A great pair of shorts is one of the most versatile pieces of kit you'll carry into the New Zealand outdoors. Light enough to barely notice, tough enough to handle a full day on the trail, and comfortable enough to wear from trailhead to campsite — the right men's hiking shorts earn their place in your pack every summer season. Backwoods stocks a curated range of men's outdoor shorts built for hiking, tramping, camping, and everything in between.
Choosing the Right Men's Hiking Shorts for NZ Conditions
Not all shorts are built equal. Everyday cotton shorts absorb moisture, take forever to dry, and add uncomfortable weight when wet — exactly what you don't want on a hot summer hike or when crossing a creek on the trail. Technical men's hiking shorts use purpose-built fabrics and features that make a real difference over a full day outdoors.
Key Features to Look For
Quick-Dry Fabric
The most important feature in any men's outdoor short is fast-drying performance. Nylon and polyester blends shed water quickly — essential for river crossings, sweaty climbs, and the afternoon rain shower that catches you halfway up a ridge. Quality hiking shorts dry in minutes rather than hours, keeping you comfortable and reducing chafing on long days.
Stretch & Freedom of Movement
Technical outdoor shorts use stretch-woven fabrics — often incorporating elastane or spandex — along with a gusseted crotch construction that allows full range of movement. Whether you're stepping over roots, scrambling up a boulder field, or pulling on socks at camp, a well-constructed pair of hiking shorts moves with you rather than against you. Look for 2-way or 4-way stretch fabrics for maximum mobility on technical terrain.
Pockets & Storage
Functional pocket design matters more than most people realise until they're fumbling through their pack at the top of a climb. Quality men's hiking shorts offer secure zippered pockets — at minimum a zipped hip pocket for your phone and valuables, and ideally a rear zip pocket for a map or wallet. Cargo pockets offer extra storage for longer hikes where you want essentials within easy reach without opening your pack.
DWR Finish & Water Resistance
A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish causes light rain and water to bead and roll off the fabric rather than soaking straight through. While no shorts are fully waterproof, a good DWR treatment keeps you more comfortable in a light shower and helps the fabric dry faster after a water crossing or sweat session.
UPF Sun Protection
New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world. Many technical hiking shorts carry a UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of UV radiation — providing genuine sun protection for your legs on exposed ridgeline walks, open bush, and alpine terrain where sunscreen isn't always practical.
Men's Hiking Shorts Styles
Standard Hiking Shorts
The all-rounder. Lightweight, quick-drying, with a clean streamlined look and secure zip pockets. Typically cut to sit just above the knee — long enough to protect your legs on brushy trails, short enough to keep you cool on hot summer hikes. The go-to choice for day hikes, multi-day tramps, and general trail use across New Zealand's diverse conditions.
Cargo Hiking Shorts
For those who want more storage on the trail. Cargo shorts add thigh pockets to the standard layout — useful for maps, a compact first aid kit, snacks within easy reach, or the extra layers you keep stripping off and putting back on in changeable conditions. Modern outdoor cargo shorts use the same technical fabrics as standard hiking shorts, so you're not sacrificing performance for the extra pockets.
Zip-Off Convertible Shorts
Arguably the most adaptable option for New Zealand's unpredictable mountain weather. Zip-off trousers convert between full-length pants and shorts at the knee — letting you start the day warmly covered and convert to shorts when the sun comes out or the track drops in elevation. Ideal for multi-day tramping trips where you want maximum versatility without carrying separate pants and shorts.
Trail Running Shorts
Shorter, lighter, and cut for high-speed movement. Trail running shorts typically feature a brief liner, a minimal 5–7 inch inseam, and highly breathable stretch fabric. Perfect for fast-packing missions, trail runs, and high-intensity day hikes where ventilation and freedom of movement are the priority over storage.
What Length Should Men's Hiking Shorts Be?
Inseam length is a personal preference, but there are practical considerations. Shorter inseams (5–7 inches) offer better ventilation on hot days and more freedom for high-stepping on technical terrain. Longer inseams (9–11 inches) provide more leg protection against sun, scrub, and insects — useful for bushy tracks and full-day alpine approaches. Most Kiwi trampers find a 7–9 inch inseam hits the sweet spot between coverage and comfort.
Shop Men's Outdoor Shorts at Backwoods
Our men's hiking shorts range covers every style and use case — from lightweight day-hike shorts to rugged cargo styles for multi-day backcountry missions. All shorts in our range are chosen for their proven performance in New Zealand outdoor conditions.
Pair your shorts with a technical hiking shirt and trail footwear for a complete summer trail kit, or browse our full men's outdoor clothing range for a head-to-toe outdoor wardrobe.
Free shipping on orders over $100 throughout New Zealand.
