If you had to pick one pair of shorts to withstand the bottom-oriented
punishment of rafting, kayaking, and sitting on your duff at sandbar campsites, Helly Hansen's River Runner Shorts might be the top contender for the job. They were my first pick during a gritty sea kayak tour along southern Baja, where they proved their mettle in and out of the water.
Thanks to the secure belt and grabby elastic waistband, I never lost my shorts when diving off rocks. Afterward, the mesh liners drained moisture from the two side security pockets and, er, the rest of the package. Best of all is a thick double layer of no-frills nylon where it counts most: your seat.
But even with its double-stitched, Godzilla-like construction, the shorts don't appear like scrappy river rat attire. Their civilized good looks — in colors like redwood, mineral yellow, olive, and navy — make them perfectly at home on the street and around town (evidenced by a zippered fly). With a six-inch inseam, these babies can even double as durable hiking shorts. Available in men's and women's sizes.
Price: $45
High mark: Elastic waistband, nylon belt, and angled side seams make a more flattering fit, despite the loose cut.
Low mark: Beefy construction makes them a tad heavy.
For more information: Call Helly Hansen at (800) 435-5901 or visit www.hellyhansen.com.
Article © Ted Alan Stedman, 2000. Photo © Helly Hansen, 2000.
from Away.com
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