REASONS TO BUY
Five-pocket system
Ultralight
Sheds light rain
Odor control liner
Bonded seams eliminate chafe
REASONS TO AVOID
Less thigh coverage
High price
Envelope pockets bulges when full
Patagonia Strider Pro Review
An ultralight five-pocket runner that carries everything you need without a vest and dries faster than anything else we tested
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
Our Verdict
The Patagonia Strider Pro is the short we reach for when the run demands self-sufficiency. Five pockets, four of them stretch envelope and one zippered with a key loop, hold gels, a phone, gloves, and even a packable jacket without the bulk of a vest. At 3.40 ounces with bonded seams and a DWR finish that sheds light rain, it handles anything from a hot tempo session to a long day in the mountains. The crepe knit brief liner with HeiQ Mint odor control stays fresh longer between washes and wicks quickly against the skin. If carrying nutrition and essentials on the run matters to you, the Strider Pro makes it easy.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Patagonia Strider Pro on a packed dirt trail. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
Four stretch envelope pockets sit two on each hip on the Patagonia Strider Pro, lying completely flat when empty and expanding to swallow gels, a lightweight wind layer, or a pair of gloves without a hint of bounce.
The Patagonia Strider has pockets that are large enough to fit almost anything. Credit: Matthew Richardson
The back zipper pocket fits a phone with a built-in key loop, and the whole system adds up to storage that genuinely rivals a running belt. We loaded up for a long trail effort in the San Juans and forgot we were carrying anything within the first mile.
The liner on the Strider Pro is very comfortable. Credit: Matthew Richardson
The comfort matches the utility. At 3.40 ounces, the Strider Pro is the lightest lined short we tested, and the bonded seams mean there is nothing to rub or irritate even after double-digit miles. The DWR-treated recycled polyester shell beads shed water in light rain rather than absorbing it, making it one of the fastest-drying options in the group. The crepe knit brief liner with HeiQ Mint odor control is a nice touch for runners who prefer to get a few wears between washes, and it stays flush against the skin without bunching. The external drawcord is easy to adjust on the move and keeps the knot off the pelvis, where it could cause irritation.
Reaching into the Strider Pro pockets mid run. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
The brief-style liner provides less thigh coverage than the boxer brief designs we tested, and runners whose thighs rub at longer distances may wish for the extra fabric. The 5-inch inseam is built for running performance, not for blending in at the coffee shop afterward. When we fully loaded all five pockets, there was a visible bulge at the hips, which is a cosmetic rather than functional issue, but worth noting. And the price is the highest in our lineup, which stings if you are new to running or building a rotation on a budget.
The rear of the Patagonia Strider Pro, where the brief liner offers less thigh coverage. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Patagonia Strider Pro?
If your runs regularly involve carrying nutrition, a phone, keys, and maybe a layer, and you would rather not strap on a vest or belt to do it, the Strider Pro is the shorts to buy. The pocket system is unmatched, the weight is negligible, and the DWR finish adds weather versatility that most competitors lack. The brief liner and premium price may give some runners pause, but for committed trail and long-distance runners, the investment pays dividends every time you head out the door.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The Janji AFO Middle scored nearly as high for comfort and drying speed at a lower price, though its two-pocket system is far more limited. If you prioritize a boxer brief liner over pocket capacity, the Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts offer the best liner coverage we tested with a clever thigh phone pocket. For hot-weather running with strong breathability and a runner-specific pocket layout, the REI Swiftland Shorts are an excellent alternative.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Patagonia Strider Pro versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best Overall Men's Running Shorts |
|---|---|
| Price | $89 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | An ultralight five-pocket runner that carries everything you need without a vest and dries faster than anything else we tested |
| Pros | Five-pocket system, ultralight, sheds light rain, odor control liner, bonded seams eliminate chafe |
| Cons | Less thigh coverage, high price, envelope pockets bulges when full |
| Rating Categories | Patagonia Strider Pro |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |
| Pockets (20%) | |
| Specifications | Patagonia Strider Pro |
| Best for | Long distance |
| Liner Type | Brief (crepe knit with HeiQ Mint odor control) |
| Pockets | 4 stretch envelope + 1 back zipper with key loop |
| Fits a Phone | Yes (back zipper pocket) |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 3.40 0z |
| Measured Waistband Width | 13.50 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 11.00 in |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 10 min |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | External |
| Body Material | 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex (stretch plain weave with DWR) |
| Alternate Styles | 7" inseam |
—Matthew Richardson
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