Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short Review

Higher quantities of spandex (14%), blended with tough nylon (86%), make the Ferrosi stand out from the rest. The combination creates a highly mobile, comfortable short. They are lightweight while including enough pockets and features to keep them practical.

Comfort & Mobility

These shorts offer a slimmer, tailored cut but remain amazingly comfortable. The fabric has a lot of stretch, and the crotch is gusseted to increase space. They ride up a bit when sitting down, but their elasticity keeps them from being restrictive, even when they get bunchy.

We loved the soft, interior waist liner of the Ferrosi. It is an excellent addition that reduces abrasion from a backpack hip belt. These shorts can sit a little below the waist, especially if the pockets carry much extra weight. We also found that they tend to stretch out in the waist faster than the average pair when worn multiple consecutive days on trail, which makes us extra grateful for the included drawstring. A surprisingly rare feature, we are also pleased with the length of the fly, which comes down low enough to actually be practical, unlike other slim-fitting shorts.

Fabric Performance

Great pockets, a decent drying time, and top-tier fabric earned the Ferrosi some of our best scores in this metric. They're not the most breathable of all the shorts we tested, but they still performed well and offer an airy, weightless feel.

With a full complement of five pockets, these shorts are equipped to hold the essentials. They come with two front, two rear (right-rear zippered), and one right-side zippered cargo pocket. This last one feels shallow initially, but the fabric is so stretchy that it can accommodate a large smartphone or multiple protein bars. The opening is larger than some other cargo pockets, making it easier to reach into.

These shorts have traditional belt loops but also sport a shoe-string-style drawstring that allows hikers to tighten them down if they find themselves without a belt or prefer to hike without one. The front metal button is solid and super easy to secure, and the pockets are mesh-lined for better ventilation.

Given the thinness of the fabric, as discussed above, we are pleasantly surprised by how water resistant they prove to be. The DWR coating beads water nicely, even in moderate rain. This combo means they also dry reasonably quickly (21 minutes during our drying tests), and they are rated at UPF 50+ to give you confidence in the sun protection they provide when exposed on the trail.

Versatility & Style

The Ferrosi received average marks for style but knocked it out of the park during our versatility tests. We were hard-pressed to find an activity where these shorts couldn't be worn. The key to their versatility is their comfort and ability to stretch.

We wore our Ferrosi from the mountains to the sea. We also donned them in several climates and during different seasons, even in winter. Although they may struggle to vent in very humid conditions, these shorts are thin and comfortable enough to wear just about anywhere. They're also accommodating enough to add a thicker pair of leggings for winter hikes without discomfort or crowding.

Their style lands them somewhere in the middle of the bunch with a somewhat unusual combination of qualities. They sit low but also have a slim fit in the legs. The drawstring is hidden on the inside, so they might look like a nice pair of casual shorts for going out, but the cargo pocket is also somewhat prominent, giving them a more utilitarian look.

Construction Quality

Quality craftsmanship, good stitching, top zippers, and reasonably tough fabrics convinced us to award top scores to the Outdoor Research Ferrosi for this metric. Despite being thin and super stretchy, we were surprised they're also pretty tough.

Although we feel that the softer nature of the Ferrosi fabric may cause it to snag or scuff eventually, we didn't experience any major damage during our six months of testing. We didn't like that the hems of these shorts are finished with only single stitching; however, all other sewing and seams are quality double stitching. We also counted the number of stitches per inch and were a little disappointed that the average was 10 to 11 per inch (the standard industry count is 12 per inch). However, all negatives aside, we feel the Ferrosi's overall versatility and comfort trump all.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Ferrosi?

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a comfortable and breathable short that functions almost year-round for nearly any outdoor adventure. If you're looking for a pair of shorts that are perfect for hiking but can also pinch-hit for various other activities, these are worth trying on. They dry quickly and are a reliable combination of practical and stylish. They are somewhat expensive, but if you like thin, active shorts, these will serve you well, although the trade-off for comfort and flexibility is slightly lower durability.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

If you want breathability and versatility, you might also check out the Patagonia Baggies Longs, which have thick fabric but a super-breathable liner. We recommend the Prana Brion II for an even more stylish option. They aren't the most robust hiking shorts, but they look great. If you want even more pockets, the REI Sahara Cargo is an affordable model with lots of carrying capacity. If price and stretch are your key search topics, you can't go wrong with the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo. They're super inexpensive and very stretchy and comfortable.