The Best Hybrid Shorts for Outdoor Adventures
In this review, we'll explore five top-rated men's hybrid shorts built for adventure without skimping on comfort and quality.
Hybrid shorts are a must-have for summer adventures—whether you're tackling rugged trails, wading through rivers, or simply seeking a versatile short that effortlessly transitions from outdoor excursions to casual wear. We put five of the best hybrid shorts through rigorous testing—hiking, biking, swimming, and everyday wear—to see which ones truly deliver in terms of comfort, performance, and durability. We looked at comfort, drying time, pocket functionality, DWR treatment, and more. Here’s our in-depth review of the best hybrid shorts for outdoor adventures.
During our review we conducted two different tests. We conducted a dunk test and a soak test. We dunked the shorts in a local river to see how well the shorts would do with repelling water quickly, simulating those unplanned dips. And a soak where we tested how quickly each short dries.
1. KETL Virtue Hybrid Shorts
KETL has built a reputation for making high-quality apparel that’s functional without looking overly technical, and the Virtue Hybrid Shorts might just be one of their best offerings for versatile shorts. These shorts excel in everything from intense hikes to casual lounging, making them a top-tier choice for anyone who demands performance without sacrificing style. These shorts immediately stood out with their stretchy, lightweight fabric that moves effortlessly whether you're hiking, biking, or scrambling over rocks. We found these shorts to be one of the most comfortable shorts in the lineup. The material is comfortable against the skin, and the fit strikes the perfect balance between tailored and relaxed. The waistband is stretchy and features a built-in G-hook internal belt, providing a secure and adjustable fit without the need for an additional belt.
The standout feature of the Virtue Hybrid Shorts is their exceptional blend of comfort and performance. The four-way stretch fabric moves effortlessly with your body, whether you're climbing over obstacles or kicking back by the campfire. Another major highlight is their quick-drying ability. They feature a solid DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, which helps repel light moisture before it has a chance to soak in. When the shorts do get wet, they dry fast—whether it’s after a creek crossing or an unexpected downpour. During our dunk test in the river, these shorts repelled water the best and dried surprisingly quick. Then during our soak test, where we left the shorts in the water to make sure the material absorbs the water, still these shorts dried very quickly.
In terms of pockets, the Virtue Hybrid Shorts come well-equipped. They feature two deep front pockets and two rear pockets, the pocket fabric that is close to the leg is the same material as the shorts, while the inside fabric is mesh. This is appreciated as it is comfortable to carry items in the pockets, while the pockets dry quickly due to the mesh. The front two pockets are zippered and the back right pocket is also zippered with great security. Whether you're on a multi-day backpacking trip, hopping in and out of water, or just tackling daily adventures, the KETL Virtue Hybrid Shorts offer everything you need in a high-performance short. Their rugged build, sleek aesthetic, and thoughtfully designed features make them a go-to choice for those who want to stay comfortable while pushing their limits. All while keeping a great look to even wear out on date nights.
+ What We Like:
Stretchy, lightweight fabric with great mobility
Incredibly fast drying
Front hand zipper pockets and one rear zipper pocket
Integrated G-hook belt system
- What We Don’t Like:
G-Hook belt system may not work well with those who would prefer to wear their own belts
2. Kuhl Shift Amphibia Shorts
The Kuhl Shift Amphibia Shorts live up to their name—they’re designed to handle land and water with equal ease. Right out of the gate, we noticed the premium feel of the fabric. It’s slightly thicker than some of the other shorts we tested but still breathes well and wicks moisture effectively. The stretch is subtle but noticeable, allowing for a full range of motion during activities like climbing or cycling. What catches our eye is how good the stitching is on these shorts. These shorts will be durable throughout the years of abuse. However, the fit on these shorts is tighter than I would’ve liked them to be. I typically wear a 32in waist short, but with these shorts I would go up in size. The waistband has belt loops, which is nice for those who prefer a traditional belt setup, though there’s no built-in closure system.
We noticed that these shorts don’t have as great of a DWR coating as the KETL and Patagonia shorts. These shorts absorbed water quicker than we expected them to after a quick dunk. They do dry fairly quickly. However, during our soaking test, these shorts didn’t dry off as well as the other shorts in the review. We were surprised how much they held moisture, especially for how quickly they repelled water from the dunk test.
Storage is solid, with deep front pockets and two rear pockets. They have 6 very well-structured pockets. The pockets are fabric all around, because of this, the pockets don’t dry as quickly as those with mesh pockets.. Overall, the Shift Amphibia Shorts are a great option for those who want a slightly more structured fit with excellent water resistance and durability.
+ What We Like:
Excellent water resistance with strong DWR coating
Durable fabric with a slightly structured fit
Mesh pocket linings aid in drainage
- What We Don’t Like:
No built-in belt or closure system
Fabric-lined pockets may hold onto moisture longer than mesh
3. Patagonia Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts
Patagonia’s Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts feel like board shorts but function like hiking shorts. They’re made from a lightweight recycled polyester blend with a DWR treatment that does a great job repelling water. These are the lightest shorts on the list, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize breathability, quick drying, and packing light for long days in the mountains. However, because of the ultra-light fabric, they don’t feel quite as durable as some of the other shorts tested.
The Hydropeak’s biggest strength is its comfort. Although these shorts don’t come with drawstrings or a built-in belt, these shorts still fit true to size. The Hydropeak comes with belt loops for those who prefer their own closure system. The material is so light it almost feels like wearing nothing at all. During the dunking tests, the Hydro peak shorts repelled water very well and didn’t hold any moisture during the test. In the soaking test, the Hydropeaks performed very well, although they didn’t dry as quickly as the Howler Bros and KETL shorts, they were right there on the same timeline.
The pockets are a bit of a mixed bag. There are two front pockets and two rear pockets that are all mesh-lined, which can be a plus for drainage but means items sometimes shift around a bit more, and may lack long-term durability. If you have your keys in your pocket, for example, combined with shorter underwear (shorter than 5in boxers), you’ll find some annoyance by feeling your keys, or whatever you have in your pocket. If you’re looking for the lightest, fastest-drying hybrid shorts around, the Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts are hard to beat.
+ What We Like:
Ultra-lightweight and breathable material
Dries incredibly fast
- What We Don’t Like:
Less durable than other options
Full mesh-lined pockets may lack long-term durability
4. Huckberry Equator Hybrid Shorts
Huckberry’s Equator Hybrid Shorts have a more tailored look while still being highly functional for adventure. The fabric has a premium, slightly textured feel, and it’s designed to be ultra-breathable while maintaining some stretch. We found that this fabric feels pretty similar to KETL’s Virtue shorts and they fit about the same. These shorts were also one of the most comfortable fitting shorts in the lineup, right next to the KETL Virtue shorts. The waistband includes belt loops and a built-in drawstring that are very well built for drawstrings. These are great travel shorts that can seamlessly transition from a day of activity to an evening out.
The DWR coating seems to be less effective than some of the other shorts we tested here. When we dunked these shorts, the Equator absorbed water much quicker than the others. And during the 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.
Pocket-wise, the Equator Hybrid Shorts are well-equipped. They have two deep hand pockets, two back pockets (one zippered), and a side zippered pocket right by the right hand pocket. The zippered pocket is big enough to carry a phone, the pocket adds great security when hiking and climbing around rocks. The pockets are lined with the main body fabric on the inside while having mesh on the outside, giving them a more traditional feel while still drying quickly. These are a solid bet if you want hybrid shorts that look sharp enough for casual wear.
+ 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
Fabric pockets instead of mesh, which do not drain as well
5. Howler Bros Horizon Hybrid Shorts
Howler Bros is known for making stylish adventure-ready apparel, and the Horizon Hybrid Shorts continue that trend. They have a laid-back, surf-inspired look but pack plenty of functionality for outdoor activities. The fit is relaxed without being baggy, and the fabric has just the right amount of stretch to keep things comfortable. These shorts don’t stretch nearly as well as the others on this list, which does take away from the fit and comfort. The waistband features a traditional button and zip closure with belt loops, so you can add a belt if needed. For those fishermen that are hiking through brush to get to their secret spot, the material on these shorts is very reliable and won’t rip on those snaggy bushes, keeping us from our favorite fishing holes.
These shorts come with a solid DWR treatment. When we dunked these shorts in the river, they did almost just as well as Patagonia and KETL’s shorts. The seams absorbed most of the moisture, however, the water beaded right off. That said, during the soaking test, these shorts performed the best. What we found when we fully submerged and agitated the material, the material did very well not absorbing the moisture. Because of this, the material didn’t hold moisture and allowed the Horizon shorts to dry off very quickly.
For pockets, the Horizon Hybrid Shorts come with two front pockets, two rear pockets (one with a zipper), and a zippered pocket on the left side that can easily hold any phone. The pocket linings are mesh lining away from the leg and fabric close to the leg promoting good drainage and comfortable feel. If you’re looking for a hybrid short with a relaxed, adventure-ready style, these are a great choice.
+ What We Like:
Relaxed fit with a surf-inspired style
Durable fabric
Half Mesh pockets provide drainage for water activities
- What We Don’t Like:
Traditional button and zip closure may not be as secure as a drawstring
Fabric is thicker and not as stretchy as the other shorts in this review
✔ Bottom Line:
After testing all five of these hybrid shorts, each one stands out in its own way. The KETL Virtue Hybrid Shorts offer the best combination of comfort and versatility, while the Kuhl Amphibia Shorts excel in durability and water resistance. Patagonia’s Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts are the lightest and fastest-drying, whereas Huckberry’s Equator Hybrid Shorts bring a polished look with great pocket functionality. Lastly, the Howler Bros Horizon Hybrid Shorts have a casual vibe that’s perfect for travel and everyday adventure.
Whichever pair you choose, these hybrid shorts are built for adventure, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry no matter where your explorations take you.
