Patagonia Women’s Strider Pro Short Review
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Initial Impressions
Patagonia’s new Women’s Strider Pro Short 3″ is ready for the long haul thanks to storage, breathability, and extreme comfort. On my first wear of the Women’s Strider Pro Short, I took them for a nice and easy 16 mile run and they did not disappoint.
Outside drawstring flanked by two smaller envelope style pockets with yellow contrast stitching
Function and Performance
The Patagonia Women’s Strider Pro Short is a long run and race ready split short. The higher cut of the split allows for complete freedom of movement, yet the overlapping of fabric keeps you covered when you are not in motion. The outer fabric is ultralight and is composed of 100% polyester (50% of which is recycled) and has been treated with a durable water repellent finish (DWR). The DWR helps to prevent the sticking to you sensation in a rainy conditions and helps repel all moisture. The fabric dries quickly, is soft on the skin, and doesn’t make a crinkling sound like some running shorts.
The waistband includes Air Flow mesh, double layered, and helps to keep your low back dry in this high heat producing area. The liner doesn’t disappoint either, as it is composed of polyester crepe mesh. In addition to moisture management, this fabric has incorporated Polygiene, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria on fabrics and therefore reduces odor. As Patagonia and Polygiene like to say, “wear more and wash less!” Incorporating high tech performance fabric into the Women’s Strider Pro Short is a win-win in my book. Click here for a more thorough explanation of Polygiene.
Patagonia Women’s Strider Pro Short Features
The Patagonia Women’s Strider Pro Short conjures up images of RaceReady shorts of ole; the marathon shorts that seemed to have a pocket for everything. Thankfully, Patagonia has figured out a way to include storage without sacrificing clean lines and style. The Strider Pro Short features 5 pockets integrated into it’s broad-flat waistband. In the rear there is a zippered compartment for your valuables, two 6″ long pockets wrap around at the hips, while two 3″ pockets flank the front drawstring. The envelope style pockets are secure, yet make it easy to grab a gel or bar while on the go. When fully loaded, the pockets feel secure and don’t bounce around thanks to a large elastic band that runs along the top of the short to keep the shorts secure against the hips.
Patagonia has incorporated two reflective logos for easy visibility, one along the left thigh and another over the rear pocket. Another great feature, the Strider Pro Short features a drawstring that is on outside to help keep the shorts in place and minimize any chaffing. These shorts are available in three colors: black, navy, and gypsum green (light-mint green).
Patagonia Strider Pro Short Fit
I found the Strider Pro Short to run true to size and the 3″ inseam ideal. The large leg openings, or high split cut, allow for complete comfort while on the go. These shorts are designed to ride lower on the waist and are kept in place by the easy to adjust drawstring. If you would prefer a bit longer short, then check out Patagonia’s Nine Trails Short with a 5″ inseam. If you love the design of the Strider Pro Short, but feel that you would never use the storage pockets, then check out the Strider Short 3 1/4″.
The Patagonia Strider Pro Short retails for $59; a fair price considering the fabric features and quality construction to withstand many days out on the trail. My only problem with thee shorts is that I got something on them, maybe olive oil, and can’t seem to remove the stain with pre-wash spray or tech wash. If anyone has suggestions for stain removal, I’d love to hear them. Don’t worry, it hasn’t stopped me from wearing these shorts at least 2-3 days per week! For more information visit patagonia.com
