Vuori Kore Shorts Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

The Vuori Kore Shorts are versatile, all-purpose bottoms that we’ve relied on for everything from swimming and day hikes to casual outings around town. With a design that’s more stylish than typical athletic shorts and more comfortable than dedicated hiking shorts, the Kore strikes a great balance between performance and style.

The simple drawstring cord, functional pockets, and variety of colorways make these shorts one of the more adaptable on our list of the best hiking shorts. While we did notice that the integrated boxer briefs tend to ride up over time, the Kore Shorts remain a top choice for shorter hikes and urban adventures.

Comfort

The Vuori Kore Shorts excel in comfort, thanks to their fabric blend of 46% recycled polyester, 44% polyester, and 10% elastane. This combination results in one of the most comfortable shorts we tested, with a soft, stretchy feel that’s perfect for active use. The material is breathable and provides excellent freedom of movement, and the built-in liner is particularly useful on longer backpacking trips.

These shorts come in both 5” and 7.5” inseams, and during our testing on day hikes to waterfalls in Colorado, they performed exceptionally well. However, we did find that the liner has a tendency to bunch up, which can detract from the overall comfort, especially during extended hikes.

Durability

Constructed from recycled materials, the Vuori Kore Shorts are designed for durability but come with some caveats. They’re best suited for casual use, low-impact hikes, and around-the-house wear. The thin fabric, while comfortable, showed signs of vulnerability during off-trail testing, particularly in overgrown areas where snags and tears are more likely.

Overall, while they performed well in moderate conditions, these shorts may not be the best choice for hikers who frequently tackle rugged terrain.

Features

The Vuori Kore Shorts offer practical, though minimal, features. They have two side pockets and one back pocket, each large enough to carry essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys without feeling overstuffed. The built-in liner offers a convenient, all-in-one solution for hikers, and the elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a secure fit, even when carrying gear or wearing a pack with a hipbelt.

While the design is intentionally simple, the quick-drying and sweat-wicking material is a plus, making them versatile for a range of activities without the bulk of extra features.

Dry Time

Although these shorts dry relatively quickly, they do absorb water rather than repel it. During our testing, a thorough soaking with a hose left them noticeably heavier when fully wet, though they resisted light rain well. The built-in liner, not being mesh like a swimsuit, retains water longer, making them slower to dry compared to other models. Under direct sunlight, they dried in less than an hour, which should be fine in warm, dry climates, but they might be less practical in humid or consistently wet conditions.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at 7.7 ounces, the Vuori Kore Shorts are lightweight but not the absolute lightest in their category. The built-in liner adds a bit of bulk, but they still pack down compactly when needed.

While they might not compete with ultralight models, we found that their weight was never an issue during testing — even with the added liner. The minimalist design, with limited pockets and features, helps keep the weight down, and the use of recycled materials contributes to their overall lightness without compromising on durability.

Should You Buy the Vuori Kore?

Overall, the Vuori Kore Shorts are a solid choice for casual hikers and those looking for versatile, comfortable shorts for a variety of activities. They offer great value with their built-in liner and soft, stretchy material. However, ultralight hikers or those seeking more specialized features might want to look elsewhere.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

If you like the looks of this pair and want to explore similar options from our list of the best hiking shorts for men, here’s where you should go next:

Nike DriFit Challenger Review: Similar lightweight athletic shorts with a built-in liner, but lighter at 4.8 ounces. They offer comparable functionality and style.

Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review: These shorts share many features with the Vuori Kore, including a drawstring and limited pockets. Slightly lighter at 6.4 ounces, they might be a better fit for those prioritizing weight without sacrificing comfort.