Men’s Marmot Unpaved Lined Active Short 5″

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

The Marmot Men’s Unpaved Lined Active Short 5″ makes a strong impression with its lightweight feel and breathable design. Built for both high output efforts and easy jogs, it immediately comes across as a capable option for running, with thoughtful features aimed at comfort and movement. In the past, I’ve had issues with chafing and was looking forward to how these shorts alleviated that.

Detailed Review

Fit & Comfort

The fit is comfortable and secure, with a drawcord waistband that allows for easy adjustment. The 5 inch inseam provides a good balance of mid thigh coverage and freedom of movement. I ran in temps from the low 60s to 80s F and never felt overheated and noticed the excellent breathability.

Construction & Materials

These shorts are made from an ultralight stretchy recycled nylon outer fabric that performs well in cool to warm conditions. The material feels durable without being heavy, and airflow is excellent. The nylon mesh knit liner is soft, wicks sweat effectively, and dries quickly while offering good flexibility. The reflective Marmot logo is a nice touch, adding visibility during low light runs.

Performance & Run Feel

On the run, the Marmot Men’s Unpaved Lined Active Shorts excel in breathability and comfort. I never experienced any chafing, even during longer efforts, so yay! The rear zippered pocket securely holds small essentials like keys without noticeable bounce, which is a big plus. The standard hand pockets are adequately sized, but anything stored there tends to bounce, making them less practical for running. The inner liner pocket struggles with larger items like a phone, where noticeable bouncing can tug the shorts down slightly. If you are carrying something like a credit card or ID instead, the pocket is more than adequate to control movement. If you run with a pack, none of this matters as your storage is covered.

Pros:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Very effective moisture wicking and quick drying
• Comfortable drawcord waistband
• Rear zippered pocket doesn’t bounce and offers secure storage
• Reflective logo enhances visibility
• No chafing during runs

Cons:

• Liner could be more compressive
• Items bounce in liner drop-in pocket
• Standard pockets not ideal for carrying items while running

Closing Thoughts

The Marmot Men’s Unpaved Lined Active Short 5″ is a solid performer for runners who prioritize breathability and comfort. No chafing was a big bonus and I did not experience the dreaded ride up. While storage is functional for smaller items, improved compression in the liner would elevate overall performance, particularly for carrying a phone. As it stands, it is a reliable option for runs where you can travel light.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.