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These High-Tech Trail Shorts Want to Make You a Better Runner

Taking design cues from running tights, these high-tech trail running shorts prioritize thoughtful storage and optimized movement.

Black athletic shorts with three small pockets at the waistband holding cards and a key, on a green background.Raide
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By Hayley Helms

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Running long distances requires fuel and hydration, both of which can be tricky to pack comfortably.

While running vests are a popular method of bringing as many gel packs and Nerds Clusters as humanly possible (even for a short run), they can feel constrictive and uncomfortable.

Person wearing beige sneakers, black socks, purple shorts, and a black shirt jumping between two rocks against a clear blue sky.
Get ready to reach new heights (and speeds, perhaps) with the new Trailtech Short from Raide.
Raide

Which bring us to Raide, a performance apparel and equipment brand based in Colorado that is out to remedy trail running storage woes.

The brand’s latest release, a tech-oriented trail running collection, includes the new Trailtech Short, which Raide says is biomechanically engineered to increase efficiency while running.

The question is, can these engineered shorts really make you a better trail runner? 

Raide-y, set, go

After doing careful research, Raide found that there are only two places on our lower bodies that stay in place while running: the glutes and high hips.

Person placing a translucent Raide Research water bottle into the side pocket of light purple athletic shorts.
Storage placed in strategic zones on these shorts helps minimize discomfort and maximize efficiency.
Raide

Using that knowledge and taking cues from running tights design, Raide created the Trailtech Short to be as comfortable as possible by foregoing posterior storage and loading weight into key areas, minimizing inefficiency and discomfort.

Man wearing a brown T-shirt, black shorts, black cap, and a blue waist pack, shown from the back.
Stash layers (or poles) without thinking twice, thanks to hidden elastic bands.
Raide

The Trailtech Short packs five pockets into its design: two large pockets, two gel pockets and one zippered pocket. Each large pocket can accommodate a 360mL (12 oz.) locking cap Hydrapak soft flask, which comes with the shorts.

A balance of form and function

Additional functional and comfort-forward features include a silicone grip at the liner hem, a breathable laser perforated waist band, an internal waist drawstring to dial in fit and hidden elastic bands for pole, ice axe or layer carry.

Close-up of dark fabric with a grid pattern of thin yellow lines and small dots.
Toray’s DotAir perforated fabric minimizes bulk and increases breathability.
Raide

The stretch woven DotAir from Toray fabric is the most durable way to add breathability to a woven fabric; it helps keeps the weight of the shorts down while increasing comfort.

The pocket openings of the TrailTech shorts sit low on the waistband, keeping them accessible when wearing a running belt, something the brand also produces.

Two runners in shorts sprinting on a track, one wearing Adidas shoes and the other Puma shorts.
The Trailtech Short comes in both men’s and women’s styles, both featuring superior storage.
Raide

All of this thoughtful functionality is packed into a less than six ounce total weight for the entire package.

Availability and pricing

Right now, the Trailtech Short is available for pre-order on Raide’s official website, with the shorts set to start shipping on October 15, 2025.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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