Patagonia Strider Pro Running Shorts Review: Built to Outlast the Trail
We wore one pair across a 3,000-mile thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail — and they're still going.
August 19, 2026
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Our verdict
For an all-time favorite running short for trails, roads, and ultralight backpacking, you can’t do better than the Strider Pro. They’re our favorite overall trail running shorts in multiple running shorts guides.
The Patagonia Strider Pro shorts are soft and comfortable running shorts with plenty of accessible pocket space. They’re also very durable, and come with Patagonia’s lifetime warranty. They last thousands of miles, but if you do wear them out Patagonia will repair or replace them.
We’ve tested the Strider Pro shorts while trail running, road running, and thru-hiking across North America. We wore a single pair while thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail, a 3,000-mile singletrack trail that goes from Canada to Mexico through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. We’ve also worn them for several other thru-hikes, as well as ultra-distance trail runs in the mountains and canyons of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona.
The Strider Pro excels in exterior pocket accessibility and comfort. They have two stretch pockets on the outside, on top of each hip. These pockets can each hold multiple energy gels or any other small items you need to keep track of on the trail or road. They’re also made with a soft, stretchy recycled polyester material with 90% of the recycled polyester sourced from plastic pollution. Also, the hems are bonded rather than sewn, which helps prevent chafing.
Patagonia Strider Pro
Men's
Women's
The biggest downside of these shorts is that the rear zipper pocket isn’t large enough for most smartphones. Our main tester, Sam, uses a 6” Google Pixel 10 with a silicone case, and that phone won’t fit in the rear pocket. Other testers with larger iPhones (14 and above) also couldn’t fit their phones.
If you’re looking for an all-around great pair of running shorts for running or hiking on any terrain, the Strider Pro Shorts are a perennial thru-hiking favorite for a reason.
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Patagonia Strider Pro Specifications
Price: $89
Sizes: XS-XL (men’s), XXS-XL (women’s)
Inseam options: 5,” 7” (for men’s sizes), 3 ½” (for women’s sizes)
Fit: Regular fit
Fabric: 2.5-oz gsm (grams per square meter) 90% recycled polyester certified by OceanCycle and sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution; 10% spandex stretch plain weave
Weight: 3.79 oz
Liner: Yes, brief
Pockets: 5, 2 hip pockets per side, rear zippered pocket
Phone pocket: Yes, but doesn’t fit larger phones
Waistband: 1”
Split: No
Gusseted crotch: No
Quick-dry: Yes
Reflective elements: Yes, small reflective logo
Comparison table
| PRODUCT TYPE | MSRP | SIZES | LINER | LENGTHS | TOTAL POCKETS | PHONE POCKET | ZIP POCKET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts | $89-95 | XS-XL | ✓ | 5, 7" | 5 | -- | ✓ |
| rabbit FKT Shorts | $75 | S-XL | ✓ | 3, 5, 7" | 9 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tracksmith Twilight Shorts | $75 | XS-XXL | ✓ | 5" | 4 | ✓ | ✓ |
| REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts | $65 | S-XXXL | ✓ | 5, 7" | 4 | ✓ | ✓ |
Best for
Daily training and long runs
Trail running and ultralight backpacking
Pocket-heavy runners
Long distances over mixed terrain
What we liked
Long, lasting, durable material
Comfortable seamless bottom hem
External pockets keep you organized on long runs and while backpacking
Quick-drying and breathable
What could be better
Rear phone pocket doesn’t hold larger smartphones
Inner hem is flatlock sewn, so not entirely seamless
Material fades over thousands of miles
How we tested
We have been testing the men’s Patagonia Strider Pro shorts over several pairs in the last five years. Over the years, we’ve had multiple men’s and women’s testers use the Strider Pro shorts. They’re our all-time favorite shorts for trail running, so we’ve worn them for thousands of runs, from short 3-mile spins to 50k and 100k runs in the mountains.
We’ve run self-supported ultras in the mountains and long road runs that start in town before heading off into the surrounding countryside. We’ve washed them hundreds of times, and they always come out of the machine functioning the same. We’ve swum in them and let them air dry on our bodies afterward.
We’ve also completed thru-hikes on the CDT, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, and Hayduke Trail while wearing them. We’ve also run the Boulder Skyline Traverse (30 miles), Indian Peaks Traverse (70 miles), Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop (30 miles), Chicago Basin Grand Slam (40 miles), and tons of other routes across the West we won’t name because the list will get too long. We’ve carried more snacks, bars, and energy gels in the hip pockets than we can count.
Additionally, we tested these shorts alongside others from our Best Men’s Road Running Shorts and Best Men’s Trail Running Shorts guides.
Performance in the field
Fit and movement
The Strider Pro shorts don’t restrict your movement in any way. They fit loosely, but not too loose, and have a subtle amount of stretch. We often forget about these shorts when wearing them.
They’re made of a smooth but not slippery material. Even when your thighs are covered in sweat, they don’t ride up as you stride mid-run. Generally, they move with you without getting in the way or bunching up at the top of your thighs.
Liner performance
The brief liner is very comfortable for any distance run. At mile 5, they feel light and airy, and they remain that way over 10 miles, onto 20 miles and beyond.
The liner is made with 2.3-oz recycled double knit polyester. They also have miDori bioSoft, a plant seed oil-based textile softener added. The result is a very soft material that wicks sweat away from your skin so it can evaporate. The liner also has mint oil added for odor control. The liners don’t smell minty, but they do prevent the material from getting stinky over multiple long days of wear.
Waistband behavior
The waistband stays in place and keeps you comfortable while running. It is a simple one-inch elastic band wrapped in the outer fabric material. This elastic waistband never feels too tight, while also not being too loose so the shorts feel like they’re falling down, even with gels, chapstick, and other items in the pockets. On climbs, the waistband doesn’t get in the way, either.
The waistband also has a drawcord to tie the shorts tight, though we never feel the need to use the drawcord unless we’re wearing the shorts to swim.
Pocket usability
The Strider Pro has four stretch pockets, two on each hip, and a rear zippered pocket. Patagonia claims that this rear pocket can hold a smartphone, but we can’t fit our 6” Google Pixel 10 in this zippered pocket.
The stretch pockets are large enough to hold three energy gels in each pocket and are very easy to reach into while you run. We generally use the two hip pockets that are farther back to hold energy gels (up to 6 between those two pockets), and we put lip balm, a sunscreen stick, and headphones in the pockets on the front of the hips. When running, we never feel the pockets bouncing uncomfortably, even when loaded up with all those items.
Breathability and heat management
The Strider Pro shorts are extremely breathable. We’ve worn them in temperatures ranging from 30° to over 100°F, and they’ve never felt like the clothing item causing us to overheat. They’re lightweight and airy, and don’t retain any heat, which we’re sure of because they don’t keep you warm at all in cold weather. On a windy day, you can feel the wind passing through these shorts.
Chafe prevention
Over thousands of miles, we’ve only once experienced chafing in these shorts, and that was in extreme conditions. The liner’s edges are soft and not abrasive against your skin, the bottom hem has no stitching, and the inner thigh seam is sewn with a flatlocked seam.
The one time we did get chafing with these shorts was on an 800-mile thru-hike with extremely high levels of pollen in Arizona, and we hadn’t showered in over a week. There was so much pollen coming off the trees that it looked like smoke billowing up into the air. So, while we have had chafing issues with these shorts, which was solved by cleaning our thighs and applying anti-chafe cream, we only had chafing issues that one time. We probably would have chafed in any shorts in that situation, and we never had issues with chafing in these shorts again.
Durability
We’ve worn every pair of these shorts for over 2,000 miles before they wear out. We’ve worn our most recent pair on multiple 800-mile thru-hikes, and that pair is still going, albeit now faded from black to brown. They’re machine washable and don’t pill or drop in performance after washing.
Usually, the fabric fails in the butt area because often we sit on the ground, drag the shorts over downed trees when climbing over them, and butt-scoot down sketchy rock faces while scrambling. This is not to say that they wear out quickly, by any means. Most shorts don’t last nearly as long as the Strider Pro, but we simply wear them so much that they do eventually start to break down.
It’s also worth noting that the liner wears out faster than the outer material. It usually develops holes where our thighs rub the fabric against itself as we run.
Features
Built-in liner
They have a built-in, brief-style liner made of recycled polyester double knit material. The liner material has a seed-oil-based textile softener for added softness and wicking, and HeiQ mint oil added for odor control.
Elastic waistband with drawcord
They have a one-inch elastic waistband, wrapped in the soft outer fabric material. The waistband also has a drawcord to further tighten the waistband if needed.
Zip and stretch pockets
They have a rear zipper pocket that’s large enough for smaller smartphones, but not large enough for a 6” phone with a case. They also have two stretch pockets on each hip that you access from the top. These stretch pockets are each large enough for three energy gels.
Phone pocket
The Strider Pro has a rear zippered pocket that can fit some smartphones, but not all. We’ve found that it can fit an iPhone 12 with a slim case (5.78”), but it can’t quite fit a 6” Google Pixel 10.
Lightweight fabric
The Strider Pro shorts are made with 2.5-oz per square meter polyester fabric, made with 90% recycled materials certified by OceanCycle and sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution. The fabric also has 10% spandex built in for comfort. The fabric has a PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The fabric doesn’t have any UPF rating, but based on the tanlines on our legs, we’re pretty sure they block the sun.
Quick-dry material
The materials used in the Strider Pro shorts dry quickly. If you leave them in the sun for 15 minutes, they’ll be dry. We often put them on directly out of the washing machine and they’re dry before we realize we’re wearing wet shorts.
Reflective elements
They have a reflective Patagonia logo on the left thigh on the outside of the leg near the bottom hem.
Should you buy the Patagonia Strider Pro running shorts?
Buy if:
You run long distances and want a durable pair of shorts
You prefer 5” or 7” inseams
You need lots of pocket capacity without the most capacity possible
You prioritize durability and sustainability in your shorts
Skip if:
You prefer a different inseam length
You don’t want to pay a little extra
You need to carry a large smartphone or a soft flask in the pockets
You want a split shorts design
Where to buy the Patagonia Strider Pro running shorts
The Patagonia Strider Pro running shorts are popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Evo
Pros: 365 day returns, store locations in ski towns for easy last-minute pick-up, may offer rentals if you want to try before you buy, free membership earns 10% back in rewards and gets discounts on services and rentals.
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Advice on where to buy
In general for apparel, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar running shorts
Patagonia Strider Pro vs. rabbit FKT Shorts
Price: $75
Pockets: 9
Materials: exterior: 75% recycled polyester, 25% polyester (with Polartec brief liner)
The rabbit FKT shorts are a super comfortable pair of running shorts with a similar pocket layout to the Strider Pro. The FKT shorts also have two stretch pockets on each hip and a rear zippered pocket. The FKT shorts, however, have a larger rear phone pocket and one of the hip pockets on each side is deep enough to hold a 500mL softflask water bottle. We’re able to easily carry a phone in the FKT rear pocket, whereas the Strider Pro’s rear pocket can only fit smaller (less than 5.8”) smartphones. The FKT shorts also have 4 small pockets sewn into the inner lining, for even more storage.
The FKT shorts also cost less than the Strider Pro, but they don’t have a lifetime warranty, nor are they made with recycled ocean plastic pollution like the Strider Pros. Learn more in our in-depth review of the rabbit FKT running shorts.
rabbit FKT Shorts
Patagonia Strider Pro vs. Tracksmith Twilight Shorts
Price: $75
Pockets: 4
Materials: Exterior: 89% polyester, 11% spandex; liner: 89% polyester, 11% spandex
The Tracksmith Twilight Shorts are heavier and thicker than the Patagonia Strider Pro. But the Twilight shorts are made of a cozy knit material that we love the feeling of. And while they feel heavier, the Twilight shorts are still incredibly breathable and don’t feel like they’re weighing you down on the hottest, sweatiest runs. The Twilight shorts have a lot of pockets, like the Strider Pro, but they have a different pocket layout: the phone pocket is built into the liner, with two smaller pockets on either side of the larger phone pocket, also in the liner. They also have an exterior zippered pocket, perfect for a key, credit card, or even more fuel for longer runs. The Twilight shorts cost less than the Strider Pro shorts but don’t have a lifetime warranty like the Strider Pros.
If you’re looking for a pair of shorts made with thicker woven material rather than the slippery polyester material of traditional running shorts, including the Strider Pro Shorts, we think the Twilight shorts are a good choice. For more, read my in-depth review of the Tracksmith Twilight running shorts.
Tracksmith Twilight Shorts
Patagonia Strider Pro vs. REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts
Price: $65
Pockets: 4
Materials: Exterior: 73% recycled nylon, 27% spandex (bluesign approved); liner: 86% virgin polyester, 14% spandex
The REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts look like someone saw the Strider Pro Shorts and said, “we can do that design, too.” They have two stretch pockets on either hip, and a rear zippered pocket that’s about the same size as the Strider Pro’s rear zippered pocket. Like the Strider Pro, the Swiftland Shorts can’t hold larger smartphones. Unlike the Strider Pro, however, the Swiftland shorts are made with a very breathable mesh that looks like it should be see-through, but somehow, they aren’t. This material also seems like it would deteriorate quickly, but we’ve put about 1500 miles on our pair, and they’re still going strong.
The Swiftland shorts cost less than the Strider Pro, and also less than the Rabbit FKT and Tracksmith Twilight Shorts mentioned above, and the Swiftland running shorts are bluesign approved.
REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts
Men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the author
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in a converted van across the American Southwest. He’s been a runner since he was a child, when he ran five days a week as cross-training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling. Sam wrote our Men’s Road Running Shorts guide and has tested loads of other running gear for Treeline Review.
Sam regularly runs five days or more per week. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported trail runs across the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Hayduke Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shorts.
You can read more about Sam on his author page, website, or Instagram.
