Backside Line
The Patagonia Quandarys are a few of our favourite climbing shorts for males based mostly on their versatility and general efficiency. We examined these shorts out on a number of day hikes across the Colorado Rockies and likewise loved sporting them for day by day actions. From using bikes to figuring out on the fitness center, these shorts are so snug you received’t wish to take them off.
The high-tech material is constituted of recycled fishing nets, making this one of many extra environmentally pleasant choices in the case of climbing shorts. The fabric can be sturdy and comfy. The Quandary shorts’ consolation stems from an incredible match and a pleasant, stretchy waistband to accommodate completely different physique shapes. They’re made for years of climbing, not simply seasons.Â
These shorts posted one of many highest scores in our males’s climbing shorts evaluation, and for good cause. You’ll discover us sporting these all year long for a wide range of actions.Â
Fast Specs
Males’s Patagonia Quandary
Greatest Mountain climbing Shorts General
Rating:
81.5/100
Value:
$85
Weight:
7.5 oz.
Inseam:
8 in. / 10 in.
Execs
- Sturdy
- Good worth
- Breathable
- Nice pockets
- Stretchy
- Fashionable
- Light-weight
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit tight within the thighs
- No built-in belt
Consolation
The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are top-performing in the case of consolation and really feel. This basic pair is certainly one of our favorites for day climbing because it has a pleasant town-to-trail look. And the breathable, stretchy material can be nice for long-term consolation and mobility on backpacking journeys.
The 96% NetPlus post-consumer nylon constituted of recycled fishing nets mixed with a 4% spandex plain weave makes for a fabric that strikes with you on and off the path versus limiting your mobility. A delicate function is the curved waistband on these shorts, which ensures that they contour to the form of your hips. We spent months sporting these on shorter hikes in addition to operating round city doing errands. They’re so snug and versatile that we even wore these biking and to the fitness center.
Sturdiness
Whereas we now have solely examined these climbing on Rocky Mountain trails for a season, we’re assured that they may final us years. Constructed with a DWR (sturdy water repellent) end and the recycled fishing internet NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon materials, these shorts stood as much as tough rocks and branches with out incident.Â
We additionally put the shorts via river and lake water and washed them a number of instances and there’s no signal of damage after a number of months. The fabric additionally feels extra stable and protecting than different lighter and thinner climbing shorts, which is an effective feeling if you end up bushwhacking via overgrown areas.Â
Options
The Quandarys have a plethora of pockets, two back and front pockets together with a right-thigh zippered pocket, however all of them sit flat and make these shorts really feel very glossy for the quantity of storage. That is nice when sporting a pack with a waist belt because it supplies a detailed match to maintain the shorts from sliding round on you. Additionally they have a delicate bolstered hemostat/carabiner loop on the front-right pocket if you wish to clip a key or one thing to your pants whereas climbing.
They do have an inside drawstring, which might help cinch the waist tight. One other function is a small vertical zippered pocket on the proper thigh of those shorts. We discovered it too small and a bit awkward to make use of for a lot, however it’s there as wanted. For these wanting a flexible pair of shorts that simply transition from city to alpine, the Quandarys are onerous to beat.
Dry Time
These shorts might not dry as rapidly as another choices on our record, however they may nonetheless dry in a matter of minutes, not hours, in a heat dry atmosphere. We submerged them after which left them out within the solar to dry. It took lower than half an hour for the shorts to fully dry and be able to go. We do suggest air drying these versus a dryer when washing to keep away from shrinking the fabric.
This material is handled with a DWR end to make these shorts extra water resistant to attend out gentle rain. For day climbing and even longer backpacking journeys, these shorts will work nice when it comes to staying dry and drying rapidly.Â
Weight & Packability
Clocking in at a light-weight 7.5 ounces, these shorts are gentle sufficient that you just received’t discover them whereas climbing or stuffing them right into a pack. They roll up properly and the stretch-woven 96 % NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon stretches with the physique properly. Whereas climbing we by no means discovered these shorts to be too clunky. They don’t have a ton of additional options or pockets, which assist hold the design glossy and light-weight. They soften into the background which lets you give attention to the hike, not the shorts.
Ought to You Purchase the Patagonia Quandary?
These climbing shorts are designed for nearly everybody. From day hikes to longer backpacking journeys, the Quandarys will transfer with you on the hike, not in opposition to you, making your day simpler and higher. Even if you happen to by no means set foot on the path, these shorts are fashionable sufficient to simply put on casually round city, or they work nice for biking as effectively.Â
They’re a bit pricier so, in case you are a newbie hiker searching for a discount these wouldn’t be for you. They’re additionally heavier than another shorts in the marketplace so ultralight thru-hikers who wish to commerce options for fewer ounces might wish to have a look at different choices.
What Different Mountain climbing Shorts Ought to You Think about?
Outside Analysis Ferrosi Overview: The Outside Analysis Ferrosi is comparable when it comes to options and elegance however presents even stretchier material.
Kuhl Renegade Rock Shorts Overview: Just like the Patagonia Quandary, the Renegade Rock Shorts are constituted of related sturdy, but light-weight supplies. They’ve related pockets and are nice for informal put on in addition to the path.