These shorts are so close to being really good. The material is soft and quick-drying. The fit is good (if slightly on the large side). They are long (12-inch inseam) but this is really not a problem. It's really nice to have zippers on the pockets.

So what's the problem? The waist. There is a webbing belt (that is exceptionally long) but it doesn't go all the way around the waist. Instead, in the back there is elastic. While this may be OK for regular shorts, in water shorts it means that you can't tighten them enough that they won't fall off when swimming. It would be much better if the webbing belt went all the way around (like it does in most TNF water shorts).

Lived in them for 6 days of ocean kayaking. Got wet dried quickly, comfortable to wear paddling 7 hours a day. Didn't like the belt length.....way too long but nothing a pair of scissors and lighter didn't fix

i didn't like it,the belt strap hang too low since is strechy,it almost reach my knee,the waist is elastic making it too loose for high impact activities in the water,(you know what i mean,if you don't want to show your goods)ahh,the pumice grey color is not as dark as the picture.it's very very light,strechy and confortable,but i wouldn't recommended for swiming or nothing like that.ahh,i'm 36 and it didn't feel that long and i guess 34 would've been more tight preventing it from fall off

OK, just received my much anticipated NF Desolation Rapids Water Short--I am bummed: with the exception of the inseam being 12" long, rather than the 9.5" as advertised on both TNF's & BC.C's website, the material, fit, quality, and design totally deserve 5-star ratings. The shorts hit the back side of my knee with every step and is very annoying; it would be much better if they were either longer (but then I'd buy capri pants--duh), or better yet, the advertised 9.5" length!

I've spoken with Backcountry.com--they were awesome--acknowledged the problem and immediately offered me a UPS pickup tag, and hoping that it was just a mistake, even offered to send me a new pair--that's good service. I decided to wait until I speak with North Face directly (tomorrow AM) and find out what the actual length should be before deciding on BC.C's offer. If they can find me a pair with 9.5" inseam, I'll probably buy two pairs--they really are that nice!