Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Gear Reviews

    Pearl Izumi Ultra Running Shorts Review

    Donald BuraglioBy Donald BuraglioSeptember 6, 20131 Comment4 Mins Read

    Long trail days often require long inseam coverage – and a bit of carrying capacity doesn’t hurt either.  Pearl Izumi’s Ultra shorts combine lightweight compression with comfort and functionality to venture out beyond your limits.

    Pearl Izumi Ultra Running Shorts Features:

    • 8″ liner inseam
    • 7″ shell inseam
    • Liner material: 56% minerale polyester, 33% polyester, 11% elastane
    • Shell material: 84% polyester, 16% elastane
    • 100% polyester mesh
    • Fully-integrated boxer brief with Transfer Dry fabric
    • Gel flask pockets integrated in liner
    • Zippered back pocket
    • Elasticized waistband
    • 2 color options
    • Semi-Form Fit
    • MSRP $80

    pearl izumi ultra shorts running

    My Experience

    Pearl Izumi is a relative newcomer to the ultrarunning scene – having arrived there via cycling and triathlon – but has won over a large number of fans by applying the same innovative approach to high-performance trail shoes and apparel that they employ in their more established product lines.

    The Ultra short is a 2-in-1 combination of a compressive boxer brief liner with a thin outer shell that provides storage space for long days on the trail.   The liner provides a longer inseam and very light compression, with the shell giving a more traditional (and for most of us, probably more flattering) look than straight compression shorts offer.  PI also makes a shorter inseam version called the Fly Ultra, but for taller runners like me, anything less than 7” borders on indecent exposure.

    8" inseam boxer brief liner
    8″ inseam boxer brief liner

    Boxer brief liners on shorts sometimes have a nagging tendency to creep upward during long runs, but the lining on the Ultra stayed perfectly in place even after a few hours of constant motion.  The liner is also exceptionally comfortable, with Transfer Dry fabric to wick moisture effectively, and provides great protection against chafing between the legs.  It also utilizes Minerale technology for odor protection, but you’ll still probably want to wash these after outings of an hour or more.

    Two integrated gel pockets beside larger zipper pocket
    Two integrated gel pockets beside larger zipper pocket

    One cool point of innovation is the integration of two gel pockets into the waistband and brief, which sit on either side of a larger center zip pocket.  The gel pockets are comprised of an external mesh layer and the internal brief liner fabric, and they are deep enough and secure enough to keep a gel pack in place without slipping out.  The center pocket is large enough to carry slightly larger items like a phone, gel flask, energy bar, or folded up trail map.  If you’re carrying more gear in a waist pack, the waistband liner is sufficiently soft and comfortable to prevent any hot spots or chafing on the low back.

    comfort waistband
    Comfort waistband

    The external shell is very thin and lightweight, with a high split seam on the lateral side for improved ventilation.  In my testing, the testing tended to migrate towards the inside fairly often; thanks to the boxer brief, this doesn’t pose an issue for chafing, but it does impose the occasionally awkward issue of reaching below your crotch to pull the fabric out.

    The Good:

    • Highly comfortable and breathable liner fabric
    • Stretch material allows full range of motion
    • Boxer brief stays in place even with extended activity

    The Bad:

    • Shell fabric bunches between legs
    • Liner isn’t a true compressive layer, if that’s what you’re looking for

    The Bottom Line

    Pearl Izumi’s Ultra shorts are comfortable enough to stay on the trail for hours, and have adequate storage to keep you fueled along the way.  The external layer shifts around more than some may like, but that’s more of a cosmetic issue than a functional one.

    Buy Now: Available at Moosejaw.com

    18
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    Pearl Izumi shorts
    Previous Article2014 GT Sensor Team Nabs Eurobike Award
    Next Article Yakima HoldUp 2″ Hitch Bike Rack Review
    Donald Buraglio
    • Website

    Donald is a physical therapist, ultrarunner, barefoot aficionado, and father of three with more than 20 years of experience in endurance sports. When he's not training for ultramarathons, he enjoys hiking or slacklining with his family in Monterey County, CA.

    You Might Also Like

    Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review

    February 1, 2023

    Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review

    January 30, 2023

    Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review

    January 26, 2023

    1 Comment

    1. Travis on September 6, 2013 12:16 pm

      I really really like these shorts and use them often. My only feedback for design improvement/complaint is that the inner short does not provide much space for the male anatomy. Rather than supporting and accommodating the package it crushes and straps the package down leaving one wondering if the designers ever tried them on. That said the rest of the features, pocketing and fit are dialed.

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

    February 2, 2021

    Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket and Pants Review, feat. Gore-Tex ePE membrane

    December 21, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review
    • Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review
    • Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review
    • Ibis Exie Goes Global
    • Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket Review
    • Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: Fezzari Veyo is an Aero All-rounder
    • Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.