Lightweight, full-coverage active shorts.
Freedom to Move
I’ve been wearing the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” for urban hikes and walks, for trail hikes and walks, and for every day activities like sitting at my computer, cleaning the house, washing my car, and attending a variety of summer-themed backyard parties. I’m impressed with the versatility of this lightweight and very stretchy long short. (Also available in men’s sizes. Photos from Outdoor Research website.)
The Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” allows me an impressive range of movement to climb, stretch, and scramble. I’ve never worn a short that gave me such freedom. The fabric is crazy stretchy. I’m not that agile that I do a whole lot of serious scrambling, but just climbing steps, maneuvering myself over picnic tables (I like to sit on the top of the table, with my feet on the bench), and climbing in and out of my friend’s van has shown me how accommodating this short is. I’m used to wearing similarly styled shorts made out of heavy cotton, so it took me awhile to get used to the light weight and the flexibility the short afforded me.
Even when I’m a lot less active, the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” makes a bold statement. I pair it with a dark grey jersey knit button-down shirt for a dressy casual look when heading out to the Thai restaurant down the street. These two options make the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” ideal for travel because I like to pack light. Another travel bonus: the lightweight, thin fabric dries quickly.
A Short For All Seasons
There are a lot of reasons wearing long shorts makes sense:
First, I like protecting as much of my skin from the sun and from bugs as possible. Shorts that cover most of my thighs means less sunscreen and DEET for me. Second, when I’m on the trail I’d rather have my shorts get snagged on branches than my skin. Finally, I like wearing shorts as much of the year as possible; a longer short means I can start wearing shorts earlier in spring and keep wearing them later in fall. One of my favorite shoulder season tops, Outdoor Research’s Alpine Onset Merino Crew, pairs well with the short on cold nights by the water.
The Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” is cut fairly straight, with notches on the outside hems. I’d love a slimmer cut for a more stylish look, but I still love the short. Most long shorts are just hideously boxy and unflattering. The lightweight fabric does a lot to prevent this short from feeling or looking baggy and frumpy.
Style and Fit
The short is styled like a pair of jeans or a typical trail-style short, with a mid-rise, a zipper, a snap enclosure, a nice wide elasticized waistband with belt loops, and two front pockets. Initially, I lamented the missing back pockets, but as I read more about the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” I realize they were designed, in part, for cycling. Then, as I cycled around Malmö Sweden for a few days, I learned just how amazing those two front pockets were. During a typical outing I always seemed to end up up with so much stuff in my hands. I didn’t feel I could easily put those things into my daypack, or even into my hip pack, so I just started cramming stuff into my pockets.
Before long, I had my giant iPhone 12 in its OtterBox case in one pocket, my wallet and keys in another. On tope of those items, I had also crammed in all my receipts and the little pieces of paper I seem to accumulate when I travel, as well as a package of Danish Band-aids, a box of Pamol headache pills, a bag of peanuts, a lip balm, and a Kind bar.
I’m sure I looked funny walking around with squirrel cheeks on my thighs, but it was incredible to have easy access to the items I use most.
I love the wide waist band because wider is more comfortable, and I like being able to wear a belt. Low-rise pants and shorts fit my odd body better than mid-rise bottoms, so I fold the waist band over to turn the short into a low-rise fit. Sweet.
There’s a small zippered pocket along the right seam that I can slide my iPhone SE into.
I found a great fit in this short, but it took me trying my new regular size and my former size to figure it out. The short is so stretchy that I couldn’t tell the difference in fit, but a friend thought the smaller size looked too small on me. I have noticed in customer reviews on the Outdoor Research website that many women wear biking shorts underneath the Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12”. I don’t have padded cycling shorts, but I tested the short over snug long-length women’s cotton jersey boxers, and I had plenty of room.
I’m basically dressed in black and grey at all times because it’s easier, but I tested the Verde colored shorts, and they are quite nice. I’m not usually a green person, but it’s a nice rich color that looks great with my new favorite BLACK tee.
Bottom Line
So versatile, high-performing, and easy to care for that it is the first short I pack (or wear while in transit) for outings and trips. (Check out Moosejaw for sales on Ferossi shorts and pants.)
Details
Made out of “bluesign® approved 86% Nylon (46% Recycled), 14% Spandex 90D Stretch Woven Ripstop.” The short weighs only a little more than seven ounces, which feels like nothing when packing.
Available in sizes 0 – 18 in Black, Pewter, and Verde.
Manufacturer: outdoorresearch.com
$89, available on Amazon.com and on outdoorresearch.com