Certified™and actually made from NetPlus® 100% recycled nylon taken from old fishing nets.

The NetPlus® material is then covered in a PFC-free DWR finish to create a soft material that repels water and stains plus dries incredibly quickly.

The travel shorts are soft on your skin, are stylish and sit well, provide good movement, are well ventilated, and overall very comfy in warm weather.

The mesh pockets ensure water drains quickly and they sit vertically so you don’t get any drag in the water, making them great for swimming

Pros

  • Fair Trade Certifiedâ„¢ sewn
  • Made from recycled fishing nets
  • PFC-free DWR finish
  • Elasticized waistband
  • Quick drying
  • Soft on your skin
  • Awesome for being in the water
  • Vertical side pockets reduce drag in water
  • Mesh pockets drain fast
  • Very comfortable
  • Quite affordable

Cons

  • No belt loops

Product Information

  • Material: NetPlus® 100% recycled nylon
  • Sizes: XS - XXL
  • Colors: 5
  • Pockets: 3
SEE ON PATAGONIA

prAna Stretch Zion Shorts II

prAna Stretch Zion Shorts II Sepia 32 12

A good pair of travel shorts for your next adventure is the prAna Stretch Zion Shorts II. Made from ReZion (95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane) they are Bluesign Approved, great for the planet, and simply awesome when traveling.

The build on these travel shorts is hard to beat and their relaxed fit and tough outer layer are made for long trips.

They are the perfect pair of shorts to be hiking and camping with as they provide great ventilation to keep you cool and stretch for mobility, and they have a cargo pocket or 5 for you to store useful gear at an arm’s reach when you need it.

The fit on these travel shorts is excellent too and their fabric is soft and comfy. They are a tad expensive but well worth it for the quality.

Pros

  • ​​Bluesign Approved
  • Recycled/Repurposed materials
  • Stylish looking
  • Stretchy for mobility
  • Provide good airflow
  • Well built and long lasting
  • Lots of pockets for gear
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Great hiking shorts

Cons

  • A little expensive

Product Information

  • Material: ReZion (95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane)
  • Sizes: 28 - 42
  • Colors: 7
  • Pockets: 5
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Travel Shorts For Women

REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda Shorts - Women's

The women’s REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda Shorts are some of the best travel shorts for women around as they are super affordable while delivering everything one could want.

These travel shorts have a lovely look to them and they are made from 96% recycled nylon and 4% spandex, so they tick the Eco box too. The shorts are finished with a DWR coating which ensures they repel dirt, moisture, and dry super fast too.

You’ll find these travel shorts to be super lightweight and comfy with great mobility plus they breathe to keep you cool while being active. The elastic waistband is also great as you can dial in the perfect fit as your tummy changes throughout the day.

Built with UPF 50 to protect your skin and with multiple pockets for gear and a zipper pocket for any valuables you don’t want to lose.

The only downside to these is the sizing is a little off so be sure to check the charts before you order.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Stretchy fabric for mobility
  • Durable water repellent (DWR) finish repels light moisture and dirt
  • Full UPF 50+ protection
  • Made using recycled materials
  • Handy pockets for phones etc
  • One zippered pocket at the back for securing valuables
  • Elastic waistband with drawstring for perfect fit
  • Keep you cool
  • Quick drying
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Sizing is a bit off

Product Information

  • Material: 96% recycled nylon /4% spandex
  • Sizes: 2 - 26
  • Colors: 2
  • Pockets: 4
SEE ON REI

prAna Halle Shorts II

prAna 5' Halle Shorts II Shoreline 8 5

The prAna Halle Shorts II come with a stylish and fashionable fit and in neutral colors that make them great for everything from a long trip hiking to everyday wear in hotter climates, and you could even get away with them at a rooftop bar.

Designed with outdoor activities in mind, this pair of shorts is made from tough 95% polyamide and 5% elastane which handles wear very well while giving you stretch for mobility.

They are a soft and comfy pair of shorts to wear that provide 50 UPF sun protection, fit nicely, and are the right pair if you want the balance between fashion and function.

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Great fit
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Good hiking shorts
  • Durable build
  • Built with recycled materials
  • Certified as bluesign approved
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Quick drying

Cons

  • A little expensive

Product Information

  • Material: 95% polyamide, 5% elastane
  • Sizes: 2 - 16
  • Colors: 4
  • Pockets: 4
SEE ON AMAZON

Columbia Women's Sandy River Short

Columbia Women's Standard Sandy River Short, Nocturnal, Medium x 5

The Columbia Women’s Sandy River Shorts are designed for traveling in hot countries and being very versatile. You can use them for swimming, hiking, or running shorts and even go to lunch in them.

Made from 100% nylon fabric, they are light, tough, quick drying, and they protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays to boot. Once on, they sit softly on your skin and they breathe too, so you are as cool as can be in warm weather.

These travel shorts feature an adjustable waist with a drawcord so they are the most comfortable shorts around and they have 3 pockets so you can carry what you need around with you.

Overall these are great shorts but getting the sizing right is a little tricky so be sure to work it out before ordering.

Pros

  • Blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays
  • Soft and comfortable against your skin
  • Adjustable waist with drawcord
  • Good amount of pockets
  • Zippered pockets for valuables
  • Quick drying and cool
  • Very light and breathe well
  • Good hiking shorts and swimming shorts

Cons

  • Sizing is a bit tricky to get right

Product Information

  • Material: 100% nylon fabric
  • Sizes: XS - 3XL
  • Colors: 24
  • Pockets: 3
SEE ON AMAZON

Royal Robbins Women's Backcountry Short

Royal Robbins Women's Backcountry Short,JET BLACK ,18

The Royal Robbins Women’s Backcountry Shorts are designed to always be wrinkle free which is super handy when traveling considering that iron is usually not close by.

Also made from 100% nylon, they are tough shorts that can handle a lot of wear while providing great comfort and sun protection. They are quick drying when wet, have awesome mobility when being active, look cute with a natural fit, and work well for everything from swimming to a day hike.

The only negative to these shorts is finding the right size can be a little tricky and some people have said they lack a feminine shape.

Pros

  • Lots of pockets for everything
  • Zippered pockets for valuables
  • Quick drying
  • Good sun protection
  • Wrinkle resistant
  • Cute look tot hem
  • Great natural fit
  • Awesome mobility
  • Good as swimming and hiking shorts
  • Very affordable
  • Adjustable waist

Cons

  • Not much shape to them
  • Sizing is a bit off

Product Information

  • Material: 100% nylon
  • Sizes: 2 - 16
  • Colors: 10
  • Pockets: 6
SEE ON AMAZON

The North Face Class V Shorts - Women's

The North Face Class V Shorts TNF Black XL R

The North Face Class V Shorts are some great travel shorts for those of you who love to be active every day as they are designed to keep you cool and have quite the sporty look to them.

Built from 94% nylon and 6% elastane, they are tough while giving you stretch for mobility and they dry super fast too. If you sweat in these or they get wet, it won’t be long until they are bone dry again.

You will find two side pockets on these shorts and a zippered back pocket so any valuables don’t fall out while you are being active on an adventure. The shorts fit well too and the elastic waist with a drawcord means you get the perfect fit every time.

While these shorts are great, they don’t come in a big variety of colors and they are a bit expensive, but the price is right when you consider the quality and how long they will last.

Pros

  • Super lightweight and comfortable
  • Elasticized drawstring waist
  • Stretch for mobility
  • Nice sporty look to them
  • Good number of pockets
  • One zippered pocket for valuables
  • Durable build
  • Dry fast

Cons

  • A little expensive
  • Not many color options

Product Information

  • Material: 94% nylon, 6% elastane
  • Sizes: XS - XXL
  • Colors: 1
  • Pockets: 3
SEE ON AMAZON

What To Look For In The Best Travel Shorts

Weight & Packability

When it comes to travel gear, every ounce counts, especially on long and technical trips. Look for some lightweight shorts that weigh around 8 ounces as these will take up a lot less space in your bag and keep the overall weight down.

Stretch

Shorts with built-in stretch tend to last longer especially when doing activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and more. The stretch provides enough give so that when you are pushing yourself, your shorts do not split at the seams.

Quick Drying & Breathability

When you are wearing shorts you are in a warm or hot climate which leads to swims, sweat, and the need to clean your shorts quite regularly. Make sure you pick some shorts that breathe and come with ventilation features like gussets or mesh pockets so you don’t overheat.

Quick drying materials are also important so that when you sweat, go for a swim, or wash your shorts, the shorts dry off quickly and you can enjoy not walking around in soggy shorts afterward.

Pockets

Having some good pockets can make a pair of shorts very versatile. If you can carry some cash, keys, and anything else you like with you, then you don’t need to carry a small pack.

The most important type of pocket is a zippered one as these will secure anything valuable while you are being active. You can take some money with you when going for a run and know that when you stop for a smoothie on the way home, it won’t have fallen out of your pocket.

Stain Resistance

Some of the shorts featured come with a DWR coating on the outside which helps the shorts actively repel water and stains. When I travel, my shorts can quickly look a mess but with some stan resistance built in, you can rest assured they will look a lot better for a lot longer.

Waist Type

I have always been a fan of elastic waists with draw cords as these allow for weight fluctuation. When traveling, I often lose weight as I am being more active than when I work, so having the draw cord means I can always adjust the waist to match my fluctuations.

This is a personal preference, of course, as some people hate the look but it works well for me.

Our Favorite Travel Shorts

The best men’s travel shorts featured have to be the KUHL Radikl Shorts. These shorts are amazingly versatile for traveling with as you can wear them for anything for everyday wear from lunch to dinner, hiking to swimming, and in between.

Made for warm weather, they keep you cool, protect you from UV rays, have lots of secure pockets, are soft and comfy, plus they are quick drying, lightweight, and very durable.

If you are a man on a budget then the best shorts for you are the Columbia Tech Trail 10″ Shorts.

These come in at the best price for the quality and have all the features one needs with a durable stain-resistant build, good ventilation, comfy feel, a good number of pockets, and they dry quickly as they actively repel moisture too.

The travel shorts also fit well, are very versatile, and provide full sun protection, what more could one need?!

Columbia Men's Tech Trail Short, Stain Resistant, Sun Protection, Stone Green, 36
  • OMNI-SHIELD: Go ahead, try and get dirty. Omni-Shield helps you stay clean and dry by resisting the absorption of liquids. Unlike most fabrics that absorb moisture, Omni-Shield repels moisture and dries quickly—avoiding stains and keeping you clean.
  • OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. The tight weave construction with UV absorbent yarns block the full spectrum of harmful UV rays.

The best travel shorts for women featured in the article has to be the REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda Shorts. What makes these the perfect pair of travel shorts is their lovely style, comfy adjustable waistband, and the fact they are light, quick-drying, durable, protect you from the sun, and have all the pockets one could want.

To top it all off, this great pair of shorts is made from recycled materials, are great to move around in, and are a bargain too. You should have some on your next trip.