Retro Is In Baby!

By Shane O'Donnell Ranked #291 - Men's Hiking and Climbing Shorts June 4, 2010

There is so much good about these shorts, it is hard to find a place to start... Lets start with the fabric. It is a near perfect blend of tough, breathable cotton and stretchy spandex. It holds up very well to anything; falling on your ass all day bouldering, crack climbing and chimneys, lounging at the beach, or partying hard on the dance floor. It moves with you, allowing full range of movement, even though it covers down to past your knees. And the knee has a double hit of fabric, ala Carhartts.

The construction of these shorts is phenomenal, everything I have come to expect from Patagonia, which is becoming increasingly my go to company for softgoods. The button, I know this seems like a small detail, but it is very well thought out, using a ribbon to hold it instead of the standard thread, which pretty much everyone has had problems with at one time or another. The stitching is holding up very nicely, all doubled up.

The rest is well thought out, the security pocket holds an iPod, camera, cell phone, wallet, or any combination. And it is located right under where your leg loops ride so you can stash and climb all at once. The other pockets work very well with my harness too, but that might be just how I wear it.

The styling is pretty chill, fits in pretty much everywhere. I never feel like Im the dirty climber when Im kicking around town like some of the knicker style pants make me feel. Definitely something that not just climbers should get, they are my favourite, and so comfortable. I have the Large (34-36) and it fits very true to size. I am 6'1" and 205, and it's below the knee and awesome in the waist.

View Details: Patagonia Retro Grade Short - Men's

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