Let’s Dive into Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s
The Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s are designed for the woman who loves to move fast and light on the trail. Mountain Hardwear has crafted these shorts with an ultralight ripstop fabric, focusing on unrestricted movement and practical storage. They promise to be the perfect companion for backpacking, hiking, and camping adventures, offering a blend of comfort, durability, and functionality.
My search for the perfect hiking shorts has been a long one. I wanted something lightweight, quick-drying, and with enough pocket space to stash essentials without feeling bulky.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by how incredibly light these shorts are. The material felt surprisingly soft against my skin, and the construction seemed solid despite the minimal weight. My initial impression was that they were well-made and ready for action.
I’ve used similar shorts from Patagonia (the Baggies) and prAna (the Kanab Short), and I find myself constantly tweaking my gear. I chose the Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s because I wanted something more tailored for hiking and backpacking specifically, with cargo pockets for easy access to my phone and map. I was hoping for a streamlined design that would move with me, rather than against me.
I was excited about the potential of these shorts. The promise of unrestricted movement and ample storage in such a lightweight package was very appealing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was a 10-mile day hike in the Shenandoah National Park. The weather was warm and humid, the perfect conditions to put these shorts to the test. I also carried a small pack to test out how the shorts felt.
The Trail Sender Shorts performed admirably. The fabric wicked away moisture effectively, keeping me relatively dry even during strenuous uphill climbs. I had no issues with chafing or restriction of movement.
Using the drawcord, I was able to dial in a great fit. I didn’t need to constantly adjust them, even while scrambling over rocks. The secure zip pocket was perfect for my phone, and the other cargo pocket held a snack bar and small map without feeling bulky.
I was very pleased with the initial performance. I noticed that twigs and burrs didn’t cling to the material as much as they do on some of my other hiking shorts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including multiple backpacking trips and day hikes, the Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s have proven to be reliable and durable. There are no signs of wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, and the fabric hasn’t faded or stretched out.
Cleaning is a breeze. I tossed them in the washing machine after each trip, and they came out looking as good as new. I was also impressed with their ability to resist odors.
Compared to other hiking shorts I’ve owned, the Trail Sender Shorts definitely outperform in terms of weight, comfort, and freedom of movement. The strategically placed pockets are a major plus, and the overall design is well-suited for a variety of outdoor activities.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s
Specifications
- The Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s are made with an ultralight ripstop fabric composed of 100% Polyester. This material provides a great balance of durability and weight savings.
- They weigh in at a mere 2 oz. This is incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking and other activities where every ounce counts.
- The shorts feature a regular fit to provide comfort and mobility without being too baggy. The fit is designed to allow for layering underneath if needed.
- They have an external drawcord at the waist for adjustability. This allows you to customize the fit for maximum comfort.
- The inseam is regular. This means they are a standard length that falls mid-thigh on most women.
- The shorts have two cargo pockets and one secure zip pocket at the right thigh. These pockets offer ample storage space for essential items.
- The Trail Sender Shorts also have a crotch gusset for added mobility. This feature allows for unrestricted movement during hiking and other activities.
- They offer UPF 50 protection, shielding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation approves of this level of sun protection.
These specifications contribute to the overall performance and user experience by providing a comfortable, lightweight, and functional pair of shorts that are well-suited for outdoor activities. The ultralight fabric, combined with the thoughtful pocket placement and adjustable waistband, makes them a versatile and practical choice for any outdoor enthusiast.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s excel at their primary job: providing comfortable and unrestricted movement during outdoor activities. The ultralight fabric breathes well, wicks away moisture, and dries quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable even in warm weather.
The shorts are comfortable to wear for extended periods and allow a great range of motion. I experienced no chafing or rubbing.
One area for improvement could be the depth of the cargo pockets. They are adequate for small items, but a slightly deeper pocket would provide more security.
Overall, the Trail Sender Shorts meet my expectations. They provide the lightweight comfort and functionality I was looking for.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The seams are well-stitched, and the fabric feels durable despite its light weight.
The shorts are user-friendly with no learning curve. The pull-on design and adjustable waistband make them easy to put on and take off, and the pockets are conveniently located.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the ultralight nature of the fabric, I was initially concerned about durability. However, after several weeks of use, including some bushwhacking through dense vegetation, the shorts have held up remarkably well.
They are easy to maintain. A simple machine wash and tumble dry is all it takes to keep them clean and fresh.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s don’t come with any specific accessories. They are designed to be functional as is.
There aren’t really any customization options. However, the minimalist design makes them easy to pair with a variety of tops and footwear.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s
Pros
- Incredibly Lightweight: At only 2 oz, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.
- Excellent Freedom of Movement: The crotch gusset and stretchy fabric allow for unrestricted movement.
- Quick-Drying and Breathable: Perfect for warm weather activities.
- Convenient Pocket Placement: The cargo pockets and secure zip pocket provide ample storage for essentials.
- UPF 50 Sun Protection: Shields your skin from harmful UV rays.
Cons
- Cargo Pockets Could Be Deeper: Slightly deeper pockets would offer more security for larger items.
- Minimalist Design: Some may prefer a more stylish or feature-rich design.
Who Should Buy Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s?
The Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s are perfect for:
- Hikers and backpackers who prioritize weight savings and freedom of movement.
- Campers who need versatile and durable shorts for a variety of activities.
- Travelers who want lightweight and quick-drying shorts that pack easily.
- Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and needs comfortable and functional shorts.
Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize style over function or need heavy-duty shorts for rugged terrain might want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a good pair of hiking socks. These prevent blisters and enhance comfort on long treks.
Conclusion on Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s
The Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for lightweight, comfortable, and functional hiking shorts. Mountain Hardwear has clearly prioritized performance and practicality.
Considering the excellent build quality, thoughtful design, and overall performance, the price is justified. The original price of $89.00 would be high, but at the sale price of $27.63, these are an absolute steal.
I would highly recommend these shorts. They have quickly become my go-to choice for hiking and backpacking.
If you’re looking for a pair of shorts that will help you go farther and faster on the trail, look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts – Women’s. Grab a pair and experience the difference!