Backside Line
The inexpensive Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo is a trimmed-down tackle a utilitarian model, which is why they make our record of the greatest climbing shorts.
These bottoms have a safe pocket on every thigh – one with Velcro, the opposite zippered – that we discover actually helpful for storing necessary small gadgets like a key or an ID. For a day hike on the path, these are an awesome possibility and serve their function. Whereas the hand and again pockets are mesh, the cargo pockets on the legs are constructed into the shorts. This gives a bit extra assist for heavier gadgets.
Fast Specs
Males’s Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo
Good Reasonably priced Mountain climbing Shorts
Rating:
66/100
Worth:
$50
Weight:
10.4 oz.
Inseam:
10 in. / 12 in.
Execs
- Reasonably priced
- Breathable
- City-to-trail look
- Good pockets
- Constructed-in belt
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some
- A bit heavy
Consolation
These utilitarian climbing shorts are snug and transfer freely with you however are much less snug than others on the record as a result of quantity of fabric they embody. Even with the cargo pockets they’re nonetheless very light-weight climbing shorts.
Nonetheless, when you begin including gadgets to the pockets they’ll get weighed down simply, and you can be glad that these shorts include a built-in belt. The consolation varies relying on how a lot you determine to hold. We discovered on day hikes {that a} protein bar or pair of sun shades labored effectively, however extra weight reminiscent of keys or telephones have been an excessive amount of for the pockets to carry comfortably.
The shorts even have a gusseted crotch seam to make them extra versatile and comfy when climbing. The built-in belt and waist are snug and work effectively with a hipbelt on a backpack. The shorts are snug on and off the path. They transfer freely with you and supply good protection on your legs as they’re longer than another climbing shorts.
Sturdiness
Relating to put on and tear the Silver Ridge Cargo shorts held up simply superb to our testing, nevertheless, the material isn’t very sturdy or breathable in comparison with another shorts, and the pockets will usually be the primary to indicate indicators of wear and tear. That stated, we predict the load tradeoff is definitely worth the small sturdiness penalty for the reason that Silver Ridges don’t really feel as frumpy as different cargo shorts we’ve worn.
Created from 100% recycled polyester, we hiked with these for primarily day hikes and round city walks carrying further gadgets reminiscent of sun shades, wallets, keys, and a few snacks like bars or chews. For longer hikes or long-term use, the sturdiness of those shorts is the query. They might not final so long as different shorts on the path.
Options
These are a feature-rich pair of climbing shorts. It’s what we love most about them – how a lot you get on your cash. They arrive with a belt, which is a pleasant addition together with a smooth felt-lined waistband that enhances consolation.
The pockets are the massive function of those cargo shorts. There are two hand pockets, a zippered again safety pocket, and cargo pockets, for ample carrying choices. Additionally they have Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade Broad Spectrum UPF 50 that protects in opposition to the solar’s rays.
Dry Time
These shorts are about common in relation to drying time. They’ve Columbia’s patented Omni-Wick expertise that pulls moisture to maintain you dry and funky whereas climbing. Once we examined these, each on the path and submerging them in water, the light-weight material did dry rapidly – in round 10 to fifteen minutes. Mountain climbing and airflow will assist with that course of.
The truth that these shorts are a bit heavier and bulkier than others means that there’s extra material to dry, and because of this, it could possibly take a bit longer than smaller lighter-weight climbing shorts.
Weight & Packability
At 10.4 ounces these are among the heavier climbing shorts on our record. The mesh pockets make them a bit lighter, however they begin heavy and get heavier as you add gadgets to the cargo pockets.
These don’t pack down or dry as rapidly as some climbing shorts, however they do embody Columbia’s UV-blocking material that provides UPF 50 safety. These are an excellent possibility for day hikes or lower-mileage journeys. However for longer multi-day backpacking journeys contemplate one thing a bit lighter weight and fewer cumbersome.
Ought to You Purchase the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts?
Hikers who’re on the lookout for a number of storage are positive to like the Silver Ridge Cargo shorts. They’re greatest for day hikes and shorter journeys. Whereas they’ll work for longer backpacking adventures, in case you are involved in regards to the weight of your shorts then these wouldn’t be for you. Extra minimalist light-weight hikers would need to take a look at different climbing quick choices.
What Different Mountain climbing Shorts Ought to You Think about?
REI Sahara Cargo Assessment: The REI model of those cargo shorts is one other favourite for storage, whereas nonetheless wanting streamlined. These are comparable in perform and elegance to the Silver Ridge however don’t include a belt, so you would need to present your individual right here.
prAna Stretch Zion II Assessment: Just like the Silver Ridge’s the Stretch Zion II shorts are an awesome utility possibility. They provide a ton of safe storage with out feeling or wanting frumpy. They’re snug, they usually have a built-in belt for dialing within the match on lengthy hikes, they are often worn for just about any event.
