PÁRAMO MEN’S MAUI SHORTS £65
When the sun shines, and preferably when the insects aren’t biting, some birdwatchers wear shorts. Some wear shorts even when the sun doesn’t shine. The Maui shorts are part of the ‘ Naturally Páramo’ range and are designed for dry or humid conditions. At £65, they are not inexpensive – so what do you get in a premium pair of shorts?
The Mauis are lightweight shorts – my review sample, a ‘large’, weigh a little more than 230g (8.1 oz) – but still feel like they have a bit of substance to them. They are made from “quick drying Parameta®A Cotton+ fabric” which is described as “cool, protective and durable”. It provides protection from biting insects and from UV (UPF 50+) – on the bits of your legs that are covered that is. The cut has a slim look but the Mauis don’t feel tight or restrictive. On me, they are knee-length. The waist is button-fastening, has five good belt loops – easily deep enough for a 4cm wide belt – and two elasticated panels for added comfort.
These shorts seem well-made and provide good freedom of movement, thanks in part at least to a “tried and tested shaped gusset”. The fabric is not completely silent but, for me, that wasn’t a problem. There are five pockets – two hip pockets which I would have liked just a little bit deeper, a zip-up rear pocket – which will take a reasonably-sized wallet, and a long cargo pocket (with hook and loop fasteners on the flap) on the right leg. A 1:25000 OS map is a very good fit in this pocket. Or you could put a water bottle in there, your phone, or a notebook, or your phone and notebook. And inside the cargo pocket there is a zip-up security pocket – which is big enough for a passport.
The Mauis are available in dark grey only – slate-grey I’d say. That’s fine by me though a choice of colours might increase sales. The label says machine or hand wash at no more than 40°C and recommends using Nikwax BaseWash®.
Páramo have some good ethics. The Mauis have a PFC-free water repellent finish and can be recycled when they are worn out – return them to Páramo and you’ll get a voucher for some new gear. Páramo have also been instrumental in Greenpeace’s Detox campaign, which seeks to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the supply chain, are committed to fair production standards and support a Fair Trade verified foundation in Colombia which empowers at-risk women.
S-XXL (30- 44’’ waist). Manufacturing faults guaranteed for life of garment. paramo-clothing.com.