David Young
Gear Analyst

David is a writer based in Fort Collins, CO. He specializes in outdoor adventure and travel writing. He has been published in Men’s Journal, Forbes, SKI Magazine, GearJunkie, 5280 Magazine, USA Today, and The Denver Post. He has over two decades of experience writing and covering the outdoor industry.

David has backpacked and hiked in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. He enjoys all that Colorado has to offer from mountain biking and fly fishing to backpacking the Colorado Trail, and backcountry skiing.

Articles by David Young

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket Review
A hand unzips a chest pocket on a fleece.

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket Review

Author
Popular as a layer during ski season and as outerwear on a climb or hike, this packable fleece will keep you warm without overheating.
Columbia Steens Mountain / Benton Springs Fleece Jacket Review
A man in a hat and blue fleece looks off while hiking on a trail.

Columbia Steens Mountain / Benton Springs Fleece Jacket Review

Author
Designed for comfort and blanket-like protection for a fraction of its competitor’s price, we love this classic jacket.
REI Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket Review
a hiker wearing a fleece jacket while seated on a rocky mountain next to their dog smiling for the camera. Mountains rise in the background.

REI Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket Review

Author
Sleek and durable on the outside and ultra-soft on the inside make this an ideal layer for staying warm while on the move in the elements.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Review
a man with a cap on wearing a patagonia fleece zip jacked in green overlooking a flat body of water

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Review

Author
Built like it’s never going out of style, this classic fleece is a dependable insulator whenever cold weather threatens a good time.
Men’s Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts Review
Man hiking down a rocky trail.

Men’s Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts Review

Author
These are durable enough for multiple seasons of intense hiking, yet stylish enough to head to dinner after a long hike.
Men’s Nike DRI-Fit Challenger Shorts Review
Man standing by a blue lake in hiking shorts.

Men’s Nike DRI-Fit Challenger Shorts Review

Author
The simple design of these shorts makes them easy to move in, and we’ve found the ultralight material is durable enough for multiple seasons of intense hiking.
Men’s REI Trailmade Amphib Review
Man's hand on phone in pocket of shorts.

Men’s REI Trailmade Amphib Review

Author
If you want a versatile pair of hiking shorts that double as swim trunks, this pair is simple, very lightweight, and packable.
Men’s REI Sahara Cargo Shorts Review
Man walking on trail by lake in shorts.

Men’s REI Sahara Cargo Shorts Review

Author
If you like to carry a lot of gear or snacks then these are the shorts for you. With six pockets, they are a classic pair for hiking.
Men’s Patagonia Quandary Shorts Review
A leg on a log stretching a pais of shorts.

Men’s Patagonia Quandary Shorts Review

Author
We tested these shorts in the Colorado Rockies and they are some of our favorites based on their comfort, versatility, and features.
Men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review
A man wearing a blue jacket and brown shorts hikes in the rain with shrubs and rocks in front of him.

Men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review

Author
This pair checks a lot of the boxes when it comes to great hiking shorts. They are comfortable, stretchy, lightweight, and dry quickly.
Men’s Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Review
A man hiking in a pair of shorts

Men’s Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Review

Author
This affordable pair is a trimmed-down take on a classic utilitarian cargo, which is why they make our list of the best hiking shorts.
Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2024
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2024

Author
Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, PrAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.
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