Patagonia Baggies 5" - Women's Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Lightweight, water resistant, versatile
Cons: Runs big, abrasive waistband
Manufacturer: Patagonia
Our Verdict
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Patagonia Baggies 5" - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $55.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $23.83 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $64.35 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $29.00 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $48.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Lightweight, water resistant, versatile | Comfortable, breathable, versatile | Ultralight, versatile, stylish | Affordable, water resistant, breathable | Fashionable, water resistant, lightweight |
| Cons | Runs big, abrasive waistband | Stretches out, wrinkles easily | Lack of stretch in waistband, not as comfortable | Unnecessary belt, small cargo pockets | Not as breathable, not as versatile |
| Bottom Line | A fun summer short for casual endeavors | Pure comfort and very versatile, our only minor complaint involves the stretchy fit | Techy and ultralight, but the waistband doesn't stretch well | Functional and light activewear for a great price | Having a short inseam, this pair is cute, light, and functional |
| Rating Categories | Baggies 5" | Prana Revenna | Arc'teryx Sabria | Sandy River Cargo | Arc'teryx Creston - Women's |
| Comfort And Mobility (35%) | |||||
| Venting And Breathability (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
| Features (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Baggies 5" | Prana Revenna | Arc'teryx Sabria | Sandy River Cargo | Arc'teryx Creston... |
| Weight (in oz) | 5.2 oz | 5.2 oz | 4.4 oz | 5.1 oz | 4.7 oz |
| Material | 100% nylon (92% recycled) | 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex | Fortius DW 1.0 (87% nylon, 13% elastane) | OMNI SHADE 100% nylon Perfecta Plus II | Abron (90% nylon, 10% elastane) |
| Water Resistance | DWR coating | DWR treatment | Minimal | Perfecta Plus II quick-dry | Minimal |
| Sizing (waist, length options) | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL | 0 - 14, 5" or 7" inseam | 00 - 14, 8.75" inseam | XS - XL | 00 - 14, 4.5" inseam |
| Sun Protection | No | Yes, UPF 50 | No | Yes, UPF 30 | No |
| Convertible, or option available? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Pockets | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Waist Strap/Fasten | Elastic waistband with drawstring | Two metal snaps, zipper fly, internal drawstring | Elastic waistband, internal drawstring | Elastic waistband with plastic snap and zipper fly, optional belt | Metal snap and zipper fly |
| Other Features | Fair Trade Certified sewing | Ripstop fabric, one pocket with zipper, belt loops | Gussetted crotch, pockets on thigh with zippers and mesh | Zip cargo stash-pocket, quick-dry nylon fabric | Gussetted crotch, belt loops, warp stretch weave |
| Warranty | Ironclad Guarantee | One Year Warranty | Limited Warranty | One Year Good Faith Guarantee | Limited Warranty |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Patagonia Baggies are known for their old-school style, yet as we move forward as an industry, these shorts are now made with recycled nylon and Fair Trade sewing practices. With this modern take, the material is lightweight and thin, yet still water-resistant and durable. The sizing runs large for this model, which can easily contribute to a "too baggy" and unflattering silhouette. Being unlined and having wide leg openings can also be an issue despite the five-inch inseam, particularly when stretching out or doing an activity on the floor or on a boat (if you're not wearing a swimsuit, for example.) Still, the classic and casual style is hard to ignore.
Performance Comparison
With average marks in some metrics and high marks in others, the overall ranking lands this pair well below the top competitors.
Comfort and Mobility
With ample legroom, mobility is of no concern with these shorts. We found that high-stepping, stretching, and even all-day casual wear can be done effortlessly. The nylon is light and relatively soft but wrinkles easily. The main drawback is the comfort of the waistband, which is an unlined elastic band with a drawcord. Over long periods, the stitching along the waistband becomes abrasive against the skin. The high waist itself can also be uncomfortable for those who are used to wearing mid to low-rise bottoms.
Venting and Breathability
The Baggies are airy and vent well. The nylon is treated with a water-resistant finish, however, which might diminish breathability a tad, particularly on sweaty hikes. Still, having a five-inch inseam and wide legs make it super easy to air out. This is one of the metrics this pair scores high.
Versatility
Write a list of all the stereotypical summer activities, and these shorts will likely apply to all of them. From water sports to a picnic in the woods, these shorts take casual to a whole new level. They have mesh pockets for activities that will benefit from the easy draining of water. We can pull them on easily, and we found that they are decent for short runs, spin class, or for rock climbing (maybe wear some spandex shorts underneath?).
Versatile from activity to activity, they also fare well in town. "Vintage" is trendy, and they fit the old-timey bill. Our lead tester wore them to the movies and happily received compliments. A potential drawback is just how ideal they are for summer, actually, meaning they aren't very practical for colder temperatures or the shoulder seasons.
Water Resistance
Coated with DWR (durable water repellent), water beads incredibly well when it's lightly raining out, or you splash across a creek. During testing, we sprinkled water, and the droplets stayed until we brushed them off five minutes later. With what little water did absorb, the nylon dried within minutes. This is a neat feature for summer shorts, and this pair earns one of the highest scores for water-resistance.
Features
Minimally designed, there are only two pockets in the front. These pockets are spacious enough for an iPhone, keys, and little knick-knacks, and we appreciate how deep they are. With no added sun protection or other accessory features, this model scores fairly average when compared to the others we recently tested.
Value
On the cheaper side, relative to the others, the Baggies are affordable and are made in Vietnam. Backed by Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee, we feel that, for the brand and their growing sustainability practices, this is a great value.
Conclusion
Overall, these shorts are fun, airy, and comfortable enough for the casual outing or day hike. The baggy style is a turn off for some, but if the fit works for you, then these shorts will surely become a wardrobe staple.
— Sara Aranda