Amazingly lightweight.

By Dominick Layfield Ranked #40 - Men's Trail Running Clothing September 30, 2011

The overwhelmingly striking aspect of these shorts is their weight. They are amazingly lightweight, due to the very light fabric, and the welded construction. The fabric seems to be the same sort of light, stretchy, wicking fabric used in running shorts.

That's the greatest strength of these shorts: because they are so light and stretchy, they are fantastic for bouldering. (And presumably for hiking, too.) You can sweat like a pig, and the fabric breathes wonderfully, doesn't get heavy, doesn't feel hot, doesn't bind or restrict your motion in any way at all. The product description recommends them for trail running, but they seem a little long for that (knee length), and personally I need some uh... support when I'm running. So for that use, you'd probably want to use some euro-style underwear!

But the great strength of these shorts is also their greatest weakness. The shorts are so amazingly lightweight that you feel almost naked. I could certainly deal with them being just slightly heavier and less clingy for casual wear.

They do seem to run a little on the small side. I typically wear pants with a 31" waist, and ordered both a S and a M. The M was a little big, and the S just a little small. I went with the S, but the fit is certainly figure-hugging!

What I wish was different (apart from slightly heavier fabric, which would probably help with durability, too) is for the shape to be slightly more waisted: the shorts feel very straight-cut, like they were formed around a cylinder rather than a real person. I also wish there were belt loops, so that they could be worn with a belt if necessary. There are two small straps at the sides that cinch the waist, but I found them to be somewhat unsatisfactory, as they loosened spontaneously, and I have to keep tightening them every hour or so.

Overall highly recommended for climbing and hiking.

View Details: Stoic Thrive Short - Men's

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