Columbia All Seasons Long Shorts for Outdoor 2026
Trail-Ready Gear Reviews
The Columbia All Seasons Long Shorts are the kind of hiking shorts you grab without overthinking — and they hold up when the trail gets complicated.
Picture a Saturday morning trailhead, temperature doing that thing where it can’t decide between cool and warm, and you’re standing at the car trying not to over-pack. I pulled on the Columbia All Seasons Long Shorts mostly because they were on top of the pile. Two hours later, through a creek crossing and a switchback section where the brush got grabby, I hadn’t thought about them once. That’s the highest compliment I can give a pair of hiking shorts.
What I Love
A lot of outdoor shorts promise versatility and deliver mediocrity. These actually earn it. Here’s what stood out across a few different outings.
- The 9-inch inseam hits just above the knee — long enough to feel covered on exposed ridgelines, short enough that you’re not overheating on the climb.
- Weather-resistant nylon-spandex blend shrugs off light drizzle and dries fast when you wade through wet grass or a shallow stream crossing.
- The relaxed fit through the seat and thigh means full stride on steep terrain — no fabric pulling across the hips mid-scramble.
- Quick-dry performance is real. After a sweaty two-hour hike, they didn’t stay damp or clammy the way cotton-blend shorts do.
- The solid black colorway stays looking clean longer than lighter trail colors, which matters if you’re wearing these back-to-back on a trip.
What to Watch For
These aren’t technical shorts dressed up for serious mountaineering. The fabric is functional, but if you’re doing high-abrasion scrambles or need articulated knees, you’ll notice the limits. The relaxed fit silhouette also means they read more casual than athletic — they won’t feel sleek on a fast-paced trail run.
- Waistband doesn’t have an internal drawcord adjustment, so fit around the waist depends entirely on sizing — size down if you’re between sizes.
- Pockets are serviceable but not deep enough for a full-size phone without a slight bounce on technical descents.
Who It’s For
If you do a mix of day hikes, camping trips, and casual outdoor exploring and want one pair of hiking shorts that doesn’t require a systems-level decision every morning, these are built for you. They’re especially well-suited for all-season hiking in unpredictable weather — the kind of shoulder-season days where you’ll face sun, wind, and a passing shower all before noon. Less ideal if you want a compression feel or you’re logging serious trail miles at race pace.
“The shorts that make you realize you’ve been overthinking your trail kit this whole time.”
How to Wear It
Session 1: Pair with a moisture-wicking base layer, a packable wind shell, and a low-profile trail runner for a half-day hike — add a wide-brim hat and you’ve got the full picture.
Session 2: These translate well off-trail too. Wear with a fitted crewneck and low-top sneakers for a camping morning or a long walk around a new city — the solid black keeps it versatile.
What People Are Saying
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Quick FAQ
Do the Columbia All Seasons Long Shorts run true to size?
Mostly yes, but the relaxed fit runs a touch roomy through the waist. If you’re between sizes, go down — especially if you prefer a cleaner fit rather than a billowy one.
Is the fabric sheer or see-through when stretched?
No. The nylon-spandex construction stays opaque even on full hip-hinge movement or deep step-ups on trail. No layering underneath needed.
Can I wear these for activities beyond hiking?
Yes — the quick-dry fabric and relaxed cut handle casual outdoor activities well. They’re less suited to structured gym work or running, where a more fitted short performs better.
The Verdict
The Columbia All Seasons Long Shorts are a practical, no-fuss option for anyone who spends time outdoors and wants hiking shorts that handle variable conditions without demanding much in return. At this price point, the weather-resistant quick-dry fabric and all-season construction represent solid value for what you’re getting. They won’t blow your mind with technical features, but they won’t let you down on the trail either. If you want reliable, versatile hiking shorts that work across seasons without overthinking it, buy these.
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