Arc'teryx Gamma LW Shorts

The Arc'teryx Gamma LW Shorts, now called the Gamma SL Short 9-inch, use Aequora AirPerm fabric for lightweight, breathable hiking performance. The fabric sheds light rain and blocks wind while remaining breathable enough for warm-weather trails. The 9-inch inseam and articulated patterning allow unrestricted movement during scrambles and steep descents.

I reach for these on warm hiking days when the weather looks variable. The Aequora fabric handles brief rain showers without soaking through, and the wind resistance keeps you comfortable on exposed ridgelines. They're not waterproof shells, but for three-season hiking in mountain weather, the light weather resistance proves valuable.

Aequora AirPerm Fabric with DWR Treatment

The Aequora AirPerm fabric uses a nylon-elastane blend that provides mechanical stretch without elastane's tendency to lose recovery over time. The fabric construction creates small air channels that enhance breathability during high-output activity. A DWR treatment on the exterior sheds light moisture.

Arc'teryx designed the articulated patterning to accommodate natural leg movement during hiking. The knee area has extra room for high steps without pulling at the waist. The gusseted crotch eliminates binding during scrambles and steep climbing sections where range of motion matters.

How Do the Arc'teryx Gamma LW Shorts Fit?

The fit runs trim but not tight, following Arc'teryx's athletic cut philosophy. At just over 6 feet and 165 pounds, I wear a size M with room for unrestricted movement. The 9-inch inseam provides coverage for hiking without the restriction of longer shorts.

The waistband uses an integrated belt system that adjusts fit without requiring an external belt. The closure sits flat under pack hipbelts without creating pressure points. Two hand pockets and one thigh pocket provide storage for essentials without adding bulk.

Best for Variable Mountain Weather, 55 to 85 Degrees

These work best for warm-weather hiking in variable mountain conditions. The Aequora fabric handles temperatures from 55-85°F during moderate activity. The light weather resistance proves valuable when afternoon storms roll through without requiring a switch to rain pants for brief showers.

For hot desert hiking where weather resistance isn't needed, lighter shorts breathe better. For sustained rain, these aren't a substitute for waterproof shells. The Gamma LW occupies the middle ground for typical three-season mountain hiking where conditions change throughout the day.

Arc'teryx Gamma LW Shorts vs. Cormac Shorts

The Cormac Shorts use Diem polyester for running-focused performance without weather resistance. The Gamma LW provides better wind and water protection at the cost of slightly less breathability. For pure trail running, the Cormac wins. For hiking with weather variability, the Gamma LW makes more sense.

The Patagonia Quandary Shorts offer similar hiking performance at a lower price. The Arc'teryx Aequora fabric provides slightly better weather resistance and stretch. Both handle typical hiking use effectively.

Mountain Hiking Performance at a Premium Price

For warm-weather hiking in mountain environments where weather changes quickly, the Gamma LW Shorts deliver. The Aequora fabric's combination of breathability, stretch, and light weather resistance handles variable conditions better than pure hiking shorts or pure softshell shorts. The articulated construction allows full range of motion.

The price positions these at the premium end of hiking shorts. For casual trail walking where weather protection isn't needed, cheaper options work fine. For mountain hiking where you encounter wind, brief rain, and technical terrain, the Gamma LW's performance justifies the investment.

For other hiking gear, see the Lefroy Pant and Rampart Pants. The best beanies for hiking covers headwear options for the trail.