Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short Review

The 86%/14% nylon/spandex blend creates a high-mobility, comfortable short. They are lightweight while including enough pockets and features to keep them practical.

Performance Comparison

This casual, comfortable pair of shorts is a good option for day hikes.

Photo: Piper Van Cleve

Comfort & Mobility

In terms of comfort and mobility, we found that these shorts try to balance this metric against style. The fabric has a lot of stretch and the crotch is gusseted to increase space. However, the legs feel like they have a comparatively narrow diameter and they ride up a bit when sitting down.

The interior waist liner is a soft felt material that reduces abrasion.

Photo: Piper Van Cleve

The interior waist liner is an excellent addition that reduces abrasion from a backpack hip belt. These shorts sit below the waist. We also found that they stretch out in the waist faster than the average pair when worn multiple days in a row on trail, which just 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.

The gusset (additional strip of fabric) increases space in the crotch for additional comfort.

Photo: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Features

With a full complement of five pockets, these shorts are equipped to hold the essentials. They come with two front, two rear, and one right side zippered cargo pocket. This last one feels shallow at first but the fabric is so stretchy that it can actually accommodate a large smartphone or multiple protein bars. We did, however, find that the opening is somewhat small and difficult to reach a hand into.

The cargo pocket has a smaller opening but can still hold essential items like snacks or a phone.

Photo: Piper Van Cleve

These shorts also have traditional belt loops as well as a drawstring to tighten them down if you find yourself without a belt. The front metal button is super easy to secure.

Versatility & Style

This is a pair of shorts meant for hot summer weather. We wish that more of the pockets had zippers for increased security and practicality. However, we found that they are an excellent choice for hiking, mobile enough for climbing, and thin and quick-drying enough for paddling.

The drawstring is a little more challenging to tie than other models, but it is hidden away on the inside of the waist to keep these shorts looking a little more put together.

Photo: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Their style leaves 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 just look like a nice pair of casual shorts for going out, but the cargo pocket is also somewhat prominent, which gives them a more utilitarian look.

Venting & Breathability

The thinness of the fabric means that they may not be the most durable pair but it does make them highly breathable. Coming in at just 6.7 ounces, these are among the lightest shorts in the category.

When held up to the light, it becomes clearer how thin and breathable this fabric really is.

Photo: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

The front and cargo pockets are all partially mesh-lined, though, in our experience with them, the airiness of the fabric makes much more of a difference for keeping cool.

Weather Resistance & Dry Time

Given their thinness as discussed above, we are pleasantly surprised by their water resistance. The DWR coating keeps water beading nicely even in moderate rain. Taken together, their water resistance and their thinness mean that they dry especially quickly as well. They are also rated to UPF 50+ meaning that they have been tested for (and protect against) sun exposure to a high degree.

They dry quickly but these shorts are not especially water-resistant. On the left, water soaks through the porous fabric quickly.

Photo: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

One compromise that these shorts make is with the waistband. Though the waist in general of most pairs of shorts is the thickest part that takes the longest to dry, the addition of the abrasion-resistant liner adds another layer that takes noticeably longer to dry (from both sweat and rain) than the rest of this garment.

Value

Their initial performance is strong but in terms of value, we would look elsewhere first. Because the material is thin, we have concerns about its long-term durability when it comes up against abrasion and snags from rocks and thorns. Also, these shorts aren't specialized for a particular activity, which can definitely be an asset, but depending on what you are hoping to do, your money could be better invested in a pair that is tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a comfortable, breathable, and lightweight pair of shorts that function well for many summer trail adventures. Though our testers had some issues with the fit, we think the right person will really love these shorts.

These stretchy shorts are nice for hiking or other outdoor activities.

Photo: Piper Van Cleve