Well we all had a great Bank Holiday weekend, weather wise at least, and it made me think that maybe I should be getting some new outdoor clothing online, and why not make it a new pair of shorts, lets think positive for the summer. But what should I be considering when it comes to a new pair of walking shorts?

Here’s the advice I was given:

Waist – Look for a stretchy waist, with a belt as this gives a measure of adjustability, and some shorts even have a soft lining for extra comfort.

Stretch – Some manufacturers are using stretch fabric (two-way and four-way) for extra comfort and freedom of movement. However, if the cut is good, stretch in one direction is fine, and shorts with no stretch can be comfortable too, if they are well-designed for your body shape.

Ventilation – This allows you to cool down so look for mesh-lined pockets to increase airflow.

Pockets – It can be useful for some pockets to have zips to keep items safe, and one that can accommodate a map or guidebook is always an advantage. Always useful with the amount of stuff I seem to carry.

Materials – For hill walking a fast-drying synthetic material, such as nylon or polyester, are worth considering as cotton will tend to soak up water and is slow to dry. With the changeable British weather, must remember this one.

Durability – Worth considering a heavy-duty fabric, and look for double lines of stitching rather than single.

Plenty to think about, but as always, there is no right or wrong answer, so when I choose my shorts and any other outdoor clothing online I might need, whether its men’s walking shorts or a new rucksack, in the end it will always come down to personal choice.