Men's Shorts
20 Products
About The North Face Men's Shorts
Whether you're shopping for men's shorts for your next outdoor adventure, for everyday wear, or as a gift, The North Face offers styles that don't just look good, but function well. The right shorts keep you moving, dry fast, don't chafe, and allow you to carry small essentials.
Hiking Shorts: Hiking shorts should be durable (abrasion-resistant), offer some stretch, have a comfortable waistband, and have several pockets (zippered pockets are a plus). Our Men's Basin Shorts are a great choice for the trail thanks to their numerous pockets, FLASHDRY™ materials, and water-repellent finish. If your typical hike involves scrambling, sitting on rocks or logs, and high temperatures, hiking shorts are a great choice. If, on the other hand, you like trails with lots of brush and grass or weather conditions may vary, choose hiking pants or convertible pants instead. Pants help protect more from insects, snakes, poison ivy/oak, and cold.
Running/Trail Shorts: Look for running shorts that are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and have minimal seams to reduce chafing. Some styles may have a liner which can help reduce chafe or replace underwear, but no liner can also be easier for layering and all-day wear. Our Men's Summit Series Pacesetter Shorts are designed with trail running in mind. They have FLASHDRY™ fabric for moisture management, a water-repellent finish, an internal brief liner, and reflective elements to help you stay seen in low light.
Climbing Shorts: From bouldering to true climbing, good clothing is all about durability and stretch. Climbing shorts should have lots of stretch, a gusseted crotch, harness-friendly pocket locations, and durable fabric particularly in the thighs and seat.
Water-friendly Shorts: While The North Face doesn't offer true swimwear, many of our men's shorts like our Class V Pathfinder Belted Shorts are water-friendly with fast-drying materials, built-in belts, and even water-repellent (DWR) finishes. These are great options for the beach, trails near rivers and lakes, and boat days.
Everyday Casual Shorts: Our men's casual shorts like our Men's Action Shorts 2.0 are a versatile choice that can take you from the trail to town in easy style. For travel, look for packable styles like our Men's Rolling Sun Packable Shorts.
What you wear with your shorts depends on what you plan to do. For running and hiking, pair your shorts with a tee made from technical fabrics that offer moisture-wicking and sun protection and appropriate footwear like hiking and running shoes. For climbing, wear a fitted top (tee or tank) that won't bunch under a harness and approach shoes (if outdoors) or climbing shoes (if indoors). For weekends, running errands, evenings out, and travel, a tee, polo, or button-up shirt with sneakers or sandals will complete your summer look.
FAQs
Wear shorts with a shorter inseam when you need maximum airflow (very hot weather, high activity) or you're doing activities that require higher steps (running and climbing). Choose longer inseams when hiking in brushy areas, when you need more sun protection, or you want a more casual outfit.
Sometimes, but it depends. Running shorts are designed mainly to be lightweight and anti-chafing. Abrasion-resistance and pockets may take a backseat (although trail running shorts may bridge the gap better). Hiking shorts prioritize durability and storage sometimes at the expense of lighter fabrics and fewer seams.
Of course. The North Face offers several styles like our Men's Action Shorts 2.0 and Men's Packable Shorts that are great for day hikes as well as weekends around town. Solid colors, minimal pockets, and a longer inseam tend to be better for casual outfits.