Mammut Runbold Shorts – Sleek and Great for High Output Activities

Austen Beason

The Mammut Runbold Shorts ($99) are great, athletic fit short for high output, outdoor activities like trail running, and hiking. These sleek shorts are classic Mammut apparel focused on function and action with just enough frills to accommodate a variety of objectives without adding unnecessary weight or causing distractions. I’ve enjoyed about 15 days romping around western Colorado in the Mammut Runbold shorts, using them on a couple of backpacking trips, numerous day hikes, and 2 or three actual trail runs.

Mammut Runbold Shorts sizing

Let’s start with the fit of these shorts. For reference, I am 6’3”, 175 lbs., and usually wear a 32” waist which is the size I went with. Designed with trail running in mind, I found the Runbolds to have a very athletic, tight fit for my usual waist size and stopped just above my knees when standing. I think the given waist sizes for the Runbolds are true, as the 32” waist is comfortable so I usually wear a belt with these shorts, though I could go without one if I needed. The tightness of the Runbolds is much more apparent in the legs and rear, as after a long ski season I definitely felt a little tight in the thighs, however after getting a few hikes/runs in I didn’t find the fit to be a problem during use. If you are unsure about which size to go with, I’d make the decision more based on your thigh/butt size rather than a simple waist measurement, and your preference on a more loose or tight fit; if you’re a pretty slim person, waist size alone should be fine, but if you think you have larger/more muscular legs it might be worth sizing up and wearing a belt.

Understanding that the Runbolds are designed for more active pursuits, their trim fit is combined with polyamide-spandex blend fabric to allow a wide range of motion and stretch without excess material/weight. As soon as I was able to get out moving in the Runbolds, my concerns about fit quickly dissipated, as the shorts effortlessly moved and stretched with me through even the highest steps. I never experienced any chaffing either from the few runs and longer days I got in these shorts. Similarly, I was very happy with the breathability of the material as it is lightweight and sheds moisture well due to its Midori treatment, especially when you’re moving and get some airflow on them. The Runbold’s fabric also provides UPF protection of 50+, although they’re still shorts so your calves are on their own.

As for pockets and extra features, the Runbolds have a good balance between added function and lightweight simplicity. There are standard hip pockets on each side, one right-thigh pocket, and one right-rear pocket. All pockets are zippered, which I really like in active-outdoor wear; nothing important randomly bounces out mid-jog. Although I do really like the multiple pockets, especially the thigh pocket, I did find that since the Runbolds fit somewhat tight the capacity of each pocket was somewhat reduced, or at least you could feel if you had much more than your keys inside. The Runbolds, as alluded to, also come with belt loops, which doesn’t seem typical in running-oriented wear.

Durability-wise, I’ve had no issues with the Runbolds so far. The fabric has held up well on the several bushwhacks I’ve taken them through, and I think the inherent stretch has and will prevent any surprise tears from big movements. The zippers are doing fine as well, though they do have a habit of catching on the inside fabric and jamming, which I could see leading to some lifespan issues down the road. As a whole, the Runbolds seem to be a very tough piece for how little they weigh.

Overall, I found the Mammut Runbold Shorts to be a great short for big, warm-weather trail days and running with much more versatility than typical running-wear. The Runbolds are very lightweight and breathable yet maintain superb durability for whatever the day throws at you. The Runbold is a great piece for anyone who’s looking to keep the heart-rate high and stack up some backcountry mileage.

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Austen Beason

A transplant of the Midwest, Austen immigrated to the promised land of western Colorado in 2012 in search of good climbing, deep snow, quality rivers, and a college degree when his goofing off allowed. He learned pretty quick the difference quality gear can make on the outcome of a day (or days) in the mountains and began looking for the best gear to abuse.

In the summer Austen is an avid whitewater kayaker, bouncing his boat down the steep, rocky waterways of Colorado, trad climber in search of the route less traveled, and works as a federal river ranger along the Gunnison River. During the winter Austen spends his time telemarking around the backcountry of western Colorado and working as a ski patroller up on the continental divide.

Austen says, “A hundred days of skiing and paddling each per year and you’ll figure out what is wrong or right with your equipment, especially when your lively-hood depends on it.” Austen also has his American Avalanche Association Professional Level 1 avalanche certification, EMT-B, and ACA swift-water rescue cert, as well as a member of the Search and Rescue team in Gunnison County for 6 years.