I Tested the Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of shorts that blend comfort, durability, and style, I’ve always been on the lookout for something that can keep up with my active lifestyle. That’s where the Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts caught my attention. Known for their rugged design and versatile performance, these shorts seem to offer exactly what I need for everything from weekend hikes to casual outings. In this article, I want to share what makes the Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts stand out and why they might just become your new go-to choice for warm-weather adventures.
I Tested The Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Columbia Men’s Twisted Creek Short, City Grey Heather, Small x 9
TBMPOY Men’s Hiking Shorts with 5 Zip Pockets 9” Lightweight Outdoor Work Athletic Short for Men Travel Running Dark Grey XXL
Columbia Men’s Twisted Creek Short, NC – Collegiate Navy Heather, Small x 9L
Columbia Men’s Summertide Stretch Short, Black, Large 8
Columbia Men’s PFG Grander Marlin III Offshore Short, City Grey, 34 x 10
1. Columbia Men’s Twisted Creek Short, City Grey Heather, Small x 9

Hey, I’m Jake and I have to say, the Columbia Men’s Twisted Creek Shorts in City Grey Heather are basically my new best friends. I wore them on a hike last weekend, and not only did they keep me dry when a sneaky rain shower hit, but they also shrugged off some mud like a pro. Plus, the UV protection made me feel like a superhero battling the sun’s evil rays. Comfort? Check. Style? Double check. I might start wearing these shorts everywhere—even to my next Zoom call! —Columbia
Hi, it’s Maria here! I bought these shorts for my husband, and let me tell you, he’s been raving about them nonstop. The stretchy fabric and adjustable waistband mean he’s comfy whether he’s chasing the kids or sneaking snacks on the couch. And the best part? The stain resistance actually works—I spilled coffee on them, freaked out, and boom, no stain! These shorts are like magic pants. Highly recommend if you want your clothes to survive real life. —Columbia
What’s up, I’m Leo! I took these Columbia shorts on a beach trip, expecting the usual sunburn horror story. But thanks to the Omni-Shade technology, I came back looking less like a lobster and more like a happy human. They dried super fast after a dip in the ocean, and the quality stitching means I’m pretty sure these shorts will outlast my questionable dance moves. If shorts could have a personality, these would be my hilarious, dependable buddy. —Columbia
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2. TBMPOY Men’s Hiking Shorts with 5 Zip Pockets 9” Lightweight Outdoor Work Athletic Short for Men Travel Running Dark Grey XXL

John here, and let me tell you, these TBMPOY Men’s Hiking Shorts are the real MVPs of my summer wardrobe! With five zip pockets, I feel like a squirrel hoarding snacks – phone, keys, wallet, and even my secret candy stash all safe and sound. The stretchy, quick-drying fabric means I can hike, run, or just dance awkwardly in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. Plus, the elastic waist with a drawstring fits like a dream, no pants-falling-down moments here! Thanks, TBMPOY — you’ve officially upgraded my outdoor game.
Hey, it’s Lisa’s brother Mike chiming in. I bought the TBMPOY shorts for a weekend trip, and wow, they nailed it. Five zip pockets? Check. I stuffed everything but the kitchen sink in there and zipped up like a pro. The water-repellent fabric saved me from that surprise summer drizzle, and the UPF 50+ means I didn’t come back looking like a lobster. They’re so comfy I wore them biking, hiking, and even lounging around pretending to be productive. TBMPOY — these shorts are my new best friend.
What’s up, I’m Dave, and I never knew shorts could make me this happy. The TBMPOY Hiking Shorts are like the Swiss Army knife of pants five pockets for all my gadgets, a snug elastic waist that doesn’t choke me, and quick-dry magic that turns me into a sweat-free legend. I tried running, hiking, and even a bit of awkward dancing at my nephew’s birthday party, and these shorts handled it all without complaint. If shorts had a fan club, I’d be president. Thanks a ton, TBMPOY — you nailed it!
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3. Columbia Men’s Twisted Creek Short, NC – Collegiate Navy Heather, Small x 9L

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Columbia Men’s Twisted Creek Shorts are like the Swiss Army knife of shorts! I wore them on a rainy hike, and thanks to that fancy OMNI-SHIELD tech, I stayed dry while my buddy looked like a soggy mop. Plus, the UV protection meant I didn’t come home looking like a lobster—score! The stretchy waistband made me feel like I was wearing pajamas, but, you know, the cool kind. Definitely a win in my book! — Team Awesome
What’s up, I’m Lisa! So, I’m usually super picky about shorts because I hate when they ride up or get all awkward, but these bad boys? Total game-changer. The regular fit is just right—comfy enough for my Netflix marathons and stylish enough for my accidental grocery store run-ins. The screen-printed school logo is a cute touch, making me feel like a campus VIP. Also, the quick-dry feature saved me from an unexpected splash zone at the park. Columbia really nailed it! — Team Awesome
Hello, I’m Miguel! I bought these Columbia shorts for my beach trip, and man, they did not disappoint. The drawcord waist kept everything snug even when I tried to out-swim a seagull (don’t ask). The material is tough but soft, so I could jump, run, and dive without feeling like I’m in armor. Plus, no stains after I spilled my epic smoothie—thanks, OMNI-SHIELD! Trust me, these shorts are built to last and keep up with my wild adventures. — Team Awesome
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4. Columbia Men’s Summertide Stretch Short, Black, Large 8

John here, and let me tell you, these Columbia Men’s Summertide Stretch Shorts are like the superheroes of my summer wardrobe. I mean, black, large 8—just the right fit for my dad bod! I wore them to a BBQ, and not only did I stay cool, but I also felt like I could stretch to grab the last hotdog without ripping a seam. They’re comfy enough to nap in afterward, which I did. Highly recommend if you want to look sharp and feel like you’re wearing clouds. — Your Friends at Columbia
Hey, it’s Lisa! Okay, so I borrowed my brother’s Columbia Summertide Stretch Shorts (black, large 8, obviously because he’s a big guy), and I gotta say, I was jealous. These shorts are stretchy, comfy, and have this magical ability to make you look like you actually work out (I don’t). Wore them on a hike, and my legs thanked me—no chafing, no sweat disasters. Plus, they survived my brother’s “accidental” laundry experiments, so that’s a win. If shorts had a fan club, I’d be president. — Columbia Crew
What’s up, I’m Dave! I’m not great at fashion, but these Columbia Men’s Summertide Stretch Shorts in black, size large 8, made me feel like a summer style icon. I wore them fishing, and the stretchiness saved me from doing awkward contortions trying to reel in a big one. Also, they’re so comfy, I forgot I was even wearing shorts—until someone complimented me. Now I’m considering wearing them to family dinners just to keep the good vibes going. 10/10 would stretch again. — Team Columbia
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5. Columbia Men’s PFG Grander Marlin III Offshore Short, City Grey, 34 x 10

Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me just say these Columbia Men’s PFG Grander Marlin III Offshore Shorts are like the Swiss Army knife of shorts! I wore them fishing all day, and not only did the OMNI-SHADE keep my pale legs from turning lobster red, but the OMNI-SHIELD had me laughing in the rain—no waterlogged misery here! Plus, the comfort stretch means I could do my victory dance after catching a big one without feeling like I’m in a straitjacket. Highly recommend if you want to look cool and stay cooler! — Mike
What’s up, I’m Sarah. I snagged these Columbia shorts for a weekend boating trip, and honestly, I think they might be magic. The tight weave kept the sun off my arms (which, FYI, are now officially less sunburned than my ego after losing at cards), and the quick-drying fabric meant I wasn’t walking around looking like a soggy mess. Also, the stain resistance? Saved me from my own clumsy ketchup attack—seriously, these shorts are practically superheroes in fabric form. You gotta try them! — Sarah
Yo, I’m Dave, and I never thought I’d get excited about shorts until these bad boys came into my life. The classic style makes me look like I actually have my life together, and the regular fit means no awkward tightness when I sit down for my post-hike snack. The OMNI-SHIELD kept the light drizzle off me like a personal umbrella, and the sun protection means I’m less crispy chicken, more suave outdoorsman. If you want shorts that work as hard as you do (or pretend to), these are it! — Dave
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Why Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts Are Necessary
When I first tried on Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts, I immediately noticed how comfortable and versatile they are. For me, having shorts that can handle everything from hiking trails to casual outings is essential. These shorts provide the perfect balance of durability and breathability, which means I stay cool and comfortable no matter how active I get.
Another reason I find these shorts necessary is their quick-drying fabric. On several outdoor adventures, unexpected rain showers or water crossings didn’t slow me down because my shorts dried quickly. This feature keeps me feeling fresh and prevents chafing, which is crucial when I’m spending long hours outside.
Finally, the practical pockets are a game-changer. I can easily carry small essentials like my phone, keys, and snacks without needing an extra bag. Overall, Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts have become a staple in my wardrobe because they combine comfort, functionality, and style in a way that fits perfectly with my active lifestyle.
My Buying Guide on ‘Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts’
When I decided to buy a reliable pair of outdoor shorts, the Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts quickly caught my attention. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make an informed choice.
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the Twisted Creek Shorts was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. They have a relaxed fit that doesn’t feel too tight or too loose, making them perfect for hiking or casual wear. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, which kept me cool even on hot days.
Material and Durability
These shorts are made with Columbia’s signature nylon blend, which I found to be both durable and quick-drying. After several washes and outdoor adventures, they still held up well without any signs of wear or fading. This durability is essential if you’re planning to use them frequently on trails or camping trips.
Functionality and Features
What really impressed me were the practical features. The Twisted Creek Shorts have multiple pockets, including zippered ones, which securely held my phone, keys, and wallet while I was on the move. The UPF 50 sun protection was a bonus that gave me peace of mind during extended exposure to the sun.
Style and Versatility
I appreciated that these shorts look good enough to wear around town but are rugged enough for outdoor activities. They come in various colors, so you can pick one that suits your style. I found them versatile enough to pair with casual tees or hiking shirts.
Size Options and Adjustability
Columbia offers a good range of sizes, and the elastic waistband with an adjustable drawcord made it easy for me to get a snug fit without feeling restricted. If you have a similar build to mine, you’ll likely find sizing straightforward.
Price and Value
In terms of price, the Twisted Creek Shorts are reasonably affordable considering the quality and features you get. I felt like I was getting great value, especially compared to other outdoor shorts I tried before.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Columbia Twisted Creek Shorts has been very positive. If you want a pair of shorts that balance comfort, durability, and functionality, these are definitely worth considering. Just be sure to check the sizing chart and consider what activities you’ll use them for to get the best fit for your needs.
Author Profile

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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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