Bottom Line
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts stand out for their breathability, durability, ruggedness, and versatility. We tested them on steep hikes and rocky scrambles, where the stretchy and sturdy fabric proved to be abrasion-resistant.
We especially like the water resistance of the fabric and its quick-dry properties, making them great for sweaty days or water crossings. We also like the one zippered back pocket and the deep, reinforced hand and rear pockets. As for things we didn’t love, we are bumming about the material’s texture and the fit. The Ferrosi shorts weren’t uncomfortable, but they also wouldn’t be our top pick for soft comfort. Our gear analyst found that the shorts have an awkward fit, with the waist being snug while the rest of the shorts poof out, making them look unflattering. Despite OR’s excellent technical performance, the company’s design and sizing are still inconsistent. Having said that, these shorts might be a good fit for some people, depending on their body type and style preferences. They might also be a good fit for people who value durability more than other features. Outdoor Research comes in a wide range of sizes, and its durable design and Infinite Guarantee make it worth the money for frequent hikers. Check out our comprehensive guide to the best women’s hiking shorts for additional excellent options to compare the performance of these shorts to those in our lineup. How We Performed In order to determine their breathability and comfort in a variety of climates and terrains, we put the most recent Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts through their paces early in the summer while hiking through both shady and hot, exposed terrain in Northern California. We also got the shorts wet to determine their performance when exposed to moisture.
Comfort
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts offer movement-mirroring stretch and a full range of motion for high-stepping, climbing, or squatting. The elastic waistband is secure and holds up well, to the point where the attached belt is not necessary and feels more like a hassle to have to clip and unclip when pulling up and down the shorts. The updated shorts have a 2″ belt that is slightly wider, making them even bulkier. Additionally, our gear analyst was dissatisfied with these shorts’ fit. They tend to “balloon out” in the front and are tight around the waist, making them unflattering. In addition, these shorts have a rougher and less supple feel than other shorts in our collection. While not the comfiest, we are grateful they do not cause any chafing and trust they will hold up better than the softer options we tested.
Our gear analyst tested the updated version of these shorts on her hikes in Mt. Tamalpais State Park, where she also got her shorts wet when enjoying a small waterfall. She discovered that the water-resistant material effectively repelled moisture upon impact, and that they performed equally well wet and dry.
Durability
These shorts can withstand a lot! We tested the Ferrosi’s fabric by rubbing it against rocks, trees, and thick brush during multiple hikes each week. Despite the rough treatment, they aren’t tearing, pilling, or showing any signs of wear.
After sitting and scooting on rough terrain, the fabric still looked nearly new, which makes them ideal for more rugged adventures. If you need shorts that can handle a lot of trail time and off-trail escapades, the Ferrosi is a solid option. These shorts also don’t require any special washing instructions, making them easy to clean after use.
Features
The Ferrosi Shorts shine when it comes to features, offering deep mesh-lined pockets, with one back pocket with a zipper for extra security. With a phone, snacks, and a small multitool in our pockets, we put these to the test on a steep hike. Even though the pockets in the front are deep enough to hold a phone, I found that the zippered back pocket was safer for holding valuables, especially when climbing rocks. One downside is the built-in belt, which feels unnecessary since the waistband is already elastic enough to stay in place without it. It sometimes got in the way when wearing a heavy backpack, making it a bit uncomfortable.
She didn’t notice any additional benefits even when our gear analyst tried to tighten the belt to test its effectiveness. If that’s not a big deal to you, the shorts’ breathability, UPF 50+ rating, and practical storage make them worth consideration.
Time Out We appreciate how fast the Ferrosi Shorts dry when they are exposed to significant amounts of water. This was a huge plus on hot days when we were sweating extensively on our hikes or exploring creeks and small waterfalls along the trail. The shorts dried by the time we finished our hike, and the material did not stick to our skin despite being weighed down by water. The water-resistant coating in the material repels moisture effectively, so if you’re hiking in unpredictable weather, the Ferrosi’s quick-drying and resilient fabric is a major bonus.
Size and Weight in the Box The Ferrosi Shorts are impressively lightweight for their length, which makes them a go-to option for packing light. They don’t take up much space, whether you stuff them into an overstuffed backpack or just want to keep things simple. Although the shorts would have been even more compact without the belt, they compress fairly well for trips lasting several days. The fabric also has a nice balance between being thin but not flimsy, which helps them feel light but still durable.
