Field-Tested: KÜHL’s Kruiser Shorts Take to the Water
As someone who spends a lot of time on the water—and just about everywhere in between—I’ve been a longtime fan of KÜHL. A few years ago, I picked up a pair of their outdoor pants, and they quickly became my favorite. At the time, the company was focused on mountain wear. I still have that original pair.
Since I’m a boater, I actually reached out to KÜHL a while back and asked, “Why don’t you make something for us—the boaters?” Fast forward to now, and they’ve done exactly that. To close the loop on that conversation, they sent me a complimentary pair of their Kruiser Short from the new hybrid water line. Naturally, I was curious—and, to be honest, a little cautiously optimistic.
Let me tell you: I wasn’t disappointed. Actually, I’m pretty excited about them.
KÜHL has always struck me as a company that understands how people move. Their clothing flows with your body, not against it—kind of like a good dance partner, but with better stitching. While their roots are clearly in mountain culture, they’ve taken that same spirit and applied it to life on the water—boating, paddling, swimming, and even attempting to stay upright on a paddleboard. The Kruiser Short is a perfect example of that evolution.
What impressed me most is how purpose-built these shorts feel. The stretch fabric moves naturally, whether you’re climbing back into a powerboat (like I often do), paddling a kayak, or just chasing the last bit of sun on the dock. It’s almost like the shorts anticipate what you’re about to do—which would be unsettling if it weren’t so convenient.
The fabric is also incredibly lightweight—almost suspiciously so—but still feels tough. It dries fast and wicks moisture efficiently, which, if you’ve ever spent too long in soggy swimwear, you’ll know is no small thing. And while most shorts cling to moisture at the waistband, KÜHL’s breathable mesh design dries fast and stays comfortable. It’s the first time I’ve noticed a waistband that actually improves the post-swim experience.
It’s still early days, but everything about these shorts tells me they’re built to last. And most importantly, they’re comfortable. Not “I guess I can live with these” comfortable—genuinely comfortable. I’d wear them straight from the boat to lunch without thinking twice.
Bottom line? KÜHL nailed it. The Kruiser Short has earned a permanent spot in both my gear bag and my regular wardrobe. If you’re looking for shorts that perform well, feel great, and don’t leave you looking like you’ve just crawled out of the deep end, give these a try. They’ve definitely raised the bar—without making a big splash about it.
Cover photo and the photo of the Kruiser Shorts are courtesy of KUHL.
