Review: Arborwear Original Shorts

Summertime in the Rockies calls for two kinds of shorts—a lightweight model that dries quickly, for days spent on the water; and a heavyweight that can take a Montana-style beating. For the latter, you won’t find a better option than Arborwear’s Original Shorts. I’ve been an Arborwear fan for years and my only regret is not finding them sooner—these industrial-strength thigh-wraps have saved my skin from rocks, branches, fences, and innumerable other outdoor hazards. The Original Shorts are made of a super thick 11-oz brushed cotton canvas and have a double front for increased protection; a handy phone pocket protects your technology too. Be advised: while these burly Bermudas will damn near stop a bullet, they’re not so good for swimming—unless you’re worried about piranhas. $25; arborwear.com.