Janji Trail Half Tights Review for Hiking and Trail Running

I’ve been wearing the Janji Trail Half Tights for hiking and trail running for a little over a year now.

The Janji shorts are growing in popularity as a main choice for trail runners and hikers who prefer the half-tight style. These shorts can help reduce drag and prevent most chafing issues. The Janji brand is different because it’s packed full of features with the adventurer in mind.

This review of the Janji Trail Half Tights is for folks into trail running, hiking, and backpacking, looking for a half-tight option during warmer-weather adventures.

About Janji as a Brand

Janji (pronounced Jon-Ji) is a high-performance running apparel company based out of Boston.

They often create apparel inspired by artists in different regions. They make apparel that lasts, and they use sustainable materials to be responsible in terms of protecting the environment. They also guarantee their products to last for at least 5 years, which is something I’ve not seen anywhere else.

Their mission seems to be creating environmentally appropriate performance apparel that lasts while also giving back to nature and environmental organizations that are trying to make the world a better place.

The mission and lifestyle on Janji may resonate with a lot of hikers and trail runners. We care about the environment and nature, and we want to invest in companies that feel the same way. We also want to buy apparel that is going to last for a while, and Janji seems to agree with that notion.

Janji Trail Half Tights Key Specs & Features

The following specifications and features apply to the Men’s version of the Janji Trail Half Tights.

The materials used to make the shorts are nylon and spandex. There is 68% of nylon and 32% of spandex. The garment is made in Vietnam and weighs about 5.3 ounces.

The inseam length of the Janji Half Tight is 8 inches, which rests above my knee, and I am 6’5” tall in height.

The compression level is lightweight. I typically wear an XL, and their XL fits me well, but a L would give me a little bit more compression if I wanted it. If you want the shorts to be tighter, size down; otherwise, maintain your true size to have light compression.

The waistband is soft, comfortable, and elastic with an external drawcord so that you can have a secure fit.

There are a few logos on the shorts. These logos appear to have reflective elements added to them. The logos are located on the right side of the shorts and on the left back side of the shorts.

These shorts cost around $94 (affiliate link: I’ll earn a commission) but can be discounted if you join the Janji club.

Fit and Comfort on the Trail

The Janji Trail Half Tights, in my opinion, are really comfortable on the trail.

I have size Large for a more compression fit and size XL for a lighter compression fit. The size that is true-to-size will have light compression. These were made for that sort of taste, but you could size down one to get them tighter if you prefer.

I wore the Janji Trail Half Tights for a 13.1 half-marathon trail run on a hot and humid August day and experienced absolutely no chafing whatsoever.

The shorts are made from nylon and spandex. This means that they breath really well, especially on warmer days. The wick absorbs moisture and sweat from your body, keeping you dry and chafe-free.

I love wearing these shorts for hiking as well because they’re comfortable, stylish, and they prevent chafing as I sweat a lot.

There are 5 different pockets on these short. You can carry a lot just with these shorts. There is a liner built into the front to give you some modesty.

I don’t think they feel too “racy” for hiking as long as you’re fine with wearing compression-style shorts (like biker shorts) as your hiking layer.

Pocket System: The Real Selling Point?

The Janji Trail Half Tights have the most pockets I’ve ever seen on running shorts.

There are 5 pockets on these shorts. There are two drop-in pockets on each side, and the right side has a key clip attached to one of the inner pockets. There is a pull-through pocket on the back of the shorts.

You can easily store your phone, no matter what size case you have, and you have 5 different options to choose from.

You could also carry soft flasks for extra hydration. You can carry your gels, gummies, and trail bars, too. You can carry your keys and even a small towel if you need to pack one.

Durability & Sweat Management

The Janji Trail Half Tights are very durable, and they do well with keeping you dry from sweat.

The fabric is thick enough that you can wear them alone without anything being see-through. However, the fabric is also thin enough to wear them on hot and humid days. They breath well and the fabric wicks moisture from your body and helps to keep you dry.

They have a 5-year guarantee on them, which means that Janji wanted to make a product that lasts, which is ultimately better for the environment.

I haven’t found these shorts to be stinky after using them on hot days. Janji recommends you hand-wash the shorts and let them hang dry for the best results. You might even wear them into the shower and wash them while washing yourself.

Janji Trail Half Tights Pros and Cons

The following are the pros and cons of the Janji Trail Half Tights based on my personal experience.

Pros

• Lightweight – The shorts are lightweight and don’t feel heavy on you.
• Strong pocket system – I love all the pocket options as I tend to carry a lot on me.
• Good compression – I like the light compression on most days, but I size down for a tighter feel.
• Trail-friendly – These look and feel like they were made for hiking and running through the forest.

Cons

• Price – These shorts are on the expensive side, but they do tend to last longer than other brands.
• Stock – There are other color options and even a lined option, but they constantly run out of stock with long wait times for new stock.
• Inseam – This is a personal gripe, but I’d prefer a slightly shorter inseam.

Who Should Buy Janji Trail Half Tights?

• Trail runners training for races would love these shorts.
• Fast hikers who want less drag and less of a chance to get hung on snags.
• Ultramarathoners who need lighter-weight and compression-based shorts.
• Minimalist packers who need more pockets on their packs to avoid having to carry large backpacks.
• Casual hikers and trail runners who prefer the half-tight style

How They Compare to Other Trail Running Tights

I often wear half tights and compression shorts when I hike and run as a first option, so I have a few different brands.

I have Under Armor compression shorts, CompressionZ shorts, and BOA Half Tights. Out of all those, I’d compare the Janji shorts to the BOA shorts. But Janji would take the win for all the pockets alone.

Final Verdict: Are Janji Half Tights Worth It?

The Janji Trail Half Tights are perfect for hikers and trail running who prefer the form-fitting shorts style when the weather is warm.

If you don’t like apparel that is tight and a second skin, then you should avoid using these shorts. I have already bought more shorts from them, and I’ve also purchased and reviewed their trail tights, as well.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!