Fly Free Reverb Review

Likes

Fabric performance was the first thing we noticed while wearing the Fly Free Reverb. Whether lounging around the house or hitting the trail, these shorts bring airflow and breathability to a whole new level. This makes them an excellent choice for hiking in the heat.

We tested the Reverb shorts with the 7-inch inseam, but a 5.5-inch inseam is also available. Even during the hottest of summer hikes, these shorts wicked sweat and stayed dry and cool. We also loved that they offered UPF 40+ sun protection. Our favorite feature is how quickly the Reverb shorts dry, making them perfect for a dip in a mountain lake to cool off before heading back down the trail. In fact, their comfortable elastic waist and drawstring give off great swim trunk vibes.

The fabric of the Reverb is a thin, lightweight blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex. It stretches in every direction, so whether you're high-stepping it up hills or crouching down to retie your bootlace, these shorts move with you. Closer to home, we made several uphill climbs on some local football bleachers and loved how the Reverb stretched and moved with every step. Their four-way stretch fabric also makes them a great option for yoga, biking, and everything in between.

Dislikes

Some of our testing crew were unhappy that the Reverb shorts didn't have a lot of pockets, especially secure pockets. They only offer two standard front pockets and one small back pocket with a Velcro closure. This wasn't the end of the world for us, but we still prefer shorts that have at least one zippered pocket for a phone or other item that you want to keep safe and accessible.

Although the Fly Free shorts offer above-average mobility, we felt they lacked a little when it came to comfort. Particularly, the reinforced piping (or seam) around the leg hems. It didn't have as much stretch as the rest of the shorts, so it often cinched against our legs and caused the shorts to ride up our thighs. This didn't happen on every outing, but it did occur enough to be mentioned in our testing notes.

Showing the piped edge at the hem of the Reverb shorts.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

A piped hem does stretch, but not as easily as a straight hem.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Showing how the piped hem can sometimes grab at the thigh during upward steps.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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Should You Buy the Fly Free Reverb?

If you hike and explore the outdoors on a lot of hot, sunny days, we think you'll love these shorts. Our test crew loves them because they're lightweight, breathable, and simple. They also liked their shorter inseam and their ability to be worn for other activities like yoga, swimming, or heading to the gym. The Reverbs are simple — just a few pockets and a drawstring waist — so if you prefer shorter shorts that are built more for performance than style, you should definitely add them to your “short” list.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

We also loved the comfort and fabric performance of the Chubbies Everywear. They're particularly cozy to wear. Another solid option is the REI Co-op Trailmade shorts, especially if your adventure involves a lot of water crossings. If shorter shorts aren't your thing, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short comes in a 10-inch length, and they're especially comfortable with great mobility.