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

Comfort & Mobility

These shorts have a slimmer fit but remain comfortable. The fabric has a lot of stretch and the crotch is gusseted to increase space. They ride up a bit when sitting down, but their elasticity keeps them from being restrictive, even when they get bunchy.

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.

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. The opening is larger than some other cargo pockets, making it easier to reach into.

These shorts also have traditional belt loops and 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.

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.

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.

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.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Ferrosi?

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a comfortable and breathable short that functions well for many summer trail adventures. They dry quickly and are a reliable combination of practical and stylish. They are somewhat expensive, but if you are looking for a thin, dry-weather active short, these ones will serve you well.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

If you are looking for breathability, you might also check out the Patagonia Baggies Longs, which have thick fabric but a super breathable liner. For an even more stylish option, we recommend the Prana Brion II. They aren't the most robust hiking shorts but they look great. If you want even more pockets, the REI Sahara Cargo is an affordable model with lots of carrying capacity.