The following review was written by ATRA vice president Susan Kendrick and features Outdoor Research trail kit – shorts, tank, jacket. Product was provided for the test and review at no charge.
Attention to Details You Didn’t See Coming
Anybody solving a problem in the outdoors usually has a lot on the line. So, when they find a fix for themselves, they definitely have your back, too. That’s how Ron Gregg started Outdoor Research in 1981 when a failed gaiter put an end to an epic summit for him and his partner. First he and now his successors haven’t let down their guard down since, innovating solutions for outdoor gear that outperforms the most rugged conditions, including your trail runs.
A Tale of Two Shorts
First, a short look at … shorts. We all have personal preferences, so hear me out. Most running shorts fall into two categories: Loose and Compression. The Loose category with its flapping side splits, with (or without) a liner, may be a road running staple, but they don’t feel completely right on the trail when you need to scramble over logs, slide over the edge of a rock, or just feel pulled together. These shorts simply feel too open to the elements. Plus, where are the pockets?
The second category is Compression. These shorts can range from your standard “tights” fit to full-on compression. Extras include grippy leg trim and other touches that mean well but are more distraction than strategy. Other seams run the gamut of placement and comfort with many feeling not great, even before you head out the door. The pocket—if any—is in the waistband where you have to wrestle things in and out (maybe one car key or credit card) or on the thigh where a phone can feel heavy or get knocked around.
A “Curated” Fit and Feel
The Women’s Swift Lite Hybrid Shorts from Outdoor Research bridge the shorts gap—or rather leap it completely—with a perfect blend of fabric, fit, feel … and pockets! “Hybrid Mapped Construction” is a key feature, meaning these shorts strategically combine different fabrics to optimize performance, front to back.
These shorts and I have now been on five trail runs at 80+ degrees, including two-hour, hill repeat sessions, and they are COOL! They also stayed DRY and fresh, even the waistband. They’re part of the Ferrosi Collection, Outdoor Research’s extensive and frequently awarded product line launched in 2009. The fabric is a balance of durability, softness, stretch, and weather resistance.
Out on runs, they make you feel both contained and free. The fabrics are just the right texture and weight to be light but substantive, protective yet personal, close but not clingy (we’re still talking shorts here, right?). Outdoor Research calls this “movement mirroring stretch.”
True confession, these are now my favorite shorts. I’m wearing them everywhere, and right from the trail!
360 Degrees of Premium Fit and Performance
These shorts check all these boxes and more:
● Fabric and design that are an irresistible blend of coverage and freedom that leans into your every move.
● Dry and fresh after hours on the trail.
● Broad, flat 2 ¼ inch waistband without the slightest possibility of rolling because there’s no elastic. Instead the fabric itself stretches.
● Flat internal tie to adjust waist fit. These can often be bunchy. Not here. Outdoor Research has precisely dialed in sizing so the tie is there to finesse the fit, not take on the whole load.
● 3.5 inch inseam for total mobility and staying cool.
● Large, zippered, back mesh pocket that fits your phone, vertically or horizontally! It’s a legit back pocket, the mesh keeping things light and cool.
● Two, large, front slash pockets, also mesh, to stash items (wrappers) on the go or post run.
● They even have a stitched “faux fly” area in front. I found out from Outdoor Research that they add this detail to some styles as a decorative finish to create a clean look, for aesthetics, and because in certain scenarios it reduces any potential bulk in that area.
● Because they look like “real” shorts, it is one more way they’re ready to go from trail to tap or anywhere else life takes you.
● Reliable sizing: I tried the medium and large because with women’s shorts you never know, even when your measurements match the online description. The medium was perfect. You can order with confidence.
What’s Color Got to Do With It?
Maybe color doesn’t matter much to you. You’re more concerned with fit and performance. But leave it to Outdoor Research to summit style as well. Across its line, you get your pick of bold, saturated colors, the final step in this buddy system for the trail.
Next, All-Day Shorts
I also tested the Women’s Odyssey Multi Shorts which are designed for multiple activities, running and beyond. I tried them for their quick-dry feature because I wanted something that would also jump from trail to paddleboard, kayak, etc. These shorts also have the same outstanding benefits outlined above.
Top It Off with a Tank
The Women’s Echo Tank is thoughtfully designed minimalism that feels good even hours into a workout. The seams under the arms and down the sides are smooth, and it’s not loose or baggy, which can happen with tanks. The ultralight fabric handily wicks sweat to keep you cool and dry.
Pack It In—the Confidence of Having This Jacket with You
Nothing beats having a reliable jacket ready on the run. That said, this Women’s Shadow Wind Hoodie is tough on wind and water resistant. And, it zips into its chest pocket for compact, easy stowing in your hydration vest or shorts pocket. It also has two, large, zippered, front quarter-panel pockets. Response to conditions is designed into the hood, too, which can be worn up, down, or rolled with one snap to become a stand-up collar for another level of warmth and protection. All that and this workhorse stills weights in at only 4.5 ounces.
Final note, the fabrics used by Outdoor Research are also bluesign® approved. Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. It’s always nice running with a company that’s also trying to do some good in the world.
Editor’s note: Read more articles featuring (or written by) Susan Kendrick here.
