Headquartered at the base of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond has a bead on the type of apparel used by adventurers here in Utah and beyond. A trusty pair of shorts remains a staple for three seasons here in Utah. The Black Diamond Sierra Shorts are built with durable fabrics to withstand rock climbing, hiking or any other adventures you have in mind.
Black Diamond Sierra Shorts Features:
- 4 way stretch fabric with quick dry finish
- Primary Fabric is Bluesign® approved
- Branded elastic waist
- Gusseted inseam for mobility
- Two front harness compatible hand pockets
- Single flapped back patch pocket with secure Velcro closure
- Regular fit
- Available in 5 colors, black tested
- MSRP: $70
Great for Alaska, Utah and everywhere in-between
Ahead of a trip to Southeast Alaska, I was looking for a few key pieces to round out my travels. Versatility is tops on that list and with a variety of weather conditions, layering was the key. Even though it was July, conditions could be chilly and rainy, but it was summer after all, so a durable pair of hiking shorts would do the trick. Off we went from Salt Lake City to Seattle and the Sierra Shorts were fantastic for traveling.
An Alaska cruise was our destination, and we enjoyed stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Even though conditions were rainy in both Ketchikan and Juneau, I still found myself gravitating to these shorts — so much that my wife gave me an extra look or two, wondering if I’d change my shorts at all during the trip. (I did, but only when necessary.)
As far as travel shorts go, the Sierra Shorts hit the mark in most areas. They pack down next to nothing and provide a simple, comfortable fit that feels comfortable in a wide variety of conditions. Back home in Utah, I’ve had even more time to give this a whirl, so let’s dig in a little further.
Tops on the list is the overall fit and length. With a 12″ inseam, the Sierra Shorts offer good coverage without feeling overly-long. I’m all about a short short for running, but for hiking or hanging out, 12″ is where it’s at. That inseam is supplemented by a wide, stretchy waistband. Uniquely, this waistband feels like a good pair of underwear. It sits flat, doesn’t have any extra bulk and feels amazing. The waistband doesn’t dig in at all — even under a pack. Since Black Diamond focuses on climbing, the Sierra Shorts have been tested to work with a harness, so comfort under a backpack should be a given (and it is). Comfort aside, the wide waistband ensures proper coverage when doing extreme movements, but still won’t stay up if snagged, like a drawstring or belt would.
Adding to the comfort of the Sierra Shorts is both the 4-way stretch fabric and the gusseted design. Both of those features allow the shorts to move with you — even under the most extreme movements. Again, remember BD’s climbing background. With added durability, the fabric can put up with more abuse than I’ve been able to give them.
Uniquely, the pockets feature an L-shaped entry. That design allows for easy hand entry, but the short-depth design doesn’t allow too much to be dropped in there. Again, that short length is optimized to fit between the waistband and leg strap of a harness (BD knows their stuff). I can walk or hike comfortably with an iPhone 13 mini in there, but larger phones will be a bit bulkier (but still do-able). The velcro closure of the rear pocket does add a little bit of security for a wallet. The fabric is spot-cleaned easily and they wash up well after a few days of use. In a pinch, you could trail run in these, but I’d keep them to hiking, travel and climbing.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 173 lbs with a 33″ waist, wearing the size medium.
The Good:
- That waistband is ultra-comfortable while maintaining security
- Face fabric is durable for extreme use
- L-shaped pocket entry makes for easy access
- Perfect inseam length for coverage
The Bad:
- Larger items may not carry well in the front pockets
- Fabric could get a little warm in extreme temps (check out the Sierra LT for that purpose)
The Bottom Line: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
When you find a great pair of shorts, you know it almost instantly. The Black Diamond Sierra Shorts are definitely a great pair of shorts. That wide, comfortable, stretchy waistband drapes these shorts with invisible comfort. No drawstrings, belt loops or anything else to get in the way of a harness or backpack here. As a travel, hiking or climbing short, these are stretchy and versatile. And, they look great for daily use. Just a great pair of adventure shorts.
Buy Now: Available from Black Diamond
