When the temperature creeps up, so does my leg wear. Instead of wearing oven hot pants, I wear airy, cool shorts. While my legs start out white in the spring, they are dark brown by fall Yes, I do wear sun screen, as everyone who wears shorts should. In fact, I wear shorts every chance I get. If it was up to my wife, I would always wear shorts.

When picking out shorts to wear, I look for a pair that are comfortable, lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and ones that make my legs look their sexiest (well, sometimes). One of the pairs of shorts I wear regularly are the Canyon Shorts from Mountain Hardwear. Here's what makes them world class:

• The shorts are made out of a lightweight nylon twill that has been specially treated to allow moisture to evaporate before it can collect and soak the fabric. The fabric also offers a UPF of 50. Don't let the lightweight fabric scare you away, the fabric is still tough and resistant to most brush (much more so than your skin). The construction quality is excellent and you can expect them to last a long time.
  
   
• The fit of the shorts are loose, which helps to make them airy, and also contributes to their overall comfort. The inseam is 7 inches. The overall look is classic, so you won't stand out from the crowd.
  
   
• Their are two large front pockets, and two back pockets. The left rear pocket has a Velcro closure, and the right rear pocket can be zipped shut for extra security. In addition, the rear pockets are positioned slightly lower than typical pockets in order to prevent them from interfering with carrying a backpack.
  
   
• The shorts come with a built-in belt. One of the best features of this belt is the buckle. I have found that many plastic buckles don't always hold well if snuggly pulled, such as when you tighten the belt. But this buckle has a hook that prevent it from coming undone, no matter how much you pull.
  
   
• The shorts only weigh about 6-7 ounces.

The Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shorts are comfortable, dependable and easy to take care of. You might consider them the "Honda" of shorts.

Using the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shorts in the Real World

After wearing the Canyon shorts for some time now, the most apparent aspect about them is their comfort. Next, is their ability to keep you as cool as possible, even during hot and humid weather. And last, even after much wear, the shorts still look new.

The shorts are especially good for traveling and backpacking in the fact that you can wear them day after day, without washing them, and they still look good. They are very wrinkle resistant. Unless you spill food all over them, or fell into the mud, it is very difficult to tell how long you have worn them. The same is true about odor, which is almost non-existent, even after many days of use. And when you do want to wash them, they will dry quickly.

While some shorts can double as swim trunks, I probably wouldn't use the Canyon shorts for swimming. They are just a little too baggy, and would be heavy when wet.

Recommendation

If you wear shorts for hiking, backpacking, climbing, trekking, or for adventure travel, you will find the Canyon shorts a good friend.

Product Notes

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shorts are available for both men and women in a variety of sizes and colors. They also offer men's and women's Canyon Pants (although I have not had the opportunity to try them). If you want a little heavier duty shorts, consider the Mountain Hardwear Pack Shorts. Canyon shorts can be washed and dried in your washer and dryer.