Gear Review: Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: PNW Camping/Hiking/Swimming
Duration of Test: 1 year
Product Name: Barely Baggies Shorts
Product Brand: Patagonia
Best Use: Hiking/Water Sports
The Full Review:
Patagonia Barely Baggies are my go-to summer outdoor shorts. I wear them hiking, kayaking, swimming, and for everything in between. They’re lightweight and breathable, yet also durable enough that I don’t worry about them snagging on anything. The waistband is elastic and adjustable, and I’ve never had any issues with them riding up or down, which is a big part of why I like these shorts so much. The drawstring is completely enclosed and doesn’t get twisted, which is another definite win for the shorts. The shorts have a pocket on each side which isn’t big enough for a phone but can handle keys pretty well. In an ideal world, the pockets would be a bit bigger or deeper, but given the short inseam I think the pockets are as big as they can reasonably be. I’ve owned my pair for about a year and they haven’t displayed any significant wear.
My favorite use for these shorts is kayaking/paddling. They perform equally well in the water and don’t get clingy or bunched up like many athletic shorts do. They also dry fairly quickly - it probably takes about twenty minutes of being in the sun to go from wet to fully dry. They’re an ideal short for days where you’re spending time both in and out of the water. They’re much better swimming shorts than your average hiking shorts, and much better hiking shorts than your average swimming shorts.
The Good:
Comfortable and quick-drying
The Bad:
Pockets cannot hold larger items securely
The Bottom Line:
Great all-around shorts
The Full Review:
Patagonia Barely Baggies are my go-to summer outdoor shorts. I wear them hiking, kayaking, swimming, and for everything in between. They’re lightweight and breathable, yet also durable enough that I don’t worry about them snagging on anything. The waistband is elastic and adjustable, and I’ve never had any issues with them riding up or down, which is a big part of why I like these shorts so much. The drawstring is completely enclosed and doesn’t get twisted, which is another definite win for the shorts. The shorts have a pocket on each side which isn’t big enough for a phone but can handle keys pretty well. In an ideal world, the pockets would be a bit bigger or deeper, but given the short inseam I think the pockets are as big as they can reasonably be. I’ve owned my pair for about a year and they haven’t displayed any significant wear.
My favorite use for these shorts is kayaking/paddling. They perform equally well in the water and don’t get clingy or bunched up like many athletic shorts do. They also dry fairly quickly - it probably takes about twenty minutes of being in the sun to go from wet to fully dry. They’re an ideal short for days where you’re spending time both in and out of the water. They’re much better swimming shorts than your average hiking shorts, and much better hiking shorts than your average swimming shorts.
The Good:
Comfortable and quick-drying
The Bad:
Pockets cannot hold larger items securely
The Bottom Line:
Great all-around shorts