Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review

Bottom Line

The Janji 5″ Multi Shorts are an exceptional choice for runners and backpackers seeking a well-made, feature-packed pair of shorts in a lightweight platform. The Multi Shorts feature Janji’s Multipocket Stashband, adding a liter of storage directly on the shorts. This bounce-free system is perfect for keeping essentials close and even comes equipped with an S-carabiner to secure car keys.

While on the pricier end of the spectrum, the Janji Multi Shorts are extremely well-made. As one of the lightest shorts in our lineup, they’ve held up to months of use and still look brand new. The Multi Shorts’ lightweight recycled fabric feels airy and fast with excellent four-way stretch, and the supportive brief liner is secure during high-output efforts.

The fit is athletic but relaxed enough to avoid restriction on steep climbs or long miles, and the 5-inch inseam provides great mobility and coverage. The Multi Shorts have excellent breathability and moisture management, especially in warm conditions. For anyone wanting to spend the extra money, the Janji 5″ Multi Shorts are a high-quality piece of clothing sure to hold up for miles of use. 

Comfort

One of the greatest parts of the Janji 5″ Multi Shorts that boosts comfort is the brief liner. The polyester-spandex blend is supportive yet slightly stretchy, so it moves with you. The main material of the shorts has excellent mobility, and we never felt encumbered or restricted.

While the waistband carry system has a 1-liter capacity, it is very low-profile when empty. It was never an issue, even while wearing a backpack waistbelt. The only source of discomfort with these shorts was a hem seam on the inner thigh. We did experience some slight chafing while wearing these for longer outings. We chalk this up to the shorts fitting slightly small, so if you want to avoid this problem, consider sizing up.

Durability

The Janji 5″ Multi Shorts balance lightweight performance with surprisingly solid long-term durability. After three months of use, we were pleasantly surprised to see no signs of distress or wear in the elastic material.

For a lightweight short, these are one of the most durable we’ve seen. While they still don’t hold a candle to thicker, more traditional hiking shorts for bushwhacking or abrasion resistance, they are among the best for a sub-five-ounce pair of shorts. 

Features

The Janji 5″ Multi Shorts’ features are defined by its high-capacity waistband. Called the Multipocket Stashband by Janji, this is an excellent system for keeping items close to the body and free of bounce. It adds 1 liter of storage, perfect for extra gloves, snacks, or a windbreaker.

The front left pocket also comes equipped with a Nite Ize S-Biner MicroLock clip that keeps keys safe and secure. If you’re moving fast and light and want to keep items close at hand, the Janji Multi Shorts have got you covered.

Dry Time

The Janji 5″ Multi Shorts perform exceptionally well in wet and sweaty conditions thanks to their lightweight, thin fabric and highly breathable construction. The micro-perforated material is an excellent design choice for improving breathability. During hot-weather runs, the material sheds moisture quickly and avoids the heavy, clingy feeling common in thicker, hotter hiking shorts.

Even after stream crossings, rain showers, or long efforts in humid conditions, the fabric dries fast enough to stay comfortable on the move. While the waistband pockets can retain a bit of moisture on the lower back and waist when fully loaded, the main body fabric dries impressively quickly and maintains a light, barely-there feel throughout the day.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at 4.1 ounces, the Multi Shorts boast impressive weight and packability. With only a couple of pairs in our lineup lighter, it’s hard to beat these shorts. The thin, recycled fabric keeps bulk to a minimum, giving the shorts an airy, barely-there feel that works especially well for long miles or high-output efforts.

We used these on a week-long road trip, and they disappeared into our bag, barely taking up any room. Perfect for travel, backpacking, or any outing where weight and space matter, the Janji Multi Shorts are one of the best on the market.

Should You Buy the Janji 5″ Multi Shorts?

While designed for running, the Janji Multi Shorts are equally at home for fast and light hikes. Janji’s Multipocket Stashband system on the waistband is an excellent feature that adds 1 liter of bounce-free carrying capacity close to the body. The four-way stretch material is excellent for any activity required a high degree of mobility.

Weighing in at just over 4 ounces, the Multi Shorts are perfect for the weight-conscious hiker who makes every gram count. While the price tag is not the most affordable, the Janji Multi Short is a durable, well-crafted piece of clothing that we will continue to trust for many more miles.

What Other Hiking Shorts Should You Consider?

Check all of our favorite shorts in our full gear guide.

Patagonia Strider Pro Review: Just barely lighter than the Multi Shorts, the Strider Pro is another great option for going fast and light.

Terrignota Sendero Review: With an even larger waistband carrying capacity, the Sendero is also a great option for the budget-conscious hiker.

Patagonia Quandary Review: Our favorite pair of shorts, the Quandary, combines the best parts of being both lightweight and durable.