Columbia Men's Quick-Dry PFG Backcast IV Water Shorts for Fishing

In this review of the Columbia Men's PFG Backcast IV Water Short, the bottom line is simple: these are dependable water shorts for anyone who wants sun protection, quick drying, and everyday wearability on and off the water. Designed with a textured poplin 100% nylon construction and Columbia's signature technologies, the shorts balance comfort and function for casual beach days, boating, or lake outings while offering built-in sun defense. The relaxed fit and practical pockets make them an easy go-to when a durable, low-maintenance swim short is needed.

Key Features

• OMNI-SHADE: Provides reliable sun protection by blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays for extended time outdoors.
• OMNI-SHIELD: Repels light rain and resists everyday stains so the shorts stay cleaner and dry faster after splashes.
• Quick Dry Comfort: The textured poplin 100% nylon fabric dries rapidly for comfortable wear straight off the water.
• Handy Features: A drawcord adjustable stretch waist, interior mesh brief, hand pockets, and a zippered security pocket add practical convenience.
• Relaxed Fit: Lightweight, relaxed cut keeps legs from feeling too tight and suits casual water activities.

Who It's For

The Backcast IV is best for men who spend time on boats, at the beach, or in lakes and want a short that handles sun, splash, and quick transitions to shore activities. If you value sun safety, the OMNI-SHADE protection and tight weave construction make these a sensible choice for long afternoons outdoors.

Those seeking a tailored, fashion-forward short or a technical boardshort with heavy insulation or compression should look elsewhere; these are built as relaxed, functional swim shorts rather than form-fitting performance trunks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable 100% nylon poplin offers fast drying and lasting wearability.
• OMNI-SHADE and OMNI-SHIELD provide sun protection plus light water and stain resistance.
• Thoughtful pockets and a zippered security pocket keep essentials secure during activities.
• Relaxed fit and interior mesh brief deliver comfortable movement and easy wear.

Cons

• Some users note mixed feedback on pocket depth, so larger items may fit variably depending on pocket style.
• Not intended as a technical performance boardshort for intense surfing or long swim sessions where compression matters.

Specifications

Brand	Columbia
Model	PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Material	Textured poplin 100% nylon
Sun Protection	OMNI-SHADE (UVA/UVB blocking)
Water & Stain	OMNI-SHIELD (repels light rain, resists stains)
Fit	Relaxed fit with drawcord adjustable stretch waist
Features	Interior mesh brief, hand pockets, zippered security pocket

Our Verdict

The Columbia Men's PFG Backcast IV is a practical, value-minded water short for men who need sun protection and fast drying performance without fuss. Its relaxed fit, quick-dry nylon, and thoughtful pockets make it a reliable choice for boating, beach days, and casual water use; it will appeal to buyers who prioritize comfort, durability, and built-in sun defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shorts block UV rays?
Yes, they feature OMNI-SHADE technology and a tight weave that blocks UVA and UVB rays for extended sun protection.

Are the shorts quick to dry after swimming?
The textured poplin 100% nylon fabric is designed for quick dry comfort and dries significantly faster than cotton options.

Do they have secure storage for small items?
Yes, they offer hand pockets and a zippered security pocket to keep essentials secure during activity.