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The Topo Designs Trail Shorts are a lightweight breathable short with 3 pockets and a small plastic keyfob loop. They are quick drying with an adjustable waistband.
Full Review
As Summer approaches its time to look again at options for shorts when out on the trail. Being a ‘non-American’ I prefer shorter shorts for running but there is always a balance between keeping cool in the long hot humid Summers of New England and protecting your legs from ticks and undergrowth. This is why I’m always a fan of shorts with no built in underwear because it means I can get the best f both worlds, cool shorts when I need them and add leggings or tights beneath when I want protection.
These new trail shorts from Topo bring a comfortable lightweight fabric that’s easy to keep dry and combine with 3 pockets to create a great no nonsense trail running short.
Fabric
The Topo Trail Shorts are made from a lightweight 4 way stretchy polyester that’s breathable and very quick drying. They are also DWR coated so light rain and splashes tend to bead and fly right off.
Pockets
The Topo Trail Shorts have two hand pockets on the sides that could really do with being a bit deeper to properly accommodate cell phones. There is also a zip pocket on the back that you can securely store your keys or cell phone ( as long as its not too big). The shorts also come with a bungee cord to tighten the waistband at the front and a small useful red hang loop at the back if you are leaving them out to dry quickly.
Gripes
My only real grumble is about the depth of the pockets at the sides. If they were a little deeper they would be enough to store a cell phone and leave the keys in the zip pocket at the back. I also think the ‘European’ 5 inch inseam might freak out a few American runners…but I say ‘Don’t fear the Short Shorts!’
Closest Competitor
The closest competitor I’ve reviewed to this was the BN3TH Running short which comes with more pockets ( one of which is waterproof) and built in underwear too.
Verdict
The Topo Designs Trail Shorts are a lightweight breathable short with 3 pockets and a small plastic keyfob loop. They are quick drying with an adjustable waistband. They come with the usual Topo high quality build and fabrics and the ability to choose whatever underwear that suits your activity.
PURCHASE $59Features
- 5” inseam
- Unlined
- Zippered back pocket
Specs
- 5″ inseam
- Unlined
- Taped inseam and side vent
- Custom elastic waistband with internal closed loop adjustment
- Secure back zippered pocket
- Signature triangle key ring
- Heat transfer label
- Paracord micro puller on back zippered pocket
About Topo Designs
Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen had always been interested in not only spending time outside, but also in the gear needed to get out. They found themselves wishing there was a company offering a lineup a bit more like the gear they grew up using—classic styling, functionality, durability and a clear connection with the brand behind the product. So in 2008, Jedd bought a sewing machine and began concepting, designing, and sewing packs in his Fort Collins basement, while Mark set out around Denver and the front range looking for resources and partners needed to build those designs.
They were lucky enough to find local Colorado folks that were just getting started like them and were willing to build companies together, and worked with them to produce Topo Designs’ initial offering of products, continuing to work with them to this day.
