Columbia Men's Backcast Iii Water Short

Yes. These are the shorts you've been looking for. That is, if you've been looking for comfortable, hardy, functional, long lasting, easy-to-clean, and classic looking shorts. I can't imagine not owning a pair (or 4 pairs for that matter) of these because they are so useful. They look like a classic pair of khaki shorts (or whatever color you want) but you can do anything in them because they're not going to rip, tear, stain, or become soaked in sweat. In one day, you can go to class, jump in a lake, do yard work, and then go out to eat, ALL IN THE SAME SHORTS. They dry in 5 minutes. Mud, grass stains, wine, blood, toothpaste, etc. All of these wash out and off with the short scrub of a wet towel. I wear these shorts for days before washing them. They stay clean and dry. On top of all of that, they look awesome, come in a variety of colors, and they are in style. They are the most versatile shorts on the market. Fit: I am 6’2” 170 lbs with a 32 waist. I can wear a medium 6” inseam comfortably, but they they can be a little short for my long legs at times. The medium 8” is a little baggy around my thighs though. I have found that the small 8” inseam is the best fit. They’re long enough but not too long (abt 1.5-2” above the knee), and they fit nicely around my waist and thighs. Note: I cut the net out. They’re more comfy that way.

I was torn between splurging the extra 30+ (!) dollars to upgrade to patagonia baggies, but decided against it and am completely satisfied nontheless. It took a few tries to get the right size, though: I'm 6'2, 205lbs and usually buy a 32 waist but with athletic shorts and the like the often have to size up. I strongly advise against sizing up, the mediums fit perfectly on me and the 6'' inseam is a nice length to get those cooling breezes wafting up into the nether regions. Though they are marketed as "water shorts" which I take to mean a fancy word for "swin suit" I just wear them as normal shorts. I cut out the inner lining and wear them with boxers on hot days, they don't get sweaty or worn out like cotton shorts do and are nice and lightweight without feeling too flimsy. My only complaint is that the pockets are a bit too big in that if I put something too heavy (i.e. phone or keys + headphones case) they get mighty close to peeking out underneath the bottom of the shorts and really have no business being that large to begin with. Zipper pocket on the back means I can keep my wallet back there and have it feel secure, too which is a ncie plus. Do note that these shorts are a little on the baggy side, which actually I prefer because I have quads on the larger side from squats and these allow for plenty of movement. I recently decided to buy a few more pairs based on how much I liked my first and these are almost certainly going to be my go-to summer legwear for quite a while.

My go to shorts all summer long. The blue color looks like the photos. The material is light weight but durable. It has mesh lined pockets that drain easily when in and out of the water.

I have more than 15 of these. Wear them every day all summer. The heat and humidy of Wisconsin summers just knocks the snot out of me. These make it tollerable. Use them for fishing, kayaking, everyday hiking, working in the yard, everything. I especially like the liner. No underware to put on and very cool.

Well constructed, comfortable. They hold up well. Would recommend.

Columbia Men's Backcast III Water Short: The real deal. They're even "Omni-Shade"! I'm so glad to find these available again after being MIA for a decade. They FIT, they look good, they're ultra-fast drying. And the pockets are deep enough so stuff won't fall out at the beach. Additionally, it has belt loops. This is great because the elastic on prior pairs all eventually wore out, requiring creative solutions for me to keep wearing them.

Great product

Fits true to size, comfortable for warm days when out on the water and dries quickly when wet.