Over the last several months I've trialled a number of Montane shorts for a variety of activities from running, to scrambling, to backpacking. Here are my pick of the range, two pairs aimed at different ends of the hillgoing spectrum. Between these two I've been well covered (or uncovered) for options whenever the sun's out, whatever I've been up to:

• Terra Shorts for general hill use and everyday wear.
• Jetstream 7" for running and lightweight backpacking.

Terra Shorts - £65

The affordable basic staple in your wardrobe, Terra Shorts match with Montane's classic Terra Pants (trousers) to give you something versatile for all-round mountain use. I've found them particularly suited to hillwalking, and they work pretty well under a harness for climbing too. At 190g in my size 32 they're light-ish for general wear, and feel cool and quick-drying - ideal in warmer weather when you really don't want thicker, heavier shorts. We definitely wouldn't call them skimpy though. Their midweight nylon fabric feels tough enough to take some abuse when climbing or scrambling.

Fit

There's no women's version of the Terra Shorts (Terra Stretch Lite Shorts are available in female fit). As often seems to be the case with Montane legwear the sizing is a bit out of kilter. I'm a 34" waist, and have big thighs, but in this case downsizing to 32" fitted me better.

Some outdoors shorts can feel baggy, but Terra Shorts are cut reasonably trim, which I like for general neatness. They're about mid length, sitting just above the knee -  a good length for coolness and mobility, while still offering plenty of sun protection. While the fabric in the Terra Shorts has no stretch, its active cut affords decent freedom of movement, so you feel unrestricted and can get your legs nice and high when scrambling.

Features

You get zipped hand pockets and one rear zipped pocket; I can't imagine ever wanting more on a pair of shorts. There's a zipped fly with both press stud and button fastening, a webbing belt with a nice low-profile metal hook, and a soft brushed waist band.

Jetstream 7" Trail Running Shorts - £55

These unlined running shorts are super-light, great for both hot weather use and if you're packing them on a weight-limited mission. They're cool, comfy and quick-drying, and offer unhindered leg movement. My favourite running shorts, they're also the ones I chose to carry on the Cape Wrath Trail back in spring, since they weigh only 100g in my size L. In the event I didn't carry them much, because I practically lived in them for two weeks. 

While a lot of runners favour shorts with an inbuilt brief, I have to say I've never found them very satisfactory compared to the comfort and support of decent sporty underwear, and don't tend to suffer the dreaded chafage as a result of my life choices. I love the unlined simplicity of the Jetstream Shorts. I think having no inner makes them more versatile since you're more likely to wear them for hillwalking or backpacking as well as running.

The Jetstream range

Other models of Jetstream Shorts include a 5" men's; 4" and 6" women's; and short tights in various lengths for both men and women. For cold or mixed weather the idea is that the outer shorts might be paired with the tights to give you more protection. For men the thin skin-tight tights will put you on full show - not a look I'm keen to subject the public to. I'd only use them as an inner layer for cooler conditions, but have to admit that I don't find them as comfy or supportive as dedicated sporty trunks.

Fit

I went for the Jetstream 7" on the basis that they're wearable for more activities than the shorter length version, which feel more running-specific. In my size L they're cut pretty roomy, but not overly baggy, with full freedom to move. Side splits and a bit of stretch in the fabric help in this regard. This is a really comfortable pair of shorts, one you can forget you're wearing.

Features

Nice and simple: there's a broad and comfortably soft elasticated waist band plus drawstring, and a tiny internal pocket that you could just about stash a door key in - if not a bulky car key. The bonded hems are low-profile and comfy.