Girls’s KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts Overview

Backside Line

The KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts are for hikers who prioritize leg protection and storage over stylish fashion. With a 10-inch inseam, these shorts present ample leg safety and protection, which feels particularly precious on longer hikes or on trails populated with dense bushes or heavy brush. The material is smooth, stretchy, and breathable. They’re comfy for all-day put on. Our staff examined them on the steep trails of the Tahoe Rim, the place the sturdiness and straightforward match stood out. Additionally they held up effectively in testing for the 30 miles we took them out on the Pacific Crest Path.

One of many highlights of those shorts is their abundance of pockets – though, some could discover the steel snaps a bit cumbersome and inconvenient after they want fast entry. The waterproof coating is a bonus, maintaining them comparatively dry. On the similar time, they aren’t the fastest-drying pair in our information to the most effective ladies’s climbing shorts..

For hikers who need protection, loads of storage, and strong sturdiness, the Freeflex Cargo Shorts are a worthwhile funding. They’re not low-cost, however for long-lasting put on, they provide good worth.

For extra choices – and to see how these evaluate with others – try our full information to the most effective ladies’s climbing shorts.

Consolation

The Kuhl Freeflex Cargo Shorts are very comfy. The Freeflex polyester material is stretchy, smooth, and breathable, and we didn’t expertise any chafing on our take a look at hikes. We like how the stretchy materials strikes with us relatively than pulling or proscribing our motion. The ten-inch inseam offers nice leg protection with out feeling cumbersome. With a UPF 50 score, these longer shorts additionally present solar safety to maintain our thighs comfy below bluebird skies. We examined the shorts in sweaty situations and cooler climate, and so they had been onerous to take off as a result of they had been so comfy. 

Even so, the consolation isn’t good. The waistband is somewhat saggy, however the shorts didn’t fall down. The cargo fashion – with its steel snap closures – can press towards the physique in sure positions. We didn’t expertise discomfort throughout our hikes, however that design could possibly be a bit bothersome at occasions.

Sturdiness

The KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts are constructed from a high-quality polyester material that feels somewhat thick however not overbearing. They’re stretchy but maintain up effectively after miles on the path and repeated washes. Throughout testing, we uncovered the shorts to numerous rugged surfaces, together with rock, brush, and tree branches, which they withstood  with none noticeable harm. The smooth material didn’t appear to sacrifice energy. 

Regardless of some preliminary issues in regards to the softness resulting in faster put on, the shorts held up effectively throughout testing. Nonetheless, the true take a look at will include long-term use. For now, they appear like a strong funding for anybody needing a reliable, sturdy pair of climbing shorts.

Options

The KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts have loads of options – some extra sensible than others. As cargo shorts, they characteristic six complete pockets. The massive pockets with steel snap closures are useful for carrying issues like snacks or your telephone. Nonetheless, they’ll really feel a bit excessive – the cargo look isn’t for everybody – and so they’re not as straightforward to open as zippers whenever you want fast entry. The DWR coating is a pleasant contact, and so is UPF 50 solar safety. Nonetheless, we discovered that  the shorts took a bit longer to dry than some lighter, extra technical materials.

Drying Time

Drying time was one space the place the KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts didn’t fairly impress. Though the material has each water repellent and moisture-wicking qualities, the shorts didn’t dry as shortly as we hoped after getting soaked in a brief rainstorm. That is primarily because of the quantity of cloth -they are 10 inches lengthy with a thicker materials than different shorts we’ve reviewed. 

Weight & Packed Dimension

These shorts are very gentle and one of many lightest on our listing. They pack down extremely small, making them straightforward to stash in any backpack. They work greatest when rolled. Regardless of their size, they’re nonetheless light-weight, which is spectacular. They don’t add bulk, and their small packed dimension makes them splendid for journey or lengthy treks the place weight is a serious concern.

Ought to You Purchase the KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts?

The KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts are perfect for hikers preferring longer shorts with numerous pockets over ultralight climbing shorts with extra  minimalist designs. These protecting but versatile shorts ship with their smooth, stretchy material and durable development. They’re not the most effective for ultralight backpackers because of their bulkier packed dimension and slower drying occasions, however they’re a strong funding for normal hikers who worth dependable efficiency and luxury. 

What Different Mountain climbing Shorts Ought to You Think about?

For extra choices, please see our full information to the greatest ladies’s climbing shorts.

Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi Overview – When you’re after a flexible, light-weight, and breathable pair of shorts, the Ferrosi is a implausible alternative. The stretchy material is impressively sturdy and dries shortly. They’re nice for warm days on the path. When you like a streamlined, athletic match, with a safe waistband these shorts are a fantastic match.

Houdini Wadi Overview – The Houdini Wadi Shorts are ultra-light and dry in a flash, which makes them good for hotter climates. They’ve received deep, useful pockets and a flattering match that we love – although, the non-elastic waistband could make them a bit difficult to tug on. Nonetheless, in case you’re on the lookout for shorts that carry out effectively in summer season, the Wadi is a strong decide.

Patagonia Quandary Overview – The Patagonia Quandary shorts are light-weight, stretchy choices with 4 useful pockets which can be fashionable and may cross for “regular” clothes whenever you’re at dwelling. These shorts are a strong all-rounder for anybody wanting dependable efficiency with out a excessive price ticket.