Versatility is a virtue. We all love people and gear who are like a Swiss Army Knife — they can do anything. Mammut has the Ducan Shorts and they are versatile enough to wear everyday, at the gym, and, especially, in the mountains.
Mammut Ducan Shorts Features:
- Made from durable recycled polyamide and spandex
- Built with an athletic fit
- Gusseted crotch for added freedom-of-movement
- Two zippered hand pockets and a single leg pocket
- Belt loops
- 9-inch inseam
- Available in 5 colors (Strata tested)
- MSRP: $99
You can with Ducan
Slip these on and get going. If I can summarize the Ducan Shorts, that’s what I would say. When I put them on, I want to get outside and enjoy life. The built-in stretch and all-around comfort makes these shorts addictive to the point that my family is wondering if they are my only pair of shorts. Yes, I do change and I do wash these shorts, but I do admittedly wear them a lot.
Core to the Ducan Shorts is the stretchy polyamide/spandex material. It is stretchy and easily moves with you. They are so stretchy that I’ve found myself wearing them for my morning core workouts which involve hip strengthening and stretching using exercise bands. All core movements can be done without the shorts getting in the way. The only negative is that if the zippered hand pockets are open, the zippers can dig into my hips when laying on my side. I just zip them up and it’s all good.
Speaking of the hand pockets… they are nice to have and are placed well for carrying items, but I really shouldn’t call them “hand pockets.” I’ll call them “front pockets” instead because the zippered opening isn’t all that comfortable for long-term hand placement. Each pocket does feature a polyester mesh liner to allow airflow and breathability. That material has been durable when carrying keys or other items. The zippers are easily-pulled via the simple rope pulls. I did have some concerns about the zipper teeth snagging on the hem of my shirts. I’ve maybe zipped my shirt in there once, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
The length sits just above the knee and provides great coverage so I’m not showing too much leg — and they also easily cover compression shorts I’ve worn underneath. I don’t find the legs to bunch up ever and they will drape back down when I go from being seated to standing.
Out in the mountains, the Ducan Shorts feel right at home. I can hike with my phone or a gel in the lower-leg pocket — even on the most technical terrain. What I can’t do is have much in the two front pockets. I’m fine with a lip balm in there while hiking and that’s about it.
The fabric doesn’t offer any water-resistance, but it does dry quickly and it breathes well. I don’t feel swampy or uncomfortable hiking in warm temperatures.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs. with a 33″ waist, wearing the size 34
Buy Now: Visit Mammut.com
The Bottom Line
The Mammut Ducan Shorts are impressively versatile. They are built with stretchy, breathable fabric that’s equally at home on mountain trails, at the gym, or around town. Their athletic fit, gusseted crotch, and zippered pockets make them comfortable for high-mobility activities like hiking and even gym workouts. While the zippered front pockets aren’t ideal for hand placement, they are practical for stashing small essentials. Quick-drying and streamlined, these shorts are the kind you’ll reach for again and again.
The Good:
- Super stretchy fabric
- Great durability
- Flexible to be used for a variety of activities -- not just hiking
- Dry really fast
- Great fit and cut
- Zippered pockets are easy to open/close and use
The Bad:
- Front pockets aren't great for long-term hand placement
- Zippers can dig into your hips when laying on your side
- Crotch vents could make them even more breathable
- Comfort
- Versatility
- Fit
- Breathability
