REASONS TO BUY
Ultralight
Weather protection
Pocket stuff for packability
Fast drying
Choose-your-own-liner
REASONS TO AVOID
Single snap pocket
Snap not as secure as zipper
No side pockets
No liner
Patagonia Trailfarer Review
The ultralight linerless choice for runners who prefer their own base layer and want DWR weather protection in a packable design
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
Our Verdict
The Patagonia Trailfarer is the lightest and fastest-drying short in the lineup. At 2.60 ounces with a DWR finish that sheds light rain, it is built for runners who know exactly what they want underneath and do not need the shorts to provide it. The single back snap pocket is the main limitation, offering phone storage but no side pockets and less closure security than a zipper. For runners who pair their shorts with compression tights or preferred underwear and value minimal weight above all, the Trailfarer disappears on the body in the best possible way.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Patagonia Trailfarer on a steady uphill grind. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
On the body, the Patagonia Trailfarer feels like almost nothing, which is the whole point of a 2.60-ounce short. The minimal waistband is effective, with an external drawcord and good recovery, and we appreciated the stuff-into-its-own-pocket feature for travel and packability. The same DWR-treated recycled polyester and spandex stretch weave found in the Strider Pro sheds light rain and dries faster than any other short in the group, which makes sense given there is so little fabric to dry. The unlined design gives runners full control over their base layer choice, and for those who have a preferred pair of compression shorts or merino underwear, the Trailfarer is a clean, ultralight shell to go over them.
The minimal waistband and external drawcord on the Patagonia Trailfarer. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
One pocket. That is the fundamental limitation of the Trailfarer. The single back snap pocket holds a phone and can fit a key alongside it, but there are no side pockets. The snap closure is less secure than a zipper, and during harder efforts, we were aware that the phone was shifting. The lack of a liner means you need your own, which adds cost and planning. The 6-inch inseam and 10.50-inch leg opening are on the narrower side, which some runners may find restrictive. And at this price for a linerless short with one pocket, it is a premium ask.
The Patagonia Trailfarer keeps storage minimal, with a single rear snap pocket and no side pockets. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Patagonia Trailfarer?
If you already have a favorite base layer and want the lightest, fastest-drying shell to go over it, the Trailfarer is a strong choice. The DWR finish and packability make it especially appealing for travel and multi-day adventures. If you need any meaningful pocket capacity or a built-in liner, look elsewhere. The Trailfarer is for runners who know exactly what they want and appreciate the beauty of less.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The Patagonia Strider Pro shares the same DWR fabric and adds five pockets plus a brief liner for runners who want more self-sufficiency. The REI Active Pursuits Shorts offer an unlined design with three pockets, including an internal zipper, at a lower price. If you want an unlined short with three zippered pockets on a budget, the NorthYard Workout Running Shorts provide more storage at the lowest price in the lineup.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Patagonia Trailfarer versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $89 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | The ultralight linerless choice for runners who prefer their own base layer and want DWR weather protection in a packable design |
| Pros | Ultralight, weather protection, pocket stuff for packability, fast drying, choose-your-own-liner |
| Cons | Single snap pocket, snap not as secure as zipper, no side pockets, no liner |
| Rating Categories | Patagonia Trailfarer |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |
| Pockets (20%) | |
| Specifications | Patagonia Trailfarer |
| Best for | Versatility |
| Liner Type | None |
| Pockets | 1 back snap pocket (stuffs into pocket) |
| Fits a Phone | Yes (back pocket) |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 2.60 oz |
| Measured Waistband Width | 13.00 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 10.50 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 | None |
—Matthew Richardson
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