Backcountry Olympus Lightweight Short - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.5
out of 10
19 Positive, 1 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$52.46
Used Value:
$31.48
Sale Value:
$47.21

A perfect companion for desert trails and dusty crags, our Olympus Lightweight Short features everything we need for warm weather outings. Built with lightweight, quick-drying fabric, it keeps us cool and dry during tricky ascents, and built-in stretch guarantees full mobility with every step.

Specifications

Brand:
Fit:
regular
Gusseted Crotch:
yes
Length:
knee
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
80% nylon, 20% spandex
Pockets:
2 hand, 1 zippered stash
Recommended Use:
bouldering, casual, hiking, sport climbing, trad climbing
Waist:
elastic, adjustable

Full Reviews

10
Pretty awesome shorts. Light weight, stretchy, hardly feels like you're wearing anything. I've worn them for running, working out, and at the climbing gym, and they function quite well for those activities. As others have noted the pockets aren't very spacious, but it's not a concern for me. They're on the small side but I like that - the waistband is snug enough so that the shorts stay on without the drawstring tied, even while running. The only complaint I have is that the leg openings seem to be reinforced with some rigid material that barely stretches. It annoyed me at first but I've gotten used to it. Odd design choice.
Matt Chaffin, backcountry.com
November 17, 2020
10
I bought these for my husband to wear under his work coverall uniform and also to use as around-the-house, running, and gym shorts. He was super stoked on these the moment he put them on—super lightweight, incredible range of motion, and fit perfectly. They look great on him, too. Going to order him another pair!
Maya, backcountry.com
October 26, 2020
10
Great pair of shorts for many activities. I wore these shorts on a backpacking trip on the AT this summer and never took them off. The material at first seemed a bit thin, but stood up to the rigors of backpacking. Super stretchy with a slim fit, hardly knew they were there. A very comfy pair of shorts for any activity. My only advice would be for the front pockets to be a bit deeper. But overall, I would highly recommend.
chris T., backcountry.com
October 14, 2020
10
I was given this product by Backcountry, but this review Is my personal opinion. These shorts are by far the most comfortable shorts I own. They are incredibly lightweight and stretchy enough to make them insanely comfortable. The seams are small and well constructed and the material of the shorts dries quickly making them perfect for any outdoor summer activity. I have worn them hiking, running, and kayaking and they have been exactly what I needed. The only thing that I wish they had was a back pocket. They have a nice zipper pocket in the front in addition to two normal front pockets. The small zippered one is great for keeping a Chapstick, some cash, or a car key but I do miss having a back pocket for something like my wallet. The shorts are extremely comfortable around the waist and are adjusted with a drawstring. I haven’t had any issues with the drawstring being pulled into the waistband while washing and the drawstring itself has some stretch to it which makes it comfortable even when tightened during activities. All in all, the shorts are perfect for a casual afternoon out, an intense day of hiking, or a float in a kayak. I have been nothing but happy with them and hope to add more pairs to my wardrobe.
Landon Burnley, backcountry.com
September 30, 2020
10
Great multi-use shorts. Gym, hiking, lounging, even swimming if you had briefs, etc. I haven't worn them running yet because they're comfortable and have a nice stylish cut to wear for relaxing afterwards but could see them being a solid pair of running shorts. The pockets could be slightly larger but I really like the cut of these shorts as is and wouldn't want that to interfere with anything.
Brian M, backcountry.com
September 17, 2020
8
These shorts fit great and are very comfortable. Unfortunately as others mentioned, the pockets are a little bit shallow but other than that they are awesome!
Jim C., backcountry.com
August 25, 2020
10
I absolutely love these shorts. They are incredibly lightweight, versatile, dry quickly and best of all.... somehow never seem to smell. I have used them all summer in lakes, on trail runs, chilling at camp and playing desk jockey, and can not speak highly enough of them. If I had to suggest one improvement it would be to make the pockets slightly more closed so that my bulky iPhone 11 with a massive case on it doesn't fall out... on second thought, maybe I should just start leaving the phone at home more ? 10/10
John Michael, backcountry.com
August 19, 2020
10
I bought several pair of shorts (including all the other best-reviewed shorts) to see which one best meets my needs. Among all of them, I kept only this one. I liked it so much that I ordered another one. I hike in the White Mountains, NH and I bought them for summer hiking. Material quality is really good. If Backcountry wants to improve anything, then it would be the size of the zip pocket. I can barely fit my iPhone-7 in it.
Prad Kalita, backcountry.com
August 14, 2020
6
Bought a couple pairs last summer but the colors were limited to only gray and red. I was excited to hear that new colors were added since I loved the overall fit and style. Unfortunately they are not the same shorts I had expected them to be. They changed the waist band and the drawstring. The snug fitting elastic waist band is uncomfortable and instead of a single string drawstring it now has two elastic/stretch drawstrings. The extra zip pocket is now much smaller and will no longer fit my phone now. Maybe a small set of keys or gum. Come on! Why would you do that? I loved knowing my phone wouldn't fall out when I'm at the gym, on a hike or simply out and about. The legs are tighter as well. I don't have big thighs and these are tight. I'm surprised since I ordered a medium size last time and these are mediums as well. The fit is definitely not the same. I don't want to get all negative on this review and might have given them a 4 star review if I didn't have something to compare them to. The material and stitching are top notch but please take the last year pattern/style and add more colors because I won't be buying more of these. Unfortunately I can't return them because I took the tags off before trying them on because I was so excited to wear them once they arrived. My bad.
Kyle T., backcountry.com
July 22, 2020
10
I bought 2 pair of these shorts for AZ weather. They are perfect for just about everything. Hiking, lounging, running errands. I drove back to Chicago from AZ and even wore them most of the beginning of the trip when it was warm out! I only switched them out because it got chilly and pants were necessary. They run a bit snug but I'd say they are true to size. I even got a compliment on them last week. I highly recommend them.
JT, backcountry.com
June 28, 2020
10
Great shorts from a great company. I don't know how I lived without them for so long?!?! Perfect length and flex for all activities including global pandemics! Perfect chill around the house, go to the gym, or hit the trail. I can not emphasize enough as to how much I adore these shorts. That is all
Joe M., backcountry.com
June 25, 2020
8
Love how they look online but haven’t received them yet. I have the red colored pair and love them. Would love to get the black and grey pair to go with it.
Cody R., backcountry.com
June 10, 2020
10
Simple, light and comfortable. Only gripe is the zippered pocket is pretty small, I run with my phone in the pocket and it barely fits - iPhone 6.
Ben S., backcountry.com
June 4, 2020
8
At the top, note that most of the reviews shown (from 2019) were based on the earlier design of these shorts (including mine). These shorts are very similar in terms of quality but sizing is slightly different. I'm 5'11'' 170 lbs. I wear a medium in the previous design and ordered again in medium in the new blue but had to send back for a large. The waist and legs were too tight. The draw string is slightly different. The new ones have more reflective markings. I wish Backcountry just added new colors to the original design. I would still recommend these.
Kevin L., backcountry.com
April 7, 2020
10
These are some great shorts for days out hiking, running, or anything active. They're nice and stretchy so you can easily move around in them while climbing, and they're very light and breathable for longer hikes and runs out in the warm summer sun! The little reflective hits add a nice piece of safety for running out late, and the zippered pocket is large enough to hold whatever you need but isn't so large that things get lost or you feel it inside the shorts. Definitely will be adding a few colors of these to my wardrobe for the summer!
Josh Provost, backcountry.com
April 7, 2020
10
Ordered these along with several other pairs of lightweight shorts to try. These are the ones I’m keeping and I’m ordering a few more pairs. Worn them for several days straight. Perfect amount of stretch, lightweight, wick away sweat. I’ve played basketball, lifted weights, taken bike rides, mowed and lounged around in them. Look great. Just wish there were more colors to choose from.
Matthew L., backcountry.com
August 12, 2019
10
Bought these for hiking in the summer and man are they perfect. Lightweight, unbelievable stretch, great fit, perfect length, wicks sweat and still looks good enough to keep on rocking them when your done. The drawstring does leave a lot to be desired but they fit me so great it doesn’t really matter. Came back to buy more colors...but not enough colors!! Other great uses for these... lounging, workouts, ballgame, climbing, sleeping, 3rd dates, kickboxing, optional black tie events... you name it!
Matt Davis, backcountry.com
July 28, 2019
10
I freekin love these! If I could get away with wearing these everyday I would. The material is spot on, it stretches every way you can imagine, I feel confident with whether I am on the rock climbing, hiking, walking the dogs, classy enough to come off the lake and hit up a BBQ with friends. Wicks a ton, dries in minutes. I bought these a size up all because I like em loose, 5"11, 220lb. More colors!!!
Adam Robinson, backcountry.com
July 14, 2019
10
I’ve been on the search for light weight, durable shorts that look good, feel good, & don’t break the bank. Well these fit all of my needs. They are light weight & very breathable yet they are very well made. The only downside is that they only come in two colors. 10/10 would purchase again & again!
James P., backcountry.com
July 10, 2019
10
I purchased a pair of these the other week and wasn’t sure if I’d like them. I’m glad I ordered them because these are the best shorts ever. They are crazy light and almost feel like silk. They look good with a button up shirt or a tank top. I hope that Backcountry reads these reviews and doesn’t discontinue these. Maybe in the further they could come out with more colors?
Aaron H., backcountry.com
July 10, 2019

Men's Hiking & Climbing Shorts Reviews