Patagonia High Endurance Running Kit

Drew Thayer

Patagonia High Endurance Running Kit (new for 2020) was designed with input from elite trail runners, with the goal of creating an integrated system of clothing, plus a running pack, for long-distance and high-mountain running. I’ve been testing several elements of the kit this spring on runs up to 12 miles in the Colorado Front Range, and have come to appreciate the minimalist, functional design.

Patagonia High Endurance Running Kit Review

Patagonia Endless Run shorts $79

These are a different take on the standard running short, designed around large pockets and a wicking, odor-resistant fabric. They accomplish their mission: while typical running shorts can at most hold keys, a gu packet, and maybe a small windbreaker, these shorts perform a meaningful job of carrying your ‘cargo’ while out on a run. The deep side pockets can comfortably hold a cell phone, food packets, gloves, hat, etc – and theses pockets are tight enough to the hips that weight doesn’t bounce. 

The Endless Run shorts are a comfortable, thigh-hugging running short that can hold a phone, buff, gloves, etc in their large side pockets.

The look is definitely different – running shorts are typically loose fabric with a tighter ‘cradle’ underneath, and these are more like spandex bike shorts, although not quite as tight). I was skeptical at first (why re-invent something that works), but I’ve gotta say the tighter design is really comfortable – there’s zero chafing, and they even block a bit of wind. Patagonia’s odor-control treatment (called HeiQ) seems to do a good job of avoiding the funk. I usually hang these inside-out after a run and can use them several days in a row.

The biggest reason to run in these shorts is making use of their pockets. Running shorts that effectively hold a phone (any modern phone, even with a big case), plus gloves, hat, buff etc that you might shed during a run, are truly rare. This has allowed me to tackle some mid-distance runs in cold weather without a running pack or fanny pack, which is great. As part of the integrated trail running kit, these allow a runner to distribute weight and accessories in between the running vest and the shorts, to adjust the load during a run.

Sizing note: this runs pretty true to the waist measurement in their sizing chart. My waist is slightly more than 29” and size small fits me perfectly.

Patagonia Storm Racer waterproof running jacket $249

This is a minimalist, specialist piece designed really well for a specific function: distance running in foul weather. At 7 oz (198 g), this is among the lightest waterproof shell jackets on the market, and it’s fully waterproof – I ran through spring storms dropping snow, sleet, and rain and stayed dry. 

The Storm Racer waterproof running jacket was the perfect layer for running the Red Rocks trails during an April storm that dropped 8 inches of soggy wet snow.

This jacket is designed with mountain running in mind. I never thought I’d be able to run in a rain jacket – how could it possibly breathe enough? I used to just wear a windbreaker and deal with it getting soaked, but as I’m setting my sights on more high-altitude mountain runs this summer, where thunderstorms are a real threat, venturing far from the trail without a waterproof layer is a liability. I’ve been really pleased to find that I can actually run for 2 hours in this jacket without getting too swampy on the inside. Patagonia’s H2No membrane in a 3-layer fabric seems to do the trick.

In the design of this jacket, form follows function, and the function is to provide a minimalist covering over a running vest. There are no pockets (except a small flap in which the jacket can be stowed), and two unconventional zippers run down either side of the torso – one to the lower chest and one all the way to the hem. This allows the runner to open the jacket like a flap, exposing the main pockets on a running vest with water bottles, food, etc. The long zipper fully separates, so you can take it on and off more or less like a normal coat. The hood on the jacket provides good coverage over a bare head or a thin hat, and protects the side of your face from wind-driven rain.

As a specific mountain running asset, this jacket is pretty genius – when the rain starts, just pull it out and wear it over you vest. I was able to ‘deploy’ this layer mid-stride, which is pretty slick, and I can still access anything I’d usually be able to reach on my running vest. The exceptional breathability allows me to run in temps from the 20s to low 40s, which is about as much range as I need for staying waterproof. I’d say this piece is a true specialist – considering the off-angle zippers and lack of pockets, it probably wouldn’t satisfy as a general-purpose raincoat. For a dedicated mountain runner, it’s a well-designed tool with all the functionality you need in the mountains.

Sizing note: like many Patagonia garments, this runs a little large. I’m 6’, skinny, and wear a small.

Strider Pro pants $129

Wearing the Strider Pro pants on an early morning run in Dominguez Canyon in Colorado’s western sandstone desert. The pants are light enough that it’s a no-brainer to bring wear them for half an hour until the day heats up.

These are the only ultralight wind-pants you’ll need for 3-season trail running. They weigh only 4.4 oz and take up about as much room as small avocado when stuffed, so I always throw them into my running vest on windy days below 50 degrees. These pants are beautiful in their simplicity: they’re just two tubes for your legs, a draw-string waistband, and 4 snaps on either ankle to let you slip them on and off mid-run. No pockets, no-frills, just wind protection for you legs.

There is a subtle complexity hiding beneath the simplicity, however: certain sections of the fabric are woven with different amounts of stretch. It’s all super-light ripstop nylon, but the addition of 11% spandex in the rear leg and 35% spandex in the lower leg allows these pants to move along with your stride – no bunching or restriction. The fabric has minimal “swish” to it, which can be annoying in some joggers, and it also dries super fast – I’ve learned I can run straight through puddles and these pants will dry in no time.

Sizing note: since the waist is really adjustable, selecting these by the inseam length is the way to go. I’m 6’ with long-ish legs and size medium (32”) fit great.

Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover $129

n a state where the weather changes by the hour, this lightweight pullover has quickly proved its worth. This is really light layer, only 4 ounces, so it’s a no-brainer to throw it in your running pack, tie it around your waist, or even carry stuffed in your hand. What you get with those 4 ounces is a layer that wraps around your torso like a second skin: it breathes really well, blocks enough wind to take the edge off while running, and has a form-fitting hood. I usually pull long-sleeve layers or windbreakers off the minute I feel myself start to sweat, but I’ve left this pullover on much longer into my runs – it’s really comfortable and I never felt clammy. On a high country run last week, I wore it for 2 hours straight.

Not all summer days are hot. Running below Mt Morrison on a chilly June morning.
I was really happy to wear the Airshed Pro pullover for over two hours on an early-season exploratory run in the Indian Peaks.

This piece is constructed from two fabrics: the body is diaphanous 1.5-ounce nylon that breathes like a t-shirt, while the sleeves and hood are a slightly heavier 2.3-ounce nylon that is knit to be softer and a bit bulkier, kind of like an ultra-light sweater. The result is the hood and sleeves block a bit more wind, and the body (critically, the back, and pits) breathes very well. This construction is really specific to trail running or similar active movement in the mountains: it’s not a windbreaker, and you’ll probably get chilly if you stop for lunch on a windy ridge, but you can run that ridge all day long and not need anything more or less on your chest.

This is a very well-engineered piece, and it’s going to stay in my running bag all year. I also wore it for a late-season ski tour and it was very comfortable since it provided a touch more wind protection than the wool base-layer I usually end up skinning in during springtime, and the hood fits easily under a helmet. Despite the excellent climate-control properties, I doubt the sleeves will stand up to abrasion so I won’t wear it rock climbing, however, that’s not what it’s for; this is a piece of aerobic mountain sports. An additional bonus is the HeiQ odor control treatment, which is effective enough that I’ve been able to wear this on a few consecutive runs without a trip through the washing machine, which is great.

Like many Patagonia garments, I find this runs a little large, so I fit a small (6’ tall, skinny). It’ cut in a true slim fit, so thicker builds should consider sizing up.

Drew Thayer