I violated one of my resolutions, which was not to buy any more clothing this year. For one reason, I got sick of wearing the same shorts out in public all the time, albeit they are the sublime Patagonia Stand Up Shorts, no short finer than this. So I purchased the Amphibious Cargo Short from TAD (triple aught design) tripleaughtdesign.com. On sale currently on their website for $49 (usually $69, sale being the last straw for me to buy). Snap them up if you happen to be a size 30 or 28. If you are a size 32, don't worry, they seem to run a little large.
Go to their website and save me some time from giving a company background. in a nutshell, they make thoughtfully designed and durable gear with the military(-esque)/ urban consumer. All their clothing is made in the USA, which is a plus for me. Wish Patagonia would go back to making more in the US aside from cotton t's and wool baselayers...
So after a few days and $5 in shipping, I received my shorts and promptly wore them for three days straight, much to the chagrin of my girlfriend of impeccable cleanliness. First of all, the shorts are a little large on me. I shoulda ordered a 28. I am a true 30 and need a belt to keep things in place. next time 28 for me. Next, these shorts are down past my knees or about level, depending on tightness of belt. Now I expected this, I just needed to get used to this. I never wear shorts this low and even had my surf shorts hemmed to above the knee. I guess you need cargo shorts long to carry cargo.
So, at first glance I look like every other douchebag out there in some cargo shorts down to their knee. That's fine. No need to call attention to oneself anymore than necessary. It is all in the details. First of all the fabric is 3.4 oz nylon with DWR repellent - amphibious and quick drying. that means when i drop sauce from my little thickburger, the ketchup mayo and mustard concoction slides off my shorts and onto the floor. The fabric is super lightweight and very comfortable.
Next the crotch is gusseted and the rear is reinforced. Looks a little strange but allows for more movement and some durability.
Now as El Guapo from the Three Amigos would say, these shorts come with a PLETHORA of pockets! Two front welt pockets for cell phones and little gadgets, two front hand pockets, two back pockets with button closure flaps, and of course, two bellows cargo pockets with button closure and drain holes. There are also 4 freaking d rings (two in front, one in each cargo pocket) for you to secure little gadgets to. Hey I'm not military so I'm not sure what the heck i'm attaching to these d rings. maybe my titanium spork.
There is also a reinforced patch on the front pockets to protect from knife clips for all you yahoos wanting everyone to know you're carrying. I'll keep mine hidden thank you very much. All you operators do whatever you want. no beef with you.
Finally, there is a little velcro patch with a glow in the dark TAD logo. I entertain myself in the dark with a little light show with my TAD patch and my glow in the dark watch. it's mesmerizing. I'm thinking I may even velcro my mini compass on the shorts just to look that much more like an urban ninja.
Some comments...I am sure these shorts will be durable and serve me well. They are not ripstop so if there's a tear or pick I would patch immediately. Nylon doesn't take on the cool wear that cotton does, but that's what my Patagonia shorts are for. These being amphibious shorts, i noticed there are no drain holes in any other pockets aside from the cargo ones. I'll have to get fully submerged in the shorts and see if this is an issue but i think it will be.
All in all, I look forward to braving the harsh municipality in these shorts, pockets brimming with much needed gear, happy to leave my man purse behind...
