REVIEW: Claw Gear Field Short

Summer is here, white legs need a little color. Whether for training in shooting sports, outdoor activities, or just as cool legwear in warmer times, a pair of cargo shorts belongs in every closet. Claw Gear fills this gap with the Field Short, shown here.The Field Short is advertised as duty shorts specifically for service in hot regions. Whether wearing shorts on duty is allowed is not up for discussion here, but these shorts at least have everything one would want for such an application.

The material used is a 50/50 cotton-polyamide blend, which has proven itself in many other pants we have reviewed. Additionally, Claw Gear offers a 35% cotton / 65% polyester mix in Multicam if 50/50 is not preferred. The fabric has a reduced infrared signature (except for 35/65), like the other pants from Claw Gear. All zippers and snaps are from YKK, promising durability and good functionality. The main seams are all triple-stitched, and the sensitive areas are reinforced with bar-tacked seams. The weight in size Large is just under 500 grams.

The equipment of the Field Short is very generous for a pair of shorts, the only things missing compared to a full "Tactical Pants" are the reinforced knee areas that are inevitably omitted in a pair of shorts.

To be able to wear the shorts comfortably without a belt, there is an elastic waistband with an adjuster.The inside of the waistband is lightly padded, providing increased comfort and protection against slipping down.The Field Short fastens with a double YKK snap button closure and a corresponding zipper.

The belt loops are wide enough to thread a Riggersbelt completely through with the buckle.The inside of the loops features smooth Cordura, allowing the belt to glide better. The middle rear loop is wide and V-shaped - it provides additional protection and space for knife sheaths. A Claw Gear Rubber Patch is sewn on the sheath.Above the left pocket, you'll find a D-ring for securing items. The pockets themselves offer enough space to easily access with gloves. The back part is reinforced for carrying knives.On the back of the thighs, you'll find reinforced slip pockets on both sides intended for knives, tools, or pistol magazines.The rear pockets have an internal design so that these pockets are not noticeable.This effect is reinforced by a cover strip that runs along the entire back and includes pocket access.

The cargo pockets have zippers and a cover strip. The zippers have long pull cords for easy operation. These can be stored under the cover strip. The right leg pocket has a partition inside for a smartphone or similarly sized items.At the cargo pocket, there is also a Claw Gear Rubber Patch on the back.In daily use, the Field Short wears more than well. Thanks to the 50/50 mix and the padded waistband, we always had the desired comfort on hikes or at the shooting range. The adjustable waistband also holds the shorts well without a belt when switching from long to short quickly and not wanting to bother putting on a belt - it also perfectly regulates weight fluctuations :).

The pocket features are absolutely everyday practical: keys, phone, knife, wallet, handkerchief, and still plenty of space in the leg pockets, there is absolutely nothing to complain about.

CONCLUSION: The Claw Gear Field Short is cargo shorts on steroids. The equipment and design are well thought out, well executed, and timeless. Criticism? So far, no negative incidents.

The Field Short is available directly from Claw Gear or from many retailers for just under 78 euros in the colors Black, Coyote (seen here), and Ral7013. For Multicam, you'll have to pay a bit more: 98 euros for the 35/65 mix and 120 euros for 50/50.

CLAW GEAR on the Internet: www.clawgear.com

More tactical shorts in the test: HERE is the GEAR GUIDE TACTICAL SHORTS