Columbia Men's PFG Uncharted Short for Men - Sun Protective Swim Short

In this review of the Columbia Men's PFG Uncharted Short, the bottom line is simple: these are swim shorts for men who want reliable sun protection and quick drying performance without sacrificing comfort. Built with Columbia's OMNI-SHADE BROAD SPECTRUM fabric and moisture-managing OMNI-WICK technology, these shorts are aimed at anglers, beachgoers and active outdoor users who spend long periods in sun and water. The recycled polyester blend gives a lightweight, stretchy feel and the practical pockets make them useful both in and out of the water.

Key Features

• Broad spectrum sun protection: OMNI-SHADE blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays to reduce sunburn risk and protect skin during extended outdoor exposure.
• Fast drying comfort: OMNI-WICK pulls moisture away from skin and spreads it across the fabric to accelerate evaporation for quicker drying after swims.
• Recycled fabric: A light, stretchy recycled polyester blend offers comfortable next-to-skin feel while reducing new material use.
• Secure storage: A zippered security pocket keeps small essentials safe when active or near water.
• Comfortable fit: Elastic waist and drop-in pocket design provide an adjustable, casual fit that works for swimming and everyday wear.

Who It's For

These shorts are best for men who spend time on the water-fishing, boating or at the beach-and need dependable sun protection plus rapid moisture management. The combination of sun protection and quick-dry fabric also makes them a practical choice for travel where one garment must serve both as swimwear and casual shorts.

Men seeking a technical performance board short with inner liners, or those who prefer a performance fabric other than recycled polyester, may want to compare alternatives. Also, users needing highly tailored or fashion-forward swimwear should look elsewhere, as these prioritize utility and comfort.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable broad spectrum sun protection for long days outdoors.
• Moisture-wicking OMNI-WICK fabric that accelerates drying for comfort.
• Recycled polyester blend feels light and slightly stretchy for ease of movement.
• Practical pockets including a zippered security pocket for valuables.

Cons

• Not a lined board short, so users who prefer an internal mesh liner may find the fit different.

Specifications

Brand	Columbia
Model	PFG Uncharted Short
Sun protection	OMNI-SHADE BROAD SPECTRUM
Moisture control	OMNI-WICK moisture-wicking
Fabric	Light stretchy recycled polyester blend
Pockets	Drop-in pocket and zippered security pocket
Fit features	Elastic waist; extended sizes available

Our Verdict

The Columbia Men's PFG Uncharted Short is a practical, value-minded swim short for men who need reliable sun protection and quick-drying performance. Its recycled fabric, comfortable fit and secure pocket make it a solid choice for anglers, beach users and travelers who want one versatile short that works wet or dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shorts quick to dry?
Yes. The OMNI-WICK moisture-wicking system pulls water away and spreads it for faster evaporation so the shorts dry more quickly than standard cotton options.

Do they provide UV protection?
Yes. The OMNI-SHADE BROAD SPECTRUM treatment is designed to reduce exposure to both UVA and UVB rays for better sun safety on covered areas.

Is the fabric sustainable?
Partially. The shorts use a recycled polyester blend, so they incorporate recycled content to reduce new material use.