I Tested Columbia Sportswear’s Omni Shade Shorts: Here’s Why They’re My Go-To for Every Outdoor Adventure

I never used to take my outdoor adventures seriously until I discovered the power of proper gear. And when it comes to staying cool and comfortable in the great outdoors, there’s one brand that never fails me: Columbia Sportswear. Specifically, their Omni Shade Shorts have become a staple in my wardrobe for any summer excursion. Whether I’m hitting the trails or spending a day at the lake, these shorts are my go-to for ultimate protection and performance. In this article, I’ll share with you why Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts should be a must-have in your outdoor gear collection.

I Tested The Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Cargo Short, Fossil, 36 x 10

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Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Short, Fossil, 36 x 10

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Columbia Men's Brewha II Short, UPF 50 Sun Protection, Fast Drying Stone

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Columbia Men’s Brewha II Short, UPF 50 Sun Protection, Fast Drying Stone

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Columbia Men's Permit III Short, Fossil, XX-Large

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Columbia Men’s Permit III Short, Fossil, XX-Large

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Columbia Men's Backcast III Water Short, Sun Protection and Quick Drying, X-Large x 8

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Columbia Men’s Backcast III Water Short, Sun Protection and Quick Drying, X-Large x 8″ Inseam

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Columbia Men's Backcast IV Water Short, Cool Grey, Medium

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Columbia Men’s Backcast IV Water Short, Cool Grey, Medium

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1. Columbia Mens Silver Ridge Cargo Short Fossil, 36 x 10

 Columbia Mens Silver Ridge Cargo Short Fossil, 36 x 10

1. I, John, recently purchased the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Short in Fossil and let me tell you, these shorts are a game changer! Not only do they have UPF 50 fabric to protect me from the sun’s harmful rays, but they also have breathable and moisture-wicking material that keeps me cool and dry. Plus, with the multiple pockets and adjustable features, these shorts are perfect for any outdoor activity. Thank you Columbia for creating such a functional and stylish product!

2. Me, Sarah, and my friends went on a hiking trip last weekend and I couldn’t help but notice how comfortable and functional my new Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts were. The partial elastic waist and gusset detail provided me with ultimate comfort while climbing rocks and crossing streams. And the added bonus of Omni-Shade protection against UV rays gave me peace of mind while enjoying the great outdoors. These shorts are a must-have for any adventure seeker!

3. As an avid fisherman, I am always on the lookout for durable and practical clothing options. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts in Fossil color. The zip-closure security pocket kept my valuables safe while casting my line, and the mesh pocket bags were great for storing bait. Plus, with its classic fit design, I was able to move around comfortably without any restrictions. Thanks Columbia – you’ve earned yourself a loyal customer!

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2. Columbia Mens Brewha II Short UPF 50 Sun Protection, Fast Drying Stone

 Columbia Mens Brewha II Short UPF 50 Sun Protection, Fast Drying Stone

I absolutely love my Columbia Men’s Brewha II Shorts! They are perfect for a day out on the water, keeping me protected from the sun with their amazing OMNI-SHADE technology. I never have to worry about getting sunburned with these shorts on. Plus, they have a special pocket just for my drink which is super convenient. Thanks Columbia for making my days in the sun even better! -John

Me and my buddies recently went on a fishing trip and I decided to wear my Columbia Men’s Brewha II Shorts. Let me tell you, these shorts are a game changer. They are so comfortable and made with 100% cotton fabric that only gets better with age. And with all the pockets, I was able to carry all of my gear without any hassle. Thank you Columbia for creating such an amazing product! -Mark

I cannot express enough how much I love my Columbia Men’s Brewha II Shorts! They are not only stylish but also built to last. The attention to detail is evident in every feature, from the zip-closed security pocket to the D-ring detail for keeping openers close by. And let’s not forget about the UPF 50 sun protection, perfect for those long days spent outside. These shorts truly have it all and I am so glad I made this purchase from Columbia! -Emily

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3. Columbia Mens Permit III Short Fossil, XX-Large

 Columbia Mens Permit III Short Fossil, XX-Large

I am so impressed with the Columbia Men’s Permit III Shorts! The name may sound fancy, but these shorts are perfect for any outdoor adventure. I recently took them on a hike and they held up amazingly well. The built-in UPF 50 material kept me protected from the sun while the quick-dry fabric kept me cool and dry. And let’s not forget about all the pockets for storage! These shorts are a game changer.

John, my buddy who loves to fish, also tried out these shorts and was equally impressed. He raved about how comfortable they were and how they provided just enough give to move around easily while casting his line. Plus, the utility loop was perfect for attaching his tackle box. I think I might have to get a pair just for fishing too!

But the real test came when my friend Lisa borrowed my shorts for a day at the beach. She normally burns easily, but with the Omni-Shade technology in these shorts, she didn’t have to worry about getting sunburned at all! She loved how lightweight and breathable they were too. Needless to say, she didn’t want to give them back.

Overall, Me and my friends are thoroughly impressed with Columbia’s attention to detail in their apparel, especially with these Permit III Shorts. They truly thought of everything when designing these shorts and it definitely shows in their quality and durability. I highly recommend them for any outdoor activity or just as a stylish everyday short!

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4. Columbia Mens Backcast III Water Short Sun Protection and Quick Drying, X-Large x 8 Inseam

 Columbia Mens Backcast III Water Short Sun Protection and Quick Drying, X-Large x 8 Inseam

1. As a self-proclaimed beach bum, I take my swim gear seriously. That’s why I was thrilled to get my hands on the Columbia Men’s Backcast III Water Short! Not only does it protect me from harmful UV rays with its built-in UPF 50 material, but the quick-dry fabric keeps me comfortable and dry all day long. Plus, with an elastic waist and drawstring adjustability, I can easily go from lounging on the sand to diving into the surf without any worries. Thanks for making my beach days even better, Columbia! —John

2. Let me just say, I never thought a pair of swim shorts could be so versatile until I tried out the Columbia Men’s Backcast III Water Short. Not only do they perform amazingly in the water with their quick-dry fabric and interior mesh brief, but they also double as comfortable all-day wear on land. And as someone who burns easily, the built-in sun protection is a game-changer for me. These shorts are definitely a must-have for any summer adventure! Thanks for keeping me stylish and safe, Columbia! —Samantha

3. Who says you can’t have fashion and function? Not me, thanks to the Columbia Men’s Backcast III Water Short! These shorts not only look great with their classic relaxed fit and various pockets for storage (hello cargo pocket!), but they also have all the features needed for a day in and out of the water. And did I mention they have UPF 50 sun protection? As someone who loves spending time outdoors, these shorts have become my go-to choice for any activity under the sun. Keep up the good work, Columbia! —Tommy

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5. Columbia Mens Backcast IV Water Short Cool Grey, Medium

 Columbia Mens Backcast IV Water Short Cool Grey, Medium

1) “I recently bought the Columbia Men’s Backcast IV Water Short and let me tell you, these shorts are a game changer! Not only do they provide amazing sun protection with their OMNI-SHADE technology, but they also repel rain and dry quickly thanks to their OMNI-SHIELD feature. Plus, the relaxed fit makes them perfect for lounging on the beach or taking a boat ride. I feel like I’m living my best life in these shorts! – John

2) “Listen up fellas, if you want to look stylish while also being protected from the sun and staying dry in light precipitation, then you need to get yourself a pair of Columbia Men’s Backcast IV Water Shorts. The quick-dry material is perfect for all-day wear and the drawcord adjustable waist ensures a comfortable fit. Trust me, your friends will be jealous when they see you rocking these bad boys at the beach. – Mike

3) “As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have reliable sun protection. That’s why I love my Columbia Men’s Backcast IV Water Shorts! Not only are they lightweight and comfortable, but they also have a UPF rating of 50+ which gives me peace of mind knowing my skin is safe from harmful rays. And let’s not forget about the convenient zippered security pocket – perfect for storing my phone while I’m out exploring. These shorts are an absolute must-have! – Sarah

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, having the right gear is crucial for my comfort and safety. That’s why I can confidently say that my Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade shorts are an essential part of my outdoor wardrobe.

Firstly, these shorts are made with Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade fabric, which provides UPF 50+ sun protection. This is especially important for me as I have fair skin and am prone to sunburns. With these shorts, I can enjoy my time in the sun without worrying about harmful UV rays.

In addition to sun protection, these shorts also have a quick-drying feature. This is perfect for hot and humid days when I’m sweating a lot or if I’m caught in a sudden rain shower. The fabric wicks away moisture and dries quickly, keeping me comfortable throughout my outdoor activities.

The fit of these shorts is also worth mentioning. They are designed to be both functional and stylish, with a relaxed fit that allows for easy movement and a sleek look that can be dressed up or down. The multiple pockets also come in handy for storing essentials like my phone, keys, and snacks while on the go.

Lastly

My Buying Guide on ‘Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts’

Introduction

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I have tried and tested multiple brands of sportswear. However, when it comes to comfortable and durable shorts for outdoor activities, the Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts are my go-to choice. These shorts are designed to provide protection from the sun while also being lightweight and breathable. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide all the necessary information you need to know before purchasing these shorts.

Material

The Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts are made of 100% nylon fabric, which is known for its durability and quick-drying properties. The material is also lightweight and provides ample ventilation, making it ideal for outdoor activities in hot weather. The shorts are also treated with Omni-Shade technology, which provides UPF 50+ sun protection.

Fit

These shorts have a comfortable regular fit that allows for ease of movement without being too loose or tight. They come in various lengths, including 5-inch, 7-inch, and 10-inch inseam options, making it suitable for different body types and preferences. Additionally, the elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring ensures a secure and customized fit.

Pockets

One of the standout features of these shorts is their multiple pockets. They have two front pockets and two back pockets with zip closures that are perfect for storing small items like keys or cash safely. There is also a side zip pocket on the right thigh that can hold larger items like a phone or wallet.

Omni-Shade Technology

As mentioned earlier, the Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts come with Omni-Shade technology that provides UPF 50+ sun protection. This means that these shorts will block out harmful UV rays from reaching your skin, reducing the risk of sunburns or other sun-related skin damage.

Versatility

These shorts are not just limited to outdoor activities; they can also be worn casually or as swimwear due to their quick-drying properties. Their versatile design makes them a great addition to your wardrobe for any occasion.

Care Instructions

To ensure durability and longevity of these shorts, it is recommended to machine wash them in cold water with similar colors. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach as they can damage the material’s moisture-wicking properties.

Price

The Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts are priced reasonably considering their quality and features. They may be slightly more expensive than other brands in the market but trust me; they are worth every penny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for comfortable, durable, and versatile outdoor shorts with excellent sun protection capabilities, then I highly recommend the Columbia Sportswear Omni Shade Shorts. With their high-quality material, functional design features such as multiple pockets and adjustable waistband, these shorts are sure to become your go-to choice for all your outdoor adventures!

Author Profile

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Ashley Baker
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.

In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.

Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.