Gear Advisor: Trail Running Bottoms
Summer – the ultimate double-edged sword for a trail runner. Sure, the weather's beautiful and the trails that have been closed all winter are open for business, but will that blazing sun cut back on your mileage? Enjoy your summer trail-pounding without overheating thanks to these technical running shorts from the best brands in the business.
Tested and Reviewed
Merrell Resister Short
Merrell’s Resister Short’s outer layer is made up of light, breathable, and rugged material that makes it a go-to for multi-day, warm weather adventures. The M-Select WICK fabric was great at combating moisture, staying cool under pressure, and, in the candid words of our Lake Tahoe tester, “Wow, does it dry quick!” He was a fan of the overall fit of the outer short, though he did have some serious issues with the inner lining. “It was way too tight,” he said. So tight, in fact, that he ended up removing the liner mid run.
The tight fit was effective in keeping the brief liner in place and not creeping up during the run, but our tester couldn’t get over the “aggressive” amount of support. Our tester wasn’t digging the loose pockets, either - his energy bar fell out after two steps. That said, he admired the reflective detailing, reporting that the reflective material lit him up during headlamp-illuminated night runs.
On the plus side, our tester loved how tough the shorts were. After dozens of miles and countless encounters with rough trailside brush, the shorts still looked pristine. “Without the liner, they’ve been great,” he said. “The overall fit and the awesome stretch are great for runs and hikes.”
Best For: Warm trail adventure days
The North Face Better Than Naked Split Shorts
On warm days, The North Face Better Than Naked Split Shorts’ good ventilation and light materials help to keep body temperatures down by reducing hot spots. The lightweight running bottom provides very little coverage, but plenty of great features. The shorts are made with Wicking FlashDry™ technology that accelerates drying time and evaporation of body moisture. Integrated briefs and stretchy, split mesh panels improve range of movement, while using as little material as possible. A reflective logo adds a bit of visibility to the runner at night. There is also a secured rear zip pocket, and two stretch mesh hip pockets for small items.
Slipping them on, our tester was immediately aware of the lack of material. The split panels are just about full-leg revealing, giving everyone on the trail a good look at upper thigh tan lines. Upon asking for an initial impression, our tester stated: “good product name, I’m pretty sure they’re as close to naked as I’m allowed to be in public.” Once on, they were snug and comfortable with the built-in briefs. The briefs were supportive but still ventilated well enough to stay noticeably cool during warmer runs. When wet from sweat or creek crossings, the FlashDry™ material wicked away moisture fast. The zippered pocket centered along the back waistband was large enough for keys with a fob and a few cards, and each stretch mesh pocket easily held two energy gels or a granola bar without bouncing.
Overall, the material is incredibly light, yet highly resilient to abrasions. There are reinforced areas where needed, and the construction is top notch. For the sake of modesty, a few more inches of material would have been welcomed, especially when scrambling or climbing hills.
Best For: Long distance trail running
Arc’teryx Soleus Shorts
Arc’teryx’s Soleus Shorts are not for the faint of heart, nor for the shy of thigh. Keeping in tune with classic style, these bad boys have a rockin’ slit up the side of the shorts, making them seem even shorter. In addition to giving bystanders a show, the slits add mobility and ventilation, while the brief liner provides ample support. For a lightweight short, the Soleus provides a good amount of storage space. Three back mesh pockets welcome items such as small bottles (Hydrapak’s Soft Flasks) and even a packable jacket. The small, elastic front pocket has enough room to cram a few energy gels as well.
Despite our initial misgivings about the shorts’ high cut, our testers learned to appreciate the airiness. “The breeze was actually really nice,” one tester said. “You get the feel of short shorts without the exposure.” The polyester material stayed dry throughout long runs, wicking away sweat, and even repelling light rain. The only time they soaked through was during a post-run dip in a nearby river.
Best For: Long distance trail running
Salomon Park 2-in-1 Shorts
Salomon’s Park 2-in-1 shorts are made to provide comfort on long mountain runs, which, though they are often the most scenic, are among the more notoriously uncomfortable in a runner’s repertoire. The Park’s first line of attack against chafing is the knee-length boxer brief liner, which is fabricated from super-soft polyester and elastic. It doesn’t provide much compression, but it keeps bounce to a minimum. The liner did a great job of breathing and wicking away sweat, which kept our tester from getting clammy on hot, multi-hour runs. The main shorts are 100% polyester, and they complement the wicking of the inner briefs with exterior protection.
We applaud the shorts’ stretchiness, which came in handy not only while high-stepping over obstacles, but also during crosstraining sessions. “These are my new crossfit shorts now,” our tester said. “They breathe, they provide enough coverage, and there’s no movement restriction whatsoever.”
Best For: Long distance trail running
Recommended
Adidas Adistar ¾ Women’s Tights
Built with a women’s specific cut, the Adistart ¾ tights are made to follow the runner’s movements without bunching or wrinkling. The polyester ClimaCool material wicks away sweat and dries rapidly, while the vented material on the front and back of the thighs allow hot air to escape, keeping the runner cool, dry, and comfortable on the trail. For cooler spring weather, the 19” inseam of the ¾ length tights provides extra coverage and warmth without risking overheating as the sun comes up. A zippered pocket on the hip keeps cash and keys safe and secure.
Best For: Long distance trail running
Brooks Glycerin 2-in-1 shorts: Wendy
The 2-in-1 shorts are becoming increasingly popular in the running world. Who wants to wear underwear if they don’t have to? Not us, that's for sure. In this regard, Brooks definitely has you covered. The Women’s Glycerin 2-in-1 short offers built-in underwear, and not just those flimsy linings that you’d rather cut out than wear. The short lining is supportive , and the hidden pocket on the side gives you a place to stash your key or a GU. For a flattering look and full range of motion, we suggest trying out the Glycerin next time you hit the trail.
Best For: Long distance trail running
La Sportiva Pace Short
We all know that La Sportiva is a company that dominates the outdoor footwear market, but runners will rejoice knowing that they've also thrown together some pretty exceptional apparel. For the runner who wants a pair of shorts that will breathe easily, sit comfortably, and dry quickly after a sweaty run, the La Sportiva Pace Short is a great way to go. The shorts' three pockets let you double up on distance with room to store some food fuel, and the “comfort waist construction” delivers chafe-free performance.
Best For: Long distance trail running and hiking
Mountain Hardwear CoolRunner Shorts
Runners need all the help we can get with sweat management in the summer, and Mountain Hardwear is looking out for us with their CoolRunner Short. The Cool.Q ZERO technology reacts to moisture with a cooling sensation, and, paired with their mesh side vents, they go a long way towards keeping you comfortable when you’re logging those summer miles. Weighing in at only 4.9 ounces, you’ll barely feel a thing.
Best For: Warm trail running days
Pearl iZumi Flash Shorts
You won’t have to be jealous of your running partner anymore, because Pearl Izumi’s Flash 2-in-1 Shorts come in both male and female models, with practical liners that are designed specifically for your respective gender’s needs. For men, they have moisture-wicking boxer briefs under a stretchy shell for maximum mobility and minimal chaffing. And for women, a mesh boy short liner with fun textures lines up within the lightweight running short. Both shells are composed of Transfer Dry fabric, providing excellent dispersion of moisture. The four-way stretch material moves freely and the zippered pocket prevents you from doubling back for lost keys.
Best For: Long distance trail running
Zoot Icefil Short
Zoot’s best-selling women’s running shorts have been upgraded with Icefil™ technology to boost comfort during hot runs. The Icefil™ fabric reflects infrared rays and utilizes evaporation for a drop in skin temperature of up to 5 degrees. To top that off, the shorts have a wide, comfortable yoga-style waistband and more flexibility in the hip area thanks to a ventilated spandex liner. A zipper-secured back pocket stores keys or other small goodies. The outer material is an ultrasoft MicroSilk™ fabric that hangs light for easy movement on the trail, so rack up plenty of miles and look good at the same time.
Best For: Warm trail running days
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