The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts Review | The Best All-Rounder’s For Travel?
The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are designed to be your ultimate do-it-all pair of shorts for warm-weather adventures. But do the shorts live up to the expectations and how do they actually perform when they’re put to the test against the elements?
We have recently begun travelling full-time, which means living out of a single backpack each! For this reason, I was searching for a pair of shorts that could do it all – from swimming to hiking to going out for a casual dinner.
The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts covered all these aspects and more, convincing me that they’re the perfect pair of shorts for adventurous travellers.
In this honest review, I will cover every feature of the TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts, from the quality of the materials to the design details that make it stand out – plus the drawbacks. I’ll also share my personal experiences and how they have held up over time.

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Table of Contents
ToggleMy Honest Review Of The North Face Men’s Class V Pull-On Shorts
Quick Info Of The North Face Men’s Class V Pull-On Shorts
Price: $110 AUD / $88 AUD (sale)
Sizes: S-2XL
Material: 68% recycled nylon, 26% nylon, 6% elastane with FlashDry-XD™ and PFC-Free DWR finish
Weight: 185 g (approx.)
Colours: Blue, Camo (constantly changes)
Sustainability: recycled material, PFC-Free DWR
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Activity: Hiking, Swimming, Lifestyle

Positives:
- Versatile and comfortable for everyday wear or long days of hiking
- Durable yet lightweight and breathable material
- Very quick-drying
Negatives:
- Slightly too baggy around the legs and crotch
- No black colour option – the colours and patterns can be a little extravagant for some
The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are a versatile pair of shorts that boast a sustainable, quick-drying and breathable construction. The relaxed-fitting shorts feature an elastic waistband with a drawcord for a customised fit and plenty of pockets to store your belongings.
Aside from being slightly baggier than I’d usually like, the TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts have quickly become my favourite pair of shorts for hiking, swimming and general use.
Who Are The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts For?

If you’re searching for a pair of shorts that you can trust to withstand the abuse of adventurous travel, then the TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts are the ones for you! Their quick-drying and moisture-wicking design allows you to wear them anywhere from the trails to the water and the added elastane in the material will keep you moving freely all day long.
While they don’t technically fit into one category – they’re not board shorts or your typical hiking shorts – the Class V Pull-On Shorts are the perfect all-rounder for travellers and casual adventurers.
Fit Of The North Face Class V Pull On Shorts


The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are a regular fit, with a 7” inseam and an elastic waist. You’ll find an internal drawcord at the waist for a customised fit and plenty of room in the legs for freedom of movement.
In North America, you also have the option to choose a 5” inseam and a 9” inseam. If I had this option, I would have chosen the 5” inseam as the 7” length hits the top of my knees (I am 5”7 with a slightly stocky build).
I would say that the relaxed fit is slightly baggier than you’d normally expect and I find that I have a lot of room in the legs – perhaps too much. But for hiking and comfort during all-day wear, I’d rather the legs be too wide compared to too tight – plus, the extra room creates more airflow for hot days.
Just be aware that the wide leg opening could cause them to catch on things if you’re climbing or mountain biking.
Size
From the majority of the reviews that I read online, the general consensus is that the Class V Pull-On Shorts fit true to size. However, I purchased the medium – my usual size – and while they do fit (thanks to the elastic waist) I would have been better suited to the small.
Are The North Face Class V Pull On Shorts Comfortable?

The TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts offer supreme comfort thanks to their roomy design and the inclusion of elastane in the material for extra stretch.
I cannot fault the comfort of these shorts at all. The first time I wore them hiking, I had bruised hips from previous hikes and the Class V Pull-On shorts didn’t pinch or aggravate my already tender hips while carrying my fully loaded Osprey Aether Plus Hiking Backpack.


To put the comfort of these shorts to the ultimate test, I decided to jump in a river and walk the final 6 km of my hike in wet shorts. The result was positive, with no chafing or discomfort – plus, they were dry before I arrived back at the car.
Breathability

The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are constructed with their trademark FlashDry-XD technology, which provides increased moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. This instils confidence in knowing that you’ll stay dry even when the temperatures rise and the material will continue to stay cool against your skin.
From my experience, the nylon material does feel thicker compared to other lightweight polyester hiking shorts – such as the Wander Shorts – but I was pleased to find that this doesn’t impede on its breathability. Furthermore, while the colour options are quite extravagant, the light colours – such as my bright red shorts – don’t absorb heat nearly as much as black shorts do.
Are The North Face Class V Pull On Shorts Durable?

The XD in FlashDry-XD technology stands for extreme durability and so far, I can attest to this statement. This technology is engineered with increased abrasion and tear resistance and coupled with nylon rather than polyester, you’ve got yourself a hardy pair of hiking shorts that will withstand a good amount of abuse.
So far, after pushing through alpine vegetation and sliding down rock slabs on New Zealand’s gnarly hiking trails, I have yet to see even a tiny scuff on these shorts. Additionally, the seams have held up well, even when put to the test while attempting awkward and extensive manoeuvres on steep technical climbs.
Features Found On The North face Class V Pull On Shorts
Pockets


The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are equipped with two mesh-lined slash hand pockets and a mesh-lined zippered back pocket. The back pocket is large enough to easily fit an iPhone 15 Pro and it features a storm flap for increased weather protection. The front pockets are deep and the inner mesh lining is stitched to hold the pocket in place, preventing movement and increasing comfort.
FlashDry-XD Technology

The TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts feature a moisture-wicking and quick-drying technology called FlashDry-XD. Put simply, the FlashDry part of this technology accelerates the evaporation of moisture to keep you dry and comfortable, while the XD (extreme durability) increases abrasion and tear resistance.
When put to the test, this technology has proven very effective. The shorts keep me cool even after big ascents in the blistering heat and after swimming in a river on my hike, I was dry within 15 – 30 minutes of walking.
PFC-Free DWR Treatment
The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are constructed with a PFC-Free DWR (durable water repellent) finish for increased water repellency. This seems to be a funny feature for shorts that can also be worn as swimming shorts, but it does help to keep you dry for longer when the weather turns nasty on a hike.

Sustainability
The North Face has taken major steps to enhance their sustainability in recent years, particularly by utilising recycled materials. I was glad to discover that the Class V Pull-On Shorts are made from 68% recycled material and have a PFC-free DWR treatment.
In saying that, while I strive to only support sustainable brands, I have occasionally found that products made from recycled materials may lack durability. However, I’m pleased to report that I haven’t noticed any decrease in durability so far with these hiking shorts.

Value
In comparison to the competition, the TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts fall into the mid-range category. You’ll find cheaper options, such as the Patagonia Baggies, but for the durability and the handy zippered back pocket, these are worth the extra $20. Plus, you’ll often find the Class V Pull-On Shorts on sale.
My Experience With The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts
Why I Chose The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts
I chose The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts for several reasons, the main one being their ultra-breathable and quick-drying features. While hiking in Australia and New Zealand, I tend to overheat and other shorts have made me sweat excessively.

However, I also required a pair of shorts that could endure the harsh environments we find ourselves in while hiking. Hence why the enhanced durability of the Class V Pull-On Shorts was another significant factor that influenced my decision.
How They Perform
After wearing the Class V Pull-On Shorts on multiple hikes in New Zealand, I am pleased to report that they have held up to the high standard I hoped to experience. I’ve thoroughly tested their quick-drying properties, durability and comfort and can honestly say that they’re one of my favourite shorts for hiking and casual wear.
Where Do I Wear My TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts?

The North Face Class V Pull-On Shorts are my go-to pair of shorts for any warm-weather adventure. Whether it’s a multi-day trek like the Gillespie Pass Circuit or a day exploring the beautiful town of Wanaka, these are the shorts I have reached for.
With that said, due to the extra room in the legs, I would hesitate to wear these while mountain biking or climbing – at least for anything majorly technical.
Final Thoughts
In all honesty, the TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts have become my favourite and will be my go-to for future adventures. Initially, I was uncertain about the bright red colour, but I have grown to appreciate it – especially because it keeps me cooler compared to black shorts.
I hope this review has helped you make your decision about the TNF Class V Pull-On Shorts. As I continue to wear these on my travels and hiking adventures, I will update this review with any updates necessary.
Happy Adventuring 🙂
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