I'm having trouble finding shorts for hiking. They have to be non-cotton, lightweight, have no belt loops, not too short, no too long, and not have a bunched up elastic waist band.

I just noticed my son's board shorts - swim trunks. They have a flat waist with very minimal seams, they tie in the front, and they dry quickly. Maybe they would be the perfect hiking shorts.

I'm most concerned about the waist band digging into my waist from the pressure of the pack, whether it is all from the back or also from the hip belt.

Has anyone ever tried board shorts? What kind of shorts would you recommend?

Thanks,

Darren

PS - need them for the JMT (20 mi/day)

I haven't tried them but if you don't care for a liner I don't see why they wouldn't work. I usually wear a running short but those have the bunched elastic band you don't want. I have no issues with my pack waist belt causing them to dig in to me or any thing of that nature though.

Just be aware that if you use a hip belt, many board shorts are a fairly slippery material. There's also not a lot of adjustment if you drop and weight on the trail.

Otherwise, they work great.

Board shorts tend to ride low and have long inseams. That combo leads to restriction on easily making high steps. Combine that with the fact that most pairs don't have good pockets. I haven't liked hiking in board shorts. Though easy, less athletic hikes have been fine.

I haven't had many problems w/ shorts that have belt loops and prefer styles with elastic.

I bought a par of golf shorts at Target. They are super light, quick drying, and are made of a slightly stretchy material. Perfect for me.

I bought a pair of light, nylon cargo shorts to use sea kayaking primarily because they dry quickly and they had pockets that zippered or velcroed and the main pockets were deep, so no fear of something falling out while sitting. There are no belt loops, but rather a continuous tunnel for a thin, nylon web belt. The length is to just above the knees and they're fairly wide-legged, so there's no restriction of movement, and now I use them for backpacking as well. Similar items can be had at any sporting goods store, though I think I got mine at Fred Meyers.

I have worn many different types of pants and shorts and have never experenced problems with elastic, belt loops or lack thereof, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Happy trails!

The above posts are right on, typical board shorts really are more for fashion than function, too baggy and too flashy. Board shorts I have worn in the past always seemed to sweat really bad, synthetic yes, breathable no. Running shorts are really convenient because they have the polyester liner briefs as well as being super light, breathable, and comfortable. No need to switch out for the swimming hole or get hot when you're bagging a peak. Check your local Marshalls or Ross store, I have seen really good pairs of New Balance running shorts that have comfort waist bands and flat seams which are great for eliminating chafe under a hipbelt. Also, who gets chafe when going UL?

Excellent feedback, everyone. Just what I was looking for!

Thank you!

Darren

i wear board shorts whenever it's warm enough to wear shorts hiking. i like that they hit right below the knee b/c i think most hiking shorts are too short and therefor ghey.

i don't find them restrictive at all. they dry lightning fast, are very light yet durable, and cost $10. no chafing and no rips or tears on shorts. they also double as my swim trunks when i hit a pond or swimming pool in a trail town

***edit. i cut the liner out of mine and wear them w/ UA boxer jock

Edited by StainlessSteel on 07/01/2009 20:46:37 MDT.

I actually use board shorts all the time for hiking. Walmart sells some men's board shorts that are perfect. The only thing is the built in underwear that you find in most of them is VERY uncomfortable after hiking for a while; so what I do is just cut them out of the board shorts. Other than that, board shorts are my preferred clothing option for hiking.

PRO:
-lightweight
-breathable
-dries quickly
-not restrictive

CON:
-built in underwear needs to be cut out before a long hike or you'll be sorry...

Using names that insult or degrade others isn't cool. If that's not what you meant then I suggest finding a new word to describe things the you don't like.
Seriously.

Have a good one.

we probably have different viewpoints about what is 'cool' and what isn't. that's what it likely boils down to

I agree with Craig. The name calling is lame and uneeded/welcomed. Troll elsewhere