Backcountry

Pecos Water Short - Past Season - Women's

Best water activity shorts!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I absolutely LOVE these shorts. I got them in the Granite Green Parke Print last July ('21) and they quickly became my most favorite water activity/camping/etc shorts. They are so comfortable and easy breezy. Love the material; it's soft and quick-drying. I also really enjoy the color. One small con: They're not designed for wide hips. I got them in the XL and my hips are usually around 43-45". I am 5'9" and usually a 14-16. The placement and design of the pockets makes it so the outer fabric of the pocket sticks out kind of weirdly and can make my hips appear even wider. It doesn't matter though. These are so comfortable that although they aren't super flattering on *my* figure, I am fully willing to let it go. I'm incredibly bummed that it looks like they're discontinuing the Pecos Water Short. If I had paid attention, I would have gotten a pair in every color offered. Backcountry: plz bring them back!

My favorite shorts

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I now own three pairs in different colors. I wear these all summer long for kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, walking, traveling, or housework. The zippered hideaway pocket helps me make sure I don't lose my keys in the water, and the fabric is still comfortable when I'm soaking wet after jumping in the lake!

The best hiking shorts

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

These are the best hiking shorts I've ever owned. They stretch and move very well, and are snug but forgiving around the waist so you're not constantly pulling them up while on climbs or scrambles. They dry very quickly. They're light enough that you can layer them under pants, but they're sturdy enough that you're not afraid to rip them. I bought a second and third pair because I can't imagine hiking in anything else.

Great shorts, but

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I just wore these on a two-day river trip and I love them! Good fit, fast-drying, comfortable, and look good. My only complaint is that the pockets droop out and become inside-out when you're in the water for too long and it looks kind of gross. All you have to do is tuck them back in, but I'd just prefer if the pockets were more secure.

Back for more

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I ordered these shorts and a pair from Stoic (I think they?re called River Shorts) at the same time, and these were the winner! The fabric is light but not see-through, and the cut and stretch allow full range of motion without either gaping or getting stuck on my thighs. Some athletic/hiking shorts at this inseam are either so wide in the leg that I risk flashing my kids when I sit on the ground to play with them or the shorts bind up on my (athletically built) thighs; but these are just right. I?m usually a size 4 in most brands, somewhere between straight and curvy, and the S fit well. I?m back on the website to pick out a second color!

Great product, sizing felt off for me

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I originally ordered these shorts in a medium but was surprised that they were too big. I don't remember the last time I bought a small in shorts or pants but I ordered a small in these on the second try and they fit great! I wear them constantly and actually haven't even had them around water yet. They are comfy, lightweight, and are a flexible fabric that feels quite different from Patagonia Baggies or other water shorts.

Watershort Win

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

"I was given this product by Backcountry, but this review is my personal opinion." I won't lie- I'm generally suspicious of water shorts. They are either very itchy & uncomfortable, have horrible built-in mesh undies, or are so short I'm not sure what the point of wearing them over bathing suit bottoms is if my own bottom is going to be hanging out. I generally find a pair of very thin, black, and light-weight running shorts with a drawstring I can pull tight and just use those. I was a bit nervous with these, being true "water shorts" and being bright yellow- but I was pleasantly surprised. They are a good length, cover everything I want to be covered (even when lying down on a surfboard), have no annoying built-ins, and are a quick drying material. I also really like the fact that they still have pockets! I especially like the nice little zippered security pocket for a little cash and my valet key, and the fact that the other pockets are mesh or have a drainage hole so they don't get heavy. I also like that they aren't so tight that I get those awk bathing suit lines showing through, even with having the lightest color available. I will say, I am more inclined to use these for days on the boat or over my bathing suit after a surf session than when I'm actually surfing. The fabric is just a tiny bit bulky to want to wear while on the board (a blend between this water fabric and the 'on the go' short softer fabric may be the perfect solution for this). There are comments on fit from others, and I can confirm that as a pretty straight-built lady with not- so wide hips they fit very well. Though I still am a bit surprised that I am an XS in all of my Backcountry shorts as I am normally a S (size 2-4) in other brands.

Weird fit

If you?ve got curves, may not be the shorts for you. I ordered by my hip size and the waist was enormous, fit perfectly at the hips and small towards the legs. If you?re more of a straight build, may work well. Great material and very light feeling.

Almost

These fit well, and look great in black. But the logo is too much. I want tech clothes so I can jump in the kayak but I want them to be flexible and stylish enough to wear to my pre hike brunch. They would be pretty perfect except for the logo. I live in a city and bike a ton so I don't not appreciate the reflective tush goat, but 99% of the time I don't want that lewk.