We’ve been impressed with the quality of fabrics on all the Vaude products we’ve tested, and that’s the case with the outer of the Trail shorts. They ride light but have an incredibly close weave and feel very durable, plus have stretch panels through the inner thigh and back yoke for increased movement without having to have yards of extra fabric.
It is a slim leg style, so that stretch is needed. Unfortunately for this tester the rise was too long, which meant rather too much sag around the crotch, the elimination of which required wearing them Simon Cowell-style. That in turn meant pulling the waist in and as the elastic tabs are either side of the fly it does lead to some dad-style gathering there; much better to sling a belt through the belt loops instead.
The liner shorts are a smooth solid knit, not mesh and we found them warmer than they need to be. The pad is very flexy and moulds well – but again a fit detail – it’s wide with side wing sections that are noticeable in wear.