Subscribe

Review: Patagonia’s DAS Light Shorts

Like a vest for the lower extremities.

By

Jason Albert

Patagonia’s DAS Light Shorts. A lightweight piece for a big boost in warmth. Photo: Patagonia

Patagonia’s DAS Light Shorts. A lightweight piece for a big boost in warmth. Photo: Patagonia

Ever on the lookout to go just a bit more minimalist, last season I scored a pair of synthetic insulation shorts. These are not short shorts. Call the Patagonia DAS Light Shorts surf-trunk length (just above the knee) and made-for-the-alpine. Read as  easy-on-and-off gems. It’s a straightforward concept with a straightforward function.   Packing for…

Responses

  1. Slim

    For garments like this, I see very, very little benefit to down. There is simply such a little amount of insulation in there.
    Typically, 2.5-3 ounces of down. Even if the synthetic was 20% heavier, that would be maybe 0.5 an ounce (14 grams) or so less weight.
    Once you add in more stitching (needed to create the baffles), you might just have gained that weight back. And if you are wearing it as an outer layer, that extra stitching will actually decrease warmth too.
    And as far as packed size goes: more than half the weight is in fabrics and notions, so again, packed size will not really decrease.
    Then there is the fact that it is very likely to get damp, or even wet, so having something that dries quicker is a big benefit.

    Norrøna also makes a pair that are decent, but a little heavier than the Das Light ones. They also have more seams, and are not full Pertex Pro so I think the Pata’s will be warmer too.

  2. Travis

    Insulated shorts, knickers, pants are the bomb. But have you ever tried wind breaker shorts? I got a pair of La Sportiva ones and they are amazing. Early morning, windy skins, you can keep your softshells on but keep the heat cranked. I fondly remember a 0° F day where i lapped waist deep blower powder in them in Washington state. No idea if they are still in production.

  3. Patrick Fink

    I’m sorely disappointed that there are not photos of Jason wearing these. These have the same fashion potential as the long-johns-under-shorts look. Comes with one free admission to a Rusted Root concert.

    1. Jason Albert

      For proper tickets to a show of my choice, there could be photos.

      1. Patrick Fink

        NSFW: Not safe for winter.

  4. Alex Hatcher

    Already discontinued after…one season? A bit of a bummer

    1. Jason Albert

      Hey Alex, I am trying to confirm this, but I don’t think that is the case. They should be coming back in the fall, as I think they’re marketed as a fall/winter item.

  5. Stuart Robbins

    Hit the online chat button today on the Patagonia website and was told they are discontinued…..pretty weird decision given that all the online reviews were positive and they were only available for one winter.

Leave a Reply

Latest Features