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Quandary Short
From the mountains of Maine to the jungle ruins of the Yucatan, the Patagonia Men's Quandary Short offers uncompromising versatility for just about any situation you find yourself in. Stretch-woven fabric is both tough-wearing and stretchy, with a gusseted crotch promoting full range of movement for adventurous pursuits. It's finished with a DWR treatment that repels light showers from ruining your fun outdoors.
Seeing that you'll be dabbling in everything from sport climbs to urban commutes, the Quandary features a classic 5-pocket design that's upgraded with a zippered thigh pocket for extra security. Its movement-friendly fit provides ample room to hop, bend, and stretch when you're hiking, climbing, and playing pick-up games at the park. Following suit, the curved waistband wraps around your hips with a contoured feel that's surprisingly sturdy.
- Versatility for outdoor endeavors and casual wear
- Stretch-woven fabric is tough-wearing and stretchy
- DWR finish repels light showers from soaking through
- Curved waistband wraps your hips with a contoured fit
- Gusseted crotch maximizes range of motion
- UPF 50+ offers protection from bright sun
- Zippered thigh pocket secures essentials
- Item #PAT01U6
- Responsible Collection
- Certified B-Corp
- Material
- 94% nylon, 6% spandex, DWR finish
- Fit
- regular
- Inseam
- 10 in, 12 in
- Waist
- belt loops
- UPF Rating
- 50+
- Claimed Weight
- 7.3oz
- Recommended Use
- hiking & camping, climbing, casual
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Tech Specs
What do you think about this product?
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September 11, 2020
Light, versatile hiking short
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- L
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 190 lbs
I've struggled to find a light hiking short that isn't too baggy, too long, or both. I ordered the shorter inseam and the fit is great. The fabric is light and stretchy and stays comfortable in very humid weather. Good pocket layout: small zippered cargo pocket and deep rear pockets that are good for phones or other big stuff. Highly recommend.
Alexander Jenkins
September 10, 2020
Perfect Shorts for Hot Weather Hiking
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 30
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 146 lbs
Wore these day hiking out to the Carolina Sandhills National nature preserve in 80+ degree heat and high humidity. Even with being drenched in sweat, I never felt wet or uncomfortable with these shorts on. They stayed on my hips and in place, no bunching or riding. The shorts were incredibly roomy but did not appear baggy on my frame. Never felt restricted in motion. Can ninja kick without issue! If 10 inch inseam were in stock I would of purchased those as I usually do not like fabric touching the back of my knees. Frankly i didn't notice it at all, might buy shorter inseam next season, but these shorts are keepers! Bonus sneaky pockets are a nice feature. I also saw an endangered woodpecker, would I have seen it without these shorts on? We will never know...
Spencer Armand
September 7, 2020
Good shorts for hiking
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 38
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 214 lbs
Material is very breathable. Used them in 100+ degree weather in the woods hiking & fishing. Quick to dry and repels camp pretty well surprisingly. Durable fabric too. Very good movement with no binding at all. Great comfortable fit. Good pocket scheme as well. Can’t go wrong with these.
Richard H.
September 5, 2020
Best hiking short ever!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 34
- Height
- 5` 8"
- Weight
- 175 lbs
These shorts are amazing. Comfortable, functional, and look to be durable. After wearing these on a few day hikes I ordered a second pair.
Roger L.
July 31, 2020
Great for everything
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 34
- Height
- 6` 00"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
Because outdoor gear is so expensive I have to buy stuff that is multi-functional. I use them as my mountain biking shorts whether I’m sending it down Tsunami or Thieves and Fire Swamp. Or if I’m pedaling Mag 7, Amasa Back and the Whole Enchilada and everything in between. I’ve gone down hard on some really loose and gravely trails and just the pocket where I have my knife got a little hole. They are very durable. Also, I use these for kayaking and paddle boarding because they dry so quickly. They are also the only shorts that I have for hiking. They are extremely lightweight and comfortable. They shed dirt and water nicely and can clean up very easily in a sink. Also the pack down really small so the don’t take up much room in your pack. They have a really nice modern look and work well as and everyday wear short. I have all colors and will definitely be buying more.
Brett E.
May 15, 2020
Comfortable but tight fit
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- L
- Weight
- 185 lbs
These shorts have a comfortable stretchy fabric, but the fit is a bit tight in the thighs and hips. If you're not skinny, I would definitely order at least 1 size up. Back pockets are oddly placed too -- very low on the back and since they're deep, anything you put in there will be poking into the bottom of your behind.
Maximilian S.
December 25, 2019
Just about perfect.
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
I tried these shorts on today. I have no reason--none--to expect disappointment here. The fit was great. The style is there. The comfort is totally functional. I am simply excited about using these in the field, as they say. I've had similar shorts in the past (not Patagonia) that have been solid, but the initial quality and satisfaction is near the top.
July 16, 2019
Do'n it all !
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 32
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 175 lbs
From hiking and biking to the water, these are a great all arounder. Water, you say? Yep! With mesh-backed pockets I've used these at the lake and on the river with no issue at all. And as to your next question, yes they are perfectly comfortable going comando. The stretch in the fabric affords excellent comfort while keeping a trim profile too. I'm getting the pants next.
Matt Z
June 11, 2019
Terrific Shorts
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 35
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 175 lbs
The stretch fabric, the fit and feel all make these shorts hard to take off. The zippered pockets are handy too.
ST
May 12, 2019
Great climbing pant
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 32 -10"
- Height
- 6` 2"
- Weight
- 185 lbs
I bought these pants with the expectation to climb cruiser rock climbing routes and go on runs. I had heard good things about these shorts from customers and wanted to check them out. The results were amazing, I love using these pants at the rock climbing gym, out door crags, on runs, and bike rides as well. Some of the pockets have zippers, it makes for a really convenient exercise pant if you have to keep your keys in your pocket. I'd recommend anyone these pants even if you don't use them as active wear, they are simply great shorts.
Benjamin Rautio
May 11, 2019
Everyday Short
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- 34" waist
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 195 lbs
These are great fitting shorts that easily transition from wearing out and about during your, as well as for hitting the trail and hiking for miles in short worthy weather. They appear to be durable enough to last a while and put up with some basic wear and tear, but they're also light and stretchy enough to move with you, not against you. They fit true to size for me, and are very comfortable.
Shaun Moyer
April 6, 2019
Just being honest about them
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- 34 X32
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 190 lbs
If you have muscular thighs these aren’t for you. If you have a very flexible reach(with your legs) that’s fine but if you have thick thighs and need pocket space these have no help. I was going to wear these shorts for my job... they don’t have the flex capacity I thought they’d have. Phone in my cheek pocket is a no... folded paper work in my right cheek pocket. Patagonia is made for naturally skinny people... if I actually tried these shorts at work... I’d be dealing with thigh to crouched area tears. I need utility styled shorts... and these are not it... if you have skinny thighs it’s yours for the taking... I put these through my daily exercises away from work and had to cut it off to be able to return them....
Michael C.
March 1, 2019
A little short, great features & fabric
I bought these as a gift for my BF, and he really likes them, although he thinks they're a little tight through the thigh and a little short (he's 5'8'', 140lbs with a 29'' waist and I got him a 30), but pocketing is great (2 zip pockets, yes!) and the fabric has really great stretch and weight.
Emily D.
October 11, 2018
Quickdry and lightweight
These are great hiking shorts.
Jamie Kreiger
September 11, 2018
Good Shorts
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
These shorts are stretchy and dry quick. Great for hiking.
Monique Lundstedt
August 5, 2018
Solid pair of shorts
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
The Patagonia Quandry shorts are solid! Great for using outdoors or just wearing them around town. Perfect!
Jason Kang
July 2, 2018
Not durable
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 165 lbs
First day of owning the Patagonia Quandary they ripped in the front bouldering indoors. I typically associate Patagonia with paying a premium to get lasting softgoods. In this case I wasn't right.
Benjamin August
June 4, 2018
Great for summer or travel
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
I bought these for my boyfriend and he has feedback to share: "These are very comfortable. The material is breathable and stretchy. I also like the fact that these have belt loops. These are great for hiking, biking, travel, and for everyday casual wear. Fit true to size.
Annika
April 26, 2018
Another great pair of shorts
- Familiarity:
- I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Height
- 0` 0"
- Weight
- 0 lbs
I ordered these for my dad and he really likes them. They run a little small, we had to return the first pair and order a size up. He says they are lightweight and comfortable. He especially likes how deep the pockets are and having the zipper pockets so he doesn't have to worry about losing things while he is hiking.
Kate Sandy
August 31, 2017
A few annoyances, otherwise good.
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
One feature that this short has but is not mentioned in the description, even on the Patagonia site, is that it has a draw string in the inside waist band like some swimming trunks have. This string (both ends) gets in the way of the zipper when you are putting it on, so you always have to fiddle with it to get it out of the way. It might be useful if you wanted to go for a swim. Swim trunks have a way of slipping down when they are wet. Had I known this string was going to be the pain that it is, I would not have purchased them. Also, the waist band material is a mesh of sorts that is rather rough and chafes when I do not have a shirt tucked in. But how often do you do that? Most of the time I am wearing a t-shirt outside of the short. On the plus side, and the thing that attracted me to the short in the first place, is the gusset, which is not easy to find. The cut of the short is good, the placement of the pockets is, for me, excellent. I like to put my wallet in my left hip pocket and that is the side that has a zipper. And the cell phone pocket, too, has a zipper, which is great, though it would be better if the pocket were narrower. As it is, the phone can go horizontal and it can be difficult to retrieve in that position, especially when seated. Note that the catalog photo of the pant gives the impression that this cell phone zipper pocket is narrow when, in fact, it is twice as wide. With some refinement, this short could be perfect.
Roger L