Roark Happy Camper Shorts Review

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When I look for a pair of shorts for the summer, I want them to feel good, move well, and still look decent. I recently tried out the Roark Happy Camper Shorts, and they definitely have a lot going for them. The fabric is lightweight, the pockets are well thought out, and they held up great during a full weekend of camping. Still, something about the overall design holds me back from calling them my favorite. They are comfortable and functional, but I keep thinking about how they look every time I wear them.

Let me break it down a little more in detail.

Fit and Feel

First off, the material stands out right away. These shorts are made from ninety percent nylon and ten percent elastane, which gives them a soft, smooth feel. They are super light and breathable, which is exactly what I want during hot weather. I wore them on a camping trip over Memorial Day weekend, and they kept me comfortable all day long. The mornings were chilly, but by mid-morning when the sun came up, I was glad to be in something breathable that did not trap heat.

The fit is more athletic than casual. They are cut shorter than most of the shorts I wear. The inseam is just over five inches, which leaves a good amount of leg exposed. For me, the bottom hem of the shorts sat about three inches above the knee. It took a little getting used to, but I will admit that it made moving around easier. Whether I was sitting, walking, stretching, or getting on and off a scooter, the shorts moved well with me and never felt tight or awkward.

Waistband and Adjustability

The waistband combines stretch and function really well. It is elastic, which already helps with comfort, but Roark also added a built-in webbing belt. That extra touch let me tighten the shorts just enough to stay put all day. I never had to readjust or tug at them, even when doing more active stuff like hauling firewood or setting up our camper. There is also a small plastic loop attached to the waistband where I clipped my keys.

Pockets and Storage

The pockets are where the Happy Camper Shorts really start to stand out. The two main pockets on the front are huge. They pop out from the body of the shorts. That makes them very roomy, and they are lined with mesh so they do not trap heat. I could easily fit my hands in them with plenty of room left over for snacks, gear, or whatever else I needed at the campsite.

However, this is also where I started to feel unsure about the design. The way the pockets stick out gives the shorts a more rugged, utility-focused look. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it made me second-guess whether I liked how I looked in them. I kept wearing them for comfort, but I noticed I was thinking about the appearance more than I usually do with my other shorts.

There is a small zippered pocket on the right hip, just below the waistband. The zipper is high quality and it is a good spot for cash, a card, or keys. In the back, there are two more pockets. The right side has a zipper, which made it perfect for my wallet. Right above that is a narrow pocket made for a phone. It held my phone securely when I was walking around, but I made sure to take it out before sitting down. It is a great design for on-the-go storage.

Real Life Use

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I really put these shorts to the test. I wore them around the campground while walking the dogs, riding scooters, tending the fire, and relaxing at the site. They held up great. The fabric did not snag or tear, even after sliding on benches and handling rough wood. I also wore them to work later that week. My building gets hot in the summer, and these were a good choice for staying cool while still looking somewhat put together.

Still, every time I wore them, I kept coming back to the same thought. They are comfortable, yes. They are well made, yes. But I am still not totally sold on the design. The way the pockets are shaped and placed just does not look as clean as I would like. They look more like gear than clothing. If you are okay with that, you might love these. But for me, it stops them from becoming a top choice.

Conclusion

At $75, the Roark Happy Camper Shorts are not cheap. But you do get some solid features for the price. The fabric is lightweight and breathable. The waistband is comfortable and adjustable. The pockets are functional, even if they are not the most stylish. These come in two colors, black and military green. I picked the black pair, but I do not think either color changes the bold design of the front pockets.

If you are after a pair of shorts that perform well for outdoor activities, these are a solid choice. If you care more about appearance than function, they might leave you thinking twice. For more information or to check them our for yourself, visit Roark’s website at: www.roark.com.