Ultra (pocketed) shorts

Sometimes I do feel like I'm wearing the running equivalent of cargo pants, but if you can put gloves, arm warmers and half a pound of candy in your pockets, why wouldn't you!?

For the last year I've primarily been switching between two pairs of shorts for long runs: Patagonia Strider Pro and The North Face Better Than Naked Long Haul. Now we've got a third wheel: Pearl Izumi Ultra Split.

All the specifications can be found on the manufacturers' links above, so I'll just highlight a few things on each pair that may be useful if you're looking at any of these shorts.

The North Face Better Than Naked Long Haul

Three small pockets, the top elastic on the two rear-side pockets could be a little tighter.

Pockets sewn into the boxer-brief liner; I don't think I've ever used them? I do like the rubber grippers inside though!

• Durability: I had to return my first pair after less than 200 miles as the groin seams had come undone. My replacement pair quickly is losing its TNF logo on the front. 
• Fit: true to size and the rubber grippers on the inner shorts are a nice touch.
• Key features: technically they have the most pockets, but I find the ones on the liner are not intuitive to use.

Patagonia Strider Pro

Five pockets from hip-to-hip across the back; small zippered pocket, but the stretchy envelope pockets are great.

I cut out the bikini liner as it was uncomfortable; these groin seams are coming out on the outside,
but the inner ones still are intact.

• Key features: drawstring is on the outside of the short! Pockets are super stretchy, easy to use and I don't worry about things falling out. 
• Durability: a little worried about the seams in the groin, but maybe that's a statement on my thighs...also cut out the liner and wear these with boxer-brief sport underwear.
• Fit: true to size, also the "least expensive" option at $59 MSRP.

Pearl Izumi Ultra Split

Two flask pockets on the hips, huge zippered pocket.

• Key features: fewest pockets, but has the largest main pocket. "Flask" pockets are nice and deep but I wish a little wider, though they are very stretchy. 
• Fit: small! I wear a small in everything but the shorts/tights in the Pearl Izumi Ultra line: these are size medium. They still fit snug though which keeps any items in the pockets from bouncing.
• Other: only 30 miles on them so far, basically still new. I did not cut out this liner as I feel like I probably can wear them for long runs without chafing (rarity for me with a bikini liner). I think these have the nicest outer shell material of the three.  

Last weekend was a sufferfest on Chuckanut with the bad weather...looking forward to a window this weekend to get back in the mountains.