Trail shorts can make or break a hike. The Outdoor Vitals Skyline shorts have entered the scene with some bold claims about performance and comfort. Their 4-way stretch fabric and DWR coating sound impressive on paper, but real trail testing separates the winners from the pretenders. With an 8-inch inseam and mesh ventilation, these shorts seem ready for action. The question is: do they actually deliver when the terrain gets tough?
Trail-Ready Design: Engineering the Ultimate Hiking Shorts
The Skyline Trail Shorts represent Outdoor Vitals' take on the perfect backcountry bottoms.
They've engineered these hybrid shorts with a clear mission: crush miles without crushing comfort. At 8 inches, the inseam hits that sweet spot between coverage and mobility.
The construction speaks volumes. A 4-way stretch polyester main fabric weighs in at a featherlight 96 gsm, while strategic mesh panels handle ventilation duty. The DWR treatment provides essential water resistance for unpredictable weather conditions. With two hip pockets including a lined right pocket, organization comes naturally on the trail.
Engineered with ultralight 4-way stretch fabric and breathable mesh zones, these shorts deliver high performance in a minimalist package.
The angled leg openings and full gusset design scream "freedom of movement." And yes, they're UPF 50+ rated since nobody wants a sunburned backside on the trail.
Simple. Functional. Done.
Mile after Mile: Real-World Trail Performance Tested
After logging hundreds of trail miles, these Skyline shorts prove they're not just another pretty piece of polyester. The 4-way stretch fabric handles everything from scrambling to swimming, while the mesh panels keep things breezy when the heat cranks up. The innovative Diamond mesh panels enhance breathability during intense activities.
No chafing here - thank you, jersey knit gusset. The DWR treatment sheds water like a duck, though the fabric can get clingy when fully soaked. The slim fit thigh design provides a sleek, athletic silhouette without restricting movement.
At 4.4 ounces (unlined), they're lighter than hiking shorts but burlier than running shorts. Two hip pockets plus a secret stash spot for keys.
These shorts bridge the gap between hiking and running gear. Multi-day trips? No problem.
