The 9 Best Hybrid Adventure Shorts For Men

There was a time not that long ago when outdoor adventure gear and normal everyday apparel were two different categories of clothing. However, as time has gone by, it’s become more and more apparent that – for some of us, at least – outdoor adventure is a part of everyday life. And that means our garments need to be a bit more versatile.

We’ve seen lots of jackets over the years that perform well both in the city and the backcountry. The same goes for pants, especially recently. But now – finally – hybrid shorts appear to be a part of the norm. And that’s a wonderful thing for any guy that wants to go from a waterfall hike straight into running errands or even just hanging out with friends. If you happen to be one such guy, then you’re in the right place, because we’ve rounded up the best hybrid adventure shorts for men on the following list.

What Exactly Are Hybrid Shorts?

These days, with a varying range of activities taking place over the course of a single day, we seek clothes that can handle everything we need them to without requiring us to take the time to perform a wardrobe change. At the bare minimum, hybrid shorts are highly comfortable trousers intended to go from land to sea (if they have to), but they can often do much more. Essentially, they’re do-anything, go-anywhere shorts.

What to Look for in Hybrid Shorts

Inseam: Inseam can be a matter of comfort or style. These days, shorter shorts are back, but there are some of you who will prefer the extra material on longer models as well. Luckily, there are many silhouettes with two options to choose from.

Material: Material is crucial with hybrid shorts, especially when you consider the inherently lightweight and water-resistant properties of nylon and polyester. However, a few of these will feature a small amount of stretchy fabrics such as elastane or spandex for extra flexibility.

Pockets: Pockets aren’t just important for securing your gear but for not weighing you down underwater. Look for pouches with mesh drains to keep the water out as well as zippered closures so your goods don’t fall out.

Color Options: Since they’re in part intended to be stylishly flexible, hybrid shorts should come in several different colors, or at least a handful in versatile colors. Of course, black, brown, and blue can go with nearly anything, but you may be the type of person who loves more expressive shades like green or red.

Roark Revival Layover Short

Best for Travel: Made to be the ultimate pair of travel shorts, Roark Revival’s Layover Shorts are some of the most comfortable ever built. But don’t go thinking they’re only for the times when you have to face off with the TSA, as they’re also water-resistant, stretchy (great for hiking), and have a number of different pockets for all your everyday carry gear. These would be in contention for the best hybrid shorts ever made if it weren’t for the baggier fit.

Olivers All Over Short

Best Overall: Perfect for the beach, bar, or even the gym, these hybrid adventure shorts from Olivers are one of the most versatile out there. Not only are they made from a water-resistant durable fabric, but they’re also sweat-wicking – so they’ll help keep you cool even when you’re working hard. They also have a comfortable elastic waistband and a discreet interior pocket in case you need to stash some cards, cash, or a minimalist wallet.

prAna Hybridizer Short

Best for Casual Outings: Say you want to go from work to the trail and then out for dinner with friends afterward. However, you don’t have time to change. Here’s where the Hybridizer Short from prAna would come in handy. Built from a polyester-elastane blend, the pants are stretchy, moisture-wicking, and boast a 30+ UPF rating. Other features include a hidden key loop, an internal drawstring at the waistband, and even belt loops. The real magic comes in the styling of the trousers themselves, which will look as though you had just put these on before heading out in the evening.

Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid 2.0 Shorts

Best for EDC: Streamlined, stylish, and versatile – the Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid shorts are a lot like your favorite board shorts, except not limited with pocket space or style. They’re built from ripstop nylon, for superb durability and water resistance, and feature a button-fly closure with a sturdy YKK zipper. Our favorite thing about these shorts, however, is that they have a reinforced pliers pocket – perfect for a multi-tool or EDC knife.

patagonia Baggies Shorts 5″

Best for Ultimate Relaxation: Popular during the surfing craze in the 1960s and even immortalized by the Beach Boys, baggies have since proven to be a timeless classic regardless of the era. patagonia has put its spin on the super comfortable shorts with this 5-inch version (7″ also available), featuring an adjustable waistband, mesh liner made of recycled polyester, and vertical side pockets to reduce drag in the water. Finished with a DWR, these trousers are intended to be worn in or out of the water, and even around town if you’d like.

Ten Thousand Set Short

Best for Athletes: Whether you’re swimming, climbing, running, or lifting, Ten Thousand’s Set Short is the perfect match for your active lifestyle. Designed with input from athletes of all verticals to be a perfect combination between swim and training shorts, the trousers are made from a lightweight nylon blend with a touch of spandex to make it so you can transition from one activity to the next with no problem. With a four-way stretch and secure pocket system, the shorts also feature quick-drying properties and stand up to both chlorine and salt water to ensure you’ll have these for years to come.

Flint and Tinder Hybrid Ripstop Short

Best for Camping: Flexibility and versatility are key when you’re camping. This is where hybrid shorts are of utmost importance. You may venture out on a rugged hike, take a dip in the lake, and need to be comfortable at night sitting around a campfire. Flint and Tinder has been getting a lot of attention as of late and its Hybrid Ripstop Short is one of the best of its kind around. Constructed from a unique blend of cotton and nylon, these trousers sport a 7-inch inseam, elastic-drawcord waistband for tailored comfort, a diminutive cargo flap pocket on the side, and secure hand pockets with mesh drains for if they get wet.

Western Rise Evolution Short

Best for the Beach: At first glance, it may not look like Western Rise’s Evolution Short is designed to go in and out of the water, but that’s very well the intent. Available in four versatile colorways, the trousers are made with the brand’s proprietary lightweight four-way stretch Evolution nylon fabric that dries very quickly so you can do things after your beach outing without needing to change. Other features include a zippered pocket for your wallet, a hidden drawstring for the waistband, belt loops, and durable water-resistant properties.

GoRuck Challenge Shorts

Best for Rugged Adventures: GoRuck’s rucking challenges are nothing if not intensely rigorous. And that means the kind of apparel necessary to make it through also has to be incredibly tough and versatile. Since they couldn’t find anything that made the cut, GoRuck built some themselves. Their Challenge Shorts are quick-drying, durable as hell, feature sturdy integrated zippered cargo pockets for easy gear-hauling, and are available in a number of styles.

The Best Hiking Sandals

Hybrid shorts go perfectly with some open-toed adventure shoes. Head over to our guide to the best hiking sandals and grab a pair for your summer outings.