Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It’s time to get outside, and when it comes to dependable, performance-driven apparel, the KUHL Revolvr Pant and Renegade Outsider Short have quickly become my go-to choices. Whether I’m on a trail, in the classroom, or just enjoying the weekend, these bottoms check all the boxes: durable, comfortable, and versatile.
KUHL, which translates to “cool” in German, has been designing gear for over 40 years. Founded in Salt Lake City near the rugged Uinta Mountain Range, the brand is rooted in a mountain lifestyle and known for crafting long-lasting, high-quality performance wear. Their motto, “Never Settle,” reflects their commitment to innovation, function, and fit.
I’ve worn KUHL products for years, both in the field and in more professional settings. So when KUHL reached out with the chance to test a few of their latest pieces, I didn’t hesitate. The Revolvr Pant and Renegade Outsider Short immediately looked like solid companions for the kind of late spring and early summer adventures I live for, from creek walks and fieldwork to casual hikes and travel days.
Let’s break down how these pieces performed out in the wild.
About the KUHL Revolvr Pant
The KUHL Revolvr Pant is built for all kinds of outdoor adventures. It features a classic straight-leg design with a slightly more relaxed fit from the knee down. Articulated knees allow for a wide range of movement, and a gusseted crotch enhances comfort during active use.
This pant blends cotton with synthetic fibers to offer the best of both worlds. The cotton adds breathability, while the synthetic materials provide durability and just the right amount of stretch for added comfort. The fabric also dries quickly, making it ideal for changing conditions. Over time, the Revolvr Pant develops a worn-in appearance, achieving KUHL’s signature broken-in look.
About the KUHL Renegade Outsider Short
Touted as possibly the best hiking short out there, the Renegade Outsider Short is designed for rugged trails and long days outdoors. It’s made from Duralux, a soft yet durable blend of nylon and spandex, which offers four-way stretch and supports KUHL’s 3D Fit. This material is both comfortable and functional, allowing for unrestricted movement. The waistband also includes stretch for a flexible and secure fit.
This short is packed with storage options, offering a total of eight pockets. There are two standard hand pockets, one rear pocket, and two zippered thigh pockets with hypalon zippers for added protection against the elements. In addition, two drop-in pockets provide a convenient place to stash essentials and a stealth pocket made for phones.
Thoughts on the KUHL Revolvr Pant and Kuhl Renegade Outsider Short
The KUHL Revolvr Pant and KUHL Renegade Outsider Short are an excellent combo for outdoor adventure. I packed both for a camping road trip through Southeast Utah and found myself constantly rotating between them. The nights dipped into the upper 40s, while daytime temps climbed into the mid-80s. That wide range made both the pants and shorts essential pieces throughout the trip.
I wore the Revolvr Pants mainly during the cooler mornings and evenings around camp. They were ideal for those moments when the desert air had a bite, but I still wanted something breathable and comfortable.
Evening Stroll in Moab
From the Back
Material Choice
The KUHL Revolvr Pant is incredibly versatile, and I’ve already found myself wanting more pairs in different colors. One of the biggest wins for me is the cotton and synthetic blend. Cotton, wool, and bamboo have a natural feel on the skin that synthetics rarely match. While I often rely on full synthetic fabrics in the field for their performance benefits, I truly value the organic comfort of cotton in everyday settings. The Revolvr Pant strikes a balance that works perfectly both outdoors and in more casual or professional environments. As I wrapped up my school year teaching, these pants became a regular part of my work rotation. None of my usual teaching pants are synthetic, but the breathability and softness of the Revolvr Pant made them stand out.
Comfort
These pants are extremely comfortable. As a former collegiate sprinter, I’ve always had large thighs, which makes finding the right fit challenging. Even pants labeled as regular fit can feel restrictive in the upper legs and seat. The Revolvr Pant provides just the right amount of room without looking baggy. While they don’t offer a ton of stretch, the small amount they do have is appreciated, especially during movement. The gusseted crotch is another big plus, offering extra mobility where it matters most.
Thoughts on the KUHL Renegade Outsider Short
KUHL really nailed it with the Renegade Outsider Short. These may be my favorite shorts I’ve worn. I’ve even caught myself pulling them out of the dirty laundry pile for one more day of use just because I enjoy wearing them that much.
Desert Hike
Exploring a Slot Canyon
Material Choice
The Renegade Outsider Short is built using KUHL’s Duralux fabric, which combines nylon and spandex for a soft yet highly functional feel. The material offers four-way stretch, which makes a big difference when hiking, climbing, or even just moving around camp. What really stands out is the balance between comfort and toughness. The fabric feels great against the skin but is also abrasion resistant and quick-drying. It’s one of the few shorts I’ve worn that can handle serious trail miles while still feeling comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Warm Fishing Days in the Outsider Short
Comfort and Fit
The stretch throughout the shorts and waistband creates a fit that moves with you. Whether I’m hiking, lounging, or sitting in a car for long stretches, the comfort remains consistent. These shorts feel athletic without being tight, and casual without being sloppy.
Storage
The storage on these shorts is thoughtfully designed. With eight total pockets, there’s room for everything you need. Two hand pockets, a rear pocket, two zippered thigh pockets with water-resistant hypalon zippers, and two drop-in phone pockets give plenty of options for organizing gear. I’ve found myself rotating items between pockets depending on what I’m doing, which adds versatility. Whether I’m on the move or sitting down, I can shift things around to stay comfortable and balanced.
Specs on the KUHL Revolvr Pant Taken Directly From KUHL
- MSRP $109
- Lightweight yet durable cotton blend
- Breathability and a hint of stretch
- Quick dry performance
- Articulated design for superior mobility
- Gusseted crotch for freedom of movement
- Stealth cell phone pocket
- Easy care, wash, and wear
- UPF 50+ provides maximum UV protection to covered areas
- Waistband peached for increased wicking performance, faster drying time, and unmatched comfort
- Vintage Patina Dye -“Made to fade” for lived-in appearance over time.
- Imported
Specs on the KUHL Renegade Outsider Short Taken Directly From KUHL
- MSRP $79
- Gusseted crotch for freedom of movement
- Free Ryde waistband
- Eight pockets: two front mesh chino style, two back with velcro closure, two side mesh with zipper closure, one 3D cell phone, and one stealth cell phone
- Leg opening 21.5”
- Imported
Final Thoughts
The KUHL Revolvr Pant and Renegade Outsider Short are a dynamic duo that cover a wide range of outdoor conditions and activities. The KUHL delivers comfort, breathability, and all-day wearability in cooler temps or when you need extra coverage. Meanwhile, the Renegade Outsider Short brings unmatched versatility, thoughtful storage, and next-level comfort during warm-weather adventures.
Both pieces showcase KUHL’s attention to detail, commitment to performance, and signature mountain lifestyle design. Whether you’re out on the trail, setting up camp, teaching in the classroom, or simply enjoying a weekend outside, these bottoms are built to handle it all and look good doing it. These are the kinds of items you reach for again and again. After putting them through their paces, they’ve more than earned a permanent spot in my gear rotation. For more info on the these and other KUHL gear or to pick one of them up for yourself, visit kuhl.com or rei.com.