Huckberry Equator Hybrid Shorts 7” Review
As avid outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize versatility in our gear, we’re always searching for apparel that effortlessly bridges the gap between rugged adventures and everyday life. Huckberry’s Equator Hybrid Shorts caught our attention for this very reason—designed to handle diverse outdoor activities while maintaining a stylish aesthetic suitable for casual settings. After extensive testing across varied scenarios—including hiking, swimming, city strolls, and travel—we've compiled our findings to see how well these shorts truly perform.
✔ The Verdict:
The Huckberry Equator Hybrid Shorts are an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile short that effortlessly transitions from active outdoor adventures to urban casual settings. Their lightweight, breathable fabric and quick-drying capabilities make them ideal for hiking, travel, and daily wear, especially in warm climates or during active pursuits.
Priced at $98, these shorts represent an investment, but their blend of performance, comfort, style, and durability justifies the premium. However, for those who are looking for a really good fast-drying Hybrid shorts, there are better options at a cheaper price range.
+ What We Like:
Stylish, tailored look suitable for both adventure and casual wear
Secure zippered side pocket for valuables
Tons of inseam and color choices
- What We Don’t Like:
Drying time is slower compared to some other options
DWR finish less effective compared to similar and cheaper options
▶ Product Specs
Material: 100% polyester main body. 82% polyester, 18% spandex pockets
Fit: Modern, tailored fit with internal drawcord adjustment
Pockets: Two mesh-lined front pockets, one secure zippered rear pocket
Water Resistance: DWR Finish
Drying Time: 2.5hrs in partially cloudy climate
Price: USD $98
Best Uses: Hiking, Swimming, Travel, Casual Urban Wear
Sustainability: Responsibly produced with durable construction for long-term use
Full Review
Versatility
The Equator Hybrid Shorts excel at blending technical performance with casual appeal. Their minimalist design and versatile color palette (including options like Charcoal, Navy, and Khaki) allow you to transition seamlessly from active outdoor pursuits to casual social settings. Whether you're hiking rugged trails, enjoying beach days, or exploring urban environments, these shorts maintain a polished look suitable for nearly any occasion.
Fabric & Performance
The Huckberry Equator Hybrid Shorts are crafted from a 100% polyester. The material delivers an impressive four-way stretch, providing exceptional comfort and freedom of movement during dynamic activities like scrambling up trails in the mountains. During testing, the shorts felt extremely comfortable, soft against the skin, and notably breathable, helping to keep us cool even during warm, humid conditions. However, compared to other hybrid shorts we’ve reviewed, they’re not as amphibious as they could be.
It’s important to note that, The DWR coating seems to be less effective than some of the other shorts we’ve tested. When we dunked these shorts, the Equator absorbed water much quicker than the others. And during a soaking test, these shorts didn’t perform as well as the other shorts during this test. The Equator didn’t dry the fastest and held moisture much longer. These shorts may not be for someone who needs their shorts to dry quickly during the long days in the mountains.
Comfort & Fit
Huckberry crafted the Equator Shorts with a tailored, modern fit, which manages to be comfortably snug without feeling restrictive. The four-way stretch fabric ensures excellent freedom of movement, particularly noticeable during hikes or climbing activities. The shorts consistently remained comfortable without chafing or friction, even during extended periods of use.
The internal drawstring adjustment hidden within the waistband is particularly convenient, allowing for a secure, custom fit without the need for an external belt. Additionally, the shorts stayed reliably in place during vigorous activity thanks to their subtly textured waistband lining, which enhanced comfort by preventing slipping or shifting even during extended adventures. The fit on the Equator is its strong suit as I didn’t feel restricted when needing to lift a leg up and over obstacles.
Quick-Drying Performance
During our tests, we found that the Equator didn’t perform as well as other Hybrid shorts in the market. The DWR on these shorts seems to be less than effective, unfortunately. The shorts absorb moisture very quickly and take significantly longer to dry compared to similar options. For the price of the shorts, we expect better water resistance and quicker drying times. Comparatively speaking however to cotton shorts, the Equators will still dry much faster than cotton shorts which still makes them Hybrid shorts. For those that aren’t don’t typically get wet on adventures and care more about comfort and fit, these shorts are really good.
Pockets & Practicality: Minimalist Yet Functional
The Equator Hybrid Shorts offer a streamlined, minimalist pocket configuration that meets the needs of both outdoor enthusiasts and casual users. The Equators offer a hybrid pocket of mesh lining and fabric that lays against the skin for a comfortable feel. We appreciate these types of pockets as they still promote fast drying and offer security and durability for those items in the pocket.
The shorts also feature 2 zipped pockets; 1 back pocket and a small zipper pocket that sits behind the main drop-in pocket. The zipper used for the front pocket is very minimalist and looks like a hidden pocket which is a nice touch.
Durability & Long-Term Performance
Throughout our testing, the Equator Hybrid Shorts demonstrated reliable durability, withstanding exposure to abrasive environments, sand, saltwater, and repeated washing cycles. Reinforced stitching, combined with durable nylon fabric, indicates these shorts are thoughtfully engineered for longevity. After consistent use, they retained their shape, appearance, and structural integrity remarkably well, confirming Huckberry’s commitment to high-quality, long-lasting gear.