Article by Sam Winebaum
In the article I review four 2023 multi purpose run shorts: Ultimate Direction’s Velum, Dynafit’s DNA 2-1, Ibex’s Springbok, and BN3TH Runner’s High 2-1. All are excellent, differing in length, types of liner and storage. More than "basic" run shorts, all feature state of the art fabrics and top notch construction.
The Heavy Hauler
Ultimate Direction Velum Shorts ($70)
5” inseam, brief, most waistband storage
Best for:
Daily runs and races on trail or road when carrying fluid, phone and more is called for.
Pros
The capacity of a race vest in a short with 4.5” deep 360° mesh waistband storage
4 compartments each doubled with outer slightly stretchier mesh, inner snugger mesh so 8 x storage areas
Mesh waist band is now greater in depth doubled compared to 2022 version.
5” length is my go to, not too long not too short
Very moisture wicking thin stretch woven outer shell, comfortable knit brief
Copious reflective details
Reasonable price for such a versatile high capacity short
Cons
Waist given a triple layer of mesh and its height is a bit snug and high.
Is there really a need for double layered compartments? Inner are harder to reach and one can get confused on the go as to where gear is.
The Long Hauler
Dynafit DNA 2-1 Shorts ($140)
Approx. 7 “ inseam, short tight length inner. 360° mesh waistband storage, laser hole ventilation tight and shell. Lightest and longest.
Best for:
Ultra and really any racing or running where carrying capacity, ventilation, longer coverage and light weight are priorities.
Pros
A great choice for ultra racing but as so light and stretchy for any running.
Forget you are wearing shorts feel in a tights length with storage
Highly laser holes ventilated and stretchy outer shell and inner tight, Never any chafing.
No waist pressure & surprisingly secure 360° mesh waistband storage with 4” depth.
White waistband trim makes it easy to find and grab openings, not always the case with mesh bands
Despite light touch no sagging or bouncing when short is loaded
Sun, and as I found out wind cold protection, given the lengths of inner and outer
Copious reflective highlights and cool look
Cons
Longer than my usual preference and a bit goofy looking.
The rear zip pocket is too small for a phone although all 3 mesh pockets hold it well
Top end pricing
The Deluxe
Ibex Springbok ($100 )
7” inseam, Merino Tencel brief
Best for: Sheer comfort and class on the move
Pros:
Incredibly light with stretchiest outer shell
Classy and simple
Softest and smoothest feeling brief (and overall here)
Can easily also be your most comfortable underwear
Very smooth feel and cool on the skin, ideal for hot humid conditions
Anti Microbial 45% Merino, 45% Tencel 10% nylon brief with a special cooling finish
Cons
Only two small pockets: key/card zip pocket and a hidden interior key pocket
Not as “warm” as one might expect from Merino in cool conditions, a bit smooth and slick
Price
The Do it All
BN3TH Runner’s High 2-1 Short ($80)
5” inseam outer shell, boxer brief, 4 pocket storage
Best for:
Do it all utility and style: run, gym, hike, lifestyle, travel
Pros
Do it all utility and style: run, gym, hike, lifestyle, travel
Lightly compressive, breathable boxer liner with MyPakage Pouch Technology™ for support and comfort
Practical pockets including: front hand pockets, zip key/card rear, and thigh phone
Very effective Ionic+ anti stink technology, actual fibers not just a finish
Cons
Rear waist band tends to sag when shorts are loaded
Knit boxer could be smoother and softer feeling
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 65 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2022 was Sam’s 50th year of running. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets lucky,, training 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run or nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
The shorts were provided at no charge for review purposes.RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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2 comments:
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I'm waiting for the big sale. Although it is very comfortable but the price is not suitable for me
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