When the sun is high and the trail is calling, you need gear that feels less like a burden and more like a second skin.This summer, I had the opportunity to try out an item from Fjällräven’s High Coast collection, designed for exactly these moments. The High Coast Lite Shorts for Women are a highlight of this collection, and here are my impressions about them.
About Fjällräven
In 1960, a young man named Ake Nordin from the small Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik saw a need for better gear for his treks into the mountains. This simple realization led him to found Fjällräven, a company dedicated to creating functional, durable, and timeless equipment that could handle the demands of the Scandinavian outdoors. Over six decades later, the brand remains committed to its core values: producing gear that is built to last a lifetime, using sustainable practices, and inspiring a greater connection to nature.
The High Coast Lite Shorts for Women
This pair of shorts redefine what it means to be a versatile summer staple. They are the perfect blend of minimalist design and high-tech performance, perfect for a quick hike in the morning to an afternoon spent by the water. Unlike the rugged G-1000 of the Abisko collection, the High Coast Lite Shorts are all about featherlight comfort. They are crafted from an innovative blend of 85% recycled polyamide and 15% elastane, resulting in a fabric that is incredibly light, soft to the touch, and unbelievably stretchy. With my larger size, less stretchy clothes are often not suitable for me. However, this material allows me to be comfortable and not get too hot during any activity.
The High Coast Lite Shorts are designed with a flattering, modern aesthetic. The shorts feature a regular fit, so not too tight and not too baggy. It is a mid-waist fit with an internal drawstring adjustment. This means a perfect customized fit, without the need for a belt. The mid-thigh length with small slits at the lower side seams offers a balanced look that is both stylish and functional, providing plenty of freedom of movement.
The testing
I found the fabric’s key strength is its ability to wick away moisture and dry in a flash. During my trip to British Columbia, I wore them for several days without being able to wash them. No odor, and despite the humid and rainy weather near the BC coast, the High Coast Lite Shorts dried very quickly. This quick-drying quality is what makes them an ideal choice for multi-day trips and travel.
Also, curvier girls means wider thighs. I notice the length of the shorts at the thighs is just perfect to avoid chafing, which is a very important point when I’m shopping for summer clothes. I found the two open hand pockets large enough and easy to access. The single zippered back pocket is perfect for securely stashing small valuables like keys or a card, even if I don’t really use the pocket in general.
To conclude
High performance doesn’t have to be heavy or complex. If you are seeking a single pair of shorts to tackle everything from everyday errands to summer travels and light hikes, the High Coast Lite Shorts are the definitive answer. They are versatile, comfortable, and built to withstand the seasons. Their recycled materials and durable construction are a nod to Fjällräven’s core values, making them a choice you can feel good about.
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