Rinord hiking shorts stand out for their attention to detail and thoughtful design. I tested them while running, walking, and hiking in Colorado.
My testing was somewhat limited by the current travel and camping restrictions due to COVID-19. However, thanks to Colorado’s unpredictable weather, I was able to get a feel for the shorts in various conditions.
I also wore the Rinord shorts to work out and lounge around the house — as lounge-ability is definitely an underrated variable.
I’ll dive into my impressions below, but first here’s an overview of the shorts’ features …
- Mesh front pockets
- Secure zippered side pocket
- Tool pocket (tiny pocket inside a pocket)
- No-bounce side construction
- Flatlock inseam with soft interior thread
- Elastic waistband with drawcord
- Double reinforced seams
- Water-repellent fabric
What I Like about Rinord Hiking Shorts
Eco-Conscious: When clothing shopping, the first thing I do is check and see if the brand is eco-friendly. Rinord does not manufacture in sweatshops and uses eco-friendly fabric.
The fabric used is Bluesign approved, which means it meets the highest level of consumer safety by using materials and manufacturing methods that conserve resources and minimize impacts on people and the environment. The fabric is sourced from responsible suppliers overseas and the shorts are designed and manufactured in the US.
Fit and Feel: While hiking and running, I like to not notice my clothes at all. These shorts meet that requirement. The 4-way stretch makes the material easy to move in and they do not catch on my thighs, chafe, or fall down.
The fabric is water repellent and quick dry. I got caught in some light rain on a run and by the time I got home, the shorts were completely dry. The fabric also doesn’t cling to my legs when I sweat which makes these shorts comfortable for all-day wear.
Design: These shorts just look good. I have the black color with a neon yellow zipper in the back. Not only is this a stylish touch, the bright detail makes it easier to find the shorts while getting dressed in a dark tent in the early morning. I feel like I could easily transition from trail to town (and get picked up for hitches).
Pockets: My phone fits in the zippered back pocket and doesn’t fall out. There are two more full-sized pockets in front. Women’s shorts with REAL POCKETS. This is so rare I needed to make sure you didn’t miss it. Actual pockets for my phone, snacks, and keys are crucial and I have never had another pair of shorts with this option.
For short runs, I want my hands free. The zipper pocket holds my keys so I don’t have to worry about losing them. For longer hikes, the extra pockets mean more room for snacks. I always need more room for snacks.
Warranty: These shorts come with a lifetime warranty. If the shorts ever tear or a thread pops, Rinord will repair them for free. As someone who is extremely hard on trail clothes (and has ripped her shorts in embarrassing ways), this is a big plus to me. This warranty means I can wear these shorts for more than one season and save money and the environment by repairing vs replacing. I love a company that stands by their products!
Things to Note
Fit: The shorts run a bit small and there is no liner in the women’s shorts. So this is a BYOU situation (Bring Your Own Undies). I am typically an extra-small in most short brands but for Rinord I sized up to a small. There is a drawstring cord inside the waistband which could become very useful over the course of a long-distance hike.
Noise: If your thighs rub like mine (no thigh gap here), there is a slight “swish-swish” sound when you walk. This is most likely due to the fact that the fabric is water repellent, which makes this a trade-off I am willing to make.
Weight: The women’s size small weighs in at 3.47 oz. These are about half an oz heavier than my previous trail shorts. The extra weight is likely due to the full-size pockets and zipper which in my opinion are worth an extra half oz.
Limited Options: Rinord operates under the philosophy of making one well-designed version of each of its items vs multiple options. There is only one women's short option available now, but it looks like a second longer inseam length will be coming out in the near future. (A men's style is also available.)
Rinord does not currently offer expanded sizing. The current range is extra-small to extra-large. I believe all companies should offer expanded sizing and the current spectrum is too limited.
Verdict
I am a pretty big fan of Rinord. Stretchy, comfortable, POCKETS, and they just look nice. I am impressed by the quality and performance of these shorts. These shorts are an investment, but the design makes them a perfect go-to for a long-distance hiker.
Rachael DeLano aka “Rabbit” is a long-distance hiker and outdoor enthusiast residing in Colorado. She left behind a career in corporate America to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2016, and this journey ignited her passion for backpacking. After completing the Appalachian Trail she went on to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017 and the Continental Divide trail in 2018 completing the triple crown of hiking. Then in 2019, she went on to section hike portions of the AT, PCT, and CDT and pursued hiking abroad in England completing the Hadrian’s Wall walk.
Rabbit’s other passions include yoga, bike-packing, and caring for the two most adorable bunnies in the world. She is a certified yoga instructor and finds joy in teaching and practicing yoga. You can find out more about her adventures on Instagram @rabbithikes and on her website www.rabbithikes.com.
