my fav by far
I appreciate Patagoniaâs social conscientious ideals, but that would mean little if they had cinchy, poorly designed products. The stand up short that these are replacing (well, not being replaced so much as being relegated to work/painting clothes status) have held up for something like 8-10 years of hardy use. They are frayed, faded and tattered but no holes or broken seams and still quite usable⦠and sooo comfy. A great design for multi-purposes⦠my go-to short for camping & hiking⦠my favorite for a quick jump on the bike to meet friends for a brew. Leave any sort of pack behind and fill your pockets with phone, keys, phone, etc and they donât feel weighed down or bulky or like you might lose something⦠and whatever is in your back pocket doesnât make it you sit on it. As a testament to Patagonia quality, I actually still have my first fleece jacket from my ski bum days almost 30 years ago! No holes or torn seams, even the elastic is tight⦠itâs now my jacket for working in my dirty, chilly garage or for other grubby errands. Oh, and their shipping and returns are quick, easy and efficient⦠with very helpful and competent folks to deal with in store (the Seattle store at least). Iâm surprised I can write so much about a simple pair of shorts!
New Favorite.
I got three pairs of these for Xmas, and just love them. With that said, Each pair fit different at the waist, which was frustrating. Mostly too tight, but one pair fit perfect. I returned one pair, and will probably try again in a different color. My fear was that they shrink in the wash, but that hasn't happened yet, though I try to stretch the waist as they come out of the dryer to be sure they don't. They are on the tight side, but stretch a tiny bit with a little use. They are super heavy duty, and though I didn't think I'd like the pocket design in the back, they don't bother me and are actually a bit useful. I wish they had the normal back pockets on both sides rather than just on the right side. The longer pockets are kinda nice to have too and keep me from sitting on anything directly while seated. I envision these shorts going the distance! I love the feel, the look, and they are comfortable too. If you're lucky enough to have a shop locally, I recommend trying on several pairs in the same size to find ones that fit you the best.
Solid product, with a few drawbacks
For starters, I really enjoy these shorts, on the overall. In fact, I'm wearing them as I write this. However, there are a few design characteristics I'm not a huge fan of. For starters, these shorts are heavy, like denim heavy. On the section where the fabric is double layered, it easily could use a lighter fabric facing your skin. Another caveat is the fly. For such a retro-grouch piece of gear, I'd dig a button fly, but that's a preference, and not a flaw. If I were to name the one single thing that I would change about the piece above all others, it would be the leg opening diameter. Nobody short of Mr. Universe competitors are going to fill out the diameter of the legs. Incredibly tempted to go and get a solid inch hemmed out of there. Other than those caveats, I love the length of the inseam, the color's nice (charcoal) and I enjoy the pocket design. Overall I'd give it an 85/100
Oh my, what color to wear?
Got a new pair in the lighter color - VERY SHARP! I try out different shorts, but always find myself coming back to the Stand Up Short. They work and play great. The heavier fabric resists wrinkles during the days activity - look sharp all day! I have been thru Pat.'s many fabric changes with this short over the years. Current fabric, 2012, rocks! The fabric is very tough. The are stiff when new, but soften with washings. The classic, looser fit is a winner! The velcro does not loosen with wear, use or washing. The back pockets are cut in such a way to hold stuff without letting it bounce around or rub against you. Front slash pockets lay flat (looking sharp) and yet can easily stash stuff without it falling out. Belt loops can fit a 2" web belt. Shorts ride just on top of my hips - very comfortable. Terrific shorts! My only puzzle in the mornings is what color to wear.
These shorts are the Bee's Knees!
I bought these shorts a few weeks ago and they are all I want to wear right now. My girlfriend calls them shorty shorts that she doesn't like but who cares what she thinks and besides, they are not very short anyways. I have pretty nice legs anyways so I can pull them off. They are stylish and tough when it comes to being in the great outdoors. I bought the khaki color and right now currently am trying to balance the budget to buy the brown color now. If you are even considering buying these shorts, don't think just do it! You will wear them until they fall apart from washing them too much a number of years later. Big ups to Patagonia their clothes are always the freshest!
Useful, durable shorts with big back pockets.
I went a whole week wearing only these shorts. Nobody else noticed. They have a huge pocket in the back that is large enough to accommodate a paperback book/field notebook/wallet/small thermonuclear device. The Wildwood color is slightly greener than they will appear on your monitor, but not enough to be a problem. They are slightly stiff when you pull them out of the dryer but are very supple after 24 hours on. Fit is as stated (30" really is 30") and they're very comfortable, especially after several consecutive days. For three or more weeks of field work, I'd recommend two pairs, alternating. I've found that they are fairly splash resistant but it depends on the fluid.
Stand up and Rock
The dozen or so pair of standup shorts I've owned share the same rock-solid construction and the same couple of weak spots. They're great for any sport, hard yard work, and the best back-packing shorts around. The two weaknesses? As the shorts wear, the first place to go is the front fabric above the hem stitching. The shorts are still in pretty good shape long after the fabric fails there, but it's not a good look, the hem hanging below the rest of the pants. The other little nag is the pocket invariably develops a hole in the low end corner, from the wear of keys or whatever else is always in your pocket.
These may be the only shorts you will ever need
I have worn stand up shorts for decades because they are the most comfortable durable classy shorts on the planet. They travel well and protect your valuables with deep cavernous velcro pockets. The double seat is comfortable when sitting on rocks and gravel. I used to wear the 5 inch model until my wife and children intervened with the 7 inch model in my advancing age. I wish they made a pants version. I have two pairs of the old stand up pants, but the pockets are too shallow and the double layer on the front of the legs is unnecessary. The shorts are great. They are all I wear.
30 Year Shorts
The Stand Up shorts are the ultimate in durable work shorts. They are perfect for that hot Rocky Mountain summer day when you are roofing / painting / or scrambling on scree slopes. Their pockets are large enough to hold any assortment of accessories you need for getting a job done. Newer versions have a separate wallet and cargo pocket that is very handy for separating your nails from your cash. Once you have abused them into comfort they feel soft, yet seem to last forever due to their durable material. I abuse clothes, I highly recommend these as an all around pair of shorts that last forever.
Awesome
In every way i love these shorts. Great length, great material, and great design. I can fit an entire 20 oz. coke in my back pocket with these... although, i don't think that feature was high on priorities for Patagonia.. nevertheless, they are very durable and as long as i stay the same size, i'm sure i won't have to buy another pair for at least half a decade. My only revision would be to elminate the velcro. Other than the cool ripping sound it makes, i'm not entirely convinced it's the best way to keep the pocket shut... especially in the long run. But i'm rambling.