Fjallraven have constructed the Ruaha shorts in G1000 Lite in order to bring a travel-friendly element to their usual sturdy fabric and construction. A couple of travel specific features add to the package for anyone on the road, and a couple of omissions actually prove just as effective.
The fabric - as is often the case with Fjallraven gear - is the standout aspect of the Ruaha shorts. The lighter version of G1000 to all intents and purposes seems just as burly as the standard weight fabric, and retains that wearable softness too. The weight benefit is noticeable in warmer weather without compromising too much on the cosseting feeling of a hardy material.
The travel focus manifests in a great array of pockets - a tally of seven is impressive in a pair of shorts! Having covered zippers on the rear pockets is a well-thought-out security feature for travellers, and the roomy cargo pockets can swallow plenty without creating unsightly bulges when empty. In fact the cut of these shorts is pretty smart all around.
It took me a while to come across the hidden security pocket - which is a good sign - and I won't spoil the surprise, other than to say it's very useful, secure, and surprisingly accessible. One more observation on pockets; many brands are adding a pocket-within-a-pocket on trousers, sometimes it's mesh, sometimes it's for a mobile phone. Usually they just obstruct whatever you're trying to pocket. The Ruaha are not troubled by such a pocket, and it's refreshing!
Fjallraven make shorts which are much more trekking-specific with stretch materials and reinforced fabric in high-wear areas. But the Ruaha shorts are still very capable of trekking, with a great range of movement and a good balance between lightweight and durable. Coupled with a great cut, this makes them simply a highly capable and versatile piece of kit.
