Rapha’s Men’s Trail Lightweight Shorts are primed for all kinds of summer riding thanks to their many pockets. They blend durability with a light and airy fabric that’ll please trail riders everywhere while being burly enough for harder-going, bikepark riding. I have benefitted from sizing up, however, so be sure to check the size guide before parting ways with your cash.
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Rapha Men’s Trail Lightweight Shorts - Technical details
Like the Trail Lightweight T-Shirt, the Trail Lightweight Shorts are built with a ‘hybrid’ fabric that Rapha says is constructed to regulate temperature during very hot days.
Elsewhere, there are the usual facets that we’ve come to expect from a pair of Rapha bottoms, including the waistband adjusters and cleverly designed pockets. The pockets are a little different on this pair of shorts as there’s one that’s particularly phone-shaped and another that follows the typical design we’ve seen on other examples of Rapha’s legwear, so there’s a large vertically zipped pocket with a secondary inner pocket inside. There are then two unzipped hand pockets.
Delivering durability, Rapha has bolstered the seat with extra reinforcement and there are belt loops, if you’re the type to ride with a belt. Of course, there’s also a repair kit included in the pack.
As for the closure, it’s a zip and button setup, with the button sliding, clicking, and locking into place. It’s a stronger method that’s still easy enough to undo.
There is now durable water-repellant coating and while that’ll be nice to see, these are summer-focused shorts, so it’s an understandable omission.
Rapha Men’s Trail Lightweight Shorts - Performance
First off, the fit came as a surprise. When I tested the Rapha Men’s Trail Shorts, I wore a medium but had to size up to a large with the Lightweight Shorts as the medium was too small to get over my legs and around my waist. I’m certain I’ve not put on that much weight since...
But once in the large shorts, the fit is excellent and there’s plenty of length in the shorts to provide good coverage over knee pads, although the shorts are designed to be worn with, or without knee protection. Although there are adjusters at the waist, that are easy to use, I’ve not had to touch them or make any changes out of the packet.
The rear hem rises up the back a little, which is a great touch as it provides an extra hint of protection should you cross a stream or get caught in the rain.
I’m a big fan of the pocket arrangement built into these shorts as they’re all easily accessible on the fly, especially the phone pocket. It’s placed high enough that it keeps tension on the zip, so it can be opened with one hand, and it’s super easy to get a phone back in place, without ever leaving the bike. The second, double pocket, is also excellent as you can store keys and delicate items in the same pocket, but separately in the little division hidden inside.
The main point behind these shorts is that they’re light and comfortable and, when it comes to shorts, breathability isn’t something that’s at the forefront of my mind. But, even though there are no perforations or clear airflow-encouraging features, the fabric keeps cool and pleasant, even during serious temperate rides. This is at the sacrifice of a DWR coating, so water will work its way through but these aren’t designed to cope with wet in any way.
As for durability, that’s where the shorts have impressed. While wearing these shorts, I’ve had the worst crash of my riding career (although nothing too crazy) and they’ve held up incredibly well. Apart from a couple of tiny tears, the shorts look as good as new. They’re in one piece, and I’ve still worn them on rides since.
Rapha Men’s Trail Lightweight Shorts - Verdict
At £130, these shorts are rather expensive and that’s the real downside here. They’re very good shorts but of course, the performance comes at a price and the problem is that there are many, many good shorts available for less money.
One of those shorts is YT Industries’ Trail Cordura Shorts, at a hair under £80. Pockets aren’t quite as plentiful, but everything you need is present, and they’re built with an even lighter fabric.
At £130, Gore’s Fernflow shorts are the same money but the closure is a bit more complicated than it needs to be, however, there is a DWR coating present, so they’ll cope with a wider range of weather.
Despite being on the pricy end of the scale, Rapha’s Mens’ Trail Lightweight Shorts make for an excellent option if you’re looking for premium recycled fabrics and excellent durability. I would recommend sizing up for the best fit but there’s no DWR fabric here, so all-out versatility is somewhat limited.
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