My favorite running clothes are the ones that don’t really feel like they’re there. I’m not saying I want to run around naked, but gosh, I love it when I don’t notice my clothes. Enter the Arc’teryx Norvan 5″ shorts, a linerless way to run free in the mountains.
Arc’teryx Norman 5″ Running Shorts Features:
- Lightweight yet durable Diem™ polyester fabric
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish repels moisture
- Articulated patterning and side-split hems for unrestricted mobility
- Adjustable waistband with drawcord
- Zippered lumbar pocket for secure carry
- Regular fit provides freedom of movement
- Reflective logo adds visibility in low-light situations
- Crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility
- MSRP: $90
The best shorts are totally forgettable
I personally prefer to run in shorts that don’t have a liner. There’s a lot of personal preference here, but I just find them more comfortable and less prone to chafing. So, if you’re a liner guy/gal, look elsewhere.
But for my non-liner friends, let me tell you about these shorts. At the 5″ length, the Norvan is a wonderfully light polyester short that moves with you really well while you run. The foundation of the short is Arc’teryx’s ‘Diem’ polyester fabric. I don’t think there’s anything especially fancy about the Diem fabric, but polyester has some traits that make it perfect for a short. It’s extra light and generally even more breathable than nylon. The flip side to polyester is that it tends to degrade a little more quickly, and can pill more quickly too.
Arc’teryx treated the product with a silver-based anti-odor solution which is meant to impede bacteria. I haven’t noticed a huge difference from this but I haven’t had huge odor issues either. Arc’teryx also treated this with a DWR, which is fine, but that will certainly wash off within the first 5-10 washes. I personally don’t need DWR on my running shorts.
The two pieces of the short you’ll tend to notice the most is the back pocket and them waist band. The band is smooth and flat, with a drawstring that’s strung through two keepers and I feel very hopeful it won’t pull itself out of the short as quickly as other shorts. The waistband is comfortable and just slightly grippy. I was super pleased with the fit.
The back pocket is zippered and rests right above your sacrum. Generally, this is perfect for snacks or a card. I did take one slightly ridiculous run with my iPhone 16 Max back there, and honestly for me the phone was pressed against my booty enough that it didn’t really flop around too badly. Obviously that would not be good for a long mountain trail run, but I was grinding on some flats and that was fine.
The hems are split, and that makes these perfect for trail running. Deep step-ups or lateral movements are totally unimpeded, which I think is another selling point of the 5″ length.
The shorts just have a subtle Arc’teryx logo on the right hem. Overall, I wouldn’t mind a few more reflective elements, although no doubt Arc’teryx is viewing this as more of a trail short. It doesn’t really matter, but urban runners would benefit from some extra flashy bits.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 185 lbs, wearing the size large.
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The Bottom Line
The Arc'teryx Norvan 5" Shorts are made for runners who don't want to feel held back. Lightweight, linerless, and breathable, they move effortlessly thanks to the Diem polyester fabric and split hems. The smooth waistband and zippered back pocket add comfort and practicality without bulk. DWR and anti-odor treatments are minor perks. At $90, they’re minimalist, high-quality, and ideal for trail or road runners who value freedom of movement and flow.
The Good:
- Absolutely stellar fit, no restriction of movement
- Diem polyester is light and flowy
- Rear pocket gives you just the storage you need
- Waistband is comfy and the drawstring is secured well
The Bad:
- Expensive for a pair of shorts
- Polyester is more prone to aging than nylon
- Comfort
- Mobility
- Fit
- Breathability
- Storage
- Value
