Patagonia Strider Pro Short

Light but protective short that gets out of the way, yet lets you carry tons of stuff.

Fit

I will say it up front, I love the Strider Pro shorts. When trail running or hiking up steep hills I love the fit of them. The 5" inseam means they do not pull on your quads when going up steep terrain. They have a split on the side to give you extra freedom of movement while covering you up well enough.

For me a 5" inseam is perfect. The waistband is a good elastic, but also has a lace that you can tie in case they would sag on you. I can't speak for everybody of course, but the fit on me is great, and the adjustability makes me think it would fit most people very well..

The elastic waistband, comfortable as it is, is a bit on the thick side. So if you would wear a hydration belt or something over it, it could be a warm or irritable spot. I haven't had this issue myself though. 

iPhone 5 in the longer, far side pocket (I think it would easily fit an iPhone 6 and bigger but haven't tried).

Pockets

This is where these shorts shine. The Strider Pro Shorts have one zippered pocket in the middle, and two additional pockets on each side for a total of 5 separate pockets. You can add your phone in the middle zippered pocket, or put it in one of the larger side pockets. Fits my iPhone 4 or 5 perfectly.

What I like is whatever I have put in there stays tight and secure, without much flapping about. That being said, I'm not one to completely overload these pockets. I can put a small camera in the larger side pockets, but this causes a slight pulling because of the weight. It is more secure in the zippered back pocket. A light but bit bulkier wind vest is fine for me in the side pockets, and I really enjoy the way these shorts allow me so much freedom to arrange a different set up.

I often speed hike or run with a vest or fastpack and I sometimes add a waist belt. Sometimes for more space, but often just for extra organisation, to make it easier to get stuff in and out of my pockets. With the Strider Shorts Pro I mostly leave a waist belt behind, unless I need to add way bigger items like an extra soft bottle or large maps.

Centre pocket with zipper, two side pockets on either side.

The load from the above photo: camera in centre pocket, gels in far right side pocket (nothing in other right side pocket), keys, whistle, torch, mini knife in left side pocket, wind shirt in far left pocket.

Not my typical load, but it — and more — fit easily. 

Material

The front and back are of a thin but strong 50d polyester. The sides and pockets are a mesh material that noticeably helps with breathability in hot weather. I love this mesh, but think it might also be the weakest link of these shorts. I have not had any issues at all - even when taking some good falls and sliding down on my bum, but the mesh part on the back might wear down before anything else.

Fell and slid down on rocky trail with this pair, not a scuff mark to see. Waistband on the thick side, but is comfortable and stays on your waist.

Mesh pockets and ventilation sides, 50d polyester with a DWR on front and back. 

Love

All in all I think these are amazing shorts that are super comfortable and give you a lot of ways to carry and organise your small but essential items. They're a bit pricy, but if you are out there a lot, I think they're most definitely worth it. 

The first running shorts I've owned in a long, long time that don't stink after 10 minutes of use. They're cool, comfortable, and the pockets on the sides and back are great.

First, the fit.... when I ordered these shorts from Patagonia Germany, I took a shot in the dark and ordered Large as that's what I normally wear but it's always hard to tell in American sizing. In any case, they fit great! I'm primarily an endurance mountain biker, therefore I have big legs and a rather muscular butt.

Often, athletic shorts don't fit all that well because they tend to be cut for the "skinny guy with no butt". In this case, even though they seem to fit me best when I wear them a little lower than my other shorts, they fit really well and feel really good. There's a drawstring inside which I haven't, thus far, needed to use as they ride quite securely with the elastic waistband.

The fabric is a combination of mesh and a more solid fabric. On the sides and on the top portion of the rear there's a nice mesh that seems to help vent the shorts. The side pockets are an elastic mesh that expands to fit a fairly large number of gels, bars, etc.

From all indications, the shorts will last me a really long time. They're Patagonia and all my previous experiences with the company have been positive and I can't imagine that the Strider Pro Shorts will be any different.

One thing I have noticed, which seems to be 'normal' for me is that once they're sweat soaked, the inside of the legs rides up a bit. I believe that has more to do with the size of my legs and my running style than the shorts though.

After 3 or 4 runs (roughly 75 km), I can already see that these are going to become my favorite running shorts. They are more comfortable and definitely cooler than any others that I have. The only thing I'd change is to make them about 1" longer.

Nice running shorts with multiple pockets.

When Patagonia first came out with the Strider Pro I was really excited as this was exactly what I was looking for in a running short for a long day in the mountains—that is until I saw the inseam—5", sorry that's just too short for my liking.

It took a few years, but they now offer the Strider Pro in 7" inseam and I jumped.

The shorts are very comfortable (multiple 20+ mile days with them); I was definitely a little iffy when I saw the liner—a long and snug fitting, a stretchy, light polyester material. Turns out they work well. They breathe well and provide good support. Both the liner and shorts dry quickly—a must in running shorts.

What sets these apart from all other running shorts are the pockets. I have a few pairs of shorts that can hold a gel or two, some electrolytes, but not much more. These shorts carry my iPhone 6 (in a case) very comfortably, I can carry my calories in another pocket, a 1/2 buff in another, lightweight gloves in another—that still leaves another pocket when I want to pack a light windshirt.

If you're running around the block, there are much cheaper shorts that will do just as well, BUT if some of your running includes long days in the mountains, I would highly recommend looking into these.