Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts

Review by Erin Trail

The Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts are a great option for women who want a shorter – but not too short – option for summer activities.

Features

• DWR treatment
• UPF 30
• Movement mirroring stretch
• Quick drying fabric
• Back right security zip pocket
• Front slash hand pockets
• Internal drawcord waist
• Side slits at hem for better leg movement
• 3.5 inch inseam

Fit and Function

The Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts have become my go-to adventure shorts for this summer.

I received a size medium and found that they fit true to size. I do wish that the waistband was made from a stretchier material or that the shorts had a snap or button closure with a fly, to make pulling the shorts over my hips a bit easier. Once the shorts are on, however, they fit perfectly.

The Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts are perfect for hiking and on days where you are really active.  While they’re marketed for running, I found the fabric to be slightly heavy for what I prefer in running short. The shorts do not include a build in liner brief, which is something users may want to consider when selecting these as a running short.

The 3.5 inch inseam length is great for women who want a shorter hem on a short.  I’ve gone on many hikes while wearing these shorts and found that the inseam doesn’t creep up or move.  The length is also such that I didn’t experience any inner thigh chafing.

I have athletic legs and I’ve found that the fit in the legs of the Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts is perfect. They aren’t tight but they aren’t also super loose.  The movement mirroring stretch of the fabric allows for the perfect range of motion.

The waistband of the Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts is very flattering.  They hit me “just right” around the midsection, without digging in or fitting too loosely. The styling of the shorts is such that they can be worn in a variety of settings without screaming “activewear”. I’m also obsessed with the Galactic colorway, giving a bit of fun color while still being (almost) neutral.

There are 3 very generously sized pockets in the Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts: 2 side pockets and 1 zippered rear pocket. All of the pockets are large enough to fit a cell phone inside. My quibble with the front pockets is that they’re too long.  The bottom of the pocket lining is almost the same length as the hem of the shorts.  The result is that the black fabric of the pockets likes to peek out below the hem of the shorts, especially when you have something heavy, like a phone in them.  This could be resolved if the pockets weren’t as deep or if there was a small amount of stitching along the bottom of the pocket lining at the hem of the shorts, to hold the pocket lining in place. A minor issue, but I did find myself having to fidget with the pockets regularly.

The Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts are great for adventures.  I wore the shorts on a recent trip to Spain, where we spent a day exploring the Island of Ohns. We did a 5 mile hike around the island and then spent the rest of the day lounging on the beach.  The shorts were the perfect choice for this outing.  They were really comfortable for the hiking portion and dried off really fast after some dips in the ocean to cool off.

Closing Thoughts

The Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts are a great option for women who want a pair of shorts that are great for muscular legs but also want to look stylish. The cut and the fit of the shorts are great for a wide range of body sizes.

The Outdoor Research Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts are available in 3 colorways (galactic, dark navy, and black) and are available in women’s sizing ranging from XS to XXL.

Erin Trail

Trail Boss of Stoke