Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Short Pants - Women's Review

The Rock'N'Wool Short Pants quickly became a favorite of our testing team thanks to their super soft 100% Merino wool fabric, lightweight performance, and high-quality design. They are great at thermoregulation, efficiently wicking moisture away from the skin and releasing through the 185-gram virgin wool fabric. The shorter length helps to keep bulk out of your ski or snowboard boots, and the thick waistband is not only stylish but keeps your pants in place when layered in a system. Though these short pants come with a higher price tag, knowing that your dollars are supporting a company with sustainability in mind could make it easier to invest. The Short Pants are the perfect insulation for those cooler weather days in the fall or layered below your Gore-tex for winter days when you're out earning your turns.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

Though the 185 Rock'N'Wool Short Pants are only a 3/4 length, we found them to offer enough warmth to be worn alone during the shoulder seasons and to provide ample warmth when layered below our ski bibs while exploring the backcountry. Since the 185 g/m² fabric is at the lower end of midweight, they have more of a lightweight feel. Our testers stayed comfortable and dry throughout their cool and cold weather activities.

We would not recommend the Short Pants for sedentary cold weather activities, though they did a great job at keeping our testers warm during a fall season of training runs in Yosemite Valley. Some days were difficult to leave our sleeping bag as the campsite rarely saw the sun, but these pants provided enough warmth to get us moving without a heavyweight thickness that would cause us to overheat as the sun rose. Perhaps their best application is for those cold weather days spent backcountry skiing or snowboarding where you're constantly moving and generating body heat.

Breathability

The 185 Rock'N'Wool Short Pants offer some of the best wicking capabilities out of all the long underwear garments tested for this review. Superior thermoregulation allows them to effectively trap body heat while releasing moisture through the Merino wool fabric. These pants boast a 19-micro Merino wool that enhances breathability due to its ultra-fine construction.

During our fall testing runs in a very humid and chilly Yosemite Valley, we noted the efficiency with which the Short Pants were able to dry after working up a bit of sweat as we gained elevation and sunshine towards the rim of the Valley. Though some sweat was able to collect around the thicker waistband, it dried quickly before any notable discomfort occurred. This layer offers some of the best breathability out of all the long underwear garments we've tested, thanks to a lightweight design that allows air to permeate the thin fabric.

Comfort and Fit

One of the first things we noticed about the 185 Rock'N'Wool Short Pants is their stand-out style. The European-inspired design is a split, asymmetric design with bright colors, stripes, and a thick, multi-colored waistband. After trying them on for the first time, we were impressed by how soft and comfortable they felt next to our skin, perhaps because of the unique and ultra-fine Tasmanian Merino. We can also appreciate the labels are either screen-printed or removable rather than a permanent tag that can cause itching and discomfort due to irritation. This top-notch comfort made this layer one of our favorites for everything from rest days to long multi-sport days in the backcountry.

We love the fit and would consider it true to size, though we did notice a little bunching in the crotch. The fabric is stretchy enough to move with you during activity without limiting your range of motion. The thick waistband offers great structure if you wear these a few times between washes, and the 3/4 length prevents any bunching of layers inside your ski or snowboard boots. It's hard to complain about these super cute and comfortable short pants, thanks to their itch-free Merino wool construction and functional fit.

Durability

Throughout our rigorous three-month testing period, we've experienced no durability issues with the 185 Rock'N'Wool Short Pants. Their high-quality design is notable through features like the flatlock seams and Merino wool construction that is naturally odor-free. Our testing team has also tested the base layer top of similar weight and design for two years without any durability issues.

While we didn't notice any rips or snags in the fabric, we must admit this ultra-fine Merino wool layer may not last as long as a more durable synthetic option. We noticed that the fabric tends to lose its shape when worn multiple times between washes, and we found some minor piling in high-traffic areas when the wool rubbed against another layer. We speculate that some durability is sacrificed in exchange for an ultra-soft and itch-free design. That being said, we'll continue testing this layer throughout the long winter months and will report back with any durability issues, should we encounter them after our backcountry adventures.

Should You Buy the Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Short Pants?

While some may scoff at the expensive price tag, especially since these pants are only a 3/4 length, our testers are confident that their lightweight performance won't disappoint you. We love that these short pants are created with sustainability in mind, making it easier to invest in a company that is a member of the "Fair Wear Foundation," which seeks to improve workplace conditions and offset c02 emissions. Their exceptional breathability and super cute and cozy fabric will certainly keep you warm during your cold-weather adventures.

What Other Long Underwear Should You Consider?

If you dig the 100% Merino wool construction but are after a full-length option, check out the Ridge Merino Inversion Heavyweight Merino Leggings. These heavyweight leggings are perfect for cold winter months. If you're interested in a Merino wool blend that offers ample warmth and exceptional breathability for those high-intensity winter pursuits, look to the Icebreaker BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Thermal Leggings.