The Smartwool Men's Merino 7" Cargo Hike Short is the ultimate trail-ready companion for high-mileage days. Blending the natural temperature regulation and odor-resistance of merino wool with the durability and quick-drying properties of recycled nylon, these shorts are built to withstand rugged environments. With an athletic, body-skimming fit and a 7-inch inseam, they provide exceptional mobility and breathability that easily transitions from the backcountry to a post-hike gathering.

Specs & Features

Technical Specs

• Inseam: 7 inches (18 cm)

• Material Composition (Main Body): 61% Merino Wool, 35% Recycled Nylon, 4% Spandex (Elastane)

• Material Composition (Pocket Bags): 100% Recycled Polyester

• Fit: Athletic (body-skimming to move freely with you)

Key Features

• Hybrid Fabric Performance: The proprietary woven blend places the comfort and breathability of merino next to your skin while relying on recycled nylon for abrasion resistance and four-way stretch.

• Customizable Waistband: Features traditional belt loops combined with a snap closure and an internal drawcord, allowing you to dial in the perfect fit even if your weight fluctuates on long thru-hikes.

• Functional Storage: Equipped with two drop-in front pockets, two drop-in back pockets, and a secure zippered side cargo pocket to safely stash your phone, trail maps, or snacks.

• Fully Functional Fly: Classic front fly design for everyday convenience.

Care Instructions

To preserve the merino wool and the elastane stretch fibers, follow these care steps:

• Wash: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Wash with like colors. Fasten the snap closure and zipper before washing to prevent snagging.

• Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach.

• Drying: Dry flat or line dry in the shade. Do not tumble dry, as the heat can degrade the spandex and cause the merino wool to shrink.

• Ironing / Dry Cleaning: Cool iron as needed, but do not iron logos or decorative elements. Do not dry clean.

X-Boundaries Professional Tips

• The Perfect Thru-Hiker Short: The internal drawcord is a massive advantage on long-distance treks. If you start dropping trail weight or if your cargo pocket is heavily loaded with a smartphone, the drawcord prevents the shorts from sagging without requiring a bulky, heavy belt under your backpack.

• Scramble with Confidence: Unlike 100% merino garments which can be delicate, the 35% nylon face of these shorts makes them highly abrasion-resistant. You can confidently sit on abrasive granite or scramble up scree fields without worrying about immediate tears.

• Mind the Pockets in the Wash: Before tossing these in the wash, make sure to completely empty the pockets and zip the cargo pocket shut. Because the pocket bags are 100% polyester, keeping them smooth and zipped prevents them from aggressively twisting and pulling on the surrounding wool-blend fabric during the spin cycle.