Best Travel Shorts For Men and Women in 2023

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.

Columbia Tech Trail 10" Shorts

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.

KUHL Renegade Shorts

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.

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

prAna Stretch Zion Shorts II

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.

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.

prAna Halle Shorts II

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.

Columbia Women's Sandy River Short

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.

Royal Robbins Women's Backcountry Short

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.

The North Face Class V Shorts - Women's

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.