Kate Agathon

The Royal Robbins Half Dome Shorts are simply the best lifestyle shorts I have worn in years. Let me tell you why I’m all about these amazing shorts.

Royal Robbins Half Dome Shorts Review

Construction and Fit

Can shorts be functional and stylish? YES. The secret is in the double stretch canvas. As durable as denim, but soft to the touch, the Half Dome Short is my new favorite short.

 

While most lifestyle shorts are made from thinner fabric designed with warmer climates in mind, living in a mountain town requires sturdy shorts that are as tough as the mountains themselves.

 

Evoking workwear, the double stretch canvas material is surprisingly soft and comfortable with no break in period needed. Thanks to a small bit of inconspicuous elastic in the back, they weren’t even stiff or restrictive around the waistband.

 

I also love how deep and practical the four pockets (two front, two rear) are. The zippered pocket built into the left front pocket to keep essentials secure was a nice bonus.

Appearance and Colors

The midrise standard fit was perfect. Not too tight (always my biggest fear; especially with button up closures) or too wide. It offered enough coverage so that my middle aged stomach didn’t spill over the top and looked equally good with the shirt tucked in or out.

 

The 5 inch inseam is the sweet spot for short length- not too short and not too long.

 

For those familiar with REI Co-op’s Trailsmith series, the Royal Robbins Half Dome Short is similar in material, comfort, and durability. However, they are softer and a tad stretchier. Appearance wise, they are cut a little more fashionably and don’t appear as boxy.

 

Available in eight sizes and three colors (Charcoal, Undyed, and Dark Olive), the Half Dome Short is a solid base that pairs well with both lifestyle and technical tops.

I like these so much that I’m interested in trying out the rest of the Half Dome collection.

 

Details and Features

Part of the Basecamp Collection, the Half Dome Short name honors the first ascent of Half Dome by Royal Robbins.

Details and features include:

 

UPF 35+ rated

Zip Secure Pocket

Belt Loops

Button Up closure

64 percent organic cotton, 33 percent modal, 3 percent elastane material

 

If you’re looking for a practical denim replacement or something heftier than thinnish fabric, the Half Dome Short is for you. I absolutely love these shorts and I’m certain you will too.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

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

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.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree 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 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.