My Top Five Pairs of Hiking Shorts: Hike Farther Feel Fresher

In this video:
Wear First River Cargo Short: bit.ly/3yDSdyo
03:05 Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts: bit.ly/3o4Crrb
04:18 REI Sahara Cargo Shorts bit.ly/3aMS2J1
06:06 Kuhl Renegade Shorts bit.ly/3RHaByK
07:40 Saxx Gainmaker bit.ly/3zc3PtV (currently 40% off)
My favorite backpacking gear list:
Backpack: bit.ly/3mPhNdY
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3yaUbr1
Satellite Communicator: bit.ly/3HqTIUi
Camp Stove: bit.ly/34mBc06
Cook pot: bit.ly/3tdCZ23
Freeze dried Food: pinnaclefoods.co/
Headlamp: bit.ly/3uf1Mm3
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/3JGoOYU
Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie: bit.ly/3HCrpAN
Down Puffy Jacket (warm!): bit.ly/32Jn5Sb
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight):
Hiking Boots: bit.ly/3NbSJcb
Hiking Socks: bit.ly/3qLVyaI
Gloves | Hestra Bike Ergo Grip Glove: amzn.to/3pCuGu2
Water Filter: bit.ly/3tNDfE3
Water Bladder: bit.ly/3t2SrxF
Camp Pillow: bit.ly/34n4749
Folding Knife: bit.ly/3sXQNNH
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3Hzq4LB
Sunglasses: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
When the weather cooperates, there's nothing better than hiking in a good pair of shorts. I'd much prefer to hike with the airflow of shorts over the stuffy hiking pants. But maybe that's just me. In this video I'm showcasing my five favorite pairs of hiking shorts.
Sponsored by WearFirst: shopwearfirst.com/
Special thanks to
WileyX: www.wileyx.com/
Follow me on social media:
Facebook: / epictrails365
Instagram: / epictrails365
Blog: www.in4adventure.com/

[@alexwbanks70]

Yes running shorts make me feel free!!! Those Khule's are nice for sure. I have two pair of the Saxx underwear and I like them unless I am hiking 100 miles in them. That orange part started rubbing wrong and getting to me. I still wear the Saxx a lot just as backup or shorter trips. Longer trips its the trusty Exeficio's.

[@BackpackingTV]

I've used a lot of Exofficio in the past as well. They've been solid too. Good to know about the underwear!

[@markcrowell2727]

Great video, Eric. I'd like to add another budget buy - i found an outstanding pair of shorts to wear at Academy Sports - BCG Dash 2-in-1 running shorts; 9 in-seam with a compression liner. They are so comfortable while hiking, and they cost only $25. I believe BCG is Academy Sports' own brand. Other than these, I like Little Donkey Andy hiking shorts.

[@BackpackingTV]

Little Donkey Andy? Interesting! Never heard of them, odd name. But they look good! Thanks for the tip.

[@ratchetwise440]

Aftco originals, Carhartt ripstop relax fit, Wrangler ,Amazon essentials classic

[@dougieranger]

🇬🇧 Brit here: I like Montane Terra shorts and Nike Challenger 5”. Great film. 👍🏼

[@noahgoldman9725]

I’ve found myself just wearing my normal gym shorts: Lululemon pace breaker 7” with the liner. Throw my phone or car key fob in the liner pocket, and wallet in the zipper side pocket and I have never once chafed. I don’t have slim legs by any means but these shorts have enough room to move around, and I usually wear an older pair out of fear that they won’t hold up, but I’ve been very surprised. Was scraping my but along rocks last weekend and not a single snag.

[@BackpackingTV]

The best hiking are sometimes just whatever you got. They don't need to be fancy. I like your style!

[@ms7fam433]

Bought a pair of cheap RBX running shorts off a clearance rack for $8. I've been hiking in them for 3 years. Dang I wish I had bought 5 pair. After a short hike in South Dakota last week, it's time to retire them. My favorite hiking shorts of all time.

[@BackpackingTV]

It's sad to see those favorites retire. I'm sorry for your loss!

[@DustyTail]

Some Khul’s with the technical stretch have a piling issue. The fabric will get little balls of fabric usually after a few washings. Great feel tho. Love Arcteryx gammas.will last forever but expensive.

[@jamesthornton3339]

Running shorts. Most have a liner so uou can cut down on your undies. Also no belt to dig into your hips.

[@BackpackingTV]

hooray for no undies!

[@CharlesBlank]

Also I like the liner shorts with the phone pocket on the liner. I hate my phone hitting my knee repeatedly on hikes. There are some cheap ones on Amazon.

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

@@BackpackingTV Even with shorts that don't have an integrated lining?

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

Better, running shorts without a liner so you can cut down on both undies and liner. No chafing, highly sweat-free

[@CookingMike]

Allbirds wool running shorts are incredible , they're made of nylon and merino wool keeping them order free and highly durable. They dry super fast , pockets and draw string tightened.

[@BackpackingTV]

Oooh nice. Solid suggestion. I'll check em out!

[@christopherrussell7748]

Smartwool makes this style also. No stink after a week straight

[@feliperivas3814]

Thanks Eric! I'll have to consider some of these options so that I'm not only wearing cheap swimming shorts on my hikes.

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

do you wear swim trunks or boardshorts? what's wrong with that?

[@BackpackingTV]

There's nothing wrong with using what you got! Swimming shorts are great! Although I am slightly offended by your battery acid comment. Haha.

[@feliperivas3814]

@@BackpackingTV Thanks for the reply Eric. I'm sorry, that was quite crude and my delivery can be questionable at times 😑 Just glad to watch your recommendations and advice while I spend my own time in the back country. Couldn't be any more grateful for channels like yours. Again terribly sorry! Best wishes, Phil

[@feliperivas3814]

@@hrrrrrrr2084 Nothing much honestly, but when I tried a single pair of ultra-light running/hiking shorts, I felt immense relief during incredibly long dayhikes. Although, swimming or board shorts can do the job well enough for some too.

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

@@feliperivas3814 were they cheap swim shorts or boardshorts? With or without netting inside? That might be the reason Same, had the running/hiking shorts a netting, for comparison?

[@markheming3507]

Great video Eric I’m Khule shorts guy I have several pair and love them

[@BackpackingTV]

I really like them a lot! Pricey, but real nice.

[@heidih2887]

nice list, thanks for including some more budget-friendly items too! :D Agree that running shorts, and/or water-sport shorts are great for hiking.. especially if one might encounter an opportunity to take a dip in a lake on a hot day, or needing shorts that dry quickly! :D Us ladies like the options of whether or not to wear a belt too.. and appreciate the thin/low-bulk belts that come with some shorts and pants! :D WOMEN'S shorts (and pants) often tend to have fewer features, (pockets, option for belt etc), sometimes have less durable fabric, and often times the shorts are MUCH shorter than might be desired.. but if not too self-conscious about "labels" and such, many ladies can get away with wearing men's watersport and hiking shorts if desired features are lacking in the ladies models! :D Brands/styles with partial or full "elastic" waist are particularly good options to consider, re: men's shorts fitting the ladies! :D

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Yes, so agree about cross dressing into mens sizes for ladies due to inseam length & pocket functionality! 🥾🏔🇨🇦❤️

[@BackpackingTV]

Interesting. Great to hear there are crossover options, but it's sad that women's hiking gear isn't as functional.

[@danwaits]

Try out SportKilt's Hiking Kilt. I have 3. I recommend 😁😇

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

lmao worn the appropriate way?

[@danwaits]

@@hrrrrrrr2084 yep! But of course!

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

@@danwaits damn  yeah you're right to wear them properly. Aren't things dangling? And can't people see when you sit down ?

[@danwaits]

@@hrrrrrrr2084 wearing a kilt means you're careful how you sit. Scots have been doing it for centuries.

[@BackpackingTV]

Hiking would be a breeze!

[@soletrail]

Great Job Eric. I bought a budget pair of shorts from Decatalon... So so comfortable and quick drying. Great channel Sir. Sub from me. 😊

[@BackpackingTV]

I appreciate that, welcome! Hope you find more good stuff.

[@homewithhelene]

Epic

[@naturescreed]

Costco has some great budget options!

[@BackpackingTV]

I've never bought any clothing there, what options do you like?

[@jon27d]

A few weeks ago I got some Eddie Bauer convertible pants with DWR treatment at costco. I think they were about 20 bucks? Nice and light, have a bit of stretch, breathable, and that water resistant finish makes them a great option.

[@naturescreed]

@@BackpackingTV I love the Gerry shorts i got there, lightweight, breathable & super comfy with good pockets & i think they were like $14 bucks

[@hauffenschweiler]

Do you have anything where the knees aren’t really showing? all these shorts look really short lol

[@therealchickentender]

Wearfirst River 0:55 OR Ferosi 3:08 REI Sahara 4:25 Kuhl Renegade 6:07 Saxx Gainmaker 7:45

[@mikepowers8607]

I just can't bring myself to wear shorts on the trail. I'm in the Northeast and between the bugs, branches, logs, and ticks?

[@BackpackingTV]

I hear ya. I've been in bug country for the last month and yeah, it's almost impossible hike in shorts.

[@noahgoldman9725]

I day hiked Mt. Washington in some running shorts last weekend… not a single tick/mosquito bite

[@CharlesBlank]

Running shorts with liner that has phone pocket on the liner is key for not having your phone hit your knee repeatedly while hiking.

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

You can get running shorts without a liner but with a pocket belt

[@BackpackingTV]

That's a pro tip

[@subliminus]

$78 for some silkies? Madness.

[@BackpackingTV]

but they're so silky!

[@bw3126]

The OR Ferrosi Shorts are $75, not $52.

[@BackpackingTV]

I see what you're saying. But Backcountry has been selling these at $52 for a while now. The link in the description will take you there.

[@davidshirley6850]

I basically live in my rei sahara convertible pants , 5 pairs and when temps change they are my shorts...2 for 1

[@BackpackingTV]

convertible pants are great and highly functional. I just struggle with how they look.

[@archer4556]

Family friendly.....twig & berries, lol

[@alholsbo5934]

Not Velcro.... that is a brand name

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

Yeah, hiking shorts are pointless. You don't want to carry anything in the pockets anyway so just get some $20 running shorts and you're good to go. They're more comfortable, too. Alternatively get zip-off hiking pants. Way more practical and versatile than hiking shorts.

[@BackpackingTV]

I do really like hiking in shorts, but yeah I hear ya. And convertible pants are great, I just think they are lame looking.

[@mikewinner1658]

I like your videos but seems like a lot of your videos are out of focus?

[@BackpackingTV]

hmm. Really? I didn't shoot this on my own, but sometimes my self shot videos are out of focus because I can't tell what my camera is up to.

[@mikewinner1658]

@@BackpackingTV yep. The content is good but sometimes the focus is off.