The best trail running shorts: for taking on technical terrain

The best trail running shorts are designed specifically for the demands of trail enthusiasts, featuring qualities that elevate them above standard running shorts. Engineered to provide freedom of movement when you're taking on technical terrain, a good pair is every bit as essential as any other piece of trail running kit.

All of the best trail running shorts in this guide are comfortable, breathable and move with you. Some feature storage capacity for items like gels and snacks. Meanwhile others take it even further, such as Ultimate Direction's Jason Schlarb shorts, which even have trekking pole attachments.

To test our selection, we've laced up our best trail running shoes and set out into the backcountry, taking on everything from short, snappy single track runs to long adventure races in the mountains. Salomon's Agile 2-in-1 shorts are our pick for support on longer missions.

These trail running shorts from French running specialists Salomon feature an excellent integrated inner tight, which offers superb support and prevents (or lessens the chances of) the wearer suffering chafing in the cruelest areas. The inner is reasonably breathable and the outer material has mesh along the upper thigh to help with venting and airflow. The main material is very lightweight and dries out quickly after getting wet. The waist is elasticated, with a draw cord for extra security. 

The small back pocket, which zips shut so you can place things in it with confidence, is located centrally on the rear of the waistband, so the contents don’t jiggle around and annoy you when you’re in motion. On test we were disappointed to find that there are no other pockets or pouches for stashing gels and so on – a strange omission. 

Available in a range of colors, some with patterns, the Agile 2-in-1 shorts have reflective details on the sides and front, for security when running in places where there are vehicles after dark, but an extra high-vis flourish on the rear would have been a nice touch.

There is a superb – substantial, but breathable and moisture-wicking – inner on this particular entry in our list of the best trail running shorts, which extends further down the thigh than the outer shell and works well to prevent chafing. The outer is lightweight and features mesh panels along the thigh to help with venting and airflow. It has also been treated with a water-resistant DWR finish on the outer fabric, which helps keep you dry (but if they do get soaked, they dry quickly). 

There's more elastane (37%) in these shorts than any others on test, and they are very stretchy for leaping over obstacles on the trail and tackling steep and technical slopes. They feature a wide waistband, which keeps them firmly in place even beneath a hydration pack, but there is a ribbon-style draw cord too, for extra tightening if required. 

There is just one pocket, but it is intelligently located in the centre of the rear waistband. It zips shut, so you can place things in there without fear of losing them mid run, and there’s a cord for looping around car keys for extra security in case you forget to do the zip up. Unfortunately, there are no additional pouches for gels, which we would like to see. 

The front-located logo and a couple of side stripes are reflective, for safety when running where there are vehicles in poor light, but an extra reflective flourish on the back would have made them more effective in this regard.

Read our full inov-8 Trailfly Ultra 7” 2-in-1 Short review

Best trail running shorts for ultras

Offering support, ventilation, freedom of movement and – most uniquely – a massive amount of storage space and carry capacity (even extending to attachment points for hands-free stashing of running poles), Ultimate Direction Jason Schlarb Shorts are excellent for independent runners – especially ultra runners – taking on long distances over rough terrain where you need to be self-sufficient.

Developed alongside professional runner and coach Jason Schlarb, they're specifically designed for long-distance runs across mountain terrain and other epic landscapes. It's a two-in-one garment comprising a super-supportive, tight-fitting inner brief and waist belt, combined with a loose outer, which allows for plenty of airflow. The short legs feature a thigh split, and offer complete freedom of movement when you’re moving fast over technical terrain. On test, we found the outer to be a little too baggy, and it flaps around in the wind.

The signature feature of the short, though, is the waist belt. It’s wide, supportive and comfortable, offering 360-degree storage in the form of four large pouches: one on the front, one on the back and one on each side. Separated by dividers for extra functionality and organization, these open-top pockets can be used to hold gels and bars, a map and compass, phone, tracking device and even small water bottles.

Read our full Ultimate Direction Jason Schlarb Short review

Lightweight trail running shorts

The slim-fit cut and design of these shorts means they fit snuggly, while still allowing plenty of freedom of movement, but there’s very little excess fabric flapping around and annoying you. The material mix is intelligent, with enough elastane to provide all the stretch and dynamic range you could need on even the most technical trails, while keeping the overall weight low and the performance levels high – with good breathability, moisture-wicking and rapid drying capability. 

The inseam length is long, but there’s a large split on the leg, which we found makes it easy to lift your leg to overcome obstacles on the trails, and the seams are all flat, which increases comfort levels. Storage is good, with a centrally located zipped pocket on the rear of the waistband – for the really must-not-lose stuff – flanked by a brace of mesh pouches for gels and jellies. The elasticated waistband is wide and comfortable, and it’s backed up by a draw cord with rubber tips to avoid it getting lost. 

The colorways are a bit more exciting than some of the other shorts on test, and there are reflective elements for safety on lanes and roads once the sun sets on the trails. These are seriously excellent shorts, but you would seriously expect that for the less-than-lightweight price tag. 

The Talus shorts are part of the Rab Skyline range of running gear designed for the mountains. These built-for-speed shorts are made with super lightweight ‘Matrix’ single-weave fabric, which has plenty of stretch capability and allows you to move freely when ascending and descending steep slopes, and leap over obstacles on technical trails. Lifting your leg and raising your knee high mid stride is made even easier by the split vent, and a stitch-free bonded hem means there’s little to no friction. It also dries extremely quickly if you get caught in a storm. 

There is a rear-facing, relatively small zipped pocket for essentials on the right hip (angled to avoid annoying bounce while you’re in motion) and a discreet gel pouch on the left hip. The logo on the front and an arrow pattern on the rear are both reflective, as a safety feature for running in the dark when there are vehicles around. 

The major downside of these shorts is the lack of a liner, which means you need to combine them with technical underwear/leggings, which won’t be so quick drying or breathable, or throw caution (and support) to the wind and go commando. The waist is firmly elasticated, and there’s a drawcord for further adjustment.

Read our full Rab Talus Shorts review

Budget trail running shorts

For the low price tag, these shorts offer a lot of performance and value. They’re constructed with a lightweight, quick-drying, baggy outer shell and a supportive mesh inner brief to restrict unwanted movement while you’re running. We found that the loose-fit outer allowed us t raise our legs high while tackling technical terrain, although the material mix used is less dynamic than other trail running shorts reviewed. 

The outer features a mesh gusset between the legs, which is good for venting and airflow. The carry capacity of these shorts is the best on test, with two zipped pockets (both centrally positioned, one on the front and one on the rear) for stashing important things, and several mesh pouches for gels on longer runs. There’s also an unusual and quite large pouch on the front – over the top of the zipped pocket – which could be used for carrying all sorts of things (although we think that the brand’s claim that it will hold a lightweight running jacket is a little ambitious). 

All the extra zips and materials come with a small weight penalty (vastly increased, of course, if you actually load all those pockets full of treats, sweets and gear), but the wide elasticated waistband (backed-up by a decent-length draw cord) spreads the load and provides security. There are reflective details on the front and rear of these shorts, so drivers can see you when you’re running on roads and lanes after dark.

Read our full Evadict Men’s Trail Running Baggy Shorts review

Versatile trail running shorts

These multi-use shorts are excellent for trail running – whether you’re training or racing – and can also be worn while fast packing or hiking in warmer months. They boast a zipped pocket (for important things), centrally located on the rear waistband, plus two mesh pouches on either side, which are great for carrying gels. 

We found the elasticated waistband broad and comfortable, and there's a draw cord for extra security and adjustment. The inseam length of the shell layer is quite short (offering plenty of freedom of movement) while the tights-style inner extends much further down the thigh, offering support and protection. 

The dynamic elastane content is split between the shell and the inner layer, and tackling technical terrain is no issue in the Titan IIs, because you can raise your legs as high as your flexibility will allow, without the material restricting you. The breathable, moisture-wicking inner has been given an antimicrobial treatment (with an active biocidal substance called pyrithione zinc) to inhibit bacterial growth, and the lightweight, quick-drying outer shell has a mesh strip along the thigh for venting and air flow. There are reflective flourishes on the front and back of these shorts, for safety when running on lanes and roads after dark, but the color choice is limited.

Read our full Columbia Men’s Titan Ultra II shorts review

Easily the most comfortable shorts on test, the next-to-skin caress of the majority bamboo double-knit material used in this garment is sensational, but it’s not all about the touchy feel factor here – bamboo viscose is also a performance fabric. It breathes well, wicks moisture away from the body and keeps bacteria and bad smells at bay, even after repeated use. 

Along with the other main ingredient in these shorts, cotton, it’s also grown instead of being artificially made, and it will biodegrade at the end of its active life. It is, however, heavier than the synthetic materials used in the other shorts on test, and if it gets wet that becomes much more of an issue – it will take much longer to dry, and the bamboo/cotton mix is no good for keeping you warm when wet. 

These shorts are not specifically intended for trail running, but in dry conditions, they do offer an interesting and comfortable option. There’s no liner, but you don’t necessarily need one, or you can wear performance underwear. These shorts feature two zipped hand pockets, on either side, and they can just as easily be worn as a hiking short, or for climbing, as a running garment. 

Read our full BAM Standon Athletic Bamboo Shorts review

Best trail running shorts comparison table

Meet the expert

Pat Kinsella

Writer, editor and enthusiast of anything involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing adventure stories. En route he’s climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He can often be found pounding Devon's coastal trails in the south of England.

How we test the best trail running shorts

Our reviewers test trail-running shorts on a variety of run types, from short, snappy trail and road runs to longer adventure runs, in a range of conditions, on training outings and during competitive events. Specific qualities (such as freedom of movement, breathability, comfort and storage capabilities) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as durability, environmental impact and value for money.

How to choose trail running shorts

For an ostensibly simple garment, there is a lot of variation to be found in the materials used and features included in the wide range of trail running shorts available these days. So if you seriously want to get into trail running, finding the right ones for you is as important as finding the best running gloves and trail running sunglasses.

Trails vary enormously, as do personal preferences, but all running shorts need to be breathable, and the ability to wick and deflect moisture is invaluable, as is the capacity to quickly dry out after a drenching. 

Materials

The best trail running shorts are made from materials that are lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and quick to dry. You will also want a dynamic fabric, which will move and stretch with you as you run. Synthetic materials such as poly-based fabrics are, frankly, terrible for the environment, so look for recycled content and alternative options such as bamboo.

Length

Typically quoted in inches, the inseam length of a pair of shorts is the measurement between the bottom of the leg and the seam at the base of the crotch. The most common lengths are 5, 7 and 9 inches. This one really comes down to personal preference, but if you run regularly in areas where hazards such as nettles and brambles are commonplace, you might want a longer short. Mid summer, a shorter leg is nice. Look for stretch in the material and features such as splits to facilitate a full range of leg movement, so you can raise your knees to get over trail obstacles. 

Liner or no liner?

Shorts with no liner give you some flexibility on how you want to wear them (with technical undies, or commando), which means you can go superlight if that’s your preference. You can also get more runs between washes if you don underwear beneath your shorts, and the main (more expensive) garment will last longer as a result. But many people prefer an integrated liner, either made of mesh (very breathable, but less robust and supportive) or a tights-style inner, which will offer loads of support and protection, but can run warm. The latter kind of liner also offers excellent protection against the dread of chafing, which has prematurely and painfully ended many a runner’s race or training session. 

Baggy or tight?

Most of the best trail running shorts are more substantial and less tight than road running or track shorts, because they need to be able to deal with a greater range of conditions and offer the wearer more protection from flora and fauna. That said, you don’t want too much excess material flapping around, as it can become annoying, slow you down and snag on trees and brambles. Baggier garments offer more range of movement,  but good design and use of dynamic modern materials mean that you can have a slim-fit short that still offers ample freedom. The combination of a stretchy inner and a looser lightweight outer is a combination preferred by many trail runners. 

Pockets

Far more than road runners, trail scamperers will want to take stuff with them on their run, from a phone to take scenic summit selfies to gels, jellies and other snacks to keep them going. At least one pocket with a zip is highly desirable, so you can safely stash your car/house keys. Mesh pouches for gels are a good too, offering options without adding much weight to the short. 

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