Men’s The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts Review

Bottom Line

The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between athletic and casual wear for everyday use. We found the flat waistband of the Wanders to be one of the most comfortable under a hipbelt, and the simple pocket setup keeps the legs bulk-free as well.

While the two drop pockets are fine for holding small items, we appreciate the stealthy zippered pocket for better security. We wish the Wanders were made with a softer fabric because the stiff polyester tends to bunch up a bit and can feel uncomfortable on really long adventures in hot weather. That said, we still think these top-performing hiking shorts are exceptionally comfortable for extended day hikes.

Comfort

These shorts are quite comfortable both on and off the trail. They have a regular fit and are true to size. They move freely with you and are thin and breathable and keep you cool by wicking sweat away from your body. We tested these hiking high mountain trails and enjoyed them each time. 

They are more similar to gym shorts than traditional hiking shorts. The drawstring waist allowed us to tighten up the shorts as needed and they never bunched up. While comfortable for working out and hiking, these shorts don’t feel as nice for around town. They don’t have a lot of structure so carrying lots of items can weigh them down.

Durability

The lightweight nature of these shorts makes them a little less durable. That being said, we did take these through some high brush while bushwhacking and they were surprisingly snag-free. 

They may wear over time after dozens of runs through the washing machine, but for the price, they are a great value for what they deliver. This model does incorporate FlashDry-XD material in the Wander hiking shorts, which is intended to increase durability and abrasion resistance along with water resistance. They may not last you a lifetime, but they will last you several seasons with no problems.

Features

The minimalist nature of The North Face Wander means that there are not a lot of features to highlight. Less is more with the Wander. The hiking shorts have The North Face’s signature FlashDry-XD materials, which is what makes these so great for wet hikes. They shed water and dry very quickly.

These shorts also feature a non-PFC DWR finish and 86% recycled polyester. The waistband features an internal drawstring to help cinch them tightly. And the waist of the Wander shorts sits flat so when you are wearing a pack or waist belt the shorts do not rub. Lastly, the Wander has three pockets, two on the side and one back button pocket for some storage while hiking.

Dry Time

These shorts not only dry very quickly, but they also do not absorb water. When testing we doused them thoroughly and the water just beaded up on the material – they were completely dry and ready to go in less than 30 minutes. We do recommend air drying these as opposed to a dryer when to avoid shrinking them.

The swim-suit-like nature of these shorts makes them a great option for hikes in wet environments. 

Weight & Packability

Clocking in at a scant 4.4 ounces, these are some of the lightest hiking shorts on the market. This is in part due to how thin the material is. They are super breathable, The fabric, which is made with 86% recycled polyester, will swish a bit while walking because it is so light.

There’s also no warmth or protection with the Wander. The wind and cold will cut right through these shorts – which is exactly what you want on a hot day. They do pack up into the size of a baseball and can easily stow away into a backpack as an extra pair. For high-intensity workouts or longer hikes in the summer, the Wander will perform great.

Should You Buy the North Face Wander 2.0?

The North Face Wander are good shorts for hikers who prefer more of an athletic- or swimsuit-style bottom. They are ideal for hiking in warm, wet environments as they dry quickly. And they are one of the lightest options available. 

You may not want to wear these around town. However, for the price and weight, the value of these shorts is great for any hiker or runner.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

If you’re considering The North Face Wander we’d also recommend checking out a couple of similar pairs from our list of the best hiking shorts for men:

REI Trailmade Amphib Review: The Trailmade Amphib is another pair of hiking shorts that are lightweight, breathable, and quick-dry. Like the Wander hiking shorts, these offer similar features and overall looks, offering a very similar hiking short option. These do have a built-in belt, but no liner like the Wander.

Patagonia Multi Trails Review: Like The North Face Wander, The Patagonia Multi Trails are lightweight athletic short-style hiking shorts. The Multi Trails have a built-in liner, but both dry quickly and repel water. They are also both lightweight and have similar pockets and are ideal for backpackers concerned about shedding ounces.