Afos Landlocked Shorts Vs Afo Original Fishing Shorts: Which Is Better for You?
Finding the right pair of fishing shorts is not as simple as it sounds. Whether you spend weekends by the water or you’re a dedicated angler, the shorts you wear can make a big difference in your comfort and performance. Two popular choices—Afos Landlocked Shorts and Afo Original Fishing Shorts—stand out in the market, but which is best for your needs?
Many people think fishing shorts are just about quick-dry material and some pockets. But when you look closer, details like fit, fabric technology, durability, and even pocket design start to matter. These “small” things can make or break your outdoor experience, especially if you spend long hours under the sun or in wet conditions.
In this article, we’ll compare Afos Landlocked Shorts and Afo Original Fishing Shorts in depth. We’ll look at design, comfort, material, features, performance, price, and durability. Along the way, you’ll find practical advice, non-obvious tips, and data to help you choose the right shorts for your adventures—whether on land or water.
Brand Overview: Afos And Afo
Before diving into the shorts themselves, it helps to know a bit about the brands.
Afos is known for outdoor apparel that blends style and practicality. Their Landlocked series is designed for people who want shorts that work for both fishing and casual wear.
Afo (short for “Apparel For Outdoors”) focuses almost entirely on fishing and water sports clothing. Their Original Fishing Shorts are a staple for many anglers, praised for their utility and comfort on the water.
Both companies have loyal followings, but their design philosophies are a bit different. Afos leans toward multi-use, all-terrain gear, while Afo targets serious anglers with purpose-built features.
Design And Style
Afos Landlocked Shorts
Afos Landlocked Shorts are made to look good anywhere. The design is modern and slightly slimmer than traditional fishing shorts. You’ll often see:
- Solid colors or subtle patterns
- Flat front and tailored cut
- Minimal branding
- Moderate inseam (usually 7-9 inches)
They don’t scream “fishing shorts,” so you can wear them to a casual dinner, hike, or even while traveling.
Afo Original Fishing Shorts
Afo’s Original Fishing Shorts have a classic, functional look. Their design is all about utility:
- Multiple large pockets
- Side tool loops or D-rings
- Reinforced seams and utility panels
- Longer inseam (often 9-10 inches)
- Sometimes feature bold colors or logos
You’ll notice right away they’re designed for fishing, with extra storage and rugged details.
Side-by-side Design Comparison
Here’s a quick visual comparison:
| Feature | Afos Landlocked Shorts | Afo Original Fishing Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Modern, versatile | Utility-focused, classic fishing |
| Fit | Slim/regular | Relaxed, roomy |
| Branding | Minimal | Visible logos |
| Inseam | 7-9 inches | 9-10 inches |
| Colors | Neutral, subtle | Varied, sometimes bold |
Material And Fabric Technology
The fabric used in fishing shorts affects how well they dry, resist stains, breathe, and hold up over time.
Afos Landlocked Shorts
Afos uses a blend of nylon and spandex, giving their shorts a lightweight, stretchy feel. The fabric is:
- Quick-drying
- Moisture-wicking
- UPF 50+ for sun protection
- 4-way stretch for freedom of movement
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish
Because of this, Landlocked Shorts feel comfortable in hot weather and don’t stick to your skin after getting wet.
Afo Original Fishing Shorts
Afo’s Original Fishing Shorts are made from a tough polyester blend. They often use ripstop or canvas-like weaves for extra strength. Key points:
- Extremely durable
- Water-resistant
- Fast-drying, but not as stretchy as Afos
- UPF 40-50 protection
- Reinforced panels in high-wear areas
These shorts are built to take abuse—sliding on rocks, carrying gear, or kneeling on rough surfaces.
Fabric Performance In Action
You might think both shorts perform the same on a hot day, but here’s what many beginners miss:
- The Afos fabric is lighter and more flexible, so it feels cooler and is less likely to restrict movement when climbing or bending.
- Afo’s heavier fabric can feel warmer but is much less likely to snag or rip if you brush against branches or sit on rough surfaces.
Comfort And Fit
Comfort is more than just soft fabric. The cut, waistband, and seam placement all play a role.
Afos Landlocked Shorts
These shorts are designed to feel “barely there.” Key comfort features include:
- Elastic waistband with drawstring
- Flat, low-profile seams to reduce chafing
- Flexible material for easy movement
- Slightly tapered leg for a modern look
The lightweight feel makes them great for all-day wear, even if you’re moving between the boat, the dock, and a restaurant.
Afo Original Fishing Shorts
Afo’s fit is all about function:
- Fixed waistband (sometimes with partial elastic)
- Higher rise for better coverage
- Roomy cut, especially in the thigh and seat
- Mesh-lined pockets for drainage
Some people find these shorts a bit “boxy,” but the extra space is helpful for active fishing—especially if you carry tools or need to squat frequently.
Fit And Sizing: What Beginners Miss
A key mistake many new buyers make is choosing size by regular shorts standards. Fishing shorts often fit differently.
- Afos run true to size for casual wear, but if you want a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up.
- Afo shorts tend to be roomier. If you’re between sizes, try the smaller one for a cleaner look.
Try them on with your usual fishing gear (like a belt or wading boots) to check real-world comfort.
Features And Storage
Fishing shorts are known for their pockets and tool loops. But not all pockets are equal.
Afos Landlocked Shorts
These shorts keep it simple but smart:
- 2 front slash pockets (deep enough for a phone or small tackle box)
- 1 zippered back pocket for valuables
- Hidden internal pocket for keys or cash
- Minimal external loops or attachments
The idea is to give you just enough storage for daily essentials, not overload you with options.
Afo Original Fishing Shorts
Afo shines when it comes to storage:
- 2 large cargo pockets with Velcro or zipper closures
- 2 slash front pockets (often mesh-lined)
- 2 back pockets (secured)
- Tool loops and D-rings for pliers, cutters, or lanyards
- Some models include a small waterproof pouch
This setup is perfect for anglers who want everything within reach.
Real-world Storage Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of storage features:
| Shorts | Pocket Count | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Afos Landlocked | 3-4 | Hidden pocket, zippered security |
| Afo Original | 6+ | Tool loops, waterproof pouch, mesh lining |
If you like to carry lots of gear, Afo is the winner. But if you want a clean, lightweight feel, Afos is better.
Water Resistance And Quick Drying
Spending time near the water means your shorts will get wet. How fast they dry and how they handle water matters.
Afos Landlocked Shorts
- Excellent quick-dry ability
- Water beads off thanks to DWR coating
- Fabric dries in under 30 minutes in direct sun
- Minimal water absorption, so shorts don’t feel heavy
Great for beach trips or wading, but fabric can lose some repellency over time (reapply DWR spray as needed).
Afo Original Fishing Shorts
- Water-resistant, but heavier fabric
- Designed to shed splashes, but not fully waterproof
- Dries in about 45-60 minutes in sun
- Mesh pocket lining helps drain water quickly
The heavier fabric can hold more water if fully soaked, but is less likely to get saturated from small splashes.
Pro Tip For Drying
Many people forget: always rinse your shorts with fresh water after use in saltwater. Salt can break down water-repellent coatings faster.
Credit: www.aftco.com
Durability And Longevity
Shorts that look good on day one but fall apart after a few trips are not worth the money.
Afos Landlocked Shorts
- Good durability for light to moderate use
- Fabric resists minor snags and abrasions
- Seams are double-stitched but not reinforced at high-stress points
- May pill or fade after 1-2 years of heavy use
These shorts are best if you want comfort first, and you don’t expect to be climbing rocks or dragging gear over rough surfaces every weekend.
Afo Original Fishing Shorts
- Built for rough use
- Reinforced seams and stress points
- Ripstop or canvas-like material resists tears
- Retain shape and color even after years of exposure
If you’re tough on your gear or fish in rugged places, Afo shorts last longer.
Durability Data
According to user reviews and in-house tests:
- Afos Landlocked: Average lifespan 2-3 years with moderate use
- Afo Original: Average lifespan 4+ years, even with heavy use
Sun Protection And Safety
Spending hours in the sun means your shorts need good UV protection.
- Afos Landlocked Shorts: UPF 50+ (blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays)
- Afo Original Fishing Shorts: UPF 40-50 (blocks 97-98% of rays)
Both offer strong sun protection. One non-obvious tip: lighter colors reflect more heat, making them cooler for long days on the water.
Weight And Packability
Travelers and backpackers often look for lightweight gear that packs down small.
- Afos Landlocked Shorts: Weigh around 6-7 ounces (medium size). Packs easily into a daypack or suitcase.
- Afo Original Fishing Shorts: Weigh around 9-11 ounces (medium). Bulkier, takes up more space.
If you travel light, Afos is easier to bring as a spare.
Price And Value
Price is always a factor, especially if you’re buying for the whole season.
- Afos Landlocked Shorts: $55–$75 (depending on sales and color)
- Afo Original Fishing Shorts: $65–$85 (depending on features and size)
Both are mid-range for fishing shorts. Afo offers more features for the price, but Afos delivers better style versatility.
Cost Per Wear
One way to judge value is by “cost per wear.” If you wear shorts 30 times a year for 3 years:
- Afos Landlocked: ~$0.80 per use
- Afo Original: ~$0.70 per use (due to longer lifespan)
Afo can be a better long-term investment if you fish often.
Style Versatility
Not everyone wants to look like they just left a fishing boat.
- Afos Landlocked Shorts work well for hiking, travel, even city outings. Pair them with a polo or T-shirt for a smart-casual look.
- Afo Original Fishing Shorts are best suited for fishing, camping, or beach days. Less flexible for non-outdoor events.
If you want “one short for everything,” Afos is the more stylish choice.
Environmental And Ethical Concerns
Today, many buyers care about how their clothes are made.
- Afos uses some recycled materials in newer models and is moving toward eco-friendly packaging.
- Afo focuses on durability to reduce waste, but has less information on recycled content.
Both brands manufacture in Asia but claim responsible labor practices. For more details, see their official sites or check independent reports like Outdoor Industry Association.
User Reviews And Community Feedback
Real-world feedback often reveals things specs can’t.
What Afos Landlocked Users Say
- “Lightweight and perfect for travel. I can wear them hiking or to a café.”
- “Quick-dry is amazing, but the pockets are a bit small for my fishing gear.”
- “After two summers, still look good but starting to pill in high-friction areas.”
What Afo Original Users Say
- “The pockets are awesome. I can carry pliers, lures, and my phone securely.”
- “Not as stylish, but so tough. I’ve caught hundreds of fish in these.”
- “A bit heavy when wet, but dry fast and never rip.”
Both shorts have high ratings (4. 5+ stars) on major retail sites. The biggest complaints for Afos are pocket size and long-term durability. For Afo, it’s mostly about bulk and style.
Who Should Buy Which? Use Cases
Choosing between Afos Landlocked Shorts and Afo Original Fishing Shorts comes down to your needs.
Choose Afos Landlocked Shorts if you:
- Want shorts you can wear anywhere, not just for fishing
- Prefer a lighter, more flexible fit
- Pack light for travel or hiking
- Need good sun protection for all-day wear
- Don’t carry lots of tools or bulky gear
Choose Afo Original Fishing Shorts if you:
- Spend serious time fishing or doing water sports
- Need lots of pocket space for gear
- Value durability over style
- Often kneel, climb, or sit on rough surfaces
- Don’t mind a bulkier look for added function
Credit: www.aftco.com
Non-obvious Insights And Tips
- DWR Coating Wears Off: Many people don’t realize that water-repellent coatings fade after repeated washing. To keep your shorts drying fast, use a spray-on DWR treatment every season.
- Pocket Placement Matters: On Afo shorts, pockets are often positioned so they don’t dig into your thighs when sitting in a kayak. Afos pockets, while sleek, may bunch up if loaded with heavy objects.
- Mesh Lining Isn’t Always Best: While mesh pockets drain water, they can catch on keys or hooks. If you carry lots of sharp tools, check the pocket lining before buying.
- Color Choice Affects Heat: Darker shorts absorb more heat. For long days in the sun, lighter colors keep you cooler.
- Try Before You Buy: Fit can vary between batches and models. If possible, try both brands in-store, especially if you have athletic or slim legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Afos Landlocked Shorts Good For Travel?
Afos Landlocked Shorts are lightweight, quick-drying, and pack down small. Their style is versatile, so you can wear them hiking, sightseeing, or even to dinner. The material resists wrinkles and dries fast after rain or washing.
Are Afo Original Fishing Shorts Suitable For Swimming?
Yes, Afo Original Fishing Shorts are water-resistant and have mesh-lined pockets, making them suitable for swimming or wading. However, they can feel heavier when soaked compared to swim trunks, and may take a bit longer to dry.
How Do I Care For My Fishing Shorts To Make Them Last Longer?
Always rinse your shorts with fresh water after use, especially if you were in saltwater. Wash in cold water with mild detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and hang dry. Reapply DWR spray every few months to keep water resistance strong.
Can I Use Afos Landlocked Shorts For Other Sports?
Absolutely. Afos Landlocked Shorts are designed for multi-use. People wear them for running, hiking, biking, or even casual sports. Just keep in mind the pocket size if you need to carry larger gear.
Which Shorts Offer Better Sun Protection?
Both shorts offer excellent UPF ratings—Afos is UPF 50+, and Afo is UPF 40-50. Either will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays during long outdoor activities.
Ultimately, choosing between Afos Landlocked Shorts and Afo Original Fishing Shorts is about balancing comfort, features, and style. If you want all-day versatility, Afos is your best bet. If you want maximum utility and toughness for fishing, Afo takes the lead.
Try both if you can, and you’ll see which matches your lifestyle best.
Credit: en.wikipedia.org