Lightweight and durable hiking shorts that look as great as they perform
Hiking shorts that actually look great? Yep, they’ve arrived! These super stylish and stretchy Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts also happen to be exceptionally practical. Read on to see why they’re the perfect shorts for summer adventures, on and off the trail.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts: the stats
| Weight: | 8oz / 227g |
| Inseam: | 12” / 30 cm |
| Fabric: | 86% nylon, 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop |
| Use: | Hiking, outdoors, casual |
Features of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
Fabric
As well as being super stretchy for maximum mobility and range of motion, the woven ripstop is also incredibly durable considering how lightweight the fabric is.Pockets
The two hand pockets are spacious and very deep. They are lined with mesh to keep weight low and air flowing. There are also two large back pockets.
Zippered pocket
On the right thigh there is a zippered pocket that is fully lined and ideal for carrying keys or a wallet etc. The zip is flat and discreet so as not to press into your thigh if pressure is put on it. The pocket can also comfortably hold a large phone.
Gusseted crotch
There is an additional strip of fabric in the crotch area that extends from the inside hem of one leg right across to the hem on the other leg. This design further adds to the stretch and durability of these shorts by eliminating the tension placed on the usual crotch cross seam design.
Waist band
The inside of the waistband is lined with a very soft band of fabric that feels highly luxurious to touch and helps to eliminate any rubbing or irritation at the waist. This isn’t stretchy so the shorts are fine without a belt, though I have been using one because I prefer them to sit a little higher.
Belt loops
There are 6 belt loops that are sturdy and well positioned. They easily accommodate belts up to 5cm wide.
Fly
The zippered fly moves smoothly without catching on the material either side of it. And the metal button fastens easily and securely.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts review
I’m a shorts kinda guy. Not the sort who wears them year round and pretends not to notice my hairs snapping off in the frost. But as soon as the temperature gets consistently above 12ºC, the pins come out.
Hiking in shorts is of particular preference to me in the warmer months — especially in the UK when you’d be a fool not to expect a deluge at any moment. Wearing shorts means less fabric to get saturated. And skin dries quickly, right? That school of thought goes swiftly out the window, however, if you’re not wearing the right shorts. Which is why the Ferrosi’s totally rock. In light showers they bead water away with expert efficiency. And once saturated from the more incessant downpours, they dry out relatively quickly due to their exceptionally lightweight nature.
Being so lightweight also means that they don’t hold water and become heavy when wet. They can be slightly clingy, but as soon as they start to dry out they drop back to their usual hang. What I really like about their ability to deal with water is that they don’t lose their shape when saturated. Some shorts become baggy and loose at the waist which in turn can cause chaffing and rubbing. These bad boys stay put.
The super stretchy fabric somehow manages to provide decent protection against the wind as well as maintaining very good breathability in warmer weather. This is further helped by the bagginess of the cut providing plenty of airiness.
Another hugely appealing feature of the Ferrosi’s is how lightweight and packable they are. For the times when I’m not fully committed to the short wearing season, they’re light enough to stick in the pack anyway. And they fold down to the size of a can of beans. In fact the fabric and design of these shorts is so good that they’ve made me want to check out the OR Ferossi Pants, which are made with the same material.
The fit
I am 6’2″ with a 34 inch waist — the shorts are true to size. The 12 inch inseam is the perfect length me — the hem sits just below the knee cap, so keeps the sun off. But the shorts aren’t so long that they catch on my knees on steep ascents on when kneeling, which can often be a problem with longer shorts.
What I love the most about the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
From a style point of view I really love the clean minimal shape of these shorts. And because I spend lot of time at the beach, I really like that the length and hang is a little like that of board shorts. Also, the mesh liners in the main pockets do a great job at letting the sand pass through them!
What I don’t love so much about the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
The pocket openings feel a little insecure due to the right angled opening, but they are deep enough that this hasn’t been a problem so far. The addition of the zippered side pocket eases this concern, and I always make sure small items like keys are secured in there.
Verdict
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts are superbly lightweight, comfortable and versatile. They are quick drying, durable and super stretchy. And their casual cut and loose hang makes them as well suited to beach life as the rough and tumble of the trail.
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Outdoor Research
Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.
