This is a tough question for me because I love wearing shorts. However, when I go hiking or camping, I never wear shorts. The quick answer to the question would be that I do not recommend shorts for survival.
Here are reasons why I like them
- Keeps me cool in the hot summers
- There is a sense of freedom in the lower legs when I walk around
Here are reasons why I can’t recommend them for survival
- Your legs are not protected from scratches and scrapes, and bugs
- Inclement weather can make you cold and potentially hypothermic
In a survival or adventuring situation, you never know what to expect outdoors weather wise, so it is best to be prepared. I know it can get hot at times, but the best thing to do is wear long pants that is cool and ventilated, with a midweight bottom that you can wear underneath the pants when it gets cooler stashed in your bag. You may be able to get away with convertible pants to switch them to shorts, but as you see a potential for inclement weather, put the lower portion of the pants back on so you are fully covered.
Get out there but be prepared.
