KUHL KRUISER™ SHORT REVIEW

When Kuhl reached out to me asking if I’d like to try some of their shorts, I was interested in trying out the Kuhl KRUISER™ shorts.

They’ve got quite the selection of shorts on their website, but the KRUISER™ shorts had three of the things I was looking for in some shorts:

• A zipped pocket (ideally I’d have two)
• Lightweight (I don’t like heavy cargo shorts)
• Elasticated waist (I’m not a fan of belts)

I got the Deep Waters colour with a 10-inch inseam. I don’t like short shorts so having different options was a novel thing for me, who hails from NZ where we often don’t get such luxuries.

Having worn one pair of shorts for so long (the Macpac Fast Track shorts), would I instantly find everything about them horrible even if I like the features? They need to be comfortable at the end of the day.

Or would I become a #1 fan and wonder what I’d be doing wearing the Fast Track Shorts from Macpac religiously?

This post will detail my experience with the Kuhl shorts. Having worn them in Mexico, USA, and New Zealand. I wore them out running, hiking, and just in day to day life around town.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE KUHL KRUSIER™ SHORTS

LOOK THE GOODS

They’re a tidy short and can be work for most occasions. I run in them but also feel like I can wear them to dinner (and I do) and not be judged for wearing active gear. Not that I frequent fancy places, but if I end up at a pub I don’t think anyone is going to be like ‘oh, he clearly has been out running’. If paired with a casual top, they work a dream.

DRY QUICK

On the product page it states they have ‘textured fabric for quick evaporation’ and ‘Quick dry performance’. While I’m not exactly sure how Kuhl defines both of these terms, I feel like they’re quick drying and the fabric is textured and seems like it’s for a reason.

DURABLE

Normally I’d wait to give these shorts a bit more of an opinion on the durability, but I managed to take quite the fall while running down a hill. I slid on a rock and ended up with 39 stitches in my thigh. I was wearing the KRUISER shorts while this happened, and they look like new still (well after I put them through the wash as they were covered in blood).

Until then I had no complaints in regards to the durability either.

WHAT I DON’T LIKE

HARD TO FIND DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE

While they list the features of the shorts, it’s not easy to figure out information about the Ultra-lightweight, technical blend that these shorts are made out of. I’d be interested to know more, perhaps show me a 30-second video of the tech behind them.

The Kuhl website has a lot going on maybe I just missed the info!

I was also wanting to know the weight of the shorts to see how ultra-lightweight they were. I found myself going to the REI website to find this information (11 ounces/311 grams).

DRAWSTRING

I like an elasticated waistband, and the drawstring on these shorts is not ideal. When I’m running, I find unless the drawcord is perfectly tied I need to stop and tie it up. If anything I feel like it’s too short.

TECH SPECS & FEATURES

Material: 56% recycled nylon/40% nylon/4% spandex
Weight: 11 oz/311 grams.
Pockets: 4. 2 front pockets, one zippered back pocket, one drop-in pocket on the side.

Other Notes:

• UPF 50+
• 2-was stretch fabric
• Contains recycled materials
• Drop-cell phone pocket
• The material apparently
• 6, 8, 10, 12 inch inseam options

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Now that I’m back in New Zealand, I’ve actually noticed some people wearing Kuhl products in NZ. They’ve all been from overseas, but they’ve all said good things about the stuff they own.

Would I recommend the Kuhl KRUISER™ shorts?

If budget isn’t an issue, yes. They’re great especially if you’re not a fan of belts, and need a zippered pocket.

There’s lots of colours available, and you can customise the inseam length which I like (when ordering on the Kuhl website).

But if you’re on a budget, you can no doubt find some shorts that work for you at half the price.

That said, if possible, head into a retail store and try them on for yourself first if you can. You can then always get the combination you desire online once you know how comfy they are.

If you have any questions, and/or comments about the Kuhl KRUISER™ shorts leave a message below or email jub@churnewzealand.com