The 5″ Patagonia Strider Pro Running Shorts have been my favorite short since early 2015. Over the last couple of years I’ve amassed quite a collection (living in Virginia you can’t have too many running shorts during the summer months), so when the newest addition arrived in the mail several weeks ago, it was interesting to note a few minor upgrades over previous designs. Don’t worry, Patagonia have stuck to their tried-and-trusted core design, and fit and function just as well as any of their earlier models.
I figured it might be useful to highlight some of the differences.
Patagonia Strider Pro Running Shorts
Weight
The shorts felt lighter out of the box and a quick weigh on the scales confirmed the 2017 model at 3.7-oz are about half an ounce lighter than the 2016 model. Good news!
Body Material
Slight upgrade on the body material (2.4-oz 100% polyester micro dobby with a durable water repellent finish), but the main difference is the removal of the breathable mesh gusset and full length mesh side panels.
Rear Hip Pockets
Slight upgrade on the pocket material (79% nylon/21% spandex) but more importantly all four stretchy pockets are now slightly larger and therefore hold more stuff.
Rear Center Pocket
The center-back zippered pocket is about an inch wider and slightly deeper, and now features an easier-to-pull closure cord instead of a more traditional zipper pull.
Drawcord
On previous models the drawcord allowed for internal/external tying. The 2017 short features an external-only drawcord.
Waistband
Slightly less bulky than previous models but still has that annoying seam at the back that has the potential to chafe.
Liner Material
Slight upgrade to the liner material (2.7-oz 100% polyester (42% recycled) crepe with Polygiene® permanent odor control), which is now lighter and softer.
Other
Patagonia have included an internal “locker loop” which allows for hang drying of the shorts. Neat little addition.
So, all-in-all, some great design upgrades from Patagonia which make an already fantastic pair of running shorts even more functional. The 2017 Patagonia Strider Pro Running Shorts are still priced at $65 and are available online at several outlets.
Please help support Run Bulldog Run by shopping for the Patagonia Strider Pro shorts at one of our partner links below:
