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Kuhl Summer 2016 Apparel
Kulh is a staple in our seasonal spring/summer reviews, and this is because they consistently knock it out of the park. Prior to this article we’ve reviewed Kuhl pants, jackets, hats, long sleeve shirts and even boardshorts. This time around we decided to focus on what we consider to be the best Kuhl short sleeve shirts and shorts for the adventure traveller. Apparel that packs well, is comfortable to wear for multiple days and that keep you cool over a long haul. As a traveller, you don’t always want to wear technical looking clothes when you are simply cruising the streets of Kathmandu or relaxing at a roadside café. But, you also don’t want to give up any of the technical features that will keep you comfortable and cool (or should I say Kuhl?). For this review we settled on the Kuhl Kontra Air Shorts, Kuhl Radikl Shorts, Kuhl Brisk Shirt, and Kuhl Response Shirt. To see why these items were specifically selected, read the rest of this review. If you are interested in checking out some past reviews of Kuhl products, consider reading the following from 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
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Kuhl Kontra Air Shorts
Price: $85CAN / $70US
Sizes: 30, 31, 32, 33 ,34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42
Inseam: 8” or 10”
Colours: Gun Metal, Light Khaki, Raven, Saw Dust, Deep River Blue, Camel
The Kuhl Kontra Air Shorts are designed for hot, humid climates. Their KONTRA cotton/nylon fabric blend is a lighter weight version of Kuhl’s quick drying ÜBERKÜHL fabric. The built-in Kühlair vent system is made up of a series of mesh pockets on the front, side and back of the shorts. These mesh pockets, in combination with the quick drying nature of the fabric blend, make them ideal for a quick swim to cool down. The shorts also feature a patented airflow crotch gusset to help circulate air and keep you cool and dry where it matters most. A total of nine pockets provide you with a place to carry everything, including two thigh pockets designed specifically to keep your electronic devices secure.
Fabric:
KONTRA - 65% Cotton, 35% Nylon
Features:
- Super lightweight fabric
- KÜHL air™ vent system keeps skin cool
- Front, back and side pockets are vented
- Patented airflow crotch gusset
- Reinforced Grosgrain ribbon for added durability
- 9 total pockets: 2 front hand, 2 back, 2 zippered side, 1 welted drop-in, 1 3D cell phone, 1 coin
Kuhl Radikl Shorts
Price: $95CAN / $79USSizes: 30, 31, 32, 33 ,34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42Colours: Khaki, Breen, Saw Dust, Olive, Pirate Blue, Carbon
An exoskeleton woven cloth frame is used in conjunction with flexible, knit fabric panels to form the Kuhl Radikl Shorts. The advantage of this unique design and construction is that the woven fabric frame gives the Radikl Shorts the appearance, strength and performance of a traditional hiking short. What most people won’t notice are the soft and comfortable knit fabric panels located at key points of contact where you require extra flexibility and comfort.
Fabric:
Knit: 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex (main body)
Woven: 68% Cotton, 29% Nylon, 3% Spandex
Features:
- Comfort of a knit fabric with the technical performance and style of woven shorts
- Knit fabric panels for flexibility and comfort found in the gusseted knit crotch, rear and front pockets
- Inseam length: 10.5"
Kuhl Brisk Shirt
Price: $85CAN / $70US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Colours: Sunset Orange, Desert Sage, Lake Blue, Lizard, Rio Redthe Kuhl Brisk Shirt has a soft natural feel to it. The fabric is predominantly cotton with a little linen thrown into the blend. The cotton breathes, allowing you to stay cool in hot climates, while the linen fabric keeps you feeling fresh. Some moisture wicking is provided by the fabric blend as it dries quickly when wet. Two button-down chest pockets along with a hidden interior pocket provide ample space to carry several small items like money or lip balm. Under the left placket (that’s the part of the shirt at the hem that you might tuck in) is a soft cloth for cleaning your sunglass. Always handy and hidden from view.
Fabric:
96% Cotton, 4% Linen
Features:
- Inside security pocket
- 2 button-down chest pockets
- Stealth button collar
- Built-in custom sunglasses cleaner inside bottom left placket
- UPF 15
Kuhl Response Shirt
Price: $70CAN / $69US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Colours: Shadow Blue, Citrus Green, Deep Sea, Chilli Pepper, Kosmic BlueThe ELÜXUR LITE fabric found on the Kuhl Response Shirt is woven from 100% polyester microfiber, and an IONIK treatment is applied to resist odours. Since it’s wrinkle resistant, moisture wicking and quick drying, it’s ideally suited for multiple days of wear while travelling. Built-in mechanical stretch allows for freedom of movement and recovery, making this a comfortable button-down shirt to wear for any activity. The easy care, wash and wear appeal of the Response Shirt will likely make it one of your favourites.
Fabric:
ELUXUR - 100% Polyester with IONIK finish
Features:
- Quick dry, wicking and wrinkle resistant
- 2 chest pockets with button closure
- Inside security pocket
- KÜHL signature metal buttons
- UPF 30
Verdict:
Kuhl apparel has always adhered to the rule of form follows function. Their clothing pushes the boundaries with not only innovative fabrics but also design, construction and features. The Kuhl Kontra Air Shorts, Radikl Shorts, Brisk Shirt and Response Shirt illustrate this point well.
Based on the success of their Radikle pants, Kuhl has taken the same innovative exoskeleton design and applied it to the Radikl shorts. While not as light and breathable as the Kontra Air Shorts, the Radikls provide more stretch and give where you need it most. While the Radikle shorts are super comfortable and some what breathable, if your adventures take you somewhere hot and muggy then the Kontra Air Shorts are what you’ll need. The KONTRA fabric’s 65% Cotton / 35% Nylon blend is super light and the nine vented pockets and airflow crotch keep you as cool as you can be with clothes on. With both the Kontra Air and Radikle shorts, Kulh has integrated their stealth cell phone pocket. Once you use this pocket you won’t want to wear shorts or pants without one.
The Kuhl Response Shirt pairs nicely with the Kontra Air shorts given its wicking capabilities and anti-stink IONIK finish. The wrinkle fee nature of this 100% polyester shirt allows you to wear it right out of your pack no matter how badly you crammed it in there. While the Kuhl Brisk shirt wrinkles more than the Response shirt, it does offer up a security pocket for your valuables while travelling. Although this pocket is small in size and offers no zip or snap to close it securely, it will accommodate some cash or plane tickets that you would prefer to keep hidden from view. The Brisk shirt also has an integrated sunglasses wipe which has to be one of my favourite features; I never carry a specific cloth for this and end up just using my shirt to clean my glasses, which is never ideal for expensive sunnies. On the down side, Kuhl’s Brisk shirt does have really tight sleeves, so if you are a muscly guy then you’ll have to give this one a pass.
Kuhl continues to impress with each of the following items, and I wholeheartedly recommend these shorts and shirts for an upcoming adventure or simply as some stylish, comfortable and functional clothing for hitting the trails or the patio.
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SPECS:
See above for individual product specification.
RATING: 9/10
| Innovation 2/2 Function 1.5/2 Aesthetics/Fit 1.5/2 Features 2/2 Quality/Price 2/2 |
Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.
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