Review: Hurley Phantom Boardshorts

Good boardshorts are one of those things that are surprisingly tricky to find—especially for use here in southwest Montana. If you’re anything like me, you want something that is lightweight but burly enough to stand up to at least a couple of seasons of boating, floating, and hangin’ around. You gotta have some pocket space, but not so much that they fill with water when you end up in the drink. And personally, I like the material to have some stretch, so as to not cramp my style when I’m rowing downriver. Finding a pair of trunks that checks all these boxes is no mean feat.

Enter the Phantom Eco Weekender Boardshort 21” from Hurley. With ample stretch, a drawstring waistband, and a thigh pocket that can easily hold my wallet and keys, these shorts have become my go-to river attire. Plus, they’re made from recycled plastics that otherwise would’ve made it into our oceans and waterways—what’s not to love about that? And even though boating season is a ways out, I still find myself wearing ‘em even when I’m not by the water, on account of how comfortable they are. All said, they’re a great pair of trunks that will suit you from the river’s edge to the hot tub.

Available at hurley.com; $65 (on sale now for $26).