[An honest, self-funded review] Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts solved all my spring/summer mountaineering pants problems
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Recently, perhaps because I've been enjoying more day-trip fastpacking and trail running in nearby low mountains in the spring, or perhaps because of the effects of global warming, I've been wearing long pants less and less in the mountains. As a former mountain climber, I still feel like "when I go into the mountains, I want to expose as little skin as possible," but in this heat, sweating continuously in long pants (although it's not impossible) doesn't dry quickly. Even the slight resistance when lifting my thighs hits me like a body blow
After several years of mentally battling the issue of safety and comfort, it was finally time to move on from the trekking pants style and replace them with trail running shorts
Of course, the transition wasn't without its discomfort at first. It took some time to switch from the long pants I was used to to the more revealing shorts
First, I timidly tried out three-quarter length or half-length trekking pants. Then, once I got used to them, I moved on to half-length to 9-inch running pants, and then to more clearly defined "shorts" like 7-inch or 5-inch. I continued my journey of searching for the right length until I was satisfied, so slowly that an outsider would wonder why I was taking so long. And this season, I have finally arrived at the "best shorts" so far: the Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts 7-inch .
I've been wearing a variety of different models for a long time, but ever since I discovered these, I can say with no flattery that almost all of my concerns and frustrations about my lower body during spring and summer low mountain hiking and trail running have been resolved. In this article, I'd like to write a detailed review of these shorts and discuss the essential points for pants for fast hiking in low mountains in spring and summer
table of contents
- Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts 7-inch Digest
- Detailed Review
- Comfort that supports long periods of intense activity and stress-free movement even during large movements
- Four gel pockets and a zippered pocket for your smartphone
- The main fabric is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to repel light moisture and dirt
- The only drawback in terms of performance: durability of the fabric
- Summary: Everything you need to keep running in the heat and in nature
Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts 7-inch Digest
Recommended points
- Lightweight, flexible, smooth and comfortable fabric material
- Wide leg opening and inseam, with moderate stretch for outstanding ease of movement
- Fitted and adjustable waist
- Comfortable, breathable, quick-drying liner briefs
- Abundant and streamlined pockets for storing gels and smartphones
- Available in 5 or 7 inch lengths
Points of interest
- Durability against abrasion and scratches
- expensive
Main specifications and evaluation
| name | Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts 7 inch |
|---|---|
| weight | 108g (medium size) |
| material |
|
| Deodorizing treatment | ◯ |
| evaluation | |
| Fit | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★★ |
| Sweat absorbent and quick drying | ★★★★☆ |
| ★★★★★ | |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| style | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
Comfort that supports long periods of intense activity and stress-free movement even during large movements
You might think that all running shorts feel pretty much the same. And while the differences between models may be smaller than those between long pants, trying out different pairs over and over again can actually make a difference in truly comfortable clothing
In that respect, I was surprised by how comfortable the Strider Pro was to wear. These shorts were originally designed for trail running and long-distance activities, so they were made with long distances and intense movement in mind, and one of the features that proves this is how comfortable they are to wear for long periods of time without any stress.
The fabric is a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying polyester material (Ocean Cycle certified recycled material) blended with 10% polyurethane. It's extremely light and flexible, and has ample four-way stretch, so it won't stick to your skin even when you sweat, and you won't feel any stress that restricts movement
The waist is fully covered with a flat elastic band and can also be adjusted with a drawcord, so it feels comfortable and secure without feeling restrictive or loose even during long runs
Built-in moisture-wicking brief liner
The inner liner is made of a polyester material with a grid pattern, excellent moisture absorption, quick drying, and stretch. With just the right amount of stretch, it feels completely comfortable to wear without underwear, and it's much easier to move your legs and makes running more comfortable than the innerwear I usually wear. It also wicks away sweat well, keeping you dry at all times, so there's no chafing between your legs. What's more, this liner is treated with Heikyu Pure odor prevention. Isn't that the best you can ask for?
The wonderful stress-free pattern even with a large action
In addition to the aforementioned lightness of the fabric and greatly improved stretchability, the cut (pattern) of the pants is also excellent. The wide hem and side slits support large movements of the lower body while also allowing for good ventilation. It's not an exaggeration to say that there's no tightness even when you lift or spread your legs wide, and it's so comfortable it feels like you're not wearing anything at all
Four gel pockets and a zippered pocket for your smartphone
The Strider Pro 's clever design doesn't end with comfort: for a short this light, it's packed with an incredible number of pockets, allowing you to carry all the small items you need to keep you going throughout the day.
There are four stretchy pockets on both sides of the waistline, which can hold a lot of small gels and tablets, both large and small (see photo below)
The zippered pocket on the back not only has a card holder, but can also easily hold a smartphone up to a little over 6 inches in size (a standard model iPhone) (see photo below)
By the way, my smartphone is an extra-large 6.7-inch, so it's a bit of a tricky fit. I tried to see if it would fit, but it only just barely fit if I forced it in without the cover, so I wouldn't really recommend it unless you're someone who wants to get it in even if it screams at the entrance every time
It also has enough capacity to hold most of the things you want to keep close by for long rides without stopping, such as a super-small shell, a sunscreen bottle, and a headlamp battery. Of course, more storage is always better, but what's great about the Strider Pro is that it has such ample storage capacity while minimizing additional weight and bulk. This exquisite balance of convenience, style, and weight is what makes it so great.
The main fabric is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to repel light moisture and dirt
A water-repellent surface finish is a subtle but essential feature of outdoor pants, and these pants are treated with a PFC-free DWR finish (a durable water-repellent coating that does not contain fluorine compounds), which repels light splashes of water and dirt (see photo below)
However, since this is a water-repellent material, water will penetrate if strong pressure is applied for a long period of time. The photo below shows the back of the pants after a day of activity. You can see that only the areas that were pressed down by the hip belt of the backpack have soaked in sweat, while the rest of the pants are either repelling or evaporating without soaking in (photo below). Of course, the quick-drying fabric dries quickly even if water penetrates, so I didn't have to worry about my pants getting wet or stuffy
The only drawback in terms of performance: durability of the fabric
While it's an excellent choice for instant comfort and ease of use, one thing that surprised me was its durability. I tried it out several times with a mid-20L backpack with a hip belt, and after about 30km of use, I noticed some pilling on the back due to wear (see photo below). It's not particularly vulnerable to pulling or snagging, so there's no problem with its strength, but it doesn't seem to be perfect when it comes to durability for continuous use
However, it's important to keep in mind that the Strider Pro was originally designed for on- and off-road running, so it can't really handle pants rubbing against a backpack. If you're running on the road or using a typical trail running vest-type backpack, the pants probably won't start to wear out so quickly. However, if you want to wear them with a lot of luggage, like I do when fastpacking, you need to be a little careful
Summary: Everything you need to keep running in the heat and in nature
The Strider Pro Shorts are packed with all the high-level functionality you need for running through nature in warm weather, and I personally think they're the perfect pair of technical pants for anyone doing high-intensity mountain activities. From enthusiasts looking for comfortable, stress-free hiking and running in the heat, to athletic runners and hikers taking on serious long-distance races, to those looking for shorts that are versatile enough for both on- and off-road use, including training in the city, these shorts are perfect for running anywhere on the planet. The only drawback is the price, but their all-around high quality means you're almost guaranteed to get the performance you're looking for
The model I tried was the 7-inch model, which offers a good balance of breathability and protection, but a 5-inch version is also available for more active people. The women's length is also 3.5 inches (with three pockets and a wider waistband), allowing for subtle adjustments to suit your style
This season's Patagonia running shorts lineup includes the following three models, including the Strider Pro Shorts. The Multi Trails Shorts use the same fabric as the Strider Pro, but feature an 8-inch boxer brief liner, making them suitable for both mountain and casual wear. The Trail Furler Shorts require inner shorts and can be stored in a pocket, making them a versatile model designed for everyday use and as a change of shoes. The other two models, other than the Strider Pro, are also likely to satisfy you if you choose one that suits your purpose, use, and style.
Strider Pro Shorts
Multi Trails Shorts
Trailfarer Shorts
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