The North Face Paramount Active Short Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Comfortable, elastic waist, inexpensive
Cons: Limiting pocket configuration, no belt loops
Manufacturer: The North Face
Our Verdict
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The North Face Paramount Active Short | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $38.47 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $65.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $50 List Check Price at REI | $45 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Comfortable, elastic waist, inexpensive | Comfortable, stylish, water resistant | Lightweight, odor resistant, zippered pockets | Good water resistance, many pockets, inexpensive | Lightweight, elastic waist, dry quickly |
| Cons | Limiting pocket configuration, no belt loops | A little tight when sitting down, no integrated belt | Not super stylish, liner limits versatility | Utilitarian appearance, pocket openings a little small | No rear pockets, no fly |
| Bottom Line | A fast and light pair of shorts with just a couple of features keeping it from the top | These comfortable, functional shorts really impressed us on our adventures | A lightweight, breathable pair of shorts that are equally comfortable on a run as they are on a backpacking trip | These thin yet water resistant shorts are a great option for the practical, budget-minded hiker | These athletic, lightweight shorts come with an interior liner and ventilation holes that help you stay cool |
| Rating Categories | Paramount Active Short | Patagonia Quandary... | Patagonia Nine Trai... | REI Co-op Sahara Ca... | REI Co-op Active Pu... |
| Comfort And Mobility (35%) | |||||
| Features (25%) | |||||
| Versatility And Style (20%) | |||||
| Venting And Breathability (10%) | |||||
| Weather Resistance And Dry Time (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Paramount Active Short | Patagonia Quandary... | Patagonia Nine Trai... | REI Co-op Sahara Ca... | REI Co-op Active Pu... |
| Weight | 6.8 oz | 7.1 oz | 6.6 oz | 5.9 oz | 5.8 oz |
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% elastane | 95% nylon 5% spandex | 100% recycled polyester | Nylon | 86% polyester/14% spandex |
| Water Resistance | DWR finish | DWR coating | DWR coating | DWR finish | Not specified |
| Sizing (waist, length options) | S - XL; 10", 12" | 28 - 41; 8", 10", 12" inseams | XS - XXL | 30 - 40 | S-XL |
| Sun Protection | UPF 50 | UPF 50+ | Not specified | UPF 50 | UPF 50 |
| Convertible, or option available? | No | Pants available | No | Pants, convertible available | Pants, shorts |
| Pockets | 4 | 5 (plus right coin) | 3 | 5 | 2 hand, 1 embedded zip |
| Waist Strap/Fasten | Button and zip fly | Button and zip fly | Elastic/Draw string | Button and zip fly | Elastic, drawstring |
| Other Features | Relaxed fit, included belt | Classic fit, curved waistband, gusseted crotch | Odor control liner, waist drawcord, reflective logo | Relaxed fit, integrated belt, gusseted crotch | Ventilation holes, interior liner |
Our Analysis and Test Results
These shorts are a great choice if you know your hike will involve some scrambling. They are nice for warm, breezy weather, but they tend to take on more water than many of their counterparts. We brought them along on an extended tour of the Oregon Coast Trail, and we were all-in-all pleased with their performance, save for a few hitches which we discuss more below.
Performance Comparison
The North Face Paramount Active offers solid comfort and mobility. They are lightweight as well, but their water resistance and feature metrics keep them from contending for a top spot.
Comfort and Mobility
The fabric itself doesn't feel tight or limiting. The 90%/10% polyester/elastane fabric blend offers greater stretch than most other shorts in this review, and it flexes along both vertical and horizontal axes. On the other hand, the 9" inseam is one of the shorter models that we tested. Paired with a slim fit, it is slightly more restrictive than longer, looser models like the REI Co-Op Sahara Cargo.
The back portion of the waistband is elastic. Coupled with an interior drawstring, this model comes with the options of both expanding and shrinking the waist to find just the right fit, which is, in fact, a fairly unique feature (other pairs at most have a drawstring or integrated for tightening). The metal button closure is basic and secure.
Features
The limited features of these shorts match the lightweight functionality. They come with a complement of four pockets; two front, one rear (right), and one zippered thigh (right). Because there is not a lot of material to these shorts overall, we found that the pockets are either shallow, small, or both. The leg pocket is large enough for a few snack bars or a smartphone, but we never felt comfortable keeping anything of value in the other pockets because we were nervous that the items would fall out.
For a full-featured model, we think you should check out the Arc'teryx Palisade, or if you want something almost as light, but with better features, the Patagonia Nine Trails shorts are an awesome option.
Versatility and Style
These shorts are best for fast and light multi-day missions, though they could also be good for day hikes. If you are on an extended backpacking trip, they also double well as a bathing suit if you have some time to dry out before you get back on the move.
Their aesthetic is basic. We think that they are the plainest model that we tested. They neither scream style, but also aren't unattractive, they just…are.
Weather Resistance and Dry Time
These shorts absorb water faster than the Arc'teryx Palisade or REI Co-Op Sahara Cargo. However, their thin fabric dries out quickly as well.
On the flip side, their shorter inseam leaves more of your leg exposed, and wind cut through the fabric more than a burlier pair like the Fjallraven Abisko or Prana Stretch Zion.
Venting and Breathability
The Paramount Active shorts do well for themselves in this metric. Even though they are slim fit, their stretchy, lightweight fabric is breathable. Every pocket is mesh-lined with a medium-weave, facilitating a modest amount of ventilation.
Testing showed that this pair kept us less sweaty longer, and we cooled down quicker.
Best Applications
These shorts are best used on adventures where lightweight is important. Backpackers may prefer them because of the streamlined waist which stays comfortable under a hip belt. They are better in warm, potentially humid weather, when cooling off quickly is crucial.
Value
At $55, these shorts offer reliable value. Because of their reasonable price point, they are a decent, safe choice for those just entering the activewear scene who might not be as keen about dropping $100 on a pair of shorts.
Conclusion
The North Face Paramount Active is a super stretchy, super comfortable pair of hiking shorts. They give off a little bit of an active dad vibe, meaning that we wouldn't consider them the most stylish option, but their practicality almost makes up for it. Though they aren't terribly water resistant, they are lightweight and reasonably priced.
— Ben Applebaum-Bauch