REASONS TO BUY
Highly moisture-wicking
Many fit options
Comfortable
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not that fashionable
More technical
Uncomfortable phone pocket
REI Swiftland Shorts - Women's Review
From their breathable, quick-drying construction that handles sweat and heat exceptionally to their thought storage solutions, this pair of shorts is an easy recommendation for runners of all kinds
Breezy and lightweight, these durable running shorts from REI are an ideal pick for runners who need one pair of do-it-all shorts for the epic adventures ahead.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shorts for Women
Our Verdict
The REI Swiftland Shorts sit in a really interesting sweet spot in the world of running apparel. They're not flashy or overly engineered, but quietly dialed for runners who actually spend time outside on varied terrain. With a 73% recycled nylon / 27% spandex blend and a weight of just 3.60 ounces, they feel light, functional, and intentionally built for movement over distance. Add in the option of 3" or 5" inseams along with both high-rise and mid-rise fits, and you get a short that easily adapts to different preferences without overcomplicating things. Even better, REI offers these in sizes ranging from XS to 3X, reinforcing the idea that the trails (and roads and gyms) are truly for everyone. Having tested multiple versions of the Swiftland over the last few years, we can also speak to their durability as they have held up to the demands of daily running plus some pretty crazy adventures.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The lightweight comfort of the Swiftland makes them an easy-to-grab choice for trail runs of all distances. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Overall Comfort
Comfort in the Swiftland shorts is grounded in stability and practicality. Simply put, they don't feel like they are trying too hard.
The breezy fabric has a slightly more structured, performance-forward hand feel compared to shorts designed to feel silky, but it pays off in motion. Even compared to the previous version of these shorts, the feel is a bit tougher. One of the most noticeable features of the Swiftland line is how well the fabric stays in place between the thighs. There's far less of that swishy, shifting sensation you get from lighter, more flowy materials, which is a huge plus for many curvier runners.
Even the materials that make up the drawstring have an added element of lightweight comfort, helping every inch of this short feel ready for anything. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The result of this simple yet intentional engineering is a short that feels secure in motion without being restrictive. The spandex content provides enough stretch for natural stride length and uphill movement, while the nylon adds a bit of toughness that holds up well against brush, dirt, and repeated use on rugged terrain. It's the kind of comfort that comes from reliability, which is a quality that we covet in our running gear. You stop noticing the Swiftland shorts, not because they disappear entirely, but because they just consistently behave well.
The well-designed seams also play a big role here. They help eliminate friction points during longer runs and reduce the risk of chafing, even in sweaty or repetitive conditions (which are the main kind of conditions encountered while running). Combined with the relatively light 3.60-ounce weight, the overall feel lands in a category that, devoid of surprises, is truly suitable for runners of all shapes, sizes, and ability levels.
The rear zippered pocket is large enough to hold a phone horizontally, and the zipper pull makes it easy to unzip while you're moving. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Pockets
The Swiftland shorts keep storage simple without being minimal, which aligns with their more no-nonsense design philosophy. They don't try to compete with highly engineered pocket systems, but they offer far more storage than the last iteration (also a GearLab award winner) did.
Nestled amid the airy textiles of the Swiftland, you'll find two small waistband pockets suitable for keys, cards, or a gel or two. The right side even includes a mini key carabiner for added key safety. An internal pocket is tucked into the liner waistband. While the liner pocket doesn't have a key hook, we found it to be a completely secure place for a car key. Finally, the rear panel pocket is large enough to hold an iPhone 16 in a case (albeit very snugly). As with other shorts with this pocket style, the pocket functionality is great if you can get accustomed to the rigidity of a phone pressed against your back. While not our favorite sensation, the ample pocket space and functionality of this pair of shorts' waistband diminished the need to carry a hydration pack, which is a huge win for all of runnerkind.
The split short-style body of the Swiftland dried incredibly fast in each one of our tests. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Breathability & Moisture Control
This is where the REI Swiftland shorts quietly outperform expectations. The recycled nylon and spandex blend is surprisingly effective at managing heat and moisture, especially given its slightly more structured feel.
Airflow in the Swiftland shorts is solid during movement, and the fabric doesn't cling or feel swampy when sweat builds. What stands out most is how quickly they dry in real-world conditions. In testing, they line-dried in about 22 minutes and were fully dry in roughly 15 minutes in the dryer, which is an impressive indicator of how little moisture the fabric actually retains. Even more notable, the legs don't hold onto water or sweat, which creates heaviness. The dry time was simply to help the waistband, and its double-layering of pocket-filled goodness shed moisture. Once wet, these shorts wick moisture quickly and return to a comfortable, wearable state without lingering dampness. On trail runs, hill workouts, or hot-weather efforts, this fast-drying behavior becomes a major advantage. You can move through sweat, water, and heat without ever feeling like the shorts weigh you down or stay saturated between efforts.
With multiple style options available and an ultra-breathable body, the Swiftland shorts are, once again, one of our favorite shorts to recommend to most runners. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the REI Swiftland Shorts?
The REI Swiftland shorts are not trying to win awards for softness or innovation, in which lies their magic. They are built to be dependable, rugged, and consistently functional across a wide range of outdoor conditions. They shine most for runners who spend time on mixed terrain such as dirt paths, fire roads, light technical trails, and long training days where conditions change constantly. They're secure, quick-drying, and tough enough to handle repeated use without losing shape or comfort. If you want a do-it-all style running short that will be with you from the moment you lace up your brand new shoes to the moment you cross the finish line at the race you trained your butt off for, this is the pair of shorts we recommend investing in.
Providing serious comfort, moisture control, and an easy fit, it's no wonder the Swiftland shorts are a mainstay in our rotation. Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The REI Swiftland 2-in-1 is another outstanding running short that checks all of the same boxes as the original Swiftland, but with a few added in. The 2-in-1 shorts feature a biker-short-style liner that is even better at preventing chaffing between the thighs. The liner is lightweight and highly breathable, so it doesn't really alter the moisture-wicking properties we know and love in Swiftland fabrics. Moreover, the 2-in-1 features two phone-sized pockets so you can truly carry everything you need on your person. If you are ready to lean into your comfort era, the Oiselle Roga rides like a combination of your favorite buttery soft yoga leggings and a true running short. If you are seeking shorts to carry as much as possible while maintaining an aerodynamic experience, the Janji Pace are slightly compressive and ideal for stowing goodies on the run.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Swiftland Shorts - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best Workhorse Running Short |
|---|---|
| Price | $65 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | From their breathable, quick-drying construction that handles sweat and heat exceptionally to their thought storage solutions, this pair of shorts is an easy recommendation for runners of all kinds |
| Pros | Highly moisture-wicking, many fit options, comfortable, durable |
| Cons | Not that fashionable, more technical, uncomfortable phone pocket |
| Rating Categories | REI Swiftland |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |
| Pockets (30%) | |
| Breathability & Moisture Control (20%) | |
| Specifications | REI Swiftland |
| Best for | Running |
| Liner Type | Brief |
| Pockets | 4 |
| Fits a Phone | Yes |
| Dry Time - Clothesline | 21 |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 15 |
| Body Material | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex Liner: 86% polyester/14% spandex |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | interior |
| Alternate Styles | 5", 3" inseam length, high or mid rise available, 2-in-1 |
—Ally Arcuri
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