Gear Review: AFTCO Shorts are Durable and Versatile

Matt Stone is an Alabama Outdoors employee and an outdoor enthusiast in the Birmingham area.

Look, I’ll always tell it to you honestly. First impressions are usually not the right impressions. And that little life lesson plays right along with my product review of the AFTCO Fishing Shorts.

aftco-shortsIt was a few years back, and a new short had arrived at our store by a brand called AFTCO. I had personally never heard of this brand. But I saw them in our company warehouse being unboxed and prepped to send out to our stores. Some of the colors were a little brighter than I typically went for (everything in my closet is blue), but I walked over, glanced at them, and decided “not for me.”

Another factor in my ambivalence toward these shorts: they are called “fishing shorts,” and all of their marketing revolved around giant deep-sea fishing boats and the people who wore them while they caught 500-pound marlin. I live in Birmingham, Alabama.

Five-star reviews for AFTCO shorts

About three months went by, and I kept hearing coworkers talk about their AFTCO shorts. I kept seeing them on more people around town, which made me keep digging around at product reviews to see if I could find the real dirt on these shorts. Most customer reviews were five stars, and yes, even to this day, do a quick Google search on AFTCO Original Fishing Shorts, and more than likely, you see five stars.

I ended up purchasing my first pair of AFTCO Fishing Shorts in 2015, and I still wear them in 2023 simply because they are some of the most durable and well-built shorts I have ever owned. They make them with a DuPont™ SUPPLEX® 3-ply nylon (say that three times fast) that is pretty much tear-proof (so far) but is also very soft and comfortable.

I realized that I did not need to be near the ocean or a bay to appreciate AFTCO Fishing Shorts. I began wearing them around the house or out-and-about running errands in town. I also wore them on my hiking trips because they are so lightweight, comfortable, and well put together.

Plus, with seven pockets, there are plenty of places to store gear. AFTCOs also have a pocket for pliers, and since I do like to bass fish, this works out perfectly. But, this pocket also has come in handy for holding a multi-tool knife when I need it close by on a camping trip.

On some of these camping trips, I am usually taking a break sitting on abrasive rocks or logs or moving through the thicker brush. The DuPont Nylon and the double-reinforced seat panel come in handy during those times. I can’t tell you how often I have worn a pair of shorts out on an adventure only to get back home with small catches in the fabric from briars, etc. Not with the AFTCO shorts.

Good for fishing, hiking, and lounging

At the peak of summer, my AFTCO shorts do a great job of reflecting harmful UPF rays away from me, and since they wick moisture away from my skin, they keep me pretty cool. I have even jumped in the water in these shorts when I did not have swim trunks with me. They dry reasonably quickly once out of the water, and since they are stain-resistant, I never worry about mud or dirt.

Overall, I love these shorts when I am adventuring outside, but what truly makes me love them is that I am currently wearing them in my office while writing this review. They have made great lounging shorts and around-the-house attire. The versatility alone, and the fact they have lasted me five years, says it all when someone asks me if I like my AFTCO shorts. Plus, they are blue!

Find your favorite back-to-school apparel and gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors