13 Best Backpacking Shorts of 2026: Match Pockets to Your Trail

INNERBUT keeps trail shorts simple: a featherlight quick-dry shell, five functional pockets, and a stretch drawstring waist. At this price, it skips the liner and extra hardware to stay comfortable for hot weather and travel. The five-pocket layout keeps phone and map within reach without adding cargo bulk.

That approach suits budget hikers, first-time hikers, and anyone who wants a no-liner short for warm days. First-timers get a forgiving fit from the stretch fabric and drawstring waist. Fit can vary by color or batch, so buy from a shop with free returns and check the size chart before ordering.

Five zippered pockets, quick-dry fabric, and an above-knee cut set this women's hiking short apart from shorter trail options. The shell stays light and airy in hot weather, while the secured pockets keep phone, keys, and trail snacks in place under a daypack.

This is for hikers in hot climates and day hikers who want coverage and pocket security over a slim silhouette. The relaxed cut can read boxy, and larger sizes can run small, so checking the size chart before ordering is worth the effort. Those set on a 5-6 inch inseam or a tapered athletic leg won't find it here.

Pudolla is the only short in this set with 7, 9, and 11-inch inseams in a quick-dry shell, and the elastic waistband keeps the fit forgiving under a pack.

This short suits day hikers and backpackers who want low pack weight and custom coverage. Light-color versions can look see-through in direct sun, and the zipper pulls can catch on gear unless tucked before a scramble.

The TBMPOY is a 7-inch running-style short that crosses into hiking without cargo bulk, using three deep zipper pockets, UPF 50+ fabric, and a quick-dry shell. The athletic cut moves easily on trail and in the gym, and the zippered pockets hold a phone and keys steady under a daypack.

For hikers who want a running-short feel, this is a budget-friendly option; it dries quickly after a rinse or creek crossing. Compared with the land-and-water short in this set, this one aims at dry trail miles rather than paddle trips. The 7-inch inseam is the main boundary for anyone who wants longer coverage.

The water-shedding tactical shell and solid stitching give this short a clear edge on rocky, brush-heavy trails where lighter nylon shorts wear through. It leans tougher than the slimmer travel-oriented option in this set, with integrated cargo storage that keeps phone and tools secure.

This is the pair for hikers who want abrasion resistance and organized pockets without a pack, and for outdoor workers who need durable coverage. The integrated belt can loosen, so a conventional belt is an easy swap; the nylon shell also swishes on quiet trails, which only matters if you are trying to move silently rather than cover miles.

The 4-way stretch fabric and six zippered pockets deliver genuine comfort and secure storage for most trail days, with a polished cargo look. Front pockets run smaller than expected and some versions lack a rear pocket, so phone-and-wallet placement needs a check. At a premium price, that keeps it behind the top pick.

Three zippered pockets and a lightweight quick-dry shell make this a budget-friendly land-and-water short for day hikers who also run or paddle. The short athletic cut favors movement over cargo capacity, so backpackers needing more cargo space or a longer inseam should look to the slimmer option. Sizing can run small and may shrink after washing.

Included belt, zippered mesh pockets, and a cool quick-dry shell suit hot sightseeing days. The waist button can detach and same-size pairs occasionally vary in inseam, so button QC and minor length variance keep it below the strongest trail shorts. The included belt is not load-bearing gear.

This 8-inch short gives knee-length coverage and a simple three-zip pocket layout at a budget price. The lightweight quick-dry shell suits fair-weather trail days and tight packing lists; ride-up is minimal. It trails Hugut for all-around hiking, but budget hikers who want secure pockets and coverage get a practical option.

A lightweight quick-dry short that stays comfortable in summer heat and looks tidy enough for travel. The thin shell is the main reason it trails stronger technical options for serious backpacking, so treat it as a casual day-hike companion rather than a dedicated trail shell.

A clean 9-inch quick-dry shell with five zippered pockets gives this short a tailored look for day hikes, golf, and travel. The rear pocket layout is the main compromise: only one back pocket sits on the right, and sizing can run small on some builds. This is a casual-use short, not an ultralight trail piece.

Deep front pockets easily hold modern large phones, and the 4-way stretch shell moves well on trails while seven pockets keep keys, cards, and snacks secure. The lightweight quick-dry fabric suits warm-weather day hikes, but sizing consistency is mixed, so confirm the fit before relying on it for backcountry trips.