REI Co-op Swiftland 5" Running Shorts - Men's
You can count on 2 things when you run trails: No trail is ever the same twice, and the men's REI Co-op Swiftland 5" shorts are the same always—comfy, supportive and packing plenty of pockets.
- Nylon/spandex shorts wick, breathe and stretch 4 ways for comfort on long trails
- Built-in mesh liner briefs offer cool, breathable support
- SwiftFit™ construction provides storage options—2 drop-in pockets and a secure zip pocket—that don't restrict movement or weigh you down
- Wide waistband ensures all-day comfort; a drawcord lets you dial in the fit
- Sewn with flat seams for nonchafing comfort
- Reflective hits help you stay visible in low-light situations
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Swiftland Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Running ShortsBest Use | Running Trail Running |
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Fabric | 73% nylon/27% spandex |
Lining Fabric | 86% polyester/14% spandex |
Inner Liner | Yes |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Pockets | 3 |
Inseam (in.) | 5 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 4.2 ounces |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Great for Running and Working-out
Introduction: Are you looking for a great pair of short for running and working out? A pair that are lightweight and comfortable to wear. Has the necessary space to store your phone and keys? Look no further… the Swiftland 5” Men’s Shorts are great!! Personal Use/Care: Since receiving them, I have used them on six runs lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 miles and weightlifting four times. When running, I have worn them with and without Lululemon Surge Warm Tights 29”, and at the gym, I worn them without any tights. I have washed them 8 times. 6 of the 8 times, I hung them out to dry and 2 times, I put them in the dryer. They have not shrunk. Pros: - Small pocket inside for keys (look at Inside Snapshot #1 callout) - Large rear pocket (look at Inside Snapshot #2 callout) - Inner liner (look at Inside Snapshot #3 callout) - Draw string - Lightweight - Color selection Cos: - Brief style inner liner Conclusion: I love the fact that these shorts are extremely lightweight and do not flop around when running. The fit just right. I also like the fact that there is an inner pocket large enough to store my keys and one in the back that can fit my iPhone 11. At fight, I thought that my phone would move too much and distract me; however, after about 1-2 minutes, I didn’t even realize it was there. Only bad thing, is that it can be ‘difficult’ to get your phone out once it’s in. Living in the Northwest, I run outside all year around, rain or shine, and have found that I must wear thermal tights if the temperature is less than 40 degrees. Otherwise, it is just too cold for running with them alone. But that isn’t a negative for the product, just a callout. They are best for weather greater than 50 degrees. I also run in light rain and they naturally dried off quickly. The last thing that I’ll call out is the inner liner. While these are brief style, I’d rather have a boxer style.
Exceptional Quality and Unique Material
These are some of the best shorts I have ever worn. The lightweight moisture-wicking material is impressive. I have worn these shorts on several hikes through the mountains of Hawaii. They are quick-drying and breathable. These shorts have an internal liner and durable soft waistband similar to the feel of wearing underwear. These shorts worked well for swimming after running at the beach. The waistband has a small zipper pouch on the rear that securely fits my driver's license, credit card, and bank cards. I was able to swim with the cards in this pocket. Also on the rear of the shorts are two additional external pockets that are great for a cell phone or GPS. These shorts are a must-have if you are going on tropical hikes or running along island beaches.
Great all purpose active shorts
The REI Co-op Swiftland 5" shorts are an amazing piece of kit for any active pursuit. Whether you are hitting the local trails for a run or just hitting the gym these shorts perform. I am impressed with how light and breathable they are. These shorts fit and look great, I don’t generally wear “running” shorts while being active, but these might have changed my mind. They fit great, have a stash pocket for keys or fuel, and stretch for any activity. I can’t wait to use these in the spring and warmer temps for my outdoor pursuits. I highly recommend these shorts for anyone looking to do high output activities indoors or outdoors.
First Impressions is REI Nailed This One!
Based on initial try on, I think REI nailed these. They are ridiculously light weight. The fit is dead on. I have "larger" thighs and went up a size to create a little baggier of a short and I absolutely love the fit. Brief style liner seems okay. If anything, they didn't land the fit of the liner, but this is SO hard to do that I wind up using a pair of Runderwear on almost every pair of running shorts. Appear to be very breathable. I'll give an update as I used them, but based on first try on, fit and feel, they remind me A LOT of the old North Face Better Than Naked Shorts. Given I have 4 pairs of these, this is high praise.
Goldilocks
These shorts are PERFECT. I'm 5'11, 165lb and have some meat on my thighs/butt. Medium fits like a dream. The waistband is slightly loose, but cinches down nicely with the drawstring. The liner is perfect: not too loose, not too tight, and very soft. The fabric on these shorts is butter smooth, with good ventilation. Ample pockets with a small key pocket on the interior front, two nicely sized pockets on the hip that can hold a few Gu each, and the back zipper pocket which fits my iPhone 12 Mini perfectly. If you've got a bigger phone you'll likely be out of luck, though. All in all, these are my goldilocks shorts and I'll be stocking up on multiple pairs.
My new favorite shorts
It's incredibly hard to find women's gym shorts that are 1) loose 2) long enough to not be revealing during squats 3) stretchy enough to be able to do said squats. I was so excited to find these I ended up getting two. They are perfect. They are so soft and comfortable and they are everything I wanted for the gym. They're also great for running. The back pocket is big enough to hold my phone and the side pockets feel very secure for keys. I realized after I bought these that there is also a women's version of these shorts, I imagine they're pretty similar? Regardless, shopping in the men's section as a person that typically wears women's clothes can be rewarding :)
Decent replacement for Patagonia Strider Pro 5"
I've been running in the Patagonia Strider Pro 5" (size Medium) for the past 5+ years but have been on the lookout for a cheaper option. I tried these shorts because I got a coupon for Swiftland gear from an REI Strava Challenge. The size medium Swiftland shorts were too big (like a size L Strider Pro), and the liner was saggy on me. The size small fit comfortably (barely snugger in the waist than size medium in the Strider Pros), though the length is about an inch shorter than the Strider Pro 5". The key and gel pockets are great. Light fabric. Good freedom of movement. These are nice shorts. Just be prepared to show a little more leg if you've been running in the Strider Pro 5". I'm 5'6", 136lb, 31.5" waist.
The bomb!
These shorts are fantastic, so much so that I now own three pairs. The band is very comfortable around the waist, the fit is good, they've got a great pocket in the back for a key, and room for a gel (or a few perhaps). I normally use these just for running, but I recently wore a pair every day for 16 days while hiking the Long Trail. The only complaint I have with them is the waist band takes longer to dry than the rest of the material and so it was often wet when I'd begin hiking in the morning... not something that is normally a problem with my standard use of these shorts, and everything else about them is good enough that I'll forgive them for this small transgression.
Super Nice Shorts!
Overall, very nice pair of active/workout shorts! The fit is great. Love the inner brief. The material is really nice and silky smooth. I also like the tall waist band. I wish they had front pockets, but they don't. It's not a big deal though. The only thing I'd change is the drawstring. The string material is silky smooth, too. It makes it a bit more difficult to get the desired tightness when cinching and tying off the drawstring for the shorts. The string needs to be some other type of fabric that doesn't "slide and slip" on itself so easily. This is a minor tid-bit as well, and it certainly wouldn't keep me from buying the shorts.
Nice material
REI did a great job with these running shorts. The checkered material is incredibly lightweight, feels great, and looks better in-person. The rear zippered pocket is *just* too small for my Pixel 6 but I imagine you could stash a handful gummy bears or something else in there. I didn't realize it until reading other reviews but there are also two small non-zippered pockets on either side of the shorts. Again, not big enough for a phone, but big enough for more gummy bears (or maybe some cards or a key). I bought my first pair on a whim using my member's dividend and I'm coming back to buy a second pair full-price. I'm 6'1, 175lbs and size medium fits great and really shows off these thighs.