Recommend Price: £50
Weight: 175g (size 10)
In recent years shorts seems to have morphed into either teeny weeny very short shorts or baggy knee length mountain biker style shorts. These Escape shorts from Sprayway are from the traditional, easy-fit school of design but in a great fabric that makes them both versatile and very comfortable.
The lightweight TecWeave nylon fabric stretches in all directions, has a soft feel and a water resistant finish. In practice this means they move extremely well and can cope with scrambling without riding up. The fabric has worn well so far, has proved resistant to snagging on sharp plants and rocks and I would expect them to last well. The fit is good, with an excellent waist band, elasticated at the sides, a higher section at the back, and a brushed lining for added comfort and wicking. A button and zip fasten at the front and there’s a spare button too. Three spacious pockets, two at the sides and one on the front leg, all zipped and mesh-lined.
Sizing is on the generous size (there is also a slim fit version); there are no belt loops so it does need to fit well. However the lining on the waistband helps prevent slipping, the wide elasticated sections should make it comfortable even if slightly tight. The fabric doesn’t get too sweaty and is very quick drying. The design and fabric together are excellent, allowing the shorts to move with you whilst being robust enough that you can sit down on scrambles without worrying about wearing out the seat. The only slight niggle is that the legs can’t really be rolled up in hot weather as the pockets hang down almost to the same length as the shorts, but then the pockets are a good size so you can’t have everything. The fabric has a UV SPF rating of 50+.
Available in sizes 8 – 20 and 5 colours. Also available in a slim fit style. There’s no direct men’s equivalent, the nearest is the Compass, a knee length short in the same material.