Women’s Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Short Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a soft, knee-length short that you can hike in and wear to yoga, look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts. These shorts are quick-drying, water repellent, and extremely soft – much more so than other shorts on our list of best women’s hiking shorts. They also outshine others in terms of flexibility and suppleness. 

We tested the Dynama/2 Bermuda shorts on the Tahoe Rim Trail around Tahoe and Reno, pushing them through hours of intense movements and steep uphills to observe how they responded to sweat and friction. 

Although we love the soft fabric, the fit is questionable. The shorts tend to ride up in the front, and the low-rise design can feel uncomfortable with a backpack. Despite these drawbacks, the Dynama/2 Bermuda shorts are great for those who prefer longer hiking shorts and softer materials than some of our picks for the best women’s hiking shorts. We also like wearing them as gym, yoga, and climbing shorts –  even as pajamas.

Comfort

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts offer incredible comfort but have an unusual fit. Made of 94% weave stretch-woven nylon and elastane, the fabric is so soft it feels like pajamas, which makes the shorts very wearable. In all conditions, they were breathable and didn’t cause any chafing, even after getting extremely sweaty. The waistband, while initially tight, quickly molded to fit better without digging in. Many people prefer a flat waistband like on the Dynama/2 for comfort. There are no zippers or buttons, which we really appreciate for getting on and off quickly when we really need to pee on the trail.

That said, the shorts have a low-rise design, which means less coverage, especially when carrying a pack. We found the undercarriage measurement to be a bit short, which awkwardly rode up in the front. Typically, we prefer shorts that are a higher rise to help with comfort while wearing a pack. For this reason, we recommend trying them on before you buy them. 

Despite this, thy Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts remained fairly comfortable and flexible for most activities with no rubbing or discomfort from seams. All in all, these shorts are perfect for anyone who values a soft fabric and longer leg length.

Durability

The durability of Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts is a little questionable. They held up reasonably well during our testing where we walked through thick brush and rubbed against trees. At the same time, the fabric is thinner and softer than other hiking shorts, which could lead to faster wear over time. After several uses, we noticed some signs of wear. The label started to come off, and the fabric along the thighs started to peel. Some stitching also looked loose. This is expected with softer fabrics but could be a concern if you plan on using them for multiple days or doing any  butt-scooting. For the price, we found the durability to be less than desirable.

We also washed the shorts multiple times to test how the fabric would hold up. The shorts didn’t shrink, but the material began to bag a little and became looser over time, which might mean they may not last as long as others in our test. 

Features

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts have multiple pockets, including one zippered thigh pocket and deep pockets, which we loved during our testing. We carried keys, phones, and other small items during our hikes, and the pockets held everything relatively securely. However, we did notice that when we filled the pockets, the shorts sagged, so it’s best not to overload them. It can be inconvenient to hike with items in pockets anyway unless going out for a day hike.

The face fabric has UPF 50 sun protection and a DWR coating for weather protection. The elastic waistband is simple but effective. No zippers, buttons, or drawstrings makes it quick and easy to slip the shorts on and off. The low-rise design, while flattering, does limit the overall coverage, so it’s not the best fit for those who prefer more. 

Drying Time

The dry time of the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts is one of their standout qualities. The nylon fabric is treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, so moisture beads up and rolls off rather than soaking in. After wearing the shorts for a sweaty hike, we found they dried almost completely after only 10-12 minutes. Even soaked through, the shorts didn’t feel clammy or uncomfortable. 

We prefer fast-drying shorts for long hikes in hot weather or multi-day trips, so the fast-drying qualities of these shorts are a huge bonus in terms of comfort and convenience.

Weight & Packed Size

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts pack down well. In terms of the shorts that we tested, they fall around midrange at about 4.7 ounces. For the coverage they offer, this is an excellent weight, making them a great choice for international travel or long backpacking trips. The fabric is lightweight and easily folds or rolls up. It packs down well and isn’t bulky. We tested how well these shorts packed by stuffing them into various spaces in our pack, and they squished down without issue, leaving plenty of room for the rest of our stuff. The soft material doesn’t take up much space, even when compressed.

On the trail, the lightweight nature of the shorts felt relatively unnoticeable. 

Should You Buy the Dynama/2 Bermuda Hiking Shorts?

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts are a great choice for those who want a comfortable pair of shorts they can wear doing a variety of sports, like hiking, yoga, and climbing. However, these might not be the best option if you need a more rugged pair of shorts. The fabric isn’t as durable as most, and the low-rise design can be awkward. If comfort and stretch are your top priorities, however, these shorts deliver.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to the best women’s hiking shorts.

Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review – Lightweight and breathable, these shorts are ideal for trail runners who want a flattering, soft fit with functional pockets. They’re perfect for warm-weather hiking but may not be as durable as other options and could wear out quickly.

Houdini Wadi Short Review – If you prioritize fast drying times and a flattering fit, the Houdini Wadi Shorts shine in humid or hot climates. Though they’re slightly more expensive and have a non-elastic waistband, their lightweight, durable material and fantastic pocket design make them ideal for summer.

Kuhl Freeflex Cargo Short Review – For those who need more coverage and extra storage, try the Kuhl Freeflex Cargo Shorts. With a 10-inch inseam, they provide extra leg protection, have multiple pockets, and have a durable, stretchy fabric. Though they may not dry as quickly, they’re a great option for those who want comfort, coverage, and great storage.