These Summer Shorts Get It Right: Built for Movement, Travel, and Easy Packing

When the weather heats up and your gear gets lighter, a good pair of shorts can make or break your day. But we’re not just talking about something that looks decent at brunch—we’re talking about shorts that perform too. The kind you can throw on for a long-haul flight, a quick trail hike, or just kicking around town, and know they’ll hold up. At Carryology, we love gear that solves problems, and shorts—when done right—are low-key problem solvers.

Think: fabric that breathes, stretches, and dries fast. Pockets that don’t dump your phone when you sit down. A waistband that moves with you, not against you. We’ve worn dozens, lived in them, pushed them through city streets and dusty trails, and narrowed it down to the ones that really earn their place in your kit.

This guide isn’t about trends or throwaways. It’s about performance, comfort, and versatility—shorts that carry you through summer and far beyond. Whether you’re packing light for a one-bag trip or just want fewer, better things in your wardrobe, these are the shorts worth reaching for, day in and day out. Let’s dive in.

Roark Layover Traveler Short – 7.5″ (US$75)

Whether you’ve got a few hours to kill in an airport or a chance to explore off the beaten path, Roark’s Layover Traveler Short keeps you comfy with its quick-drying, four-way stretch construction, ventilated back panel, and gusseted crotch. The drawstring waistband enables a tailored fit, while two front zipper pockets and three rear pockets provide useful storage for your EDC and travel essentials.

Free Fly Latitude Short (US$84)

The Free Fly Latitude Short offers a savvy middle ground between everyday and adventure use, pairing urban-friendly styling with performance features such as quick-drying fabric, four-way stretch, a DWR finish, and UPF 50+ protection. The partial elastic waistband allows for comfy movement, while a rear zippered pocket securely stores small valuables.

Free Fly Bamboo-Lined Active Breeze Short – 7″ (US$84)

The Free Fly Bamboo-Lined Active Breeze Short offers an updated twist on the original Breeze Short, with features such as a wide-knit waistband for enhanced support and sewn-down pockets to prevent bouncing contents while you’re on the move. The lightweight construction and four-way stretch are perfect for active pursuits, with UPF 50+ sun protection too. And with its soft and odor-resistant boxer brief liner, you’ll stay fresh and comfy too, making this a versatile short for workouts, travel, hikes, and day-to-day use alike.  

Ten Thousand CØ Go Short (US$88)

Designed as a do-it-all short for runs, swims, coffee at your local cafe, and beyond, the Ten Thousand CØ Go Short is a multifunctional addition to both everyday and travel wardrobes. Crafted with a blend of 64% CORDURA®, 26% Nylon 66, and 10% Spandex, it’s tough, quick-drying, and comfortable with a relaxed fit. The short has an elasticated waistband, two open hip pockets, and a rear zippered pocket and is a hard-working all-rounder for active and laidback wear.

Reigning Champ Solotex Mesh Tiebreak Standard Short 7″ (US$95)

Reigning Champ have packed a range of handy features into the Solotex Mesh Tiebreak Standard Short, making it a great option for workouts, hikes, or simply relaxing at home. The breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking short also includes four-way stretch and UPF 50+ protection. Flatlock seams and an elastic waistband boost the comfy feel, while two zippered hand pockets offer secure storage.

Flint and Tinder Cotton Linen Drawstring Short – 7″ (US$88)

Crafted with a soft and breathable cotton-linen blend, Flint and Tinder’s Cotton Linen Drawstring Short is an ideal choice for warmer weather. The short is garment-dyed for color retention and a comfortable, lived-in feel from the very first wear. And with two hand pockets and two rear pockets, there are plenty of storage options too.

Ten Thousand CØ Roam Short (US$98)

The Ten Thousand CØ Roam Short is designed to maximize easy movement and airflow, making it a performance-ready option for high-output activities. The short has a vented gusset and mesh-lined pockets, along with an elasticated waistband and a webbing belt for a tailored fit. Speaking of pockets, you’ve got a host of options here including two zippered side pockets, two open hip pockets with a phone slip, and a rear zippered pocket. As an added bonus, the short also features an Odorblock treatment and a water-resistant finish, enhancing the functionality of this adventure-ready hiking short.

Buck Mason 6″ Deck Short (US$98)

Ready for adventures on land and water alike, the Buck Mason 6″ Deck Short is made with a cotton/polyester blend with a touch of Spandex and a quick-drying finish. The garment-washed short feels comfy right off the bat, with four-way stretch, a drawcord waistband, and a snap and zip closure. Two hand pockets and a rear pocket round out the features of this versatile short.

Proof Rover EDC Short – 7″ (US$98)

Built with urban style and outdoor functionality, the Proof Rover EDC Short is a practical one-bag travel piece that can take you from trails to city streets while also roaming into your everyday wardrobe. It’s made with a blend of cotton and recycled polyester Repreve fabric with a TruTemp365® treatment for moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, breathability, and durability. Seven pockets keep all your essentials close at hand, while an inseam gusset enhances mobility.

Ibex Springbok Short (US$100)

The Ibex Springbok Short keeps you comfy when you’re getting active thanks to its Pro Tech Lite fabric featuring a blend of nylon and elastane for lightweight durability and close-fitting performance. Add in an interior merino wool/nylon brief and you get an antimicrobial, breathable, and moisture-wicking short that’s ready for high-activity performance. The short has hand pockets, a rear zippered pocket, and a concealed interior pocket with an elastic loop key holder.

Faherty All Day Short 2.0 (US$108)

Faherty’s All Day Short is a best-seller for a reason, deftly fusing form and function, and now the 2.0 version offers even better performance with a lighter, faster-drying, and more comfortable construction. The short has an inner drawstring and a zippered fly, with a flat front style and water-repellent finish. So you get a stylish, functional short that looks sharp when you’re dining out but keeps you comfy while you’re traveling, exploring, or simply going about your day.

Fjällräven Abisko Trail Stretch Shorts M (US$125)

As the name suggests, the Fjällräven Abisko Trail Stretch Shorts were created for easy movement on outdoor treks. They’re made with a tough, quick-drying, water-resistant, double-woven stretch fabric that’s ideal for long days on the trail but lightweight enough for easy packing. The short has zippered hand pockets and a phone-friendly zippered leg pocket, along with an elasticated waistband that secures with a button closure.

Outlier New Way Seven-Fives (US$150)

The fabric experts at Outlier deliver a smart, tailored approach to performance shorts with the New Way Seven-Fives. Made with durable but lightweight and breathable Futurecloth fabric, the shorts feature a smart waistbelt, belt loops, and fly for easy dressed-up style. Two-way stretch offers everyday comfort while the DWR treatment enables quick-drying performance and water and stain resistance. And with an inner drawstring and flow-through pockets, these shorts can even take a dip in water too, offering useful flexibility for travel packing.

Relwen Canvas Stretch Supply Short 9″ (US$158)

Inspired by ’50s and ’60s era military trousers but ready for modern-day performance, the Relwen Canvas Stretch Supply Short delivers an impressive combination of comfort, functionality, and versatile style. Two front and two rear pockets offer quick-access storage for small essentials, while adjustable waist side tabs help you find your ideal fit. The tapered legs and Hollywood waistband, which extends above the belt loops, create a contemporary, clean aesthetic, with a snap-closure waistband, zippered fly, and comfy garment wash delivering the final touches to this multifunctional everyday and travel-ready staple.