Men's Shorts

Neither extreme works. Shorts that are too tight restrict the stride and dig in on a long hike; too loose and they catch on undergrowth or snag equipment. The better answer is a fitted, athletic cut built with four-way stretch fabric, such as that found on ThruDark's Charge Shorts, which moves with the body during high-output activity like scrambling or trail running without the bagginess of casual shorts.

It depends on the terrain. Above-the-knee lengths (around 7 to 9 inches) give the best freedom of movement for hiking, climbing or trail running, where knee flexion and unobstructed scrambling matter. Longer lengths add sun and scratch protection in dense terrain such as bracken or woodland, at the cost of some mobility. For most general outdoor use, a 7 to 9 inch inseam strikes the right balance between coverage and movement.

A 7 to 9 inch inseam suits most outdoor pursuits: long enough to avoid excessive thigh exposure and chafing from pack straps, short enough not to restrict the knee during a scramble or steep ascent. Alpine or jungle conditions may call for something closer to 9 to 11 inches for added coverage. 

Secure storage, stretch, and weather resistance. Zipped or press-stud thigh and hip pockets keep kit like a phone, map or multi-tool from bouncing loose during high-output movement. Four-way stretch fabric allows a full range of motion on uneven ground. A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish sheds light rain and helps the fabric dry fast if it does get wet. 

This depends on the terrain and the pace. An open pocket can lose its contents the moment you're scrambling over a rock or moving quickly; a zipped or press-stud thigh pocket like those on our Strike Shorts and Command Shorts keeps a phone, keys or map secured through exactly that kind of movement. 

Yes. ThruDark's outdoor shorts are built with secure pocket configurations, typically zipped or magnetised thigh and hip pockets, designed to carry valuables safely during high-output activity rather than the loose patch pockets found on casual shorts.

It depends on the design. Traditional bulky cargo shorts with unsecured patch pockets add weight and flap loosely against the leg, which becomes uncomfortable over distance. Well-designed shorts with structured, zipped cargo or thigh pockets solves the same storage problem without the bulk. The test isn't whether shorts have extra pockets, it's whether those pockets are secure and sit close to the body.

Shorts built from quick-drying nylon pull sweat away from the skin and release it as vapour rather than holding it in the fabric. This fast dry ability makes all the difference on long distance or multi day expeditions, keeping your kit comfortable and helping prevent odour buildup.