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Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
Price: $65
Material:Body: 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex. Liner: 100% polyester (42% recycled).
Simple, Secure and stink-free.
Patagonia’s Nine Trails shorts are the ultimate go-to for any type of running. From sprints to hills to long slow strolls, the Nine Trails are a staple. The fit is on point, flowy, allows for an unrestricted (and un-chafing) stride and the elastic waistband, in conjunction with the drawstring, keeps it all in place. The back zipper pocket is barely there, and is the perfect size for a car key and a gel.
Many of Patagonia’s designs are sporting some unique and forward thinking features, such as using mostly recycled material, water resistant fabric coating and odor control coating. The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) keeps fabrics breathing and reduces drying time by repelling snow and rain. The coating also increases the durability of the fabric, kicking the environmentally friendliness up yet another notch—more durability means a longer lasting product and less waste.
The odor control coating is also an added bonus, and is not made of scary chemicals that get absorbed into your skin. The Polygiene coating actually is made from recycled silver particles that are too big to be absorbed into skin (similar to how Zinc Oxide can’t actually be rubbed in) and has Medical Class 1 approval in Europe. Learn more here.
They run slightly large, so order a size down or make sure to try them on first.
Patagonia Strider Pro Running Shorts
Price: $65
Material: Body: 100% polyester micro dobby with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Panels: 100% polyester mesh. Rear pockets and waistband:79% nylon, 21% spandex jersey. Liner: 58% polyester, 42% recycled polyester crepe with Polygiene® permanent odor control.
The Strider Pro has all the same incredible qualities of the Nine Trails, but is tailored for the long run. These shorts are breathable, and the slits along the sides are longer, allowing for a little more air flow and a little less chafe compared to the Nine Trials. The fit is true to size.
The main appeal with these shorts is that they essentially have their own built in storage belt. The rear zip pocket is slightly bigger than other shorts, allowing for storage of a cell phone or bigger snacks. There are four additional pockets in the front and back, which lie snugly against the body and eliminate the need to take a fanny pack or fuel belt. The tester was able to store her cell phone, car keys, chapstick, a tube of anti-chafe cream and enough fuel for several hours of trail running. An added bonus is the drawstring and excellent fit—even when loaded up, the shorts stayed in place and didn’t slide down at all.
—Jacky Thompson is an avid mountain and desert trail runner. When she isn’t rock climbing, running, foraging or frolicking outside, she can be found practicing yoga and playing music.