Women’s Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts Review

Bottom Line

The Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts are budget-friendly shorts with a technical, quick-drying fabric, functional pockets, and a built-in belt – a combination ideal for hot-weather hiking and short hikes. The four pockets provide decent storage with secure thigh pockets for small essentials, but the fit can be awkward. When we tested them on the Hunter Creek Trails in the hot sun, we found the waistband uncomfortable, and the fabric’s stiffness resulted in some discomfort and chafing during long hikes.

These shorts aren’t the most durable option in our best women’s hiking shorts guide. But they’re a solid budget buy, especially for hiking in hot climates. Their quick-drying properties and lightweight design make them a great value for the price.

Comfort

The Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts have a lightweight, breathable fabric that feels comfortable against the skin, especially in hot weather. However, the waistband can be a bit clunky and restrictive. We aren’t a fan of shorts with a built-in belt, and the quality of the Sandy River’s plastic belt was questionable. It’s very large and obtrusive, especially when you compare it to the sleek belt of the Houdini Wadi. Although the fabric is super light and great for summer, the fit was awkward. The shorts tend to ride up in the middle, and the seams sometimes catch on the legs, leading to minor chafing over time. The fabric doesn’t have much stretch, which could mean if you size down they might tear easily. While they work well as a budget pair of technical hiking shorts, they are not the most comfortable for long, overnight hikes or rugged use.

Durability

The Sandy River Cargo Shorts offer reasonable durability for lighter hiking but aren’t quite as tough as some high-end options. We tested them by rubbing the shorts against sharp rocks and walking through thick trees. Though the fabric didn’t tear or fray, it started showing wear a bit sooner than expected. The material feels lightweight and breathable, which is great for comfort, but it’s not as resilient against abrasion as heavier duty hiking shorts. One concern is the plastic clip on the waistband—it feels a bit flimsy and might not hold up as well over time, especially if you use it often. With care, we can see these shorts lasting for a season or two, but they don’t have the quality build of the Ferrosi or the prAna Halle hiking shorts. These shorts are an affordable pair but aren’t the longest-lasting shorts.

Features

The Sandy River Cargo Shorts come with some handy features, particularly the four pockets. There are two front pockets and two smaller side pockets. One side pocket has a zipper, which is super useful. The other side pocket has a lip to help keep items from slipping out, adding a bit of peace of mind. Still, it’s very small. The main front pockets have a breathable mesh backing which keeps the shorts lighter and faster to dry. The shorts also come with an adjustable belt, though it feels a bit unnecessary—most of us found it didn’t really add much to the fit and could even be a little awkward at times. They also feature Columbia’s Omni-Shade for UPF30 sun protection.

Drying Time

The Sandy River Cargo Shorts are great when it comes to drying quickly. Made from Nylon Perfecta Plus II, the shorts don’t absorb much water, and their quick-drying treatment causes water to bead off. In testing, we soaked the shorts completely through, and they dried faster than expected – in about 15 minutes. They did not become uncomfortable when they were wet, either, so they’ll work well in summer or places with expected showers. For the price, they had a great performance in terms of dry time. 

Weight & Packed Size

 The Columbia Sandy River Cargo shorts are very light, weighing only 5.2 ounces. Although they are lightweight, the stiffer fabric doesn’t compress as well as some other shorts, making them a bit bulkier when packed into a backpack or stuff sack. The belt also takes up extra space when packing. They are light and easy to carry, but not the most compact option if space is a priority.

Should You Buy the Columbia Sandy River Shorts?

The Columbia Sandy River Cargo Short is ideal for hikers looking for something lightweight and breathable that performs well in hot weather. They dry very quickly, have a bit of a moisture-protective coating, and have good storage with functional pockets. We don’t feel they are the best choice for long, strenuous hikes due to their restrictive fit, potential for chafing, and lack of long-term durability. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable pair of shorts for summer hikes, the Sandy River Cargo shorts are a solid option.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to the best women’s hiking shorts.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review – The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts are more versatile in style and have a softer more comfortable fabric that still manages to dry quickly. They come at a higher price point, but they will also last longer and have an athletic cut that fits well on most body types.

Houdini Wadi Review – For extra comfort and lightness in hot climates, the Houdini Wadi Shorts are an excellent choice. The pockets are deep and secure. These ultralight shorts are highly breathable and dry incredibly fast. They have a flattering fit and superior comfort with their stretchy fabric. 

Women’s Patagonia Quandary Review – The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are a great all-around option for hikers who want a mix of durability and style with the function of a high-quality technical fabric. These shorts are lightweight, breathable, and have excellent storage with four pockets, including a secure key loop.