Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short - Women's Review

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda shorts are mostly constructed out of nylon with the added touch of elastane for improved stretch and a PFC-free DWR treatment incorporated into the fabric for water resistance. The shorts have three standard but deep pockets, all mesh-lined, and one pocket on the thigh with a zipper that is also fairly deep. There are no snaps or buttons for waist closure, just a stretchy knit waistband that is wide and drawstring-free. They are mid-rise and have a 9-inch inseam, providing excellent comfort and broad utility.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Mobility

This model earned one of the highest scores for this metric, as the fabric and overall design are incredibly comfortable when worn, with smooth fabric and a flexible fit. The length does not restrict our movement whatsoever, with enough stretch to facilitate high-stepping without any sense of “pull.” We appreciate how large the three main pockets are, which allows us to store items away, like a phone, without sacrificing mobility and, thus, comfort once we are on the trail. Weighing in at 4.8 ounces for the size Small, we find this model to be respectably lightweight and easily worn all day without gripe. Their general comfort and fluid mobility are notable qualities, making this one of the first pairs our test team would choose to grab when faced with a busy day ahead in the outdoors.

Thankfully, we didn't notice any change in fit or feel after washing. This pair remains true to size with use and is designed with a relaxed cut with plenty of roominess to ensure easy movements and general overall comfort. We also appreciate the simplicity of the waistband design, removing potential hassle and discomfort caused by buttons, zippers, or tightly strung elastic. This makes these shorts perfect to fit beneath a pack with a waist belt. We noted that we rarely, if ever, found ourselves adjusting how the waistband sits on our hips or against our skin. This is not something you think about until you are faced with apparel that just doesn't sit right. In total, there just isn't much to complain about when it comes to this metric unless you're just not a fan of long inseams, be it how they look or how they feel against the thighs. Our testers report this pair feels smooth and light, and since they breathe well, they maintain their comfort over the long term, no matter how much we're sweating.

Fabric Performance

Scoring near the top for this metric as well, we found the nylon-elastane fabric managed to breathe well during field testing. Even though the 9-inch length does retain a tad more warmth than those with shorter inseams, the design of the Dynama Bermudas does not trap heat in any substantial way. This is true even given the leg openings that measured only 21 inches in circumference — among the slimmer ones we tested — since the cut is not too snug overall. In general, we find its moisture-wicking nylon to be effective even on a hot day despite the DWR treatment, which might otherwise diminish breathability. Since the waistband is just as thin as the rest of the shorts, there is no extra heat retention taking place at the abdomen, something we often see when waistbands are thicker or are lined with fancier materials (i.e., tricot) in this area of the body. And for additional venting, all the pockets are mesh-lined to facilitate airflow. We appreciate the Dynama's smart, streamlined construction.

The technical aspects of its body fabric are high. The shorts provide UPF 50 sun protection and are treated with a water-repellant that is free from Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs or "forever chemicals"). In lab-like testing, we investigated soaking and drying times. In the case of the Dyanama Bermudas, the fabric became fully soaked after about 1 minute and 15 seconds of immersion and took around 42 minutes to air dry fully with a blow dryer set at an “air” temp (no heat). This places these Mountain Hardwear shorts somewhat in the middle of the pack for this specific test, not the quickest to try nor the slowest. Still, this warrants a reasonably high score reflecting the equally sufficient performance of the fabric under mixed conditions akin to those they are likely to find when put to use by an average wearer.

Versatility and Style

The second highest mark for the Dynama Bermuda is related to how easily it can be integrated and put to use for activities other than hiking. It's easy and still comfortable to wear these shorts with a harness for climbing due to the stretch and flexibility of the fabric. They are also great for cycling, yoga, or whatever other sport you're inspired to use them for. Since they are on the modest side of the inseam spectrum, we can also see them being useful for people working outside (i.e., summer camps, gardening, light farm work, etc). Our lead tester reported feeling like she was wearing the “right shorts” for nearly any activity she partook in while donning the Dynama Bermudas. Plus, the longer inseam means that these shorts can still be worn during shoulder seasons or in colder weather.

A highly versatile product is one we love to celebrate, so this metric also considers the various applications and fashionable qualities of the design. With simple, subtle styling, the Dynama Bermudas isn't necessarily something we'd consider high fashion or trendy. They occupy a sportier space. So, even though they are easily transferable from one sport to the next, we feel that they don't translate well into town activities. Or at least not quite as well as other pairs of shorts we tested in this lineup. However, they do have a chicness and beach-friendliness to them, in our tester's opinion, due to how smooth and airy they feel and how streamlined they look. There are several colors to choose from, which is always a plus. In addition, we acknowledge that personal and cultural preferences may shift between generations or even over a select few years. This is why we feel such shorts with middle-of-the-road inseam lengths are far more well-rounded and inclusive in their design and may have a longer usable lifespan in your drawer.

Construction Quality

This is the only metric in which this model didn't soar to the top of the list. The main reason is the result of our paperclip snag test. The Dynama's fabric snagged rather easily with testing, producing notable pilling even if the fabric didn't rip. Unfortunately, these shorts performed the worst out of all the competitors in the snag test alone. Yet, while the test helps us grasp the essence of the shorts' durability, we acknowledge that the overall strength in construction depends on a variety of factors and will also depend on how much wear they receive. To gauge strength in their build, we also measured stitching loops, looking at how many exist per seamed inch in various places along the shorts. We're happy to report that at 11-13 stitches per inch, this pair ranks great as compared with other pairs, with reliable reinforcements anywhere panels meet. So, while the fabric may fray a little bit from sliding down a rock, the seams are unlikely to start unraveling with regular use.

Other things we examined include a close look at each of the features and fabrics used in every short's construction. This invites us to take a closer look at any extra design features, including pockets. On the Dynama Bermuda, we noted all pockets are large enough to carry a modern phone. However, we also found they could not hold the phone securely when sitting, and the phone was prone to sliding out. What we do like is that the fabric is stretchy enough to allow us to move around easily while carrying such things in our pockets. We also noted reinforced stitching in high-stress areas, which adds to the durability and longevity of these shorts. Mesh-lined pockets are also a welcome perk, producing an excellent venting and breathability strategy. A zipper on the accessory thigh pocket is also high quality and easy to use without catching up on itself. Lastly, all materials used are soft, smooth, and have a good amount of stretch.

Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda?

We think these shorts are of considerable quality and offer great value as a result. The Dynama Bermudas are more than sufficient for a summer day hike or even backpacking. For the price, which runs to the high side albeit far from the priciest in the lineup, you're gaining a highly reliable purchase that will perform well on many hikes to come. Our testers reported these shorts as one of the most outstanding pairs that have been recently tested. They applaud their comfort and versatility. Plus, they are both flattering and technical.

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