Men’s Nike DRI-Fit Challenger Shorts Review

Bottom Line

The Nike Dri-FIT Challengers have been one of our go-to hiking shorts for many years since they’re affordable, lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. The simple design makes them easy to move in, and we’ve found the ultralight material is just durable enough for a couple of seasons of intense hiking.

They work equally well for running and hiking. They do not have a ton of features or extras, but their minimalist aesthetic also helps them stay lightweight. We tested these on rainy hikes around lakes and on longer day hikes in the Rocky Mountains to see how they performed. For larger-frame men, these may not be the best option as they are prone to riding up and chafing. But for smaller hikers who like trail running, these are great shorts for long thru-hikes. 

Comfort

If you have a smaller trail runner frame and want to wear as little as possible, then these are the shorts for you. The price tag is a bargain for such a lightweight pair of shorts. 

These running shorts are comfortable for short and longer hikes. Depending on your body type, they may ride up and cause chaffing over time. The built-in liner and running short design can have drawbacks when it comes to hiking. The built-in liner makes them easy to throw on but provides less coverage for thighs and legs than other shorts or hiking underwear do.

For hikers with a larger frame or body type, these may not be the best choice as they can ride up and cause discomfort or chafing while hiking.

Durability

The Nike Dri-FIT Challengers rank average in our testing when it comes to durability. The fabric is strong, but over prolonged use or rough terrain, there is a chance that these shorts may tear or fray. The lightweight fabric is thin and there were several loose threads, which could lead to fraying over time.

The ultralight material is made to be just durable enough for a couple of seasons of intense hiking. But don’t expect these to last you a lifetime. Our testing in wet overgrown trails didn’t tear the shorts, but they also didn’t provide a ton of protection either. With the lower price tag comes the potential for having to replace them more often. 

Features

There are not a lot of features that come with these shorts. For the most part, what you see is what you get. The lightweight woven brief liner is the biggest feature to help the shorts breathe better as well as wick away sweat.

They also have standard side pockets and a hook-and-loop back pocket, which the shorts can pack into if needed. The waistband includes a narrow drawcord to help keep them tight around your waist while hiking. To aid in airflow and breathability, the shorts have built-in mesh side panels and side vents.

Dry Time

The name of these shorts really says it all. Aside from how lightweight these shorts are, the dry time is really where these stand apart from other hiking shorts. These are the quickest-drying option on our list, in part due to the lightweight material. There’s just less fabric to dry here. The built-in brief liner makes these almost like a swimsuit. You can hop in a waterfall, lake, or stream wearing these and trust that they will be dry in a matter of minutes. 

We tested the Nike Dri-FIT Challengers by completely submerging them and then leaving them out in the sun. They dried in around 10 minutes. One thing to keep in mind is that we tested these at elevation in a dry hot environment. For a more humid and wetter hike, these may not dry as quickly, but would still outperform other models under similar conditions.

Weight & Packability

These weigh six ounces and are one of the lightest shorts on the market for hiking. In part this is because the shorts are so short with the inseam and tight or streamlined. The shorts are made using recycled polyester, making them more environmentally friendly. On the trail, these shorts weigh next to nothing and are not going to slow down fast hikers. 

We also found that you can pack them into their own back pocket down to the size of a baseball. So, if you are carrying these in a pack they will take up very little room and only cost you a few ounces.

Should You Buy the Nike DRI-Fit Challengers?

Hikers who are looking for lightweight and quick-dry shorts are sure to be happy with the Nike Dri-Fit Challengers. They would work well for faster hikers who aren’t as concerned about lots of features or durability.

These would not be as good for larger frame hikers who are prone to chafing, as the built-in liner can cause the material to bunch or ride up at times. The lack of long-term durability in these also means they are not ideal for someone who is looking to buy a pair of shorts to last for years. And for anyone who wants the option of a trail-to-town short, this would not be the best fit for that hiker. 

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

REI Trailmade Amphib Review: The REI Trailmade Amphib offers a similar style of shorts with its affordable and versatile bottoms that sit somewhere between board shorts, hiking shorts, and casual everyday shorts. They are also more durable than Nike’s. 

Cotopaxi Brinco Review: Like the Nike DRI-Fit, the Brinco Shorts are a hybrid hiking and swimming short style. They have similar pockets and built-in briefs. They also have more colors and style options than the Nikes, making them better for around-town wear.

These are excellent alternatives to the DRI-Fit Challengers since they offer lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable hiking shorts.