The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

I wore these on a 40-mile bike ride that seemingly vacillated between driving rain and harder driving rain. In those conditions, it would be hard for any pair of shorts to stay bone dry, but for a few of those early miles in a light rain, the Link Double’s mostly nylon shell and DWR held up as the weather beaded off. Finding shorts for larger waists isn’t always easy, but these fit well with a nice 10-inch inseam and hook and loop fit adjustments. The zippered pocket on the thigh was the perfect place to stash a phone or snack, and the two-way stretch, courtesy of a smidge of spandex woven in, never felt restrictive. The polyester liner underneath is comfortable and while the rain got to me, it dried quickly. The two layers are tethered together, but you can snip the connection and wear them independently. — Sal Vaglica, Senior Editor

[$69.95; rei.com]

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