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Features We Like And Don't Like In Trail Shorts

The short list of what works and what doesn't.

by: Steve Howe

Tags:
• Gear
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• Camping
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Features We Like In Trail Shorts

• Gusseted crotches and leg hems that don't grab thighs when high-stepping
• A removable, nonstretch belt, so you can convert it for emergency use as a strap, repair item, or tourniquet
• A strong but trim belt buckle that's comfortable under a cinched hipbelt
• Fast-drying fabric
• At least one zippered pocket to safeguard critical items
• A zipper fly for easy deployment and easy shedding
• A snaps or blue jean-type button at the waist, because most regular buttons come loose or crack
• Streamlined pockets that don't snag swinging arms and are deep enough to hold key items even when you sit down
• Cargo pockets on the side of the thigh-not in the front-to keep bulkier items from hitting your legs

Features We Don't Like

• Elastic belts, which sag under a pack
• Buttons; they're slow to undo, fragile, and quick to fall off
• Mesh pockets, which most testers found fragile and quick to snag on objects

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