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We took these six boardshorts on a multiday backpacking trip near Mount Shasta, a three-day whitewater rafting and SUP trip down the Klamath River, and a self-supported sea kayak trip through the Broken Group Islands in British Columbia. We tested how quickly they dried, how dynamically they moved, how well they fit, and whether they chafed at all on hikes. 

Here’s how they stacked up. 

Under Armour Hanley Boardshort ($53)

°Õ³ó±ðÌý are both flashy and superstretchy. The exterior fabric caused water to bead on the surface, so the shorts never got saturated and stayed lightweight. They dried almost as fast as the Patagonia and Quicksilver. 

Volcom Mod Tech Pro Boardshorts ($68)

The  are cut loose, allowing for a broad range of movement without looking baggy. We liked the simple waist-cinch closure, which accommodated a wide range of tester sizes. While they weren’t the fastest-drying shorts, the Mod Tech never stuck uncomfortably to our thighs, thanks to a series of perforations in the fabric.

O’Neill Complexity Hyperfreak Boardshorts ($55)

The are the second-stretchiest shorts we tested. The fabric is woven from 9 percent elastane and offers a huge range of movement. The two deep side pockets allowed us to bring wallet, keys, and phone along for the ride.  

Howler Bros Bruja Boardshorts ($35)

The are the least stretchy shorts on this list, but they get the most style points with the simple two-tone design and subtle split leg. °Õ³ó±ðÌýback pocket features a button and extra flap of material completely covering the opening for a safe place to store valuables while swimming. 

Quiksilver AG47 New Wave Bonded 19-Inch Repreve Boardshorts ($125)

The  shorts are the best on this list for the serious watersport athlete. °Õ³ó±ðÌýfit was the tightest of the shorts we tested, but the 20 percent elastane fabric didn’t limit range of motion. The stitch-free seam construction eliminated any chafing during long hikes and SUP sessions. Scotchguard treatment made these the second-fastest drying shorts on the list. 

Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer 21-Inch Boardshorts ($69)

The  didn’t have the most stretch or range of motion, but they’re our favorite short overall because they dry so quickly—the fastest on this list. °Õ³ó±ðÌýwaistband cinched up tight while remaining flat along testers’ stomachs, and the fit was so seamless that the shorts didn’t chafe even when we wore a heavy pack with a hip belt.