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 quickly.

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 cooler and easier to move 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 substantial feel of the 5-Pocket Shorts. They’re just easy to wear without thinking too much about it.

Andy　For both hiking and trail running, I use the DW 5-Pocket Shorts the most. But I usually choose my shorts based on distance and what gear I’m carrying.

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.

My backpack also makes a difference. If I’m carrying a MINI, I want a secure pocket for my phone, so I’ll choose the DW or 5-Pocket Shorts. But with a trail-running vest, I already have plenty of storage, so I can wear the lighter models without worrying as much about the pockets.

I’m also particular about sizing. I wear size M in pants but size S in shorts. The closer fit helps reduce phone bounce, while the shorter inseam means less fabric getting in the way when you lift your legs.

ー How about the updated Light 5-Pocket Shorts? Has the phone pocket improved?

Andy　Definitely. The new design reduces how much your phone moves up and down, although there’s still a little side-to-side movement.

Ryo　That makes sense. Attaching the top of the pocket to the waistband helps keep your phone more stable, especially when you’re moving quickly.

ー Interesting. So distance, pocket stability, and even what backpack you’re carrying can all influence which shorts work best.

Ryo　That makes sense. The old pocket could move in every direction, but now that the top is sewn into the waistband, the vertical movement is reduced. Some sideways movement is probably still inevitable.

ーInteresting. Choosing by distance is a really clear way to think about it.

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

Ryo　For me, freedom of movement comes first.

Before joining Yamatomichi, I spent 24 days hiking the Shiga Round Trail. I started in the 5-Pocket Shorts, but partway through the trip, I stopped at an outdoor shop and bought the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts.

The difference was immediate. The lighter fabric and shorter inseam gave me so much more freedom to move, especially on steep climbs. I hadn’t realized how much my shorts were restricting my movement until I switched.

That experience really changed how I think about shorts.

Mabu　For me, good shorts are something you can put on without thinking too much about what you’re going to do that day. I want something comfortable and versatile enough for almost anything.

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

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

Mabu　Exactly. That’s what I like about the 5-Pocket Shorts. They just make things simpler.

Andy　For me, good shorts should feel cool and give you plenty of freedom of movement. I don’t want fabric clinging to my skin, especially 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 have enough structure to stay off your skin, and the textured DW fabric does something similar, 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.

Ayana　I agree. When I choose shorts, I want them to be as light, cool, and comfortable as possible.

For me, that’s the whole point of wearing shorts instead of pants. I want something soft that doesn’t restrict my movement and lets me stay comfortable when I’m working hard.

That’s why I keep coming back to the Short Shorts.

ー So even though you all look for different things, comfort and freedom of movement seem to be what matter most. Thanks, everyone!