Backside Line
The Cotopaxi Brinco brings retro aptitude to the path, providing a flexible design that works for mountaineering, swimming, and informal put on. Constituted of quick-drying nylon, these shorts carry out nicely in moist environments and maintain as much as outside adventures.
We’ve examined a number of swim-hike hybrid shorts, and the Brincos stand out for his or her barely softer materials, lowering the danger of chafing in comparison with rivals. Nonetheless, they’re not as plush as athletic shorts, making them much less very best for multi-day treks in scorching climate. With a vibrant and playful design, the Brincos provide a welcome break from the usual earth-tone mountaineering shorts and are certain to turn into a favourite for many who prioritize each model and performance.
Fast Specs

Males’s Cotopaxi Brinco
Greatest Swimming/Climbing Shorts Hybrid
CleverHiker Score:
67.3/100
Value:
$70
Weight:
7.5 oz.
Inseam:
5 in.
Execs
- Dries shortly
- Fashionable
- Good worth
- Versatile
- Tons of vivid colorways
- Light-weight
Cons
- Not stretchy
- Materials could cause chafing throughout lengthy durations within the warmth
- 5-inch inseam is not for everybody
Consolation
The Cotopaxi Brincos provide stable consolation however inside sure limits. Their light-weight materials and mesh liner make them extra akin to swim trunks than conventional mountaineering shorts. For brief day hikes and water-based actions, they really feel nice. Nonetheless, they’re not as appropriate for prolonged put on, because the mesh liner could cause chafing on longer hikes in scorching climate.
These shorts have a slim match, which will not be as snug for hikers with bigger builds. Whereas they carry out nicely on informal outings, they don’t fairly ship on the all-day consolation wanted for critical backpacking. Throughout testing, they labored nicely for brief hikes close to city however felt much less very best for lengthy treks.
Sturdiness
The Brincos maintain up nicely to water publicity and frequent washing, making them an important selection for river crossings and seashore hikes. Nonetheless, their thinner materials isn’t constructed for rugged terrain.
Whereas they confirmed no speedy indicators of wear and tear after a number of hikes and washes, prolonged use on high-impact trails or by way of dense brush might result in fading or snags. Should you persist with maintained trails, they need to final a very long time, however they’re not probably the most sturdy possibility for aggressive off-trail adventures.
Options
The Brincos preserve issues easy. The most important function is the built-in mesh liner, making them a real hybrid between mountaineering and swimwear. They’ve three pockets—two customary facet pockets and a again button pocket with a drainage gap. A small hem slit improves mobility, and the elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a safe match.
One standout facet of those shorts is the number of colorways. Not like the muted tones typical of mountaineering attire, the Brincos provide enjoyable, retro-inspired designs that stand out each on and off the path.
Dry Time
These shorts dry impressively quick. After full submersion, they dried utterly in below half-hour in heat, dry circumstances. The light-weight nylon material and minimal materials assist velocity up drying, making them a stable selection for water-heavy hikes or humid environments.
Whereas they deal with mild rain nicely, they do soak up water fairly than repelling it. The mesh liner additionally retains some moisture, making them slower to dry in comparison with liner-free choices. That mentioned, for river journeys or waterfall hikes, their quick-drying functionality is a significant plus.
Weight & Packability
Weighing in at 7.5 ounces, the Brincos are pretty light-weight, although not the lightest mountaineering shorts obtainable. The built-in liner provides a little bit of bulk however doesn’t hinder packability. Constituted of 96% recycled nylon and 4% spandex, the material lacks the stretch and softness of some rivals. Nonetheless, their minimal design retains them mild sufficient for informal hikes and journey.
Ought to You Purchase the Cotopaxi Brinco?
Should you’re on the lookout for light-weight, quick-drying shorts that double as swimwear, the Brincos are an important selection. They excel in water-heavy environments and informal day hikes, providing a enjoyable and classy different to conventional mountaineering shorts.
Nonetheless, in case you want heavy-duty sturdiness, all-day consolation, or further options like cargo pockets, these will not be one of the best match. They shine as a flexible, trendy possibility however aren’t constructed for rugged, multi-day backpacking journeys.
What Different Climbing Shorts Ought to You Think about?
Should you’re drawn to this model and need to try extra top-rated males’s mountaineering shorts, right here’s your subsequent cease:
The North Face Wander 2.0 Evaluation: These shorts provide extra stretch and a softer really feel whereas sustaining quick-dry efficiency. They’re an important different for many who desire a bit extra consolation with out sacrificing water-friendly performance.
REI Trailmade Amphib Evaluation: Sitting someplace between board shorts and mountaineering shorts, these present an identical quick-drying, light-weight design. They share the Brincos’ potential for chafing however are a powerful different for these on the lookout for a classy and purposeful hybrid brief.