The North Face Belted Class V Swim Trunk - Men's - 2008 BCS

I've got multiple pairs of these awesome, all purpose shorts. They're not just for hittin' the H2O.

While I generally prefer stretchy shorts, which these are not, these fit my frame great and provide plenty of room to move without being long or baggy. I'm 5'6", 180lbs and wear a Med.

They are stout, very well made, have lots of pocket space, and drain/dry in a flash.

The combo of elastic in the waist, draw cord and built in webbing belt make these things bomb-proof (no worries of embarrassing butt exposure after making that high dive off the bluff into the lake).

The mesh inner brief is comfy enough for all day wear, and supple enough to not rub you the wrong way.

I've owned several pairs of these throughout the last couple of years, and they've been my favorite shorts for a while. The material is light and will wick away the sweat keeping you nice and cool throughout the entire day. The built-in belt will give you the peace of mind that they stay on your body. Not recommended for long hikes because the netting inside tends to start rubbing the inside of your thighs after a while.

Obviously, these are going to be good quality, as they're TNF. However, there's a few things about them that really make the difference. The belt and drawstring combination is something that I have yet to see elsewhere, but it makes a huge difference. Most other shorts like this come off a bit when actively swimming, but these secure really well. Also, they can be counted on to be mostly dry in minutes, and completely dry fairly quickly. They're dry, and you're dry. Only real concern would be that they aren't very sturdy, as they weren't meant for heavy duty wear. Watch out for tearing and stuff like that if around anything that could catch. Also, the pockets have a tendency to billow out in the water. Not a problem casually swimming, but if swimming laps or anything like that, definitely makes things alot harder.

I just got these in the mail and put them on as soon as I could. I have never put on a pair of shorts before and felt like I was made to wear them. Construction is solid and tearing and snagging are not likely to happen easily. Other reviews say that there may be some chaffing due to the inner webbing but I haven't noticed the problem as of yet.

The only thing to watch out for, I'm used to a longer short and these tend to ride a little high while sitting. If you like most of your upper thigh to be covered, go with the long version. Also the shorts could use an extra belt loop. There are only 2 and they are spaced way too far apart to be useful.

I give these an A and will definitely buy again.

Update: Ultimately, I have not been able to find a better more secure water short that runs in my size. The belt and the ties keep them from falling off in the roughest of surf and they make great hiking shorts as well. I've still had no issues with chaffing that the other guys have, my only suggestion if that happens is get some powder.

I've worn them almost nonstop this summer in the ocean and have had no problems. I did buy a second pair because I wanted to be a little more sanitary. However, the first pair is working great still and I still plan on buying a 3rd pair!

These are billed as swim trunks, and they do work well for this (they are quick-drying and have a mesh liner). But if you're going to really be using them for swimming (rather than wading) the front pockets do billow out. But for rafting, wading, playing in the surf, etc. they work well (I have had two pair for several years). I also routinely use them for short hikes and just bumming around town (for longer hikes, as someone has noted, the mesh liner can cause some irritation). These shorts are well-made and have stood up well to hard use. While I really like these shorts, I probably prefer the Class V Cargo Trunk shorts because they have two zippered front pockets.

Very nice item/Very Very Light

Great swim trunks ,wears like a pair of shorts .Go for a swim dry off ,then off to a restaurant .
I hope they keep these trunks around for a long time .

wore these in Honduras while diving and running around, they are the best!

Nice pair of shorts - good length (not too long) - runs slightly big in my opinion.

Years ago I bought the North Face River short and lived in them until they looked pretty tired. By then they were out of production and I never found a good replacement...until the NF Class V. It's a roomy short that doesn't numb parts of my anatomy and the mesh pockets don't trap air. They are my go-to summer shorts.

I bought two pair of these trunks, one in blue and the other in black. I am very satisfied with the fit and function of these trunks. I would buy them again. I use them for my water exercises, and they do not bind or impede my movements. I ordered them in the 2X size. Usually, when I find swim trunks locally in my size, they have huge, baggy legs that end just north of my knees. The Belted Class V Swim Trunk is far better tailored to my shape. Overall, I am very satisfied with these trunks. The only factor I am unsure of, is how they will fade in chlorinated pools. I'll address that at another time, after I've had more experience with them.

I was a river guide for a umber of years on the Snake, out side of Jackson, WY. These shorts are great for a lot of river abuse. They hold up to just about anything, and are really comfortable to be in all day.

Love the feel of the fit (not the most complimentary in the looks department though), great light technical short. Very good for a day out on the beach/on the trail or wherever when its warm and wet.