Men’s Backcast III Water Short
Summer fun shorts, shore-side or deep in the water. The PFG Men’s Backcast III Quick Drying Water Shorts are easy-fitting with built-in UPF 50, nylon construction, and a built-in mesh brief are perfect for days on the lake, a float on the river, or charging the surf. Advanced technology and functional design make for a great experience. Whether you’re out for hours of fishing, swimming or at a pool side BBQ, these amazing shorts will not disappoint. The interior mesh brief offer wet or dry use while the protective exterior features our Omni-SHADE UPF 50 to help block and shield from UVA and UVB sun rays. Durable, comfortable, and versatile, they include two hand pockets, a cargo pocket, and a zippered security back pocket. Wear with the drawcord adjustable waist, or use the built-in belt loops when stepping up the level of casual attire. offers our men’s water shorts in a wide range of colors and sizes. Extended sizing available. Relaxed Fit. To ensure the size you choose is just right, please refer to our sizing chart. To find your waist measurement, measure around your natural waistline.
Size Chart
Brand Size | USA | Waist | Hip | Inseam |
---|---|---|---|---|
XS | 28-30 | 26–29 | 32–34 | 30 |
S | 32 | 29–32 | 35–37 | 32 |
M | 34 | 32–35 | 38–40 | 34 |
L | 36-38 | 36–39 | 41–43 | |
XL | 40-42 | 40–43 | 44–46 | |
XXL | 44 | 44–47 | 48–50 |
Aidan C. –
These shorts are a great cheapo alternative to Patagonia Baggies that don’t feel like a cheap walmart bathing suit. I bought a long (8′) pair to cut the net out of and use for hiking. I am 6’3 and 170ish pounds, generally I wear a size medium in any kind of pull on shorts or sweatpants and a size 34 with a belt in normal pants but I purchased the size small for these and they fit perfectly. Baggy leg opening still but it’s nice for lifting my legs up high climbing over tree trunks and up ascents. Nice deep hand pockets and zipper back pocket plus the side pockets big enough for a wallet/phone or anything similar sized. Bought a second pair of the 6′ to go swimming in this summer but they haven’t got here yet. Both still came about ten dollars cheaper then if I had bought a pair of Patagonia Baggies.
AJL203 –
These are just wonderful shorts for the beach/short. Breezy. Dries very fast. You can go from the dock to a bar/restaurant with ease. Looks good with a T-shirt or sun- bleached polo. The only con for me is the mesh liner. I cut mine out and just wear boxer shorts underneath. More comfortable in my opinion. I’ve seen purchased these in a few colors. All in all, a great buy.
RobAngel –
Great knock around shorts. Hard to find shorts like these that have deep enough front pockets. I can put my 6.5 inch screen phone in one front pocket, my keys, coins and Swiss Army knife in the other, my wallet in the back pocket and all that ‘stuff’ stays put getting in and out of car etc. Can empty pockets, jump in swim pool and material dries quickly afterwards. If you’re not sure if you’re medium or large, medium is prolly your best bet. I am 6 ft, 190 and medium works for knockin round town, strenuous yoga, boating, etc. Although the pockets are well done, it’d be great if they also made it so the front’s are also zippered for travel in areas where there are pick pockets or if you’re climbing at sharp angles. That said, I haven’t found any shorts that beat these and they’re especially good in hot weather.
Publius –
Good construction, the right pockets, should last a long time. I got the ugly green to test because it was half the cost. I will use them as multipurpose exercise shorts, but also swim shorts that I don’t need to change out of for a restaurant. I got a second pair because I like them. My only complaint is the pockets slap around while running, maybe they could have seen the pocket a little further down the inside.
Aaron Michalko –
I purchased these shorts for use primarily as swim shorts at the beach, so this review reflects that intended use. I like the fabric and color choices. The shorts run large. I ordered a Large and I wear a 36″ in most shorts and pants. I can’t comfortably wear these shorts without tying the string due to the feeling that they will fall, especially if I am going in and out of water. This leads to a secondary issue; the material around the waist band is very coarse and caused chaffing around my waist and belly, even while wearing a pair of compression shorts under the trunks. If these shorts came in a softer fabric with more fitted tailoring, they would be excellent.
JEH –
Replaced a pair of Patagonia Baggies about 15 years ago with these and have been well satisfied and have never gone back to the costlier brands. These are not dress shorts but made for swimming, casual biking, or hiking. They were perfect for me for the last 20 years in Hawaii and work fine in the warm weather now that we have moved back to the South. They are full cut for activity, so if you want a slim fit buy something else. Otherwise they are as good as more expensive brands I have tried in durability and comfort.
Don –
Finally a Columbia short where I don’t have to put my cell phone in the back pocket! But note while great for 8″ length, another reviewer complained they’re too deep for the 6″ length. So sounds like, if you want 6″ length, buy a different Columbia model.
Lisa –
My son loves these shorts! I bought the 6″ and the 8″ for him to try, and the 8″ were definitely the winners. He is 5’9″ and very thin (28″ waist). We ordered size small and they work great – especially with the drawstring. We now have them in 4 different colors. A little pricey, but he will wear them out over the summer, so it’s worth it!
John W. Cooke –
My only complaint is that they are almost out of color options. I bought one pair XL in a certain color, like the shorts so much I wanted to buy another pair in a different color, but none were available in my size. That said, I liked the shorts so much I bought an identical pair. Great for summer.
Stephen B. –
These are the only shorts I will buy for sports, mainly pickleball and tennis. Large front pockets for tennis balls, a zipper back pocket for a wallet, and a small side pocket good to hold keys etc.
The mesh lining soaks up perspiration and won’t leak through.
I like pond color which is a medium gray and peach is almost orange. Cypress is really a khaki green color, but can look gray if worn with red. I also like black, fossil red and light gray, and I prefer 6 inch inseam.
I have about 6 pair at home and I have 6 pair in Florida. I don’t even bother looking at anything else!
RB –
I wish there was a left hip pocket! That would make these shorts perfect ! Yes you can see that I have way too many pairs!
alaskaman –
These shorts fit the bill for the hot weather Alaska has been experiencing this summer. Got the size Large for my 38″ (last I checked anyway) waist. Seems to be very good quality construction and the green color isn’t too bad either. Can’t remember the price but have had good success with Columbia products in the past. Pretty good bang for the buck.
mtbikes –
Its nice that these shorts have a back pocket with a zip. They dry fast. At first, I thought they were going to be great. Over time I have noticed they have about a 6 inch inseam. I ran a 10K in them and the inseam rode up and I got some chafing which was a bummer. The pockets are mesh and have a tendency to turn inside out because they are not sewn into the side hem. I have left the liner in so far, as I use them as swim trunks occasionally, but the pockets tend to float out in an annoying way.
jonathan –
My husband is bold. He is “wear a speedo to the fishing rodeo” bold. However, these shorts made him stand out in a way that… the picking from his friends wasn’t such that he could enjoy it. They are just kind of 1980s goofy.
Matthew C. Borda –
This swimsuit looks really great, with a great, vibrant color. It fits nicely, the legs a little looser than I like but a perfect length. The only minor problem I have is the weird patch sewn on the back that says like “cool fishing dudes” or something but you can barely notice it when you are wearing.
Chris –
These trunks are great for hot summer days out of the lake. I cut out the liner and usually wear a pair of lightweight mesh briefs underneath. The trunks dry very quick, and are casual enough to feel comfortable running to the store before or after going out on the water. Great pair of shorts especially for the price. I’m considering getting another pair in a different color.
Frank J Cadwell –
I dislike the fashion trend for long inseams in men’s shorts. The 6 inch inseam in these couldn’t be better. They are very comfortable. The ability to wear with a belt is great. And the pockets are perfect. I’m going to grab another pair or two before they change the style and screw them up. Thanks, Columbia!
Amazon Customer –
Super cute shirt for 25 dollars. Can’t beat but. Normally they sale for 35 dollars. Great quality
Πέτρος –
I just bought 4 more pairs in various colors. They fit well, the pockets are deep enough for my large phone-wallet, and the fabric dries quickly in the sun. My older Backcast III shorts are still in excellent condition after 2 years, and I wear them and wash them all the time when the weather is warm.
TGAJ –
These shorts are comfortable, dry quickly, and the fabric feels good. The liner works well, too. I ordered the 8” version, and they fit just right. All of the colors that I bought look nice – black, navy, green, dark blue, gray, and red. They work well as casual shorts, swimwear, or even work shorts.
AppalJack –
Very comfortable but the leg openings are wide enough for Giant Sequoias.
miguel763 –
You can go from hiking, to the pool the beach then the bar no worries, I may have gone a little high when I said 100%, more like 95%, you probably wouldn’t want to wear them to sleep in, but you could I guess.
CTL –
well made, good pockets. A built in elastic belt instead of the drawstrings would be perfect.