Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
We’ve covered shorts already this season and climbing pants not too long in the past, but we’ve never covered climbing shorts: the perfect combination of those two garments. If you’re of a fan of stretch, comfortable shorts with an integrated belt and plenty of pocket space then you probably already have a pair or two of these shorts in your wardrobe. But even if not, we hope you find the items contained in this list to be compelling options the next time you’re looking for new shorts.
1) Uniqlo: Geared Shorts
Uniqlo is an all-’round great brand for basics, and their Geared Shorts are a great exemplification of this fact. These shorts come in a wide range of colors with an elasticated waistband, built-in webbing belt, and plenty of pockets for all your everyday carry. They’re made with an 8″ inseam, but the baggier nature of the cut makes these shorts feel roomier than you might expect.
Available for $40 from Uniqlo.
2) Gramicci: Shell Gear Shorts
When you think fashion-focused climbing-inspired attire, you think Gramicci — so it should shock no one to find them featured on this list. These Shell Gear Shorts are made of 100% polyester for protection against the wind and rain, and come in a wide range of colors.
Finished with a webbing belt and D-ring adorning one of the front belt loops, these shorts are the perfect combination of form and function.
Available for ¥9900 (~$75USD) from Sun House.
3) Battenwear: Camp Shorts in Olive Ripstop
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If you’re a fan of ripstop fabric with the iconic grid pattern then Battenwear‘s Camp Shorts might just be your next pair of belted shorts. Made from a 100% cotton ripstop, these shorts feature fatigue-inspired front hand pockets with covered, snap closures and zippered thigh pockets for that much more storage. These made-in-the-USA shorts are finished with an elasticated waist and the requisite built-in belt.
Available for $160 from Lost & Found.
4) Liberaiders: Nylon Shorts
My favorite thing about quality fabrics is their unique textures, and Liberaiders‘ Nylon Shorts certainly have that going for them. Despite being made from — you guessed it — nylon, these shorts have a crinkly texture reminiscent of linen. Pair that with their techy, functional design and you’ve got a recipe for a top-notch pair of shorts. With a webbing belt and all the pockets you could hope for, these shorts are an excellent choice for your next summer adventure.
Available for $190 from Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co.
5) Topo Designs: River Shorts
Topo Designs is always straddling the realm between being a tech-wear company and being more fashion-focused, and that’s why their offerings are so interesting. Their straight-fitting River Shorts are made from a stretchy nylon fabric with a DWR coating, which makes them comfortable, durable, and breathable. Combine that with the fact that they’re available in a wide range of colors at a relatively low price point and you have one of the best entry-level belted shorts on the market.
Available for $80 from Topo Designs.
Plus One – CMF Outdoor Garment: Hidden Shorts
If you’re willing to shell out a little bit more for your next pair of belted shorts, CMF Outdoor Garment‘s Hidden Shorts should be under your consideration. Made from 100% nylon with a 100% polyester mesh lining, these shorts feature a handful of massive pockets: from the front slit pockets to the three-compartment cargo pockets there is functionally nothing these shorts can’t store.
Available for $183 from Calculus.
