102g (Size S)
105g (Size M)
107g (Size L)
112g (Size XL)
Introduction
Super Light
Hiking Shorts
For runners and fastpackers, our Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts are even lighter and more comfortable than our regular 5-Pocket Shorts.
Made of the elastic Pertex Equilibrium fabric, they are a bit shorter than the conventional 5-Pocket Shorts and of course, make use of our unique 5-Pocket system.
The paper-thin fabric makes the shorts ultralight and comfortable, but they are weaker and less durable than our other pants. Please handle them with care.
Changes for the 2026 Model
・The waist belt tape has been updated to reduce twisting.
・The pocket bag construction has been updated.
・The fit has been updated from Men’s/Women’s to Unisex.
See here for details.
Product story
Even lighter
I personally had no complaints about our regular 5-Pocket Shorts when hiking during the hot season, but for some of our trail-running and fastpacking customers, the hiking-oriented 5-Pocket Shorts seemed not to meet the needs of the intensity of their exercise.
So I decided to create a lighter pair of shorts that allow for even easier leg movement.
Naomi Kazama, wearing the 2023 version Olive color.
The original 5-Pocket Shorts are made of non-elastic and non-polyurethane Taslan nylon. Although polyurethane is often used for its stretch property, I did not like it because it tended to be slow-drying with inferior durability and weak wind protection. Non-polyurethane Taslan nylon, on the other hand, did not stretch but it was fast-drying, windproof, and durable.
After trying out many different fabrics, I luckily stumbled upon Pertex Equilibrium. Though it was less durable than Taslan nylon, it had a smooth and soft texture. It also had some elasticity even though it was non-polyurethane.
For more comfort and faster drying, we updated the drawstring material of the waistband from flat to mesh. The length of the shorts is shortened for easier movement of the legs. Of course, our 5-Pocket system is inherited from the trusted 5-Pocket Shorts, so you can comfortably dig your hands in the side pockets and easily stow your map or smartphone in the other pockets.
With the renewal of the fabric in 2023, the fabric strength, which had been a weak point, has been improved, making it possible to wear them with greater peace of mind.
Form and function
Differences from the Light 5-Pocket Shorts
With a length 1.5 cm longer than the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts, they offer added coverage while keeping the same sleek silhouette as the 5-Pocket Shorts and DW 5-Pocket Shorts.
The belt on the Light 5-Pocket Shorts is a nylon belt, instead of string.
Pockets for smartphone and maps
Yamatomichi 5-Pocket design can neatly store your map, snack, wallet, and other items you need during hiking, without interfering with your leg movement.
Especially, our smartphone pocket at the side is so well-positioned that it fits your phone while keeping it securely in place without bouncing around when running. The map pocket is large enough to store a water bottle.
1st & 4th pockets
Side pockets designed for easy hand access. The bottom of the pockets uses polyester mesh so water can escape.
2nd pocket
Sized to fit most standard smartphones. Positioned behind the hip bone so it doesn’t interfere with leg movement, stays stable while running, and sits in just the right spot so you won’t end up sitting on your phone.
3rd pocket
Placed slightly higher with a long zipper pull for easy opening and closing—ideal for carrying a wallet and other small valuables.
Key Loop
A longer loop for attaching a mini carabiner or hanging the pants on a hook.
5th pocket
Sized to fit a standard hiking map perfectly, while also accommodating a large-screen smartphone, a compact digital camera, or even a plastic bottle.
Super light
By using the Pertex Equilibrium fabric, we managed to create a pair of pants weighing only half of our regular 5-Pocket Shorts. The Equilibrium is also slightly elastic allowing for great flexibility when hiking.
The twist-processing of the fibers and optimum weaving design create a slight two-way stretch even without the polyurethane material, which is elastic but easy to deteriorate with age.
The Pertex Equilibrium comprises 20 denier threads on the surface and 40 denier weft threads on the backside for more flexibility and lightness; a combination of the fibers with different deniers creates a unique irregular texture to keep your skin dry.
Super fast-drying
As the fabric is super thin it dries in no time! The elastic waistband uses mesh material for quicker drying and better comfort when it gets wet from sweat or rain.
The chart below shows the moisture content in the fabric after 15 minutes of spin-dry. It compares our Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts with the base layers of major manufacturers, as well as a standard cotton shirt.
The lower the moisture content, the faster it dries. The Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts show that it is only 1.7% of water content after 15 minutes of spin-dry, which means it is almost completely dry.
5-Pocket Lineup
At Yamatomichi, we offer three series of bottoms for the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The original, durable lineup includes the 5-Pocket Pants, Wide Pants, Shorts, and Long Shorts. For those prioritizing lightness and breathability, we offer the Light 5-Pocket Pants, Wide Pants, Shorts, and Short Shorts. Bridging the two is the DW 5-Pocket Pants and Shorts, offering a balanced set of characteristics.
Material
Pertex Equilibrium
Pertex Equilibrium, with its unique double-weave construction, features thicker yarns (bundles of fibers) woven at regular intervals on the inner side in a striped pattern. This creates a textured surface that lifts the fabric off the skin, improving breathability and reducing clinginess and discomfort. Despite being thin and lightweight, the use of thicker yarns in the ripstop structure on the inner side enhances durability.
The fabric also offers a slight stretch thanks to the use of “false-twist yarns,” where the weft yarns are crimped to provide elasticity, allowing for unrestricted movement such as high steps. Additionally, blended yarns of nylon and polyester are used in some areas, and the differing dye affinities of the two fibers create a subtly mottled, heathered texture.
Tear strength measured by JIS L 1096 D (In-house test) Tensile strength measured by JIS L 1096 A (In-house test)
44kg
Size guide
Size chart
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height (cm) | 150~161 | 159~167 | 165~175 | 173~180 | 178~185 |
| Weight (kg) | 42~52 | 50~60 | 57~67 | 64~77 | 74~85 |
| Waist (cm) | 60~70 | 68~80 | 74~84 | 82~92 | 90~94 |
Product dimensions
※1: The listed waist size is measured without stretching the elastic waistband
※2: The listed hip size is measured at the widest point when laid flat.
Unit: cm
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pants length | 39 | 41 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44.5 |
| Inseam | 15 | 15.5 | 16.5 | 17 | 17.5 |
| Waist | 62 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 77 |
| Hip | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58.5 | 61 |
| Hemline | 30.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 35 |
※Due to fabric stretch and sewing discrepancies, there may be differences between actual measurements and the dimensions stated.
※Shrinkage of the fabric may occur with wear and washing, causing dimensions to change over time.
Men sizing
Size S 169cm 54kg
Woodbine (Atsushi )
Size M 169cm 63kg
Brown Sugar (Beyonce)
Size L 177cm 73kg
Cinnamon (Seiichi)
Size XL 183cm 77kg
Dark Indigo (Kenken)
Size S 169cm 54kg
Woodbine (Atsushi )
Size M 169cm 63kg
Brown Sugar (Beyonce)
Size L 177cm 73kg
Cinnamon (Seiichi)
Size XL 183cm 77kg
Dark Indigo (Kenken)
Size S 169cm 54kg
Woodbine (Atsushi )
Size M 169cm 63kg
Brown Sugar (Beyonce)
Size L 177cm 73kg
Cinnamon (Seiichi)
Size XL 183cm 77kg
Dark Indigo (Kenken)
Size S 169cm 54kg
Woodbine (Atsushi )
Size M 169cm 63kg
Brown Sugar (Beyonce)
Size L 177cm 73kg
Cinnamon (Seiichi)
Size XL 183cm 77kg
Dark Indigo (Kenken)
Size S 169cm 54kg
Woodbine (Atsushi )
Size M 169cm 63kg
Brown Sugar (Beyonce)
Size L 177cm 73kg
Cinnamon (Seiichi)
Size XL 183cm 77kg
Dark Indigo (Kenken)
Size S 169cm 54kg
Woodbine (Atsushi )
Size M 169cm 63kg
Brown Sugar (Beyonce)
Size L 177cm 73kg
Cinnamon (Seiichi)
Size XL 183cm 77kg
Dark Indigo (Kenken)
Woman sizing
Size XS 156cm 48kg
Brown Sugar (Saki)
Size S 164cm 50kg
Purple Haze (Hitomi)
Size M 172cm 60kg
Woodbine (Miwa)
Size L 180cm 65kg
Dark Gray (Yui)
Size XS 156cm 48kg
Brown Sugar (Saki)
Size S 164cm 50kg
Purple Haze (Hitomi)
Size M 172cm 60kg
Woodbine (Miwa)
Size L 180cm 65kg
Dark Gray (Yui)
Size XS 156cm 48kg
Brown Sugar (Saki)
Size S 164cm 50kg
Purple Haze (Hitomi)
Size M 172cm 60kg
Woodbine (Miwa)
Size L 180cm 65kg
Dark Gray (Yui)
Size XS 156cm 48kg
Brown Sugar (Saki)
Size S 164cm 50kg
Purple Haze (Hitomi)
Size M 172cm 60kg
Woodbine (Miwa)
Size L 180cm 65kg
Dark Gray (Yui)
Size XS 156cm 48kg
Brown Sugar (Saki)
Size S 164cm 50kg
Purple Haze (Hitomi)
Size M 172cm 60kg
Woodbine (Miwa)
Size L 180cm 65kg
Dark Gray (Yui)
Size XS 156cm 48kg
Brown Sugar (Saki)
Size S 164cm 50kg
Purple Haze (Hitomi)
Size M 172cm 60kg
Woodbine (Miwa)
Size L 180cm 65kg
Dark Gray (Yui)
Notes before use
Durability
The Pertex Equilibrium used in the Light 5-Pocket Short Shorts is an extremely thin and lightweight fabric.
While the ripstop structure adds strength, abrasion against sharp rocks, branches, or other rough surfaces may cause small holes that can lead to tearing. Please take care when moving through rocky terrain or sitting on rocks during breaks.
For repairs, please contact us through the Repair section of our SUPPORT page.
Instructions
Care instructions
- Machine wash below 40°C.
- Use a laundry net or wash separately.
- Line dry in the shade.
- Tumble dry below 60°C.
- The heat of the tumble dry may cause shrinkage but will be restored with use.
- Do not bleach and do not use fabric softener.
- Iron on low without steam.
- Do not dry-clean.
- High temperatures may cause shrinkage.
- The fabric may develop snags due to the friction with your body hair.
Care page
Visit our Care page for detailed washing, drying, and general care instructions. Thoughtful care helps keep ultralight gear performing at its best for longer.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card for orders from overseas.
- Bank transfer is available only to customers with a Japanese bank account.
- We accept the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the dispatch notice email, which will be sent once your order has been shipped.
Delivery
- Order Confirmation will be sent after the order.
- The items will be dispatched within 5 days after the payment is confirmed.
- The dispatch notice will be sent by email as soon as the items are dispatched.
- The delivery may be delayed by unforeseeable reasons such as natural disasters and other logistics issues. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- We cannot ship multiple orders in one package due to how our delivery system is currently set up.
- We will ship to regions in North America, Oceania, and Europe via DHL. For regions in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, we use EMS (International Express Mail Service) for shipping. We currently cannot ship to Russia due to Japanese postal regulations.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the shipping destination as well as the size and weight of the items. To find out how much shipping will cost, please add all of your desired items to your cart and enter your shipping information, the exact amount will be shown.
Size exchange
Choosing the right size online can be difficult. To make your purchase easier, Yamatomichi offers a size exchange program for eligible items. To request a size exchange, please use our size exchange form here. Please review the conditions below before submitting your request.
- We only accept exchanges when the item is unused (except for fitting).
- If you would like to exchange your item for a different size, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order.
- Exchanges are available only for the same color in a different size.
- If your preferred size is out of stock, we may suggest a different color instead.
- If the product is no longer available, we may need to return the original item to you.
- All shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
- We will send the exchanged item after receiving payment for the return shipping cost via PayPal.
- Please note that some countries may charge customs duties depending on the value of the item.
- We are unable to advise on local customs regulations. Please contact your local customs office directly.
Repair
At Yamatomichi, we’re happy to help extend the life of your gear. We offer repairs for all of our products — whether it’s a hole, broken parts, or wear and tear from years of use. If you’d like to request a repair, just head over to the Repairs section on our support page and get in touch. We’ll be happy to assist you.
For small holes or tears, you can also patch them up yourself using our repair patches.