Men’s KUHL Renegade Rock Shorts Review

Bottom Line

The Kuhl Renegade Rock hiking shorts are among our favorite hiking shorts. These are durable enough for multiple seasons of intense hiking, yet stylish enough to head to dinner after a long hike.

These shorts repel water well, and if they do get wet while hiking they dry quickly. We enjoyed these so much testing them that after the hike we continued to wear them not just around town, but on the golf course and paddle boarding making them one of the more versatile shorts on our list.

Comfort

These hiking shorts are very comfortable both on and off the trail. We hiked, biked, and bummed around town in these for many months during our main testing period and we loved every moment. They are available in 7″ and 9″ inseams and have a signature FreeRyde waistband with a soft micro-chamois to help with comfort and odor. The crotch is gusseted, making them easier to hike in and stronger than ever. These shorts received top marks not only for durability but also for comfort and for how quickly they dry.

Durability

These hiking shorts are built to last. The Renegade Rocks are true to their name – hard as rock against the trail. These shorts also have additional inseam options and high-performance fabric that you can feel as soon as you put them on. The material is a two-way stretch performance signature blend Duralux fabric, which translates to a durable yet stretchy feel. 

The fabric is rated UPF 50+ for UV protection and is both water and abrasion-resistant. We wore these in the rain and tall grasses hiking and neither posed any issue for the durable fabric that handled it all with ease.

Features

These shorts come with the basic features you would expect, but we especially like the stealth phone pocket on the side of the right leg. A normal-sized smartphone will easily slip into the pocket and stay secure. It is easy to access while hiking with a pack on for photos or navigation purposes. That makes for a total of five pockets: two front hands, two back, and the stealth cell phone pocket. The right-hand pocket has a zipper to keep car keys or a wallet secured and safe.

They have a signature Kuhl FreeRyde waistband that is lined with a micro-chamois material making it nice and soft. It does not come with a built-in belt, which could be a drawback for some hikers. We especially like the stealth phone pocket on the side of the right leg. A normal-sized smartphone will easily slip into the pocket and stay secure. It is easy to access while hiking with a pack on for photos or navigation purposes.

Dry Time

These shorts are not only durable and comfortable but also dry quickly because of how lightweight and breathable they are. We tested these in the rain and submerged them in water to see how fast they would dry and it took about 15 minutes. They are water resistant, so a light rain storm is not a problem. And if you do end up getting soaked or going for a swim, they will dry on the trail within half an hour in the sun. In terms of quick-dry shorts, these are among the best.

Weight & Packability

These are light at 8.5 ounces and pack down into a softball-sized ball into your pack. They are not as light as some hiking shorts, however, the extra ounces amount to more protection and durability for longer miles on the trail. 

We tested these hiking multiple trails in the Rocky Mountains and weight was never an issue for these shorts. They are light enough to move with you as you hike and still strong enough to provide some solid protection against the sun and elements.

Should You Buy the Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts?

Hikers who are looking for lightweight and stylish shorts are sure to be happy with the Kuhl Renegade Rock. They would work well for hiking on any trail but are equally qualified for a weekend round of golf or a bike ride to the local pub. Hikers who are concerned about saving weight may not like these as they are a few ounces heavier than some other hiking short options. While a bit more expensive, their long-term durability also means they are not something that you will have to repurchase often. 

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: These are excellent alternatives to the Renegade Rock shorts since they offer lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable hiking shorts. They are both durable and look good enough to wear on and off the trail.

prAna Brion II Review: The prAna Brion II offers a similar style of shorts with its durability and town-to-trail style. These will also last a long time and look good doing it.

Patagonia Multi Trails Review: Like the Renegade Rock shorts, the Multi Trails Shorts are a lightweight quick-dry option. While not as durable, these are comfortable and in a similar value range.