Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Vista Trekking Shorts 9"

The fabric and workmanship on these shorts are wonderful. Great for hiking. However, I ordered a 16 (my usual size) and they stretched WAY out and stayed stretched, so I had to wear a belt to keep them on. They stretched out at least one full size. Since they will be great for hiking, I'm going to return the 16 and order a 14.

I usually wear a 10, but due to some reviews, I bought a size 12. They are huge! Reordering in size 10 & a different color. The sandstone isn't really tan - too yellow. Th zippered pockets are great. For reference, I'm 5'5" & 145 lbs. I also ordered the comfort trail shorts in 12. They're nicely made, but are too small in waist. That's the sizing inconsistency I reference in the title.

I have read some reviews of these shorts that indicates people had to size up. Not so for me. I ordered the smallest size offered (2), and they are hanging off me. I have other Bean shorts in 2 and even older ones in 4 that fit more snugly, so there has definitely been some size inflation over the years. If these came in 2 Petite, I am sure they would fit me better. Other than that, they are remarkable shorts: comfortable, lightweight, stretchy, and good-looking. Perfect for a day on the trails. Please consider offering these in Petite sizes for we smaller, active women!

A size 6 was noticeably larger than a previous purchase ; and the waist didn't have the inside adjustment of the other. But the fabric and color and length were fine. All in all, I will keep them but wear them a bit lower on my waist.

I have these in gray and love them. Size was true to my size. I ordered the Ash and they had a yellowish cast. Not what I was expecting. I returned them only because of the color.

These shorts are exceptionally wonderful in hot weather as they are a thin nylon material. I have 2 pair because they are so comfortable. If ordering online and not trying on in the store, you want to get the next size down as they run large. I am 5'6" / 135 lbs and was able to fit in an 8 which is still a little loose (depending on the day!)

I ordered these shorts to wear on a backpacking trip. Color: I got the sale color "Bay Leaf" and when I saw it in person it seems a lot lighter. Looking at the picture, I think it is actually the same as in the picture, but definitely reads as lighter in person. I would prefer the "Olive" color but it's backordered. The "Bay Leaf" color is quite flattering and pretty on my fair skin but panty lines are an issue like with any light colored shorts. Material: These are lightweight and very thin, which is great for backpacking! They're very comfortable, and definitely less structured than they appear in the photo. Length: I'm 5'6", 24 years old, and curvy. The length is a little too long to be cute on me, but I folded the hem up twice and if I keep these I will tack stitch it in place. The fold actually looks cuter than unfolded so it's not necessarily a bad thing, and it seems like the fold would stay put even without stitching. Size/fit: The rise on these comes up to about half an inch under my belly button. I ordered a size 10, I'm 5'6", 160lbs, and curvy. I usually have a problem with waist gap. These I thought were ok but after wearing around the house for 20 minutes I think they're too loose in the waist, which is too bad because they fit great in the butt/thighs. Speaking of the butt region... these hugged my butt a little more than I would like for hiking. I think this was a product of the waist being slightly too large and riding up on me. If I had sized down this probably wouldn't have been an issue. Also, you're likely going to have panty lines in these. Doesn't really matter for backpacking (because who cares) but something to think about. It's probably much less of an issue with these shorts in a darker color. Overall, these shorts are very comfortable, very lightweight, and seemed sturdy. The fit was decent (the waist problem is an issue I have with every pair of pants) and I am keeping them as a backpacking backup in case another pair I ordered fits even worse. These are a solid 4 stars, although I would recommend sticking with the darker colors.

I purchased this shorts to wear in the Galapagos and have packed them and not yet worn them. But I am not sure that I will actually wear them as I don't think they are the most flattering. I am 5'5", 140 pounds and a pear shape. I ordered a 10 which I think is the correct size. They fit but the length is a bit shorter than I would like for a hiking short and the material is quite lightweight. The thin material seems to accentuate my larger hips as there is no structure to them (hard to explain). Perhaps if I had ordered them in a darker color (I bought the tan color) the bumps and lumps would be less noticeable!

Love these shorts in every way - fit, quality, comfort - except the khaki color is too light and shows my undies (not an issue with the charcoal color)

Light, comfortable, and quick drying shorts. Used them for just a few hours kayaking and the seat of the shorts quickly became pilled and worn.

Yes, these do run large. I'm usually a 14 from LLB and ordered a 12 and 14. The 12 fit, but I felt much more comfortable with the 14--loose enough that I don't have to unbutton or unzip but being in the hot tropics year-round I would rather have loose than fitted. Like having an elastic waist without the elastic! Material is so light I feel naked! Love these. Two pairs. Colors are strange for me: khaki is yellowish, green is sort of sea foam but neutral enough, granite is darkish gray and neutral. Don't know about the blue. An oyster shell or something like true beige would be nice.

The sizing was accurate, the color was nice (sea glass), but they did not look good on me. Designed for hiking not fashion, to be sure, but they were NOT flattering (I am a size 8 these days). I exchanged them and continue to be impressed with Bean's customer service and easy return policies.

These shorts are lightweight and very comfortable. They run a bit big but I wanted looser shorts to wear in the heat. They wash well and dry quickly. Wish they came in more colors!

I like the ease and give in these shorts. They have great pockets and are very light weight.

These shorts are great quality but I ended up with a pair two sizes too big at first. Going by the sizing on the website will not get you a pair that fits. After receiving them in the mail I tried them on and they practically fell off. I called and was told that the measurements in the sizing guide are not the actual measurements of the shorts. I ended up ordering a replacement pair two sizes smaller. These fit better but are still a bit too loose in the waist. I'd recommend calling for the actual measurements before ordering.

Liked these shorts. Also bought a different style that i will return and perhaps check another color on these. Wish shorts came in more interesting colors. I did think they were a bit expensive for "play clothes".

I have a pair of Bean hiking shorts from a couple summers back, size 10 and they fit perfectly. The size chart for these had me at a 10 also (I am 5'5" and 139) so that's what I ordered. Size 10 practically fell off me. So I downsized to an 8. Wore them around the house a bit and decided they are still too baggy so am returning them for a 6! I do not like restrictive clothing, but way oversized is not attractive or utilitarian. Don't trust the size chart or your previous Bean purchases on these.

I recently bought two pairs of these shorts for an upcoming hiking trip. In the meantime, I have worn them to Disneyworld as well as to chaperone a week at camp. Overall, I love these shorts! They are so lightweight and comfy. Lots of pockets, most of which zip, which I appreciate. My only complaint would be that as I wear them throughout the day, they stretch out and slide down my hips. The only thing missing from these great shorts is a belt to keep them in place as the day goes on. However, I love them enough that I just keep wearing them while I'm searching for a belt to match.

I really like these shorts. Very comfortable. My fit just a little big.

Comfortable for travel, dry quickly, cool. Will be anxious to see how they hold up to brush, scooting on rocks, etc. Snap in front almost too heavy duty for lightweight fabric. I like the fit and will order another pair.

I absolutely loved these shorts. L O V E D. I wore them for a day before going on a rafting trip to make sure they didn't stretch out too much throughout the day. They do stretch a bit, so I returned and got 2 at a smaller size. I wore each one day of rafting and they both caught snags. Ughh. They just aren't sturdy enough for trekking in the great outdoors. I would buy them as everyday or traveling shorts. I even bought the pants. Which I love also. I didn't wear those other than around town so no snag issues there but I am sure if they were out hiking I would say snagging was an issue.

Love the fabric and overall fit. These shorts dry faster than the swimsuit shorts and fit better. Went kayaking in these and was very comfortable while kayaking and then dried quickly. My only complaint is the waistband is not the most comfortable fabric next to my skin - could be a little softer - and maybe not snaps. Great length so you're not showing too much when getting in and out of a boat. Love the "hang" of the fabric.

I chose these for a summer shore/hiking trip, and selected them over other similar items because I liked the slimmer look. I took a risk because I have a curvy shape that doesn't always work well with a slim fit. Not only do they fit, but they are flattering and not as sloppy looking as other hiking shorts I've owned. The fabric is very lightweight and dries quickly. For that reason, I could see the fabric being unforgiving if worn too tight, and maybe not the best for cooler weather. I definitely won't reserve these just for hiking!

Nice shorts. Good fit, wish the front pockets were a bit deeper and that the material was a bit more substantial, but they're good for kicking around.

When I tried the light tan shorts on, the size 10 fit comfortably and when I wore them for a couple days, they were loose. Next time I would buy size 8. But I love the shorts. They are real comfortable and would love to get a second pair in another color. I love the material they are made from and all the pockets.