KETL Blackwood Trail Running Shorts Review: 100+ Miles Long-Term Test
After 100+ miles in the KETL Blackwood Trail Run Shorts, I’ve stopped thinking about them, which is pretty much the highest compliment I can give a pair of running shorts
Intro:
I’ve run in these across almost every condition short of snow, basically year-round: pre-dawn starts hovering around 30°F, and summer scorchers pushing into the high 90s. Most of my miles have been in the 5" Blackwoods, paired with the 8" Egg Cradle boxer briefs. After using this combo for some time now, I have yet to find a more comfortable, chafe-free setup that works as well as this one.
The Blackwoods have been the rare pair that stays comfortable for the entire run and still looks and feels new after a truly irresponsible number of wash-and-dry cycles.
The Verdict:
If you want a trail running short that feels featherweight, carries your essentials without bounce, and survives real mileage without getting weird, the Blackwood Shorts make a strong case.
My biggest takeaway after 100+ miles is how “set-and-forget” they are. The fabric has enough stretch to move naturally when you’re climbing, descending, and scrambling around technical terrain. The storage layout is simple but effective, phone locked down, gels/keys/cards tucked away, no flopping, no fiddling.
The one thing to know up front: the leg openings run on the snug side for those who have thicker thighs. My waist puts me in a medium, but my thighs put me in a large. Because I didn’t want my shorts to look on the verge of being tights, I sized up and used the drawstring to dial in the waist.
And here’s the not-so-secret, secret sauce from me: pair these shorts with KETL’s Egg Cradle boxer briefs. I’m not a huge fan of built-in liners in running shorts, and this combo has been the most comfortable, chafe-free setup I’ve used so far. On my longest days, I don’t deal with the usual “hot spots” that creep in as the fabric shifts around mid-run.
+What We Like
Featherweight feel without being flimsy
Stretchy fabric that moves naturally on technical trails
Rear storage that stays bounce-free (phone, gels, keys, etc.)
Great long-run comfort when paired with Egg Cradle boxer briefs
Holds up extremely well to frequent washing and drying
Simple design, nothing extra to snag or distract
-What We Don't Like
Leg openings can feel tight for runners with bigger quads (plan on sizing accordingly)
Phone pockets don’t fit all phones
(We are associated with Ketl, however we review and test everything the same. No free wins)Nitty Gritty:
Inseam options: 5” or 7”
Fabric: 86% Polyester, 14% Polyurethane
Storage: Rear zip phone pocket + two additional rear zip stash pockets
Weight: 120g (size M); fabric weight: 128gsm
Waist: Soft waistband with internal drawstring
Use case: Trail runs, road-to-trail, long training days, race day
Colors: Black & Light Grey
Price: $74
Fit Notes:
Waist fit is straightforward and secure, especially with the internal drawstring. As mentioned before, those with bigger thighs may want to pay more attention to the leg opening numbers.
Practical tip: If you’re between sizes, decide based on your thighs first, not your waist. The drawstring can fine-tune the waist, but it can’t magically widen the leg openings
Fabric & Feel: Light, Stretchy, and Quite
The Blackwood fabric hits a sweet spot: it’s light enough to feel barely there, but it doesn’t feel like one-and-done race-day fabric that turns see-through or fragile after a few washes.
On hot days, they don’t cling or stay wet. On cooler days, they don’t feel stiff. And on the days when you end up damp from sweat or water crossings, they dry quickly enough that you stop noticing it.
Pockets & Storage: Minimal, Smart, Bounce-Free
If you’ve ever run with a phone bouncing around like it’s trying to escape, you’ll appreciate the storage setup here.
The rear phone pocket holds tight and stays stable, truly no bounce on downhills, and it’s been money with my iPhone 13 in a slim case. The two additional rear zip pockets make it easy to carry the basics. Those who have bulky phone cases or phones that are iPhone Pros (or bigger than) may not want to rely on using the shorts’ phone pocket.
This is a “carry what you need” short, not a “pack your whole life” short. But for most trail runs and long training days, it’s exactly the right amount.
The No-Liner Life: Why the Egg Cradle Combo Works
I’ve tried plenty of lined running shorts, and I keep coming back to the same conclusion: I’d rather choose my liner.
The Blackwoods paired with the Egg Cradle boxer briefs is the most comfortable, least chafe-prone running kit I’ve used. The briefs stay put with leg grippers at the bottom. So pairing the briefs that don’t ride up with shorts that are light and don’t bounce is a combo that will be hard for me to give up.
If you’ve ever had liner seams start to rub after mile 7, or dealt with a liner that slowly migrates into chaos, you’ll understand why this setup is such a win
Durability: The Real Story After 100+ Miles
Here’s what surprised me most: I’ve washed and dried these a lot, and they still look and feel normal. (Yes, Ketl recommends gentler care, but in real life, these have been through the wash/dryer cycle countless times without getting weird.)
No weird puckering, no stretched-out waistband, no zipper drama, no fabric thinning. That kind of durability matters if you’re actually running in your gear multiple times per week and not babying it.
Field Test: Where These Shorts Shine
Most of my miles in these have been in typical trail-run conditions: dry single track, dusty climbs, rocky descents, and the occasional mixed surface days, where I get up early to run from my front door to the trail head. And these shorts just work pretty darn well. It’s hard for me to write anything when it’s a product that I don’t constantly think about on the run. And at the end of the day, that’s what I truly want out of a product. I want to be focused on the hill ahead and or the view in front of me. I don’t want to be dealing with annoying shorts.
Final Thoughts
The KETL Blackwood Trail Run Shorts are the kind of gear that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
They’re light, simple, and functional, and once you dial in the sizing (especially if you’ve got bigger thighs), they’re ridiculously comfortable for long trail days. Pair them with Egg Cradle boxer briefs, and you’ve got a chafe-free setup that just works incredibly well.
If you’re looking for the “one short” that handles most runs. The Blackwoods are absolutely worth a look.
