[cmsms_row data_padding_bottom=”10″ data_padding_top=”10″ data_color=”default” data_width=”boxed”][cmsms_column data_width=”1/1″]
[cmsms_divider width=”long” height=”2″ style=”dashed” position=”center” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″ animation_delay=”0″]
[cmsms_text animation_delay=”0″]
As a runner, I’ve always been on the search for the best minimalist running shoes and best high performance running apparel. Ashmei has been and is still my favorite for running and cycling gear. But the Altra Running Trail shorts is my go-to shorts because of the abundance of strategically located pockets (minimizing bounce) for carrying my smartphone, keys, ID cards, cash, and energy gels. So when I heard of PATH Projects and how their designs and technical fabrics outperform, out style and out-run anyone, I was stoked.
PATH Projects founder, Scott Bailey, who has spent 20 years in the apparel and footwear world, wanted to design and build technically advanced garments with modern minimalist styling. He spent years of searching for the most innovative fabrics, manufacturing partners and testing scenarios. After years of R&D and testing, he concluded that there is no perfect liner material for all weather conditions and distances. Shorts and liners should always be separate to match them to specific needs. It made so much sense — how did everyone miss this concept? With this Aha! moment, he firmly believe Path Projects is the finest running apparel you will ever experience. A system of interchangeable running shorts and base liners allowed PATH to dial in performance, versatility, comfort, practicality, thermoregulation, muscle support and recovery. Designs and technical fabrics that outperform, out style and out-run anyone. Running shorts, tops, base layers and headwear – everything they build is high-end, timeless in style and unmatched in price.
We took the PATH Skyes PX and PATH Graves DA, layered with the PATH Tahoe CL 5″ liner, for a spin. There are a few differences between the two models in terms of technologies and material used but design-wise and use-wise, the location and styles of the three pockets for holding your belongings matter in which model you would choose. Both have a center back pocket for your smartphone or larger item.
Sykes PX Running Shorts
Toray Prime Flex fabric is feather-light and mimics your every motion with built-in mechanical stretch. Three secure zip pockets deliver versatile storage for the long haul. Layer the Sykes with a PATH component baseliner short to dial in comfort and heat regulation.
Technical Specs
- Toray Prime Flex fabric 100% polyester with mechanical stretch. Lightweight, durable, DWR coating, quick dry, breathable
- 3 YKK secure zip pockets
- Center back pocket accommodates iPhone 6 with a headphone cord routing loop
- Two small back side pockets for balanced weight distribution
- Internal front right key pocket. This will keep your key secure and away from your 3 run pockets
- Tripure elastic waistband. Anti-microbial, durable, quick dry, temperature regulating
- Exterior draw cord for maximum comfort
- Body mapped performance fit with 7” inseam. For maximum comfort and ease of movement while reducing unnecessary fabric
- Soft touch stitching for a chafe free wear
- Vented bottom sides
- Reflective logos
Graves DA Running Shorts
The Toray Dot Air fabric has thousands of micro perforations for exceptional flow-thru ventilation. When you’re the engine, this is the coolant. Four zip pockets and an inside key pocket give you secure storage for the long haul. Layer it with a PATH component baseliner short and you have an extreme conditions trail short that keeps your cool.
Technical Specs
- Toray Dot Air fabric 100% polyester with mechanical stretch. Extremely breathable, lightweight, durable, DWR coating, quick dry
- 4 YKK secure zip pockets
- Center back pocket accommodates iPhone 6 with a headphone cord routing loop
- Front hand pockets for balanced weight distribution and added space for carry
- Lower right leg side pocket for small quick access items (bear bells, spare contact lens, energy cubes)
- Internal key pocket for safe keeping of your keys
- Tripure elastic waistband. Anti-microbial, durable, quick dry, temperature regulating
- Exterior draw cord for maximum comfort
- Body mapped performance fit with 7” inseam. For maximum comfort and ease of movement while reducing unnecessary fabric
- Soft touch stitching for chafe free wear
- Vented bottom sides
- Reflective logos
Tahoe CL 5″ Base Liner
Lightweight enough to disappear with a birds-eye performance mesh that prioritizes heat dissipation. Body mapped for fit and fewer seams with a light touch on compression. Match with a PATH short and it’s ready for whatever extreme test scenario you have in mind.
Technical Specs
- Climate = moderate to hot / Compression = light
- Coolite Mesh 82% polyester / 18% Spandex birds-eye jacquard knit performance mesh. Extremely breathable, lightweight, anti-odor, moisture wicking, quick dry, soft comfort, 4 way stretch, easy care
- Tripure elastic waistband. Anti-microbial, durable, quick dry, temperature regulating
- 5” inseam for mid thigh coverage
- Engineered panels with less seams and a better fit
- Non functional fly means less fabric bulk up front
- Comfort front pouch to keep things in place
- Soft touch stitching for chafe free wear
- Small reflective logo at lower left side
I see two decisions each runner have to make between the PATH Sykes PX and PATH Graves DA shorts. First, do you like the majority of your pockets all in the back around your waist (Sykes PX) or on the back and sides around your waist (Graves DA). This also depends on how you want the weight of your belongings distributed, how accessible they are (energy gels on the move), and how heavy they are.
Second, are you running in cold or warm weather? Heat, humidity, or rain? If you need to have extra help cooling down in the heat or humidity, the Graves DA is your choice.
I compared two identical runs with the two different shorts carrying the same items – minimal bounce, if any, abundant secured pocket space, and super breathable fabric. But my preference is the Sykes PX because of the pocket locations with minimal bounce when sprinting. The choice of fabric is not so much an issue in Northern California – I love them both!
One note on the three side zippers of the Graves DA that you might get used to – they unzip upward contrarian to standard pant fly zippers that unzip downward. Just a nit but something to think about so that you don’t drop anything after assuming you have secured them…
Design-wise, I love the 7″ inseam on both the Sykes and Graves models but would have preferred an 8″ base liner to go with it. I’m not a fan of 5″ inseam shorts unless I’m racing on the track and not carrying anything on me.
Compared to the Altra Running Trail shorts, both the PATH Sykes and Graves are more breathable, has better draw cord, more secured pockets, and designed for versatility. I am happy that I now have alternatives to the hard-to-get (they’re out of stock or discontinued for 2018) Altra trail shorts. If you factor in the PATH base liner, they cost about the same.
All running apparel are available directly from PATH Projects online with their zero retail markup model.
[/cmsms_text]
[cmsms_divider width=”long” height=”2″ style=”dashed” position=”center” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″ animation_delay=”0″]
[/cmsms_column][/cmsms_row]