Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short - Women's Review

The Dynama Bermuda shorts are comprised of synthetic materials: 94% nylon and 6% elastane. The elastane improves stretch, and a PFC-free DWR treatment is incorporated into the fabric for water resistance. The shorts are mid-rise and have a 9-inch inseam, providing excellent comfort and broad utility. There are three standard but deep pockets with a partial mesh lining, as well as a fourth zipper pocket on the thigh.

These have been updated since we last tested them. The accessory pocket is now located on the right thigh instead of the left, with a vertical orientation instead of a diagonal orientation (as a lefty, our lead tester is a little bummed, but we totally get that the majority of the world is right-handed!) The pocket depth is a bit shallower than before, and they've implemented a new zipper style. There are no snaps or buttons for waist closure, just a wide, stretchy knit waistband. The updated short also has a thin internal drawstring.

Comfort and Mobility

The Dynama is one of the most comfortable shorts we tested, with a smooth feel and a flexible fit. The length does not restrict movement whatsoever; there is enough stretch to facilitate high-stepping without any sense of “pull.” We appreciate how large the three main pockets are, which allows us to carry a phone without sacrificing mobility or comfort. The redesign weighed in at 4.5 ounces for the size Small we tested, a decrease from the 4.8 ounces we measured for the older design. We can wear these lightweight shorts all day and up strenuous trails thanks to their general comfort and flexibility.

Thankfully, we didn't notice any change in fit or feel after washing. This pair remains true to size and doesn't stretch out too much after wear. The cut is relaxed, yet tapered, yet not so tapered that it compromises flexibility. The Dynama is quite easy to move in.

We love the simple waistband design, which removes potential hassle and discomfort caused by buttons, zippers, or tightly bound elastic. A low-volume waistband works best beneath a pack's waist belt or a climbing harness. We rarely found ourselves adjusting how the waistband sat on us, and with the addition of an internal drawstring in the redesign, you can tighten up the fit if needed. Even if you don't love longer inseams, we still recommend giving them a try. We are always impressed with how smooth and light they feel, and since they breathe well, they maintain their comfort even when things get warm.

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Fabric Performance

The Dynama's nylon-elastane fabric breathes well. The 9-inch length does technically retain a tad more warmth, but we tested shorter inseams in our lineup that feel much warmer. The leg openings, while tapered toward the knee, are not too snug and still allow for some airflow. Additionally, despite a DWR treatment, we found the moisture-wicking nylon to be effective even on a hot day. Since the waistband is just as thin as the rest of the shorts, there is no extra heat retention around the abdomen.

For additional venting, the three hand pockets (two in front, one in back) have partial mesh. The original design had full mesh for all pockets (even the accessory one), which influenced ventilation in a more significant way. By partial, we mean that the inner panel feels similar to the rest of the shorts, and the outer pocket panel is made of mesh.

The technical aspects of the materials used are high. They provide UPF 50 sun protection and are treated with a water-repellent that is free from perfluorinated compounds (PFCs, or "forever chemicals"). When we gently splash water onto the fabric, the water beads up, and there is very little immediate soaking. The fabric became fully soaked after about 45 seconds of immersion and took around 41 minutes to dry in our test.

Versatility and Style

We found the Dynama Bermuda to be quite versatile. In addition to hiking, their stretch and flexibility make them great for climbing, cycling, yoga, or whatever other sport you may be inspired to use them for. We also think they're great for folks working outside (summer camps, gardening, light farm work, etc).

Regarding style, the Dynama (and most hiking shorts) isn't necessarily something we'd consider high fashion. Their simple design humbly occupies a sportier space. Even though they are easily transferable from one sport to the next, we don't feel that they dress up as well as other pairs in our lineup. However, their streamlined look has a chicness and beach-friendliness to it. Overall, we feel such shorts with longer inseam lengths are far more well-rounded and inclusive in their design and may have more of a usable lifespan in your drawer.

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Construction Quality

We're happy to report on some changes with the manufacturer redesign. With the old design, the result of our paperclip test yielded mild snagging. There was notable pilling, yet the fabric didn't rip. When we performed the paperclip test for the updated version, this was not the case. There was only faint marking, but no pilling. A great plus.

To gauge strength in their build, we also measure stitching density. In the old versus new design comparison, there was a measurable decrease from 11-13 stitches per inch to 10-12. The seams are reinforced appropriately where extra wear are expected from use, such as where pockets are attached.

We're pleased that the quality of pocket construction remains high, with less mesh in the redesign. The hand pockets are large enough to carry a phone, but the accessory pocket is not. The old accessory pocket design was much easier to get a phone into, but this pocket isn't technically made for phones. In the previous Dynama short, we noticed that the front two hand pockets could not hold a phone as securely when we were sitting — the phone was prone to sliding out. Mountain Hardwear successfully addressed this with the redesign, and now the angle of the pocket openings is more vertical.

Overall, we quite like the redesigned shorts, but we have a small bone to pick with the accessory pocket zipper. The previous design used a flexible zipper with a dangly, narrow pull tab (which was somewhat tough to grasp). We loved how the slider body would self-tuck as you zipped up the pocket, hiding away, and therefore the zipper as a whole felt more discreet. The new design is different. We find that this zipper is stiffer and louder. The one plus is that the pull tab is flat and wide, making it easier to grasp, yet the slider body does not hide itself away. We preferred the original zipper. Overall, the Dynama's materials are soft, low-profile, and have a good amount of stretch. The construction quality is nonetheless reliable and excellent.

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Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda?

We think these shorts are of considerable quality and offer great value, even with a slightly high price tag. The Dynama Bermudas are great for day hiking and even backpacking. For the price, you're gaining a reliable piece of apparel. These shorts are one of the most outstanding pairs we've had the pleasure of testing. We applaud their comfort and versatility. Plus, we find them both flattering and technical.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?