Montane Razor Running Shorts review: built for mountain running but solid performers on all trails

Montane Razor Running Shorts: first impressions

Montane Razor Running Shorts are designed with mountain running in mind, but they are totally suitable for all sorts of trail-running adventures, from training canters to bigger challenges in the pointy peaks. 

They are smartly made with a relaxed fit to allow for plenty of freedom of movement. There’s a breathable and supportive ‘Apex-Dry’ mesh inner to keep everything where it should be, and the shorts are treated with Polygiene permanent odor control. 

There’s one modest-sized zipped pocket, located centrally on the rear of the waist band, where you can stash car keys or other smaller trail running essentials. A second, much smaller, secret pouch is found on the inside of the shorts, just to the right of the waist tie – it’s not really clear what this is for: it’s too small for most gels, but you could just about get a house key in there. Perhaps. Sadly, there are no other gel pouches. 

Made from quick-drying Aeroflyte QD fabric, the Razor outer short has reflective features front and rear, which is a nice addition for those times when you find yourself running on the road or along lanes in the dark with vehicles around. 

Montane Razor Running Shorts: on the trails

Montane Razor Running Shorts are instantly comfortable, and the length is – I feel – perfect for the best trail running shorts, offering a bit of protection from briars and stinging nettles for the upper thigh, without reaching down too far towards the knee and impeding movement.

The integrated inner is made from a lightweight mesh, which is good when you’re running in warmer conditions (see running in hot weather: top tips for hitting the trails in the summer). Mesh liners don’t hold things in place as much as the thicker more supportive lycra/elastane-based inners do, but they do offer much more ventilation – there’s plenty of airflow to all the parts that tend to get sweaty, and the odor control treatment prevents pong building up over time. That said, the fact the inner is part of the short means you really need to launder them after each significant use.  

The waistband is thinner than found in some others on test, but it’s still reasonably comfortable (although the length of the draw cord inside is a bit stingy). I still can’t work out what the secret front pocket is for (I can only think it’s intended for a house key, or an emergency banknote), but the rear zipped pocket is excellent – large enough to take an iPhone (and positioned so that it’s not uncomfortable to carry one) or some supplies. I think a mesh pouch or two for gels would have been a good addition, however.

The outer is lovely and light, and it dries in no time at all when you get caught out in the rain. I have run extensively in Montane Razor Running Shorts, in all kinds of locations and conditions, and I rate them highly as a solid performer on the trails.