Men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review

Bottom Line

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi are one of our favorite pairs of hiking shorts. They check a lot of the boxes on our list when it comes to great hiking shorts. They are comfortable, stretchy, lightweight, and dry quickly. They include a drawstring in case you forget your belt, and they have a zippered side pocket on the right leg. 

We tested this pair of shorts backpacking on the Colorado Trail. We wore them for nearly a week straight without any problems. They didn’t even smell that bad when we finally washed them. We also wore them hiking in the rain along the Front Range of Colorado and found they performed great in the rain. 

The only drawback is that the material is so light it is a bit floppy or saggy at times, especially when carrying heavier items in the pockets. They are also one of the more expensive hiking shorts on the market. Having said that, we still recommend them for those who need a high-performance, breathable, and comfortable pair of shorts.

Comfort

When we say that these hiking shorts are comfortable, we mean the kind of comfort where you want to just keep wearing them around the house when you come off the trail. They are lightweight and the breathable recycled nylon material is ideal for staying cool, and dry, as well as being soft on the skin. The design is such that the shorts move with you as you walk or step up over an obstacle. They never inhibited our movement when backpacking the Colorado Trail, only enhanced it. Which for us is the main factor in a good pair of hiking shorts. 90-denier 86% ripstop nylon (46% recycled)/14% elastane, accounting for the extreme stretchiness of these shorts. 

The high-tech fabric translates to a comfortable hike that provides wind, water, and 50 UPF sun protection. We tested these in the glaring sun and downright downpours on the trail. The shorts worked equally well for both and were still comfy to hike in.

Durability

While testing these hiking shorts we scrambled up rocks, bushwhacked through thick brush, and sat in the dirt. The Ferrosis stood up to everything without issues. After several months of testing and washing these shorts, they show some minor signs of wear and tear in the form of pilling on the pockets. 

These shorts hold their shape too. The waistband remains tight and the pockets and material retain their shape. When they get wet the added moisture does add a bit more weight and makes the fabric sag more, but it snaps back to its shape as soon as it dries. The 90-denier ripstop fabric accounts for the toughness of these shorts. The pilling on the pocket is the only indication of diminishing quality over time.  

Features

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts don’t have a ton of features, but the ones they do offer stand out. These do tend to fit a little big, so perhaps consider sizing down when buying a pair. However, the built-in drawstring ensures these stay in place even if you don’t have a hiking belt on hand. 

The soft-lined inside of the waist provides some added comfort as it prevents the shorts from rubbing while wearing a pack with a hipbelt and can also absorb excess moisture or sweat. The side pocket with a zipper is a nice feature for storing a smartphone or extra energy bars with easy access. These have the standard drop-in hand pockets along with a back right zippered pocket and a back left drop-in pocket, which we only use for a wallet when not on the trail.

Dry Time

The dry time on this model is impressive. We hiked in the rain with them, and when the rain stopped the recycled nylon fabric dried within a matter of minutes. During testing, we submerged these shorts in water and then left them out to dry. We timed it at around 10 to 15 minutes that these shorts were dry and ready to go. 

This lightweight material is breathable and resists water and wind.

Weight & Packability

We found that the lightweight material kept us moving with ease in all conditions, and dried quickly when rain hit. At 7.6 ounces these are some of the lighter hiking shorts out there, and with a 7-inch inseam, they offer more coverage than some other shorter options. The fabric is bluesign-approved, meaning it has met or exceeded a variety of environmental standards.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Ferrosi?

If you are looking for a comfortable yet stylish pair of lightweight hiking shorts that work equally well on the trail and at the neighborhood BBQ, then these shorts are for you. They are lightweight, stretchy, dry quickly, and have ample storage options. They will work well for a day hike or a multi-day thru-hike.

They are on the more expensive side, and the material is so stretchy that it does sag at times, especially under the weight of gear or water. If you are a beginner hiker looking for a less technical pair of shorts, or an ultralight hiker who does not want any bells and whistles, then these shorts may not be the right pick for you. 

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

Kuhl Renegade Rock Review: The Renegade Rock shorts offer additional durability with a similar town-to-trail style. These are similar in their weight, design, and overall comfort and feel.

Patagonia Quandary Review: The Quandary shorts are a lightweight quick-dry option. They are a similar premium product with a super functional feature set and an appealing fit and aesthetic.