My travels usually involve a handful of adventures, and I have a picky checklist for clothing to make it into my suitcase. In the case of shorts, they need to dry quickly, keep me cool, be rugged enough to hold up to a variety of things, and have enough pockets to be useful (and carry my cell phone, too). Not many make the cut, but the Isis Rim Rock Short has.

Made of 96 percent nylon and 4 percent spandex (with “Evaporator Technology”), the shorts are lightweight and durable, plus wrinkle-resistant. That’s especially helpful, because I rarely even bother with the iron in my hotel room. The stretchy fabric also dries quickly, which makes the shorts ideal for water-based destinations.

The shorts may be rugged, but they’re also stylish enough to wear for urban adventures. A zip back pocket lets you feel a little better about hanging onto your belongings while you’re walking around sightseeing.

One of my favorite things about these shorts is the adjustable inner waistband. While my waist measurement doesn’t change all that much, it’s nice to have to allow the shorts a range from loose to snug, so you have one pair that covers all the bases.

I wore these shorts nearly every day I was in Chile’s Atacama Desert. They were cool enough in the desert heat, yet rugged enough to hold up during my hiking adventures. They’ll also get packed in my suitcase for my next trip—to Australia.

The Isis Rim Rock Short lists for $30 on the Isis website. It’s also available for $58.95 at Amazon or Altrec. Pricing on Backcountry is currently $44.21.

See more reviews of women’s travel clothing on Practical Travel Gear.