Almost perfect

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 11"

Weight

165 lbs

Pretty awesome shorts. Light weight, stretchy, hardly feels like you're wearing anything. I've worn them for running, working out, and at the climbing gym, and they function quite well for those activities. As others have noted the pockets aren't very spacious, but it's not a concern for me. They're on the small side but I like that - the waistband is snug enough so that the shorts stay on without the drawstring tied, even while running. The only complaint I have is that the leg openings seem to be reinforced with some rigid material that barely stretches. It annoyed me at first but I've gotten used to it. Odd design choice.

Matt Chaffin

"The Perfect Short"

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

I bought these for my husband to wear under his work coverall uniform and also to use as around-the-house, running, and gym shorts. He was super stoked on these the moment he put them on—super lightweight, incredible range of motion, and fit perfectly. They look great on him, too. Going to order him another pair!

Maya

Awesome do it all shorts

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 11"

Weight

175 lbs

Great pair of shorts for many activities. I wore these shorts on a backpacking trip on the AT this summer and never took them off. The material at first seemed a bit thin, but stood up to the rigors of backpacking. Super stretchy with a slim fit, hardly knew they were there. A very comfy pair of shorts for any activity. My only advice would be for the front pockets to be a bit deeper. But overall, I would highly recommend.

chris T.

Best Shorts I Own!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

160 lbs

I was given this product by Backcountry, but this review Is my personal opinion. These shorts are by far the most comfortable shorts I own. They are incredibly lightweight and stretchy enough to make them insanely comfortable. The seams are small and well constructed and the material of the shorts dries quickly making them perfect for any outdoor summer activity. I have worn them hiking, running, and kayaking and they have been exactly what I needed. The only thing that I wish they had was a back pocket. They have a nice zipper pocket in the front in addition to two normal front pockets. The small zippered one is great for keeping a Chapstick, some cash, or a car key but I do miss having a back pocket for something like my wallet. The shorts are extremely comfortable around the waist and are adjusted with a drawstring. I haven’t had any issues with the drawstring being pulled into the waistband while washing and the drawstring itself has some stretch to it which makes it comfortable even when tightened during activities. All in all, the shorts are perfect for a casual afternoon out, an intense day of hiking, or a float in a kayak. I have been nothing but happy with them and hope to add more pairs to my wardrobe.

Landon Burnley

Love'em

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

6` 0"

Weight

175 lbs

Great multi-use shorts. Gym, hiking, lounging, even swimming if you had briefs, etc. I haven't worn them running yet because they're comfortable and have a nice stylish cut to wear for relaxing afterwards but could see them being a solid pair of running shorts. The pockets could be slightly larger but I really like the cut of these shorts as is and wouldn't want that to interfere with anything.

Brian M

Great shorts

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 9"

Weight

170 lbs

These shorts fit great and are very comfortable. Unfortunately as others mentioned, the pockets are a little bit shallow but other than that they are awesome!

Jim C.

Someone Pinch Me... I Must Be Dreaming

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

large

Height

6` 3"

Weight

170 lbs

I absolutely love these shorts. They are incredibly lightweight, versatile, dry quickly and best of all.... somehow never seem to smell. I have used them all summer in lakes, on trail runs, chilling at camp and playing desk jockey, and can not speak highly enough of them. If I had to suggest one improvement it would be to make the pockets slightly more closed so that my bulky iPhone 11 with a massive case on it doesn't fall out... on second thought, maybe I should just start leaving the phone at home more 🤣 10/10

John Michael

One Of The Best Summer Hiking Short

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

I bought several pair of shorts (including all the other best-reviewed shorts) to see which one best meets my needs. Among all of them, I kept only this one. I liked it so much that I ordered another one. I hike in the White Mountains, NH and I bought them for summer hiking. Material quality is really good. If Backcountry wants to improve anything, then it would be the size of the zip pocket. I can barely fit my iPhone-7 in it.

Prad Kalita

Disappointed

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

M

Height

6` 1"

Weight

185 lbs

Bought a couple pairs last summer but the colors were limited to only gray and red. I was excited to hear that new colors were added since I loved the overall fit and style. Unfortunately they are not the same shorts I had expected them to be. They changed the waist band and the drawstring. The snug fitting elastic waist band is uncomfortable and instead of a single string drawstring it now has two elastic/stretch drawstrings. The extra zip pocket is now much smaller and will no longer fit my phone now. Maybe a small set of keys or gum. Come on! Why would you do that? I loved knowing my phone wouldn't fall out when I'm at the gym, on a hike or simply out and about. The legs are tighter as well. I don't have big thighs and these are tight. I'm surprised since I ordered a medium size last time and these are mediums as well. The fit is definitely not the same. I don't want to get all negative on this review and might have given them a 4 star review if I didn't have something to compare them to. The material and stitching are top notch but please take the last year pattern/style and add more colors because I won't be buying more of these. Unfortunately I can't return them because I took the tags off before trying them on because I was so excited to wear them once they arrived. My bad.

Kyle T.

Bought 2 pair - love them

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

6` 0"

Weight

185 lbs

I bought 2 pair of these shorts for AZ weather. They are perfect for just about everything. Hiking, lounging, running errands. I drove back to Chicago from AZ and even wore them most of the beginning of the trip when it was warm out! I only switched them out because it got chilly and pants were necessary. They run a bit snug but I'd say they are true to size. I even got a compliment on them last week. I highly recommend them.

JT

BEST SHORTS EVER.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Md

Height

5` 9"

Weight

175 lbs

Great shorts from a great company. I don't know how I lived without them for so long?!?! Perfect length and flex for all activities including global pandemics! Perfect chill around the house, go to the gym, or hit the trail. I can not emphasize enough as to how much I adore these shorts. That is all

Joe M.

Great shorts, just haven’t received them

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 10"

Weight

180 lbs

Love how they look online but haven’t received them yet. I have the red colored pair and love them. Would love to get the black and grey pair to go with it.

Cody R.

Great for running

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

140 lbs

Simple, light and comfortable. Only gripe is the zippered pocket is pretty small, I run with my phone in the pocket and it barely fits - iPhone 6.

Ben S.

Not as good as the original

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 11"

Weight

170 lbs

At the top, note that most of the reviews shown (from 2019) were based on the earlier design of these shorts (including mine). These shorts are very similar in terms of quality but sizing is slightly different. I'm 5'11'' 170 lbs. I wear a medium in the previous design and ordered again in medium in the new blue but had to send back for a large. The waist and legs were too tight. The draw string is slightly different. The new ones have more reflective markings. I wish Backcountry just added new colors to the original design. I would still recommend these.

Kevin L.

Light, Mobile, Comfortable

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

6` 2"

Weight

170 lbs

These are some great shorts for days out hiking, running, or anything active. They're nice and stretchy so you can easily move around in them while climbing, and they're very light and breathable for longer hikes and runs out in the warm summer sun! The little reflective hits add a nice piece of safety for running out late, and the zippered pocket is large enough to hold whatever you need but isn't so large that things get lost or you feel it inside the shorts. Definitely will be adding a few colors of these to my wardrobe for the summer!

Josh Provost

Back to order a couple more

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 2"

Weight

210 lbs

Ordered these along with several other pairs of lightweight shorts to try. These are the ones I’m keeping and I’m ordering a few more pairs. Worn them for several days straight. Perfect amount of stretch, lightweight, wick away sweat. I’ve played basketball, lifted weights, taken bike rides, mowed and lounged around in them. Look great. Just wish there were more colors to choose from.

Matthew L.

Fantastic!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 10"

Weight

175 lbs

Bought these for hiking in the summer and man are they perfect. Lightweight, unbelievable stretch, great fit, perfect length, wicks sweat and still looks good enough to keep on rocking them when your done. The drawstring does leave a lot to be desired but they fit me so great it doesn’t really matter. Came back to buy more colors...but not enough colors!! Other great uses for these... lounging, workouts, ballgame, climbing, sleeping, 3rd dates, kickboxing, optional black tie events... you name it!

Matt Davis

A Solid Kick in the Ass!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

I freekin love these! If I could get away with wearing these everyday I would. The material is spot on, it stretches every way you can imagine, I feel confident with whether I am on the rock climbing, hiking, walking the dogs, classy enough to come off the lake and hit up a BBQ with friends. Wicks a ton, dries in minutes. I bought these a size up all because I like em loose, 5"11, 220lb. More colors!!!

Adam Robinson

Great product!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 11"

Weight

165 lbs

I’ve been on the search for light weight, durable shorts that look good, feel good, & don’t break the bank. Well these fit all of my needs. They are light weight & very breathable yet they are very well made. The only downside is that they only come in two colors. 10/10 would purchase again & again!

James P.

Outstanding Shorts!!!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 11"

Weight

178 lbs

I purchased a pair of these the other week and wasn’t sure if I’d like them. I’m glad I ordered them because these are the best shorts ever. They are crazy light and almost feel like silk. They look good with a button up shirt or a tank top. I hope that Backcountry reads these reviews and doesn’t discontinue these. Maybe in the further they could come out with more colors?

Aaron H.

What is the inseam length of these shorts?

William L.