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

In this review of the Columbia Men's PFG Backcast IV Water Short the bottom line is simple: these are dependable swim shorts for anyone who spends serious time on or near the water and wants sun protection plus quick drying performance. They pair a relaxed fit and practical pockets with Columbia's OMNI-SHADE sun protection and OMNI-SHIELD water and stain resistance, making them a sensible pick for beach days, fishing, or boat trips where comfort and durability matter more than fashion-forward styling.

Key Features

• Sun protection: OMNI-SHADE fabric blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays and uses a tight weave recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for lasting protection.
• Water and stain resistance: OMNI-SHIELD treatment repels light rain, resists stains, and keeps the shorts looking cleaner longer after a day on the water.
• Quick dry comfort: Constructed from textured poplin 100% nylon, the shorts dry rapidly for all-day wearability after swimming or splashes.
• Practical pockets: Hand pockets plus a zippered security pocket and an interior mesh brief give safe storage and modesty for active days outdoors.
• Adjustable fit: A drawcord adjustable stretch waist provides an easy, relaxed fit that is comfortable on and off the boat.

Who It's For

The Backcast IV is aimed at anglers, boaters, and beachgoers who want functional swim shorts with built-in sun protection and quick drying performance. The relaxed fit and durable 100% nylon poplin make them ideal for people who move between swimming, fishing, and casual dockside activities without changing clothes.

Those seeking a tailored or fashion-centric swim brief or someone who needs heavy waterproofing for extended rain exposure should look elsewhere; these are designed for light precipitation resistance and everyday stain protection rather than heavy-duty waterproof performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable sun protection with a tight weave and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommendation.
• Fast-drying 100% nylon keeps comfort high after swimming or sweating.
• Durable construction and thoughtful details like a zippered security pocket for essentials.

Cons

• Pocket depth receives mixed feedback, so carry large or bulky items with caution.
• Not intended as a heavy rain or fully waterproof short, only light precipitation resistance.

Specifications

Brand	Columbia
Model	PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Fabric	Textured poplin, 100% nylon
Sun protection	OMNI-SHADE (UVA and UVB protection)
Weather resistance	OMNI-SHIELD (light rain and stain resistance)
Fit	Relaxed with drawcord adjustable stretch waist
Features	Interior mesh brief, hand pockets, zippered security pocket

Our Verdict

The Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short is a practical, well-made choice for outdoor water activities where sun protection and quick-drying performance are priorities. With useful pockets, a relaxed fit, and reliable OMNI-SHADE and OMNI-SHIELD technologies, it represents good value for anglers, boaters, and beach users who need durable comfort rather than fashion-forward styling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shorts dry quickly after swimming?
Yes, the textured poplin 100% nylon construction is designed to dry rapidly, making them comfortable for back-to-back water activities.

Do they provide sun protection?
They feature OMNI-SHADE which blocks UVA and UVB rays and uses a tight weave with a Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Are the pockets deep enough for valuables?
Pocket depth gets mixed feedback; most users find them useful, but very bulky items may not be ideal in the hand pockets, so use the zippered security pocket for essentials.