Warm-weather hunts, range days, and scouting trips all call for a tough pair of shorts that don’t care what happens to them, and the Rothco BDU shorts have been the pair we throw in the truck without a second thought. The cotton and polyester blend is a classic military-style fabric that’s held up to brush, dirt, and plenty of washing, and it’s comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling like a uniform. The 11″ inseam sits around the knee, which gives good coverage without getting in the way when you’re walking, climbing, or crouching.
Storage is the biggest reason to wear them. Two large cargo pockets swallow a phone, a call, or a rangefinder, the two slash pockets keep your hands warm and your keys handy, and the two button-down back pockets hold a wallet without losing it on a long sit. The adjustable waist tabs let us dial in the fit over a belt or without one, and the button fly is simple and durable. If you’d rather have a zipper, the Midnight Black Camo and Midnight Woodland Camo colors come with one. The size range runs from XS all the way up to 6XL, which is rare for shorts.
At $39.99 and up depending on color and size, they’re priced well for a rugged, pocket-heavy pair of camo shorts, and Rothco offers free ground shipping on all orders. With more than 35 camo patterns to choose from, there’s a color for just about any use, from woodland hunting to a casual weekend. For anyone who wants a no-nonsense, long-lasting pair of cargo shorts for the field or the backyard, the BDU short is an easy pick.
