Columbia Men's PFG Backcast IV Water Short - Quick-Dry Nylon

In this review of the Columbia Men's PFG Backcast IV Water Short the bottom line is simple: these are reliable, comfortable swim shorts built for time on the water. The reviewer found them ideal for boat days, beach trips, and any hot-weather activity where sun protection and quick drying matter. Constructed from textured poplin 100% nylon with quick dry performance and a tight weave OMNI-SHADE finish, they strike a strong balance between swim-ready function and everyday wearability.

Key Features

• OMNI-SHADE UV protection: The tight weave construction provides dependable sun protection against UVA and UVB rays for extended time outdoors.
• OMNI-SHIELD repellency: Light precipitation beads up and stains resist setting, so the shorts stay cleaner and drier during active use.
• Quick dry comfort: The 100% nylon textured poplin dries rapidly after swimming or sweat, reducing chill and improving day-long comfort.
• Handy storage: Hand pockets plus a zippered security pocket keep small essentials secure while the drawcord waist adjusts for a personalized fit.
• Interior mesh brief: Built-in support eliminates the need for separate liners and improves wearability in and out of the water.
• Relaxed fit: A lightweight, relaxed cut delivers freedom of movement for paddling, walking the beach, or casual wear.

Who It's For

These shorts are best for men who spend time on the water or in strong sun and want a versatile pair that doubles as swimwear and casual shorts. The combination of UV protection and quick-drying nylon makes them particularly useful for boaters, anglers, and beachgoers who need functional performance without sacrificing a neat look.

Those seeking a technical performance board short with long inseams or compression-specific swimwear should look elsewhere; the relaxed fit and built-in brief favor comfort over race-style performance. Also, buyers who want heavy insulation or winter layering will find these too lightweight.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable, quick-drying nylon fabric that handles repeated swim and sun exposure well.
• Effective sun protection via OMNI-SHADE, useful for long days outdoors.
• Practical features such as drawcord waist, interior mesh brief, and a zippered security pocket.
• Lightweight, relaxed fit that looks good on and off the water.

Cons

• Pocket depth feedback is mixed, so carry larger items with care or use the zip pocket for valuables.
• Not designed for cold conditions or heavy-duty abrasion like thicker adventure shorts.

Specifications

Brand	Columbia
Material	100% nylon textured poplin
Sun Protection	OMNI-SHADE UVA/UVB protection
Water & Stain Repellency	OMNI-SHIELD
Fit	Relaxed fit with drawcord adjustable stretch waist
Support	Interior mesh brief
Pockets	Hand pockets and zippered security pocket

Our Verdict

The Columbia Men's PFG Backcast IV Water Short is a sensible choice for men who need a versatile, quick-drying swim short with real sun protection and useful pockets. It represents good value for anyone who spends time at the beach, on a boat, or near water and wants dependable comfort and durability without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these dry quickly after swimming?
Yes. The 100% nylon poplin fabric is designed to dry rapidly, which customers consistently praise for comfort between swims.

Are the pockets secure enough for keys and phone?
The shorts have hand pockets and a zippered security pocket for valuables; some customers note mixed pocket depth, so use the zip pocket for phones or important items.

Will these protect from sun exposure?
They feature OMNI-SHADE with a tight weave that blocks UVA and UVB rays, offering recommended sun protection for extended outdoor use.