Cool and Adventure-Ready: A Review of Our Top 5 Travel Shorts for Summer Adventures
When the summer sun is blazing and the trails are calling, a reliable pair of shorts can make or break your adventure. In this review, we dive into five of our favorite summer travel shorts that blend comfort, performance, and style. Whether you’re trekking through humid jungles, hopping on long-haul flights, or just relaxing at a beachside café, these shorts have you covered. Each pair brings something unique to the table, from ultra-breathable fabrics to travel-savvy pockets and swim-ready designs. Slip into your favorite camp chair as we break down the specs, perks, and quirks of the KETL Vent Shorts, Roark Layover Shorts, Vuori Aim Shorts, Kuhl Upshift Shorts, and Howler Bros Salado Shorts – all adventure worthy options to keep you cool and comfortable on the move.
The Verdict
Best for Hot & Humid Hikes – KETL Vent Lightweight Active Shorts: Incredibly breathable and light, ideal for high-sweat activities in steamy climates
Best Travel Utility – Roark Layover Traveler Shorts: Feature-packed with zippered pockets and travel-minded design for the organized adventurer
Most Versatile Style – Vuori Aim Short: Tailored look meets athletic performance, great for transitioning from trail to town (or even the golf course)
Best Amphibious Performance – Kuhl Upshift Short: Quick-drying and water-ready, a hybrid short that excels on both land and water
Most Comfortable Casual – Howler Bros Salado Shorts: Elastic waist and soft nylon make these perfect for laid-back outings, from backyard lounging to impromptu swims
KETL Mountain Apparel Vent Lightweight Active Shorts
The Nitty Gritty
Fabric: 100% polyester (lightweight, breathable weave)
Weight: ~187 g (size M)
Inseam: 7-inch or 9-inch options available
Pockets: 5-pocket layout (including one zippered side phone pocket and one zippered back pocket)
Waistband: Stretchy elastic waistband with internal drawstring
Crotch Gusset: Yes – gusseted crotch for unrestricted movement
The KETL Vent Lightweight Active Shorts immediately impress with their fit and comfort. The cut strikes a sweet spot between being roomy enough for free movement and snug enough for a modern athletic look. Thanks to the elastic waistband and a thoughtful gusseted crotch design, the shorts move with you without ever pinching or binding – even when scrambling up steep trails or high-stepping over obstacles. The fabric has a soft, next-to-skin feel that remains comfortable through long days of wear (no chafing or irritation), and the fit stays secure with the internal drawcord adjusting easily. Overall, the shorts feel so natural and light on the body that you might forget you’re wearing them until you start appreciating the functionality they offer.
In terms of performance features, the Vent shorts truly live up to their name. The ultralight polyester fabric is exceptionally breathable. I noticed airflow through the material that kept me cool during intense hikes and workouts, and it wicks away sweat almost as quickly as it forms. Even after a strenuous run, the shorts dried out in no time, preventing that clammy feeling some activewear gets. Another standout feature is the pocket configuration: the pockets function smartly in real-world use. The two front hand pockets are mesh-lined so they don’t add bulk or hold moisture, and they’re deep enough to stash gloves or snacks. The zippered side pocket sits along the thigh and securely fits a smartphone; on trail runs, my phone stayed put without bouncing around. There’s also a zippered rear pocket that’s perfect for keys, cards or a wallet – a welcome touch for traveling or biking, where securing valuables is crucial. Despite packing in these storage options, the shorts maintain a sleek profile and nothing feels in the way or cumbersome while on the move. The build quality also inspires confidence: seams and stitching are solid, and after some off-trail bushwhacking and abrasion, the fabric showed no signs of premature wear.
Perhaps the biggest praise is how versatile these shorts are across various uses. I’ve worn them on rocky mountain hikes, on morning runs, and even just lounging and they seamlessly adapt to each scenario. On a hike they perform like a dedicated hiking short, offering the durability and comfort needed for rough terrain. Later, without missing a beat, they’re casual and clean-looking enough to wear into town or around camp, avoiding the “technical gear” look. They’re just as suitable for everyday wear as they are for active pursuits. Their lightweight, packable nature makes them an easy choice for travel; you can toss them in a bag without taking much space, and you’ll have a do-it-all short for hiking, jogging, or even an impromptu workout. In every situation, the Vent shorts delivered functionality and comfort beyond expectations. It’s also worth noting KETL’s attention to quality here – the shorts are backed by a lifetime warranty, reflecting a deep confidence in their build and longevity. In summary, the Vent Lightweight Active Shorts earned my deep appreciation for combining thoughtful design and top-notch field performance. They have quickly become a go-to piece of gear that excels in just about any activity, all while keeping me comfortable every step of the way.
Roark Layover Traveler Shorts
The Nitty Gritty
Fabric: Embarq Durastretch blend (70% cotton, 26% nylon, 4% elastane) for durability & 4-way stretch
Inseam: 8″ inseam (18″ outseam) hitting just above the knee
Waistband: Boardshort-style full drawstring that wraps the entire waist, with a zip fly (no belt needed)
Pockets: Two front zippered pockets with mesh lining; back patch pocket with button closure; plus a hidden stash pocket at the back yoke for a phone or passport
Ventilation: Laser-perforated back panel at the waist for breathability in hot weather
Mobility: Gusseted crotch eliminates seam pinch and allows unrestricted movement
Sliding into the Roark Layover Traveler Shorts, I immediately appreciated the easy comfort of the “lasso” drawstring waistband. It adjusts on the fly (literally, since there’s a functional zipper fly too) and kept the shorts secure through long flights and impromptu hikes. The mid-thigh length is on-point – not too short for town, not too long to interfere on steep trail climbs. Thanks to the gusseted crotch and forgiving stretch in the fabric, I never felt restricted scrambling over boulders or lounging on a long road trip. Despite a substantial cotton component in the fabric, the Layover’s lightweight canvas-like material breathes well and never felt swampy in humid conditions. The laser-cut venting along the back waist is subtle in looks but a big win in practice, quietly dumping heat when I worked up a sweat carrying a backpack.
What really stood out is how travel-ready these shorts are. The multitude of pockets proved their worth during my travels – the two front pockets are deep and zippered, so I didn’t worry about my wallet or transit card slipping out on crowded trains. I found the little back-yoke stash pocket perfect for stowing my smartphone; it’s low-profile but surprisingly accessible, making it easy to grab my phone to snap a photo and then secure it away when moving on. The Layover Shorts also straddle that line between casual and adventure-ready: their clean styling and neutral colors didn’t scream “technical gear,” so I felt equally confident wearing them sightseeing in a city as I did bushwhacking to a hidden waterfall. Spontaneous moments were no problem either. On a whim I waded into a stream to cool off, and the shorts dried out quickly thanks to the nylon in the blend (the mesh pocket bags mean they don’t turn into water balloons). Overall, the Roark Layover Traveler Shorts lived up to their name: versatile travelers that are as comfortable navigating airport security and bus rides as they are trekking dusty trails, all while keeping your essentials secure and your style on the right side of adventure-casual.
Vuori Aim Short
The Nitty Gritty
Fabric: 67% polyester, 25% cotton, 8% elastane – a lightweight 4-way stretch woven that’s soft yet durable
Inseam: 8″ inseam for a modern, above-the-knee cut (tailored fit through hips and thighs)
Waistband: Fixed waist with belt loops, button closure and zip fly (looks like a classic chino short)
Pockets: Two front slash hand pockets; two zippered pockets (a hidden zip stash for small valuables and one secure zip back pocket)
Features: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry material that breathes well in heat and resists wrinkles – great for travel days or active outings
Pulling on the Vuori Aim Short feels like stepping into your favorite casual chino shorts, except these happen to perform like athletic wear. The cut is clean and tailored, giving them a slightly polished look that wouldn’t be out of place at a casual office or a nice lunch spot. I have pretty average legs so my normal size fit perfectly. With more muscular legs, I’d probably recommend sizing up for a roomier fit. With the right size, the Aim Short delivered a comfortable fit that moves with you. The fabric has a gentle stretch and a lightweight feel; when I crouch, climb stairs two at a time, or hustle through an airport, there’s zero binding at the knees or thighs. Despite the polished appearance, these shorts are unrestrictive and ready for action. On a muggy 85°F day, the poly-cotton blend impressed me by breathing well and drying out fast after a bit of perspiration – I stayed presentable and comfortable, which is exactly what you want in a go-anywhere travel short.
Day to day, the versatility of the Aim Short really shines. I wore them golfing in the morning, then straight to exploring a local trail in the afternoon, and finally out to dinner – all without feeling underdressed or uncomfortable at any point. The classic styling (complete with belt loops and a proper fly) means you can dress them up with a collared shirt, yet the performance fabric means you can break into a jog or handle an impromptu bike ride without a second thought. The pocket layout deserves praise as well: the front pockets are deep and made in a slash style that keeps items from falling out when you sit. I especially loved the hidden zipper pocket – it’s subtly tucked away, but perfect for securing a credit card or house key when you’re on the move. There’s also a zippered back pocket that gave me peace of mind when traveling in crowded areas, knowing my wallet was safely zipped away. After multiple wears, the Aim Shorts still looked crisp, with minimal wrinkling, which underscores their travel-friendliness. In short, Vuori has nailed the balance between refined style and active comfort. The Aim Shorts easily became my go-to for situations when I want to pack light but be ready for anything, from a mountain viewpoint to a dinner reservation.
Kuhl Upshift Short
The Nitty Gritty
Fabric: Kuhl’s REFLEX™ performance blend – 43% nylon, 57% polyester – with a soft brushed finish and PFC-free DWR coating
Weight: Lightweight 169 gsm fabric that’s soft to the touch yet built for trail abuse
Inseam: 8″ inseam (also offered in a 10″ version for those who prefer more coverage)
Waistband: Traditional fixed waist with snap closure and zip fly (belt loops included for a customizable fit)
Pockets: Two front hand pockets (laid out chino-style); one zip-secured rear pocket on the right side
Sun Protection: UPF 50+ rating, shielding you from harsh rays during all-day outdoor adventures
Performance: Quick-dry and water-resistant material adapts to both trail hikes and water activities (designed as a hybrid short for in-and-out of water use)
The Kuhl Upshift Short quickly proved itself as a true multi-purpose adventure short in my wardrobe. I first wore them on a hiking-and-fishing day trip that started with a brisk morning trek and ended with an afternoon wade into a river. Through thick brush on the trail, the Upshift’s fabric held up admirably – the nylon/poly blend is tough. I wasn’t coddling these shorts at all, yet the material resisted snags and abrasions from branches and rocks, and the triple-stitched seams gave me confidence that I could bushwhack without busting a stitch. Despite that toughness, the fabric has a lightweight, almost airy quality (no rigid canvas feeling here) and a soft brushed finish on the inside, so it never chafed or rubbed the wrong way. Even without any elastane in the mix, the woven stretch of the textile and the cut of the short allowed me to scramble up steep banks and take long strides comfortably. When the mid-day sun blasted down, I also appreciated the built-in UPF 50+ sun protection – it’s the kind of feature you don’t notice until you realize you didn’t get burned where your shorts covered your thighs. And when I decided to cool off in the river, I just went right in with the Upshifts on; their hybrid design is not just marketing fluff. They shed water quickly and dried out in a flash once I was back on land, so I wasn’t stuck in soggy shorts for the rest of the day.
From a practicality standpoint, the Upshift Short hits all the marks for active use. The pocket setup is straightforward and effective: the front pockets hold energy bars and pocket knives easily, and I liked that the pocket bags are made of a quick-dry mesh so they don’t retain water (a thoughtful touch for a short that might double as a swim trunk). The single rear zip pocket on the right is perfect for securing small essentials. I kept my car key fob in there while paddling a kayak, trusting the zipper to keep it safe even if I took an unexpected plunge. I did notice that, unlike some other dedicated swim shorts, the Upshift doesn’t have an elastic waist or internal drawcord. Instead, it relies on a standard snap waistband with belt loops. I wore a webbing belt when I knew I’d be doing more vigorous water activities, which worked fine, but the fit of the shorts is well-tailored enough that I often went without a belt and never felt the shorts sag or shift out of place, even when wet. Style-wise, Kuhl kept it clean and simple – no cargo pockets or overtly technical vibe – so I felt comfortable wearing the Upshifts straight from the trail to grabbing a bite in town. They look like a normal pair of nice hiking shorts, albeit with a slightly athletic lean, and the quick-dry performance means they transition well from outdoor to everyday settings. In sum, the Kuhl Upshift Shorts impressed me with their go-anywhere capability: light and comfortable for active pursuits, rugged enough for real outdoor wear, and adaptable enough to be the only pair of shorts you need for a weekend of hiking, swimming, and hanging out by the campfire.
Howler Bros Salado Shorts
The Nitty Gritty
Fabric: Quick-drying 100% nylon taslan – lightweight, tough, and made for getting wet or dirty
Inseam: 7″ inseam (mid-thigh length) with a 17″ outseam – a classic volley short cut for active motion
Waistband: Full elastic waist with an external drawstring; also includes a functional zip fly for convenience (easy on/off even when wet)
Pockets: Three-pocket design – two front hand pockets with mesh drainage and one zippered back pocket (right rear) to secure keys or wallet
Liner: Unlined (no built-in brief), giving you the freedom to choose your preferred base layer or swim liner
Construction: V-notch side hem for improved range of motion and triple-needle stitched seams for enhanced durability in rough use
True to Howler Brothers’ laid-back ethos, the Salado Shorts practically beg you to have some fun in them. From the moment I pulled them on, I was struck by how light and unrestrictive they feel. The full elastic waistband is soft and forgiving – there’s no pinch whatsoever, and the drawstring lets you secure the fit just right. I took the Salado Shorts out for a dawn patrol jog that turned into a mid-morning swim (couldn’t resist jumping into the lake along the trail), and these shorts handled it all without missing a beat. As a running short, they were great: the 7-inch inseam and little V-notch at the hem gave my legs plenty of freedom to stride out, and the nylon taslan fabric breathes enough to keep me comfortable once I got warmed up. When I transitioned to the water, the Salados really shone. That same lightweight fabric doesn’t cling or balloon – it sheds water quickly, and the mesh-lined pockets mean air and water flow right through instead of turning the shorts into anchors. By the time I toweled off, the shorts were almost dry, and within minutes in the sun they were completely dry and ready for whatever was next.
One of my favorite aspects of the Salado Shorts is their simplicity. The design is pared down to the essentials, which keeps them feeling minimalist and agile. With just three pockets and no extra frills, they manage to stay featherlight even when loaded with a phone and a wallet. I found myself using the zippered back pocket for my car key and some cash when hitting the beach – it’s a low-profile pocket, so I didn’t even notice the contents while active, and the zipper provided peace of mind while I was paddling around on a SUP board. The general fit is a relaxed “regular” fit; not too slim, not baggy, just easy-going. Because they’re unlined, I could wear my preferred compression shorts underneath for the run, but if I wear the Salados as casual swim trunks, I’m just as comfortable going without a liner. The inclusion of a functional fly is another small but welcome touch – it makes the Salados feel like a step up from a standard swim short when it comes to everyday wear. In fact, I’ve been throwing these on for everything from yard work to hammock lounging. They’ve got a bit of a retro-surf style (helped by the cool woven patch on the thigh) that draws compliments, but they’re undeniably practical. Mud, saltwater, chlorine – these shorts shake it all off, and the solid construction (heavy-duty triple stitching and quality material) gives me confidence they’ll last many summers of hardcore play. For those days when you don’t know if you’ll end up hiking, running, swimming, or just backyard barbecuing, the Salado Shorts are up for anything and make sure you are too.
Bottom Line: Each of these five shorts brings its own flavor of summer-ready performance. From the ultra-breathable KETL Vent that laughs at heat, to the Roark Layover with its travel-savvy features, the stylish do-it-all Vuori Aim, KÜHL’s land-to-sea Upshift, and the laid-back Howler Salado that epitomizes casual comfort – there’s something here for every adventurer. Your ideal short depends on your priorities: maximum coolness, storage and organization, urban versatility, water capabilities, or pure comfort. The great news is that you really can’t go wrong; all of these have been tested and proven Adventure Worthy. So gear up, slip on a pair that suits your journey, and embrace the summer sun knowing your shorts can handle whatever wild, sweaty, or soaking-wet adventures come your way.
