Columbia: Shorts

Columbia Shorts
Columbia is a leader in active wear and their impressive collection of sportswear for men, women, boys and girls includes shorts for every activity. Like their line of pants, Columbia focuses on utility, classic looks and easy-care fabrics for their line of shorts.

When casual summer attire is the call for the day, Columbia has Bermuda shorts for women that live up to the style’s do-it-all reputation. The 100% cotton fabric in muted earth tones offers great fit and function. The longer inseam keeps them casual, and their clean, traditional design keeps you presentable from trailhead to town. Women’s styles also include longer knee-length clam diggers, shorter river short styles and utilitarian cargo pocket models. Columbia uses a variety of fabrics. Casual styles use 100% cotton, while river shorts and hiking styles use quick-drying and soft nylon and polyester blends for functional active use. You can choose from colorful prints, bold solids and classic earth tones. River styles offer webbing waist belts for a secure fit. Relaxed cuts are the norm throughout the line and stretch-woven fabrics, like that used in the women’s Titanium Silver Ridge model, promote a full range of movement and flattering fit.

For men, Columbia also offers casual town styles, technical water shorts and lightweight hiking models. Several casual styles are named after the pants that inspired their design. For example, the ROC and Lander styles take their namesake pant’s classic style and create a short. The ROC’s 100% cotton Granite™ cloth is abrasion resistant and stonewashed for a casual look. The classic, clean styling means you can wear them in town and on the trail.

If you prefer a more technical style, look at the different cargo pocket models and water shorts. For straight-up water use like kayaking, swimming and river wear, a basic river short like the Whidbey is what you need. They offer a built-in mesh brief and webbing cinch belt at the waist to make sure they stay where you need them when catching a wave or flying off the rope swing. The soft, quick-drying 100% nylon poplin offers UPF 50 sun protection. The next step is to move to similar construction but with 9-inch or 11-inch inseam options and more pockets with the Snake River Water shorts. Or, if a board short style is what you are after, check out the Shanty Creek model. Colorful prints and bright solids dress up the board shorts.

There are several models on the trekking and backpacking end of the spectrum, too. The most dynamic model in the line is the Harper Trail short. Made with stretch-woven fabric, the Harper Trail is made to move with your body and be comfortable through the most rigorous activity. Columbia’s Omni-Shade® technology provides UPF 50 sun protection, while their Omni-Wick® technology promotes advanced wicking and breathability. These shorts are perfect for strenuous hiking and climbing. Zippered pockets provide utility. Columbia has several cargo pocket models that feature integrated webbing belts, advanced wicking properties and a variety of inseam lengths from 8- to 11-inches in length.

Finally, Columbia also makes shorts designed for anglers. Their PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) line includes features specific to fishing like stain-resistant fabrics and added loops and pockets for angling specific tools.