Bottom Line
The Patagonia Quandarys are some of our favorite hiking shorts for men based on their versatility and overall performance. We tested these shorts out on several day hikes around the Colorado Rockies and also enjoyed wearing them for daily activities. From riding bikes to working out at the gym, these shorts are so comfortable you won’t want to take them off.
The high-tech fabric is made from recycled fishing nets, making this one of the more environmentally friendly options when it comes to hiking shorts. The material is also durable and comfortable. The Quandary shorts’ comfort stems from a great fit and a nice, stretchy waistband to accommodate different body shapes. They are made for years of hiking, not just seasons.
These shorts posted one of the highest scores in our men’s hiking shorts review, and for good reason. You’ll find us wearing these throughout the year for a variety of activities.
Quick Specs
Men’s Patagonia Quandary
Best Hiking Shorts Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 81.5/100
Price: $85
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Inseam: 8 in. / 10 in.
Pros
- Durable
- Good value
- Breathable
- Great pockets
- Stretchy
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit tight in the thighs
- No built-in belt
Comfort
The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are top-performing when it comes to comfort and feel. This classic pair is one of our favorites for day hiking since it has a nice town-to-trail look. And the breathable, stretchy fabric is also great for long-term comfort and mobility on backpacking trips.
The 96% NetPlus post-consumer nylon made from recycled fishing nets combined with a 4% spandex plain weave makes for a material that moves with you on and off the trail as opposed to limiting your mobility. A subtle feature is the curved waistband on these shorts, which ensures that they contour to the shape of your hips. We spent months wearing these on shorter hikes as well as running around town doing errands. They are so comfortable and versatile that we even wore these cycling and to the gym.
Durability
While we have only tested these hiking on Rocky Mountain trails for a season, we are assured that they will last us years. Constructed with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and the recycled fishing net NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon material, these shorts stood up to rough rocks and branches without incident.
We also put the shorts through river and lake water and washed them several times and there is no sign of wear after several months. The material also feels more solid and protective than other lighter and thinner hiking shorts, which is a good feeling when you are bushwhacking through overgrown areas.
Features
The Quandarys have a plethora of pockets, two front and back pockets along with a right-thigh zippered pocket, but they all sit flat and make these shorts feel very sleek for the amount of storage. This is great when wearing a pack with a waist belt as it provides a close fit to keep the shorts from sliding around on you. They also have a subtle reinforced hemostat/carabiner loop on the front-right pocket if you want to clip a key or something to your pants while hiking.
They do have an internal drawstring, which can help cinch the waist tight. Another feature is a small vertical zippered pocket on the right thigh of these shorts. We found it too small and a bit awkward to use for much, but it is there as needed. For those wanting a versatile pair of shorts that easily transition from urban to alpine, the Quandarys are hard to beat.
Dry Time
These shorts may not dry as quickly as some other options on our list, but they will still dry in a matter of minutes, not hours, in a warm dry environment. We submerged them and then left them out in the sun to dry. It took less than half an hour for the shorts to completely dry and be ready to go. We do recommend air drying these as opposed to a dryer when washing to avoid shrinking the material.
This fabric is treated with a DWR finish to make these shorts more water-resistant to wait out light rain. For day hiking and even longer backpacking trips, these shorts will work great in terms of staying dry and drying quickly.
Weight & Packability
Clocking in at a lightweight 7.5 ounces, these shorts are light enough that you won’t notice them while hiking or stuffing them into a pack. They roll up nicely and the stretch-woven 96 percent NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon stretches with the body nicely. While hiking we never found these shorts to be too clunky. They do not have a ton of extra features or pockets, which help keep the design sleek and lightweight. They melt into the background which allows you to focus on the hike, not the shorts.
Should You Buy the Patagonia Quandary?
These hiking shorts are designed for almost everyone. From day hikes to longer backpacking trips, the Quandarys will move with you on the hike, not against you, making your day easier and better. Even if you never set foot on the trail, these shorts are stylish enough to just wear casually around town, or they work great for cycling as well.
They are a bit pricier so, if you are a beginner hiker looking for a bargain these would not be for you. They are also heavier than some other shorts on the market so ultralight thru-hikers who want to trade features for fewer ounces may want to look at other options.
What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is similar in terms of features and style but offers even stretchier fabric.
Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts Review: Like the Patagonia Quandary, the Renegade Rock Shorts are made from similar durable, yet lightweight materials. They have similar pockets and are great for casual wear as well as the trail.
