Backside Line
The reasonably priced Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo is a trimmed-down tackle a utilitarian model, which is why they make our checklist of the finest mountain climbing shorts.
These bottoms have a safe pocket on every thigh – one with Velcro, the opposite zippered – that we discover actually helpful for storing essential small objects like a key or an ID. For a day hike on the path, these are an incredible possibility and serve their objective. Whereas the hand and again pockets are mesh, the cargo pockets on the legs are constructed into the shorts. This offers a bit extra assist for heavier objects.
Fast Specs
Males’s Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo
Good Inexpensive Mountaineering Shorts
Rating:
66/100
Value:
$50
Weight:
10.4 oz.
Inseam:
10 in. / 12 in.
Execs
- Inexpensive
- Breathable
- City-to-trail look
- Good pockets
- Constructed-in belt
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some
- A bit heavy
Consolation
These utilitarian mountain climbing shorts are comfy and transfer freely with you however are much less comfy than others on the checklist as a result of quantity of fabric they embrace. Even with the cargo pockets they’re nonetheless very light-weight mountain climbing shorts.
Nonetheless, when you begin including objects to the pockets they’ll get weighed down simply, and you’ll be glad that these shorts include a built-in belt. The consolation varies relying on how a lot you resolve to hold. We discovered on day hikes {that a} protein bar or pair of sun shades labored effectively, however extra weight reminiscent of keys or telephones had been an excessive amount of for the pockets to carry comfortably.
The shorts even have a gusseted crotch seam to make them extra versatile and cozy when mountain climbing. The built-in belt and waist are comfy and work effectively with a hipbelt on a backpack. The shorts are comfy on and off the path. They transfer freely with you and supply good protection in your legs as they’re longer than another mountain climbing shorts.
Sturdiness
With regards to put on and tear the Silver Ridge Cargo shorts held up simply tremendous to our testing, nevertheless, the material isn’t very sturdy or breathable in comparison with another shorts, and the pockets will usually be the primary to indicate indicators of damage. That mentioned, we predict the burden tradeoff is definitely worth the small sturdiness penalty for the reason that Silver Ridges don’t really feel as frumpy as different cargo shorts we’ve worn.
Constructed from 100% recycled polyester, we hiked with these for primarily day hikes and round city walks carrying additional objects reminiscent of sun shades, wallets, keys, and a few snacks like bars or chews. For longer hikes or long-term use, the sturdiness of those shorts is the query. They could not final so long as different shorts on the path.
Options
These are a feature-rich pair of mountain climbing shorts. It’s what we love most about them – how a lot you get in your cash. They arrive with a belt, which is a pleasant addition together with a delicate felt-lined waistband that enhances consolation.
The pockets are the large characteristic of those cargo shorts. There are two hand pockets, a zippered again safety pocket, and cargo pockets, for ample carrying choices. In addition they have Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade Broad Spectrum UPF 50 that protects in opposition to the solar’s rays.
Dry Time
These shorts are about common in relation to drying time. They’ve Columbia’s patented Omni-Wick know-how that pulls moisture to maintain you dry and funky whereas mountain climbing. After we examined these, each on the path and submerging them in water, the light-weight material did dry shortly – in round 10 to fifteen minutes. Mountaineering and airflow will assist with that course of.
The truth that these shorts are a bit heavier and bulkier than others means that there’s extra material to dry, and in consequence, it may well take a bit longer than smaller lighter-weight mountain climbing shorts.
Weight & Packability
At 10.4 ounces these are a few of the heavier mountain climbing shorts on our checklist. The mesh pockets make them a bit lighter, however they begin heavy and get heavier as you add objects to the cargo pockets.
These don’t pack down or dry as shortly as some mountain climbing shorts, however they do embrace Columbia’s UV-blocking material that gives UPF 50 safety. These are a superb possibility for day hikes or lower-mileage journeys. However for longer multi-day backpacking journeys contemplate one thing a bit lighter weight and fewer cumbersome.
Ought to You Purchase the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts?
Hikers who’re in search of a number of storage are positive to like the Silver Ridge Cargo shorts. They’re finest for day hikes and shorter journeys. Whereas they are going to work for longer backpacking adventures, if you’re involved in regards to the weight of your shorts then these wouldn’t be for you. Extra minimalist light-weight hikers would wish to take a look at different mountain climbing quick choices.
What Different Mountaineering Shorts Ought to You Think about?
REI Sahara Cargo Evaluate: The REI model of those cargo shorts is one other favourite for storage, whereas nonetheless wanting streamlined. These are comparable in operate and elegance to the Silver Ridge however don’t include a belt, so you would need to present your individual right here.
prAna Stretch Zion II Evaluate: Just like the Silver Ridge’s the Stretch Zion II shorts are an incredible utility possibility. They provide a ton of safe storage with out feeling or wanting frumpy. They’re comfy, they usually have a built-in belt for dialing within the match on lengthy hikes, they are often worn for just about any event.
