It is officially shorts season here in the PNW, and honestly, it’s about time. Most of the time, when we talk about men’s shorts, we’re referring to the running kind – that glorious moment when tights and rain jackets finally give way to shorts and tees. But sometimes, life (and the weather) calls for something a little different.
Sure, we’ve reviewed a handful of more casual options over the years—because let’s be real, we don’t just run. Oregon weekends are made for variety. A little morning hike, an afternoon beer run (the local kind or the post-run kind), maybe even some backyard projects or a quick trip to the coast. That’s why I’ve been loving the two newest men’s shorts from KÜHL: the Getaway Short and the Shift Amphibia Short.
These aren’t just lounge-around shorts or run-your-hardest gear. They live in the in-between—comfortable enough for a lazy Saturday, functional enough for a spontaneous adventure. And both styles bring that hybrid energy in different ways.
Getaway Short
First off, can we just appreciate the name? Getaway. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a backyard barbecue, or just mentally clocking out after work, these shorts are ready to shift you into your “me time” mode.
They’ve got that gym-short feel—lightweight, breathable, and soft—but they don’t actually look like gym shorts, which is key. Thanks to the hemp-infused fabric, they walk the line between casual and semi-put-together. You could toss these on for errands, post-run beers, or even a casual dinner without looking like you just finished speed work at the track.
The stretch waistband is clutch for comfort, and the 7″ inseam hits that sweet spot—long enough to feel versatile, short enough to stay cool. Whether you’re out for a light hike, working in the yard, or just bumming around town, the Getaway feels like it gets it.
Specs at a glance:
- Soft, sustainable poly/hemp blend
- Stretchy pull-on waistband
- Two hand pockets + two drop-in phone pockets
- Zippered back pocket
- Comes in 10 colorways
- That easy-breezy 7” inseam
Shift Amphibia Short
If the Getaway Short is about freedom, the Shift Amphibia is about flexibility. As in, the flexibility to jump in a lake halfway through a hike. Or chase your kids through a sprinkler on a hot Saturday. Or survive another record heatwave with a surprise splash at the nearest water source.
Like the name hints, the Shift Amphibia is built for land and water. The quick-drying fabric with a water-resistant finish makes these a no-brainer for those outdoor plans that blur the line between workout and chillout. I immediately thought of a run I did during the 2021 heatwave where I ended up submerging myself in every safe body of water I could find—these would’ve been a godsend.
They don’t look super “technical,” which is actually a bonus if you want to wear them off the trail. The five-pocket design feels more everyday than ultra-runner, but they still offer stretch, sun protection, and even drainage holes in every pocket. Great for hiking, great for splashing around, great for packing light on a tropical runcation where one pair of shorts can cover running, swimming, and grabbing a margarita.
Specs at a glance:
- Lightweight technical blend with stretch
- Quick-dry + water-resistant
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Drainage holes in all pockets
- Stealth phone pocket
- Gusseted crotch = unrestricted movement
- Available in 6 colors
My shorts drawer was in desperate need of an upgrade heading into summer, and these two from KÜHL fit the bill perfectly. If you’re looking for something that can flex between function and fun, trail and town, these are absolutely worth checking out. You might just find yourself doing a little more getting away (and getting wet) this season.
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Thank you to KÜHL for providing us with sample items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
