The best boat shorts for men depend on what you will do once you leave the dock. A lined water short suits a day that includes swimming; a fishing short with a dedicated tool pocket makes more sense when you will spend most of your time on deck. These three picks compare documented materials, inseams, pockets and fit.
Start with Columbia PFG Backcast III for mixed fishing and water use, AFTCO Original M01 for fishing-focused storage, or Patagonia Baggies 5-inch for a shorter, lined water short. Choose your size on the product page before ordering.
Compare the three boat shorts
| Short | Best reason to choose it | Reviewed length | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia PFG Backcast III, style 1535781 | Mesh briefs and a zippered rear pocket | 6-inch inseam | The built-in brief will not suit every wearer |
| AFTCO Original, style M01 | Seven pockets, including a pliers pocket | 6-inch inseam | More fishing-oriented construction; a swim brief is not specified |
| Patagonia Baggies, style 57022 | Shorter cut with a mesh liner | 5-inch inseam | Rear pocket uses a snap rather than a zipper |
1. Columbia PFG Backcast III: best for a boat day that includes swimming
The Backcast III combines an elastic drawcord waist with belt loops and built-in mesh briefs. Columbia specifies a textured nylon shell and a relaxed fit. The reviewed option is the 6-inch inseam in Cool Grey; the same product family also has an 8-inch option, so check the length selector.
The useful distinction is pocket closure: its rear mesh pocket zips shut, while the hand pockets and drop-in side pocket provide easier access. Columbia also lists Omni-Shade UPF 50 and a quick-drying treatment. Those are manufacturer specifications, not a measured drying-time comparison.
Choose it if: you want one pair for fishing, sitting on deck and getting in the water. Check first: whether you like an integrated mesh brief. A zippered mesh pocket is not a waterproof compartment for a phone.
Check the Columbia Backcast III 6-inch option
2. AFTCO Original M01: best for fishing pockets
The M01 is the most purpose-built fishing choice here. AFTCO lists seven pockets, including one with a Cordura lining for pliers, plus a reinforced double-layer seat. Its three-ply Supplex nylon construction, elastic waistband and zipper fly give it a different layout from simple pull-on swim shorts.
This is the standard M01 with a 6-inch inseam and 16-inch outseam. AFTCO describes the cut as relaxed, with room through the hips and thighs. The linked selection is Navy, waist size 34; change the size to match your own measurements. The separate M01L is a longer product.
Choose it if: tackle and tool storage matter more than a swim-trunk layout. Check first: AFTCO’s page does not specify a built-in swim brief. The double-lined seat refers to reinforced fabric, so do not read that phrase as confirmation of underwear-style lining.
Check AFTCO Original M01 fishing shorts
3. Patagonia Baggies 5-inch: best for a shorter lined short
Men’s Baggies style 57022 has a 5-inch inseam, an elastic drawcord waist and a relaxed fit. Patagonia specifies a recycled nylon body with a recycled polyester mesh liner. The linked Solar Blocks: New Navy color is a printed option.
Side-pocket mesh corners let water drain, and the rear pocket closes with a flap and snap. This makes Baggies a straightforward choice for moving between the boat and the water when you prefer a shorter hem. It does not offer AFTCO’s dedicated pliers pocket or Columbia’s zippered rear closure.
Choose it if: you want a short inseam and integrated liner for casual water use. Check first: the liner and relaxed shape are part of the design; neither guarantees a chafe-free fit. Select your size using Patagonia’s chart rather than carrying over another brand’s letter size.
Check Patagonia Men’s Baggies 5-inch shorts
What to check before buying boat shorts
- Swim, fish or stay on deck? Start with the activity. An integrated brief may be convenient in the water; a tool pocket may be more useful while fishing. Neither feature is essential for everyone.
- Check inseam and waist separately. A 5-inch or 6-inch inseam describes leg length, not waist size. Compare it with a pair you already like, then use the selected brand’s current size chart.
- Read the lining description carefully. A mesh brief, mesh pocket bag and double-layer seat perform different jobs. “Lined” alone does not tell you which one a listing includes.
- Decide what will go in the pockets. A closure helps retain belongings, but none of these shorts is presented as waterproof storage. Put water-sensitive items in a suitable separate dry container.
- Check the final selection. Color, size and length can change as you move between variants. Confirm all three in your cart, along with the seller’s return terms.
Which pair should you choose?
For a versatile first pick, start with the Backcast III. Choose the M01 when fishing storage is the priority, and Baggies when you want the shortest inseam in this comparison. The right purchase is the pair whose lining, pockets and cut match your day on the water.
