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The Path Projects Sykes AT shorts are incredibly lightweight breathable shorts with a decent number of zip pockets to secure your cell phone, keys and wallet. They come with a modular ethos so you decide on the appropriate base liner beneath depending on the distance you are running and the weather conditions. By having lots of different outer and inner shorts combinations available you get the right short every time and reduce chaffing because the shorts move freely and independently of the inner short.

In Depth Review

Shorts are shorts. There is very little difference when it comes to choosing so for me it comes down to two things. They must have lots of pockets and they must be lightweight to help keep me cool. These Path Projects shorts do both.

Gloriously Pockety

So when I go for a run from my house I need to take my keys with me and my mobile phone for music. Most running gear has no pockets. The Path Sykes shorts have FOUR pockets…… FOUR POCKETS ! Three of them have zips and one is an internal pouch for your keys. Better still the central rear pocket is easily big enough for a decent sized smartphone. There is plenty of space for runners gels, snacks and headphones.

Fabric

The Sykes AT Shorts weigh less than 3oz which is quite a surprise. The Airtastic fabric has a little bit of stretch and is very breathable. I also noticed that they are slightly splash resistant if you get caught out in a light shower. They also dry very very quickly when washed.

Fit

I found them true to size with a classic fit so they aren’t too close fitting.

Durability

I was worried that the thin fabric would tear easily. I have a tendency to tumble on trails and Connecticut involves a lot of running through rocky woods and squeezing past obstructions. In all my test runs in the shorts they did not tear or show any signs of wear at all.

Separate Outer Shell and Base Liner

So the main ‘shorts’ are the outer shell. You have a separate pair of lightweight underwear (in this case called the Lynx) that you can wear beneath the short. If you aren’t being too energetic and aren’t out running all day you could get away with just the outer short. By wearing the inner layer though you get the short moving without shifting the base layer which goes a long way to reducing chaffing ( I find a bit of desitin also helps !) .

Verdict

The Path Projects Sykes AT shorts are incredibly lightweight breathable shorts with a decent number of zip pockets to secure your cell phone, keys and wallet. They come with a modular ethos so you decide on the appropriate base liner beneath depending on the distance you are running and the weather conditions. By having lots of different outer and inner shorts combinations available you get the right short every time and reduce chaffing because the shorts move freely and independently of the inner short.

PURCHASE $48

Specs and Features

• Toray Airtastic fabric 100% nylon mini ripstop with mechanical stretch. Super lightweight, durable, DWR coating, extremely quick dry, breathable
• 3 YKK secure zip pockets
• The center back pocket accommodates phone sizes up to 5.78 inches x 2.82 inches (147mm x 72mm). Fits iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 13, 13 Pro with slim case.
• 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 5” 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
• Layer with our Lynx or Tahoe base liners for the best PATH experience
• Weight: 2.7 oz / 76.5 g (Size MD)

About Path Projects

In 2002, a friend challenged me to run the San Francisco half marathon. I’d never tackled more than three miles but needed a challenge so I started training. I quickly realized being in good shape didn’t equal a quick jump to 13 miles.

It took me a year to build up my shins and learn how to run without destroying myself. But in the trial by fire, I found that special place where your body takes over and the mind shuts off. Where you feel like you can run forever and when you’re done, you’re cleansed.

That became my happy addiction.

“Then, in 2007, I burned out on races and pavement and discovered the trail.”

I threw myself into challenging half marathons, trying to run them faster. I squeezed in runs whenever I traveled for work. At this point in my life, I was a father, husband and entrepreneur — running became my stress relief, my escape route.

“A truly functional pair of shorts simply didn’t exist.”

I’d always found running gear I liked but the one thing I couldn’t find was a great pair of shorts. A truly functional pair of shorts simply didn’t exist.

“Now I could design and build technically advanced garments with modern minimalist styling. Seek out the finest materials and never cut a single corner.”

I’d spent 20 years in the apparel and footwear world. I had a pretty clear understanding of fabrics and what was possible so I started designing in my head. Then there was the ugliness factor. For some reason running was stuck in an 80’s time warp with crazy colors and dated styling. Shoes companies were doing apparel just to fill out the product line.

I figured I could turn out a far superior product but I’d get crushed by those multi-billion dollar giants who dominated the market. Then around 2013 the retail world flipped upside down. Cool and authentic new brands decided to skip the traditional brick and mortar and went big time on the web.

That was the last piece of the puzzle: Now I could design and build technically advanced garments with modern minimalist styling. Seek out the finest materials and never cut a single corner. By going straight to other passionate runners, I’d eliminate the mark up and bring them superior running gear at a fantastic price.

In 2015 PATH projects burst out the door, running hard. It took almost two years of searching for the most innovative fabrics, manufacturing partners and testing scenarios but the results were better then I’d ever imagined.

“Shorts and liners should always be separate to match them to specific needs.”