Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Males’s The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts Evaluate


Backside Line

The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts are minimalist bottoms that fall someplace between athletic and informal put on for on a regular basis use. We discovered the flat waistband of the Wanders to be one of the crucial snug underneath a hipbelt, and the easy pocket setup retains the legs bulk-free as effectively.

Whereas the 2 drop pockets are superb for holding small objects, we recognize the stealthy zippered pocket for higher safety. We want the Wanders have been made with a softer material as a result of the stiff polyester tends to bunch up a bit and might really feel uncomfortable on actually lengthy adventures in sizzling climate. That stated, we nonetheless assume these top-performing mountaineering shorts are exceptionally snug for prolonged day hikes.

Fast Specs

Males’s The North Face Wander 2.0

Finances-Pleasant Mountain climbing Shorts with a Flat Waistband


CleverHiker Score:

71.5/100


Value:

$50


Weight:

4.4 oz.


Inseam:

7 in.

Professionals

  • Reasonably priced
  • Flat waistband sits properly underneath a hipbelt
  • Ultralight
  • Dries rapidly
  • Comfy
  • Easy design

Cons

  • Material is swishy & stiff
  • No waist cinching

Two men look at a phone while sitting on a rock by a tree.
Taking a break from the hike within the North Face Wander (left). – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

Consolation

These shorts are fairly snug each on and off the path. They’ve a daily match and are true to dimension. They transfer freely with you and are skinny and breathable and preserve you cool by wicking sweat away out of your physique. We examined these mountaineering excessive mountain trails and loved them every time. 

They’re extra much like health club shorts than conventional mountaineering shorts. The drawstring waist allowed us to tighten up the shorts as wanted and so they by no means bunched up. Whereas snug for understanding and mountaineering, these shorts don’t really feel as good for round city. They don’t have plenty of construction so carrying numerous objects can weigh them down.

Close up of hands trying a drawstring.
The drawstring waist makes it simple to tighten the shorts up as wanted, and so they by no means bunched up. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

Sturdiness

The light-weight nature of those shorts makes them rather less sturdy. That being stated, we did take these by some excessive brush whereas bushwhacking and so they have been surprisingly snag-free. 

They could put on over time after dozens of runs by the washer, however for the value, they’re an awesome worth for what they ship. This mannequin does incorporate FlashDry-XD materials within the Wander mountaineering shorts, which is meant to extend sturdiness and abrasion resistance together with water resistance. They could not final you a lifetime, however they may final you many seasons with no issues.

A man hiking on a mountain trail in shorts and a t-shirt.
The North Face does incorporate its FlashDry-XD materials within the Wander mountaineering shorts, which is meant to extend sturdiness and abrasion resistance together with water resistance. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

Options

The minimalist nature of The North Face Wander implies that there usually are not plenty of options to spotlight. Much less is extra with the Wander. The mountaineering shorts have The North Face’s signature FlashDry-XD supplies, which is what makes these so nice for moist hikes. They shed water and dry in a short time.

These shorts additionally characteristic a non-PFC DWR end and 86% recycled polyester. The waistband options an inside drawstring to assist cinch them tightly. And the waist of the Wander shorts sits flat so when you’re carrying a pack or waist belt the shorts don’t rub. Lastly, the Wander has three pockets, two on the aspect and one again button pocket for some storage whereas mountaineering.

A profile of a mans legs in blue shorts.
The Wander has three pockets, two on the aspect and one again button pocket, for some minimal storage whereas mountaineering. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

Dry Time

These shorts not solely dry in a short time, however additionally they don’t soak up water. When testing we doused them totally and the water simply beaded up on the fabric – they have been fully dry and able to go in lower than half-hour. We do suggest air drying these versus a dryer when to keep away from shrinking them.

The swim-suit-like nature of those shorts makes them an awesome possibility for hikes in moist environments. 

A hand in a pocket of blue shorts.
The  North Face Wander Shorts are fairly snug each on and off the path. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

Weight & Packability

Clocking in at a scant 4.4 ounces, these are among the lightest mountaineering shorts available on the market. That is partly on account of how skinny the fabric is. They’re tremendous breathable, The material, which is made with 86% recycled polyester, will swish a bit whereas strolling as a result of it’s so mild.

There’s additionally no heat or safety with the Wander. The wind and chilly will minimize proper by these shorts – which is precisely what you need on a sizzling day. They do pack up into the dimensions of a baseball and might simply stow away right into a backpack as an additional pair. For prime-intensity exercises or longer hikes in the summertime, the Wander will carry out nice.

The hem of North Face shorts up close.
Clocking in at a light-weight 4.4 ounces, these are among the lightest mountaineering shorts available on the market. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

Ought to You Purchase the North Face Wander 2.0?

The North Face Wander are good shorts for hikers preferring extra of an athletic- or swimsuit-style backside. They are perfect for mountaineering in heat, moist environments as they dry rapidly. And they’re one of many lightest choices accessible. 

You could not need to put on these round city. Nonetheless, for the value and weight, the worth of those shorts is nice for any hiker or runner.

Man opening back pocket on a hiking trail.
The North Face Wander has a again button pocket for storing small objects. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

What Different Mountain climbing Shorts Ought to You Think about?

When you’re contemplating The North Face Wander we’d additionally suggest trying out a few related pairs from our checklist of the most effective mountaineering shorts for males:

REI Trailmade Amphib Evaluate: The Trailmade Amphib is one other pair of mountaineering shorts which are light-weight, breathable, and quick-dry. Just like the Wander mountaineering shorts, these provide related options and total appears to be like, providing a really related mountaineering brief possibility. These do have a built-in belt, however no liner just like the Wander.

Patagonia Multi Trails Evaluate: Like The North Face Wander, The Patagonia Multi Trails are light-weight athletic short-style mountaineering shorts. The Multi Trails have a built-in liner, however each dry rapidly and repel water. They’re additionally each light-weight and have related pockets and are perfect for backpackers involved about shedding ounces. 

Man in blue shorts hikes away on a trail.
The Wander preserve you cool by wicking sweat away out of your physique. – Picture Credit score: David Younger (CleverHiker.com)

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