Arc'teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Women’s Running Shorts Review
A lightweight, tight-style road running short that will last season after season with no wear and tear
June 17th, 2026
Home → Gear Reviews → Running
Our verdict
For multiple seasons, the Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Shorts have been in my weekly shorts rotation for running on the road or hitting the trails.
The tight-fitting shorts are similar to the cult-favorite Janji Pace Shorts and have a fit comparable to the Patagonia Maipos, both of which we tested in our upcoming Best Road Running Shorts guide.
The fit is a tight compression with a high-rise waist and leg openings that don’t roll up, even on double-digit runs. The compression doesn’t hinder mobility, as the material is a smooth, very stretchy fabric that moves with you, even when I’m climbing over boulders or doing speed work on the sidewalk. Plus, because of the shorts' tight fit and their many pockets, I can easily pack quite a few items on my runs without wearing a vest or waist belt.
The waistband is wider and thicker than most other shorts we tested—at 4 inches and with multiple layers between the main waistband and the front and back pockets. This layering was a downside for one of our testers, while others didn’t mind that it added support and reinforcement.
The shorts are pricier than most others on the market, but after two years of use, they still look almost brand new. However, the Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility shorts earn one of our top recommendations for tight-fitting compression running shorts. They are comfortable, provide ample support and pockets, and stand out for their durability.
Arc'teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Shorts
This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission. This allows us to create reader-supported, objective gear reviews, independently selected by our editors — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Arc'teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Shorts Specifications
Price: $90
Sizes: 00 to 16
Inseam options: 6”
Fit: Next to skin, high compression
Fabric: 71% Chira nylon, 29% elastane
Weight: 4.8 oz
Liner: No
Pockets: Two deep side drop-in pockets, large back waistband pocket with key loop, one large front waistband pocket that extends from hip to hip
Phone pocket: Yes
Waistband: 4-inch; elastic with infinity drawcord
Split: No
Gusseted crotch: Yes
Quick-dry: No
Reflective elements: Yes
Best for
Long road runs where pockets can hold a phone, fuel, and more
Runners needing mid to high-compression
Runners with thighs that touch and need protection from legs rubbing together, without having to wear longer shorts
Any runner who likes ample pocket storage
Trail runners who need durable fabric to protect from falls or descents
Runners going out in moderate temperatures (not extreme heat)
Comparison table
| RUNNING SHORTS | WAIST RISE | COMPRESSION LEVEL | AVAILABLE SIZES | AVAILABLE LENGTHS | WEIGHT | POCKETS | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Short 6" | High | Mid to high | 00 - 16 | 6" | 4.8 oz | 4 | $90 |
| Janji 7" Pace Short | Mid | Mid to high | XXS-XXXL | 5" and 7" | 5.0 oz | 4 | $78 |
| Bandit Stamina-V High Waist 5" Compression Short | High | High | XS - XL | 5" and 7" | 4.8 oz | 4 | $85 |
| rabbit Leggy Smashems 5" | Mid | Moderate | XS - XL | 5" | Not listed | 6+ | $70 |
What we liked
Plenty of pockets to fit a phone or a soft flask without bounce; a waistband that has both front and back storage for smaller items
High-rise waistband doesn’t roll or fold over during runs; sits at or slightly above the belly button
The 6” inseam protects against chafing from legs rubbing together, but offers slightly less coverage than most other longer options at 7”; the slightly shorter inseam is also good for warmer days on the road
Silicone grippers on the inside edge of the leg opening keep the legs from rolling up
Mid-to-high compression was comfortable for most runners for a whole run, and the compression has stayed after multiple seasons of running
What could be better
Some testers found the fit too compressive in the hip area and the three-layer waistband too restrictive on their stomach
No zippered pockets
Limited sizing compared to the Janji Pace Shorts
The highest price short we have tested
How we tested
Mattie wore these during her 22-mile trail race in Crested Butte last fall.
We tested the women’s Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Short with a 6-inch inseam on many trail and road runs around Boulder, Colorado. We’ve actually had this pair for at least two years, and they seem almost brand new. Tester’s body types included curves (read: ample butt and thighs) and thinner, toned butt/legs. Both runners wore a size medium in testing and had no issues with fit, support, or chafing.
Runs ranged from 3 to 10 miles, with average paces from faster 9-minute miles to slower 12-minute miles on the trail, plus a 22-mile trail race in Crested Butte. The Essent shorts were worn in temperatures ranging from the mid-50s with clouds to 75 degrees with pure sunshine. We carried our phones, small water bottle flasks, Skratch Labs Energy Chews, and extra layers in all the pockets to see where they fit best and which pockets produced the least bounce. The shorts were (sometimes) also worn with a Nathan Sports running vest and the Ruffwear Trail Runner Belt around the waist.
Testing out the Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Shorts (in black) alongside the Janji Pace Shorts.
We tested these shorts alongside other similar shorts, including the Janji Pace Shorts (7” inseam) and the Patagonia Maipo Shorts (8” inseam) from our Best Running Shorts guide.
Performance in the field
Fit and movement
With a 6” inseam, the overall fit of the Essent shorts was a good compromise for longer fitted shorts that aren’t covering your legs down to the knee but still offer enough protection from chafing and thighs rubbing together. I’ve never had chafing with these, no matter the length of the run or the temperature and humidity.
The shorts are tighter than the other ones we tested, but that compression offers great support on longer runs.
They are on the higher end for compression compared to other options, like the lower-compression Patagonia Maipo, meaning the Essents are tight enough to limit extra bouncing while running and add extra support to the thighs, butt, and waist. The waistband was the only part that some testers found too tight. They fit true to size, but do have limited sizing options. The compression held up during runs lasting more than an hour, and the elastic stayed tight after multiple washes.
Waistband behavior
The waistband was the main point of contention between testers. One tester loved the 4-inch width and the multiple layers of fabric for added compression, while another tester felt that the 4-inch waistband (versus many other shorts with a 3-inch waistband) and the many layers of fabric were just too constrictive. On the front, there are three layers of fabric; on the back, four. The waistband has an infinity drawcord and sits at or just above the belly button. With the compression and high-rise construction, we found little to no drooping even on longer runs (10-12 miles).
Pocket usability
The Essent shorts don’t have a zippered pocket, but the keys can fit in the front pockets or in the loop on the back waistband pocket.
I usually wear these on mid-length road runs or longer trail runs, where I need the extra storage, especially if I don’t wear a vest. The side pockets, which run the length of the shorts, easily fit an iPhone with an OtterBox case and a PopSocket attached, as well as a small hard-shelled water bottle. No bouncing occurred, even when I pushed my pace.
I have attached my key to the integrated loop in the back pocket, and I have run with gels or snacks in the front with minimal bounce. If I have a lot of snacks in the front pockets, the waistband sags a little throughout the run.
Breathability and heat management
The waistband construction is multi-layered, so it can feel hot and cumbersome on a really swampy day. The rest of the shorts are very lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which still makes them a great option for warmer days with temperatures into the 70s.
Chafe prevention
With a 6” inseam, these shorts allowed for less coverage and fabric on hot days, but were long enough to prevent my legs from rubbing together. Most other fitted running shorts available only have 5” (which is too short for me) or 7” or longer (which can feel like a lot of fabric). This sweet spot of 6” kept my legs from rubbing together.
The hems didn’t roll up at all due to the fit and silicone grippers on the inside hem. The shorts use a flatlock seam construction with a Merrow stitch, making the seams virtually impossible to feel against your body.
Even with the protection of a longer inseam, I'll still reach for a good anti-chafing balm on the hottest, sweatiest days or before a race—it's cheap insurance against a run-ruining hot spot.
Durability
The Essent shorts can withstand multiple washes and years of use without losing compression.
I have worn these shorts nearly every week for at least two years, on many road runs and longer trail runs. I wash them in the machine every time and let them air-dry, and I’ve found no stretching whatsoever. All seams are intact (even after multiple trail runs with a few butt scooches down steeper terrain) thanks to the durable nylon knit. There is no fading in the fabric or stretching of the pockets, either.
Features
All of the pockets—front, side, and back—fit plenty of gear.
Built-in liner
These shorts are compression shorts, so they do not have a built-in liner.
Elastic waistband with drawcord
The entire front waistband has an integrated pocket with slight stitching to fit in a phone or fuel.
The high-rise, 4-inch-wide waistband is triple-layered in the front and quadruple-layered in the back to accommodate extra pockets and features an infinity drawcord.
Waistband Pocket
The waistband has a 360° stretch-mesh pocket for gels and small items. On the back waistband is a large pocket with a key loop and an integrated envelope pocket; the front waistband has one large stretch mesh pocket from hip to hip. I found their "bounceless” claim to be true.
Side pockets
The side pockets are deep enough to hold a phone or even a small flask, and are tight enough that no items bounce around.
On the sides are two tight drop-in phone pockets; both easily fit an iPhone 16 with an OtterBox case and a PopSocket and an iPhone 13 with a thin case; we found no bouncing during runs. Phones can also fit in the front and back waistband pockets.
Lightweight fabric
The Essents are made with Chira, Arc’teryx’s proprietary nylon knit designed to resist abrasions and snags and to provide superior moisture management and 4-way stretch. The fabric is a nylon-elastane blend that’s durable enough for trail runs and for falls on your butt.
Gusseted crotch
There is an articulated crotch on the Essent High-Rise Utility shorts.
Reflective elements
On the right side of the leg is a small reflective logo.
Should you buy the Arc’teryx Essent running shorts?
Buy if you want the perfect 6” inseam length to reduce chafing from legs rubbing together. If you want to carry a lot on your runs but don’t necessarily need a full-on vest, the pockets can hold a phone, a flask, and plenty of gels.
Skip if you need less compression around the waist, prefer a zippered pocket for keys or cards, or simply like to sport loose shorts rather than fitted.
Where to buy the Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Short
The Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Shorts are popular, so you have options for retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Arc’teryx
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for apparel, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like, REI. If your funds allow, many people find it is faster to order two sizes and return whichever one didn't fit as well. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar running shorts
Janji Pace Shorts
Price: $74 (5”) or $78 (7”)
Sizes: XXS to XXXL
Inseam options: 5” or 7”
Fit: High compression, high rise
Fabric: 68% nylon, 32% spandex, and polyester power mesh lining on the waistband
Weight: 5 oz
Pockets: 4; two deep side drop-in pockets, internal small waistband pocket, back pocket that doubles as a pass-through pocket for extra layers (no zippers on any of the pockets)
The Janji Pace Shorts and the Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Utility Shorts are very similar in terms of compression and pocket types. Both offer high compression that washes well and holds its shape, though some testers preferred the Janji waistband to the Arc’teryx. On the hems, you’ll find similar silicone grippers to keep the legs from riding up. The Janjis do have a wider range of sizes and have a 5” inseam option as well.
Janji Pace Shorts
Price: $85 (5”) or $88 (7”)
Sizes: XS to XL
Inseam options: 5” or 7”
Fit: High compression, next to skin
Fabric: 80% polyester, 20% elastane
Weight: 4.8 oz
Pockets: two side drop-in pockets with a waterproof interior, two waistband gel pockets
The Bandit Stamina-V shorts have a similar level of compression to the Arc’teryx shorts and come with a thick line of silicone grippers at the leg opening, which kept the legs in place during all our testing runs. The waistband on the Bandit is thicker and stiffer, but it also provides storage in the pockets. Both shorts are the same weight, but have a 5-inch length, so we did have some chafing from our legs rubbing together. This is also the only pair of shorts we tested that didn’t have a seam running up the front groin area.
Bandit Stamina-V High Waist 5" Compression Short
Why you should trust us / About the author
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Mattie specializes in writing about outdoor adventures, gear, travel, fitness, health, and education/parenting, with more than 10 years of experience. Her areas of expertise include trail running, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and hiking.
Mattie's favorite part of living in Boulder is the easy access to so many trails to enjoy — whether that’s hiking, trail running, or road running, she gets outside by any means with her dog, Imogene. Every summer, she trains for some sort of trail race in Colorado; in past years, she has run the Imogene Pass Run in Ouray, the West Line Winder in Buena Vista, and the Crested Butte Ultra. You can read more of Mattie’s work at her website or on her author page.
