Construction, Features, Fit

The RecTrek fabric is a 90% nylon, 10% Spandex blend that is very stretchy and durable. The material has a flat faced exterior, but an exposed stretch weave interior. This creates a pleasant texture against skin, and wicks moisture to help keep you dry.

Perhaps our only major knock on these shorts, and the reason they’re not our first choice for warm weather hiking, is that the fabric is on the far end of the heavy/thick spectrum for a shorts material. We tend to prefer hiking in trail running shorts, of which our preferred style is approximately half the weight and likely twice as breathable. As such, we recommend these shorts on the assumption that you will wear them as an all-purpose garment. In cooler weather hikes, say temps in the 50-60s, they would be great. But if you’re shopping for a dedicated pair of shorts for the express purpose of summer hiking, you would do better with a lighter weight pair.

The Outdoor Voices RecTrek Shorts have a simple but effective set of basic features. The 7″ inseam men’s model includes two trouser cut hand pockets. They are deep enough for phone storage and create a good hold to prevent contents from falling out. The right side pocket has a bonus mini pocket for keys, headphones, etc. A rear zipper pocket polishes off the storage suite.

The wide waistband creates a good hold to stay up, while easily dispersing pressure with plenty of elasticity to expand and contract. An elastic drawstring gives added hold. Tracing down the front is a decorative, non-functional fly.

We were a bit worried that all of the seams from the colorblocking would limit performance by reducing stretch or creating failure points, but they’ve held up well and are largely imperceptible to the wearer.

Lastly, fit. For the most part, just order your normal size, but if in between, size up.