Stio Second Light Shorts Review: Versatility is Key

Versatility can often be a virtue and the Stio Second Light Shorts are just that — versatile. Built with a lightweight nylon shell, a standard liner and two hand pockets, these shorts have transitioned well from trail running to river plunges and everything in-between.

Stio Second Light Shorts Features:

• reMeridian™ 20 denier Stretch Mini-Ripstop fabric that’s 100% Recycled
• PFC Free DWR Finish
• Two hand pockets and a small, zippered security pocket
• Casual fit
• Brushed microfiber waistband
• Internal infinity drawcord
• 7″ inseam
• MSRP: $69

Trail by morning, water and lounging by day

With the Tetons as their backdrop, Stio always has an eye towards the mountains. What works in town and by the water should also work for the backcountry. The Stio Second Light Shorts are wicked-light have been my go-to for going from trail running to other daily adventures.

Slipping them on, the lightweight nylon fabric feels almost like you’re wearing nothing. I can confirm that the fit is squarely “regular” and offers a great cut for lounging before or after any activity. I have found myself wearing them long before a run and lingering in them long after a run. Admittedly, they aren’t a running-specific short, but that has been my go-to activity while wearing them.

With a soft, brief-style liner, it’s easy to head out to the water or the trail without digging out a pair of boxers or briefs. I typically prefer a boxer-style compression liner, like the one on the Arc’teryx Motus Short, but these briefs have remained chafe-free and comfortable on the longest and most demanding trail runs. I appreciate the hand pockets before and after a trail run. And, while running, the openings stay flat and don’t flare out and get in the way of hand movements. I’ve gotten my thumbs caught on other short pockets when sprinting, but that doesn’t happen here.

The 7-inch length is versatile and eliminates those times when I’m showing a little too much thigh for my kid’s comfort. But, that length does impede extreme leg movements on steeper climbs or sprints — especially when saturated by sweat mid-run. The fabric does get clingy and sticks to my legs when sweaty. Interestingly, the fabric does feature an ultralight “rubbery” backside that’s laminated to the reMeridian nylon fabric. You a see that treatment getting worn off slightly in the thigh area that sees the most friction.

Though the fabric is thin, it has been durable when brushing up against scrub oak branches and other trailside vegetation. The main fabric dries in a jiffy after a run or a dip in a mountain river. I have found the liner to also dry relatively quick, but the hand pockets can remain damp for a couple of hours.

Without a doubt, the comfort-factor of the Stio Second Light Shorts is outstanding. I can wear these all day and not once feel awkward or uncomfortable. The brushed waistband feels great next-to-skin and the simple waistband toggle adjustment further secures them in place (key for swimming). To be completely honest, these shorts will likely now move into my swim trunks or travel shorts slot as I do prefer a more dedicated run short for trail running.

UPDATE: After this review posted, I reached out to Stio about the lamination peeling off and they informed me that this issue has been encountered with a select number of the Mountain Shadow colorway Second Light Shorts. They have worked with their factory to ensure the problem is resolved for the Spring ’25 season. Additionally, they will replace any Second Light Shorts affected by this issue. Very cool!

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, wearing the size medium in the Mountain Shadow color.

Buy Now: Visit Stio.com