Hot summer weather means it's time to get outside and explore! Whether you're tackling a warm-weather city, a day hike, or a week-long camping trip, there's a perfect pair of shorts out there for you. All of the options we've selected here for men and women are travel- and heat-friendly (and easy to pack)!
Clothing Arts Pickpocket-Proof Adventure Travel Shorts
These super-secure shorts from Clothing Arts are perfect for crowded trains, festivals, concerts, or anywhere that you're concerned about sticky fingers. The pickpocket-proof Adventure Travel Shorts have cut-proof pockets that are hidden behind two and three levels of security, and they come with a free RFID-blocking credit card sleeve. They're also wrinkle-free, quick-drying, and water-/stain-resistant.
Patagonia Happy Hike Shorts
The Patagonia Happy Hike shorts work for hiking or for the beach, thanks to their fast-drying property. The lightweight polyester/spandex blend has a comfortable four-way stretch, so you'll never feel constricted, even on a long road trip. We love the added features like the 50 UPF sun-protection fabric and envelope-style pockets that keep your belongings secure.
ScotteVest Hidden Cargo Shorts
Love the convenience of cargo shorts but hate that they're not exactly fashionable? Try the ScotteVest Hidden Cargo Shorts, which look like regular clothing yet have eight pockets (most of which are hidden). Don't worry about looking bulky when you're using the deep security pockets concealed within these shorts, thanks to the NoBulge patented design. The adjustable waistband adds comfort for long plane rides, and the 100 percent cotton material is Teflon-treated to prevent stains.
Pearl Izumi Fly Endurance Shorts
The Pearl Izumi Fly Endurance Shorts are perfect for casual travel or hard work outs thanks to their unique pocketing system that conforms to the body. The stretch fabric moves moisture away from the body, and a zippered back pocket keeps keys or cash safe.
Swrve Lightweight Regular Shorts
Bike commuters, hikers, and anyone who wants to be comfortable yet presentable—these are your shorts. The Swrve Lightweight Regular Shorts have a lot going for them, like a higher waist in back to keep you covered even when bending over, reflective belt loops, double-ply seat for extra durability, a wind-/water-resistant fabric coating, four-way stretch, and a French terry interior lining that wicks away sweat.
Toad&Co Mission Ridge Short
If you want to look good when you step off the plane, travel in Toad&Co's Mission Ridge Short, made from a super-soft organic cotton/polyester/spandex blend, which doesn't restrict your movement. The welted back pockets are hard for sticky fingers to access, and the sleek fit works for business travel.
Craghoppers NosiLife Clara Short
Insect-repellent fabric? Lots of pockets? Sun-protective? Stretchy material? The Craghoppers NosiLife Clara Short check all the travel-friendly boxes—and they look good, too.
Patagonia All-Wear Shorts
The Patagonia All-Wear Shorts will work for you whether you're walking all day, browsing a museum, or getting a casual dinner. The 100 percent organic cotton are lightweight and extremely durable, while the welted back pockets keep your wallet and keys secure.
Kanu Surf Women's Marina Boardshorts
If you're headed to a country where you need to be modest (but still want to swim), or if you'd just rather have more coverage than what you can get from traditional women's swimsuits, you need a pair of women's boardshorts, like these from Kanu Surf. They're long enough to keep you covered while swimming or playing volleyball, plus they're UPF 50, machine-washable, and have a cargo pocket.
Patagonia Stretch Terre Planing Board Shorts
Need something that will transition from the beach to the bar? The Patagonia Stretch Terrre Planing Shorts can go for a swim and then straight to lunch. The quick-drying recycled polyester fabric offers UPF 50 sun protection and has a water-repellent finish that will resist any spills. When you're not swimming, the belt loops and flat-front chino styling won't make these look like a bathing suit.
Columbia Women's Brewha II Shorts
The Brewha II shorts from Columbia have plenty of storage thanks to the cargo pockets and back zipper pocket. The partial elastic waist keeps you comfortable while still looking presentable (thanks to the button closure) and the Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric protects you from UV rays.
Eddie Bauer Amphib Shorts
Whether you're on land or in the water, these Amphib shorts from Eddie Bauer (available for men and women) easily transition from wet to dry, thanks to the Flexion fabric, which also offers four-way stretch for maximum mobility. The back pocket has an auto-lock zipper to keep your stuff in place, and the shorts won't look out of place whether you're swimming or walking.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Best Travel Clothes and Accessories for Hot Weather
- 11 Ultra-Packable Dresses for Summer Travel
- Best Summer Shoes for Travel
(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)
Caroline Morse loves all things fashion, especially items that work for both travel and everyday life. Follow her on Instagram @travelwithcaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1 for clothing and travel inspiration.
Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.
