REASONS TO BUY
Breathable
Runner-specific pockets
Wide waistband
Vents for extra airflow
REASONS TO AVOID
Small waistband pockets
Nylon has a structured feel
Price feels high
REI Swiftland Shorts Review
The most breathable short we tested pairs a runner-specific pocket system with a supportive mesh boxer brief liner for hot-weather performance
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
Our Verdict
The REI Swiftland Shorts stand apart for breathability. REI's O2Grid recycled nylon and spandex fabric moves air across the skin more effectively than any other material in our lineup, and outseam vents amplify that advantage. The Swiftland's pocket system is perfect for most runner's carrying needs. It sports a back zipper for a phone, there are two waistband pockets, and a key loop. The wide SwiftFit waistband stays put and manages moisture well, and the boxer brief mesh liner balances coverage with airflow. If you run in warm climates or train through summer, the Swiftland keeps you cooler longer.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The REI Swiftland Shorts on a sun-exposed trail. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
On hot afternoons in southwest Colorado, the REI Swiftland Shorts were the pair we reached for over everything else in the rotation. The O2Grid recycled nylon and spandex has a quality that is hard to describe until you wear it next to a standard polyester short: air just moves through it more freely, and the outseam vents amplify the effect. The wide SwiftFit waistband uses the same O2Grid material for moisture management, which means the part of the shorts most prone to sweat buildup stays drier longer.
The pocket layout deserves praise as well. The back zipper pocket securely fits a phone. There are two small waistband stash pockets that hold a gel or card in each, and a key loop in the right stash pocket keeps keys from rattling. It is a system clearly designed by someone who actually runs with stuff in their pockets. The boxer brief mesh liner provides good coverage and breathability, striking a nice middle ground between the minimal brief liners and the heavier 2-in-1 designs.
A side view of the Swiftland Shorts showing the cut and airflow. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
The waistband stash pockets are genuinely small. They fit a gel packet or a credit card, but anything larger will not work. The nylon-dominant fabric has a slightly more structured feel than the silkiest polyester blends, which is not uncomfortable but noticeable in the hand. At this price point for a house brand, we understand some runners might hesitate, especially when name-brand alternatives sit nearby on the shelf. The boxer brief liner, while breathable, takes longer to dry than brief-lined shorts when the Swiftland gets thoroughly soaked.
The back of the REI Swiftland, where the waistband stash pockets are small. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the REI Swiftland Shorts?
If you run in warm or humid conditions and breathability is your top priority, the Swiftland is the shorts to buy. The O2Grid fabric and outseam vents create a measurable airflow advantage that we noticed on every run. The pocket system is smart and functional for standard carry needs. Runners in cooler climates or those who need more pocket volume may find better fits elsewhere, but for heat management, the Swiftland is our top choice.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The Patagonia Strider Pro scores highly for drying speed and includes a far more expansive pocket system, though at a higher price. The Janji AFO Middle matches Swiftland's breathability and drying speed while weighing even less, but its two-pocket system is more limited. For runners who want a boxer brief liner with more thigh coverage, the Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts are worth a look.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Swiftland Shorts versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best for Running in Hot Weather |
|---|---|
| Price | $65 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | The most breathable short we tested pairs a runner-specific pocket system with a supportive mesh boxer brief liner for hot-weather performance |
| Pros | Breathable, runner-specific pockets, wide waistband, vents for extra airflow |
| Cons | Small waistband pockets, nylon has a structured feel, price feels high |
| Rating Categories | REI Swiftland |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |
| Pockets (20%) | |
| Specifications | REI Swiftland |
| Best for | Long distance |
| Liner Type | Boxer brief (mesh) |
| Pockets | 1 back zipper (phone) + 2 waistband stash + 1 key loop |
| Fits a Phone | Yes (back zipper pocket) |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 3.60 oz |
| Measured Waistband Width | 14.00 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 12.25 in |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 15 min |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | Internal |
| Body Material | Recycled nylon/spandex (O2Grid) |
| Alternate Styles | 5" inseam (brief liner); unlined 7" version |
—Matthew Richardson
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