ー Which shorts do you use most, and when do you switch?

Ryo　I use pretty much all of them, but each has its own purpose.

For everyday wear, I usually reach for the 5-Pocket Shorts. When it’s especially hot, I switch to the Light 5-Pocket Shorts. For running in hot weather, I prefer the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts, and for longer trips in the Japanese Alps, I usually choose the DW 5-Pocket Shorts.

I carry quite a lot in my pockets throughout the day, so the 5-Pocket Shorts work well because the fabric has enough structure to keep everything stable. When I’m running, I don’t carry much in my pockets, so I prefer the lighter Short Shorts for their freedom of movement.

For longer hikes in the Alps, I usually only carry my phone in my shorts pocket. The DW fabric doesn’t cling much when you sweat, dries relatively quickly, and has enough structure to keep your phone from bouncing around too much.

ー How about shorter summer hikes? Would you still choose the DW?

Ryo　In summer, I’d probably choose either the Light 5-Pocket Shorts or the Short Shorts.

It actually depends on how I’m getting to the trail. If I’m taking the train, I usually wear the Light 5-Pocket Shorts because I feel a little self-conscious wearing something as short as the Short Shorts. But if I’m driving, I’ll probably wear the Short Shorts.

They’re also incredibly light and pack down small, so I often bring them as a change of clothes or to sleep in on longer trips.

Ayana　If I had to choose just two pairs, I’d go with the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts and the 5-Pocket Shorts. Between those two, I can cover almost everything.

For trail running, I prefer the Short Shorts. They’re light, soft, and give you plenty of freedom of movement. For everyday wear and casual hikes, the 5-Pocket Shorts are my favorite. The Short Shorts are also amazing as a change of clothes since they’re so light and pack down small.

The DW 5-Pocket Shorts are a good middle ground, but these two suit most of what I do.

ー So when would you choose the DW?

Ayana　I’m actually wearing the DW tonight! We’ll be running 40 km at around 1,000 m elevation, and it could get chilly, especially when we stop.

Ryo　That’s exactly where the DW works well. The textured fabric is designed to stay off your skin, so even when you’re sweating heavily, the wet fabric is less likely to cling and make you feel cold. It makes a big difference when you’re stopping and starting in cooler conditions.

Ayana　That’s a good point. If it were warmer or a faster-paced race where I wouldn’t be stopping much, I’d probably choose the Short Shorts instead.

I also love the simple drawcord waist on the Short Shorts. Compared with the waist adjusters on the other models, there’s less to get in the way when you’re moving. Plus, the lightweight fabric dries incredibly fast.

Mabu　The 5-Pocket Shorts are pretty much all I need. They’re versatile enough for everyday wear, hiking, and just about anything else.

I also sweat a lot, and with the DW or Light 5-Pocket Shorts, sweat marks can be pretty noticeable. The 5-Pocket Shorts don’t show sweat nearly as much, so I can wear them all day without worrying about how they look.

The fabric is also durable, and the pockets keep everything stable when you’re carrying things. I like having a pair of shorts I can rely on without having to be too careful with them.

ー Do you ever switch to the lighter models?

Mabu　I started running last year, so sometimes I’ll choose the DW or Light 5-Pocket Shorts when I want something more breathable and comfortable to run in.

But the thinner fabric of the Light 5-Pocket Shorts has its trade-offs. When you’re sitting on rough rocks, for example, you can really feel the surface underneath you.

For most of what I do, I prefer the more durable feel of the 5-Pocket Shorts. They’re just easy to wear without thinking too much about it.

Andy　The DW 5-Pocket Shorts are my go-to for both hiking and trail running. I pay a lot of attention to how shorts feel when I’m sweating, but distance and what I’m carrying also influence my choice.

For hiking and winter trail running, I prefer the 5-Pocket Shorts. For longer runs or hikes over 30 km, I usually choose the DW. And for shorter races, I go with the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts for their lightness and freedom of movement.

ーThat’s interesting. Choosing your shorts based on distance—I hadn’t thought of that.

ー We’ve talked about how you choose between the different models, but what makes a good pair of shorts in the first place?

Andy　For me, good shorts should be breathable and comfortable, without the fabric clinging to my skin when I’m sweating.

I’ve worn trail-running shorts with built-in liners, but they can get pretty sticky. That almost defeats the purpose of wearing shorts!

The 5-Pocket Shorts isn’t as thin as the Light version which helps the fabric from staying of the skin. The DW’s fabric is specifically designed to keep of the skin, even when you’re sweating heavily.

The Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts can cling a little more when wet, but for shorter races, the lighter weight and freedom of movement make that a worthwhile trade-off.

Ryo　For me, freedom of movement comes first.

On a hike before I had the pleasure of working here, I spent 24 days hiking the Shiga Round Trail in the 5-Pocket Shorts. Partway through the trip, I stopped at an outdoor shop and bought the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts.

The lighter fabric and shorter inseam meant less fabric around my thighs, making it even easier to lift my legs and move comfortably.

That experience really showed me how much difference the right pair of shorts can make.

Ayana　For me, good shorts should be lightweight, comfortable in the heat, and easy to move in.

I usually wear pants in the mountains, even during summer in the Alps. So when I do choose shorts, it’s because I want something lighter and less restrictive.

That’s why I prefer the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts. They’re soft, incredibly light, and exactly what I’m looking for.

Mabu　For me, good shorts are something I can grab without thinking twice about where I’m going. The 5-Pocket Shorts are durable enough that I don’t have to be too careful with them, whether I’m around town or in the mountains.

The less I have to think about my gear, the better.

ー So something you can rely on without having to think much about it?

Mabu　Exactly. Having one less thing to worry about means I can just focus on enjoying the hike.

ー It’s interesting how you all have different ideas of what makes a good pair of shorts. Thanks, everyone!