Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Shorts

Review by Kate Agathon

The 7” Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Shorts are casual shorts that will keep you cool on the trail during the hottest of summer days.

Constructed from a recycled nylon blend, the quick-drying shorts are part of Outdoor Research’s best-selling Ferrosi collection noted for their lightweight, abrasion-resistance performance.

Fit and Look

Not too short and not too long, the 7” shorts are the perfect length for not only hiking, but wearing around town.

I wore a size 2. They seemed a little tight, but they fit much better than the size 4. Appearances can be deceiving, as they are a snugger fit than most casual shorts.

To me, the stretchy hem of the shorts almost felt like they were elasticized. I liked that feature because they were comfortable enough to walk/hike in, weren’t restrictive, and didn’t allow a lot of air flow in like some roomier casual shorts.

I was very pleased with the overall look of the 7” Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Shorts.

Hugging close to the body, they were flattering without being too revealing. I don’t think I’ve ever previously worn any casual hiking shorts that were this close-fitting, but they looked and felt great!

Features and Performance

The 7” Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Shorts are loaded with thoughtful details:

• Harness-Compatible Waist
• Metal Shank Button Closure
• Brushed-Tricot Lined Waistband
• Internal Drawcord Waist
• Bonded Belt Loops
• Abrasion-resistant fabric

My favorite feature of the shorts are the pockets: two front hand pockets, one back right zip pocket, and one back left drop-in pocket.

The deep front hand pockets were super spacious and I could stuff my hands in them with plenty of room left over. They easily stashed keys, dog waste bags, and trail snacks while I was on the go.

Rated at UPF 50+, the quick-drying super lightweight fabric is water-resistant, wind-resistant, and breathable.

I appreciated the lightness of the fabric on hot days outside when the temperatures soared in the late afternoon. Thanks to movement-mirroring stretch (it is rated as “extreme stretch” on the Outdoor Research web site) of the shorts, I moved comfortably and could easily maneuver around obstacles whenever I went on the trail. I wish I had these during Spring Break, when I went hiking in the desert and canyonland at Colorado National Monument.

Final Thoughts

The 7” Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Shorts offer super stretch with a flattering standard fit.

While they are technical by design, they do not have an overly technical appearance, making them great for casual wear.

Because of their construction, lightness and technical properties, the shorts are appropriate for hiking or everyday; making them a good contender for taking them on vacation.

Available in seven colors and 10 sizes (0 to 18), the 7” Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Shorts are ideal for mountain living (hiking, camping, and every day adventures).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her fiancé, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.