If you are a fan of shorts designed to be worn in the great outdoors, you’ve probably heard of Patagonia Baggies and their even shorter sibling, Barely Baggies.
Despite being very similar in name, there are some key differences between the two versions.
The main difference is the inseam length with the Patagonia Baggies shorts having an inseam of 5″ and the Patagonia Women’s Barely Baggies Shorts having an inseam of 2.5″.
The shorter version of Patagonia’s very popular shorts – the Barely Baggies have been designed for women and there are no men’s sizing options available.
However, the original Baggies shorts can be worn by both men and women. They are tough shorts and designed to handle all the rigors of outdoor life.
Baggies and Barely Baggies are probably up to the job for most outdoor activities you like to do.
Patagonia Barely Baggies shorts vs Patagonia Baggies
Both the original Patagonia Baggies and the smaller Barely Baggies are built for outdoor life.
The original Baggies though, despite being designed for everyone to wear, didn’t always fit women as comfortably as they wanted.
That’s where the Barely Baggies come in. The shorter inseam makes them a popular choice for women who like their shorts to be a bit shorter than the standard version.
The reduction of inseam length from 5″ to 2.5″ certainly makes the Barely Baggies a good deal shorter and more flattering for those who like this style of shorts.
Patagonia don’t include the polyester mesh lining in the Barely Baggies as they do in the standard Baggies. This might not be an issue for someone if they plan on wearing their swimming costume bottoms underneath. However, it could be an issue if you just wanted to wear your Barely Baggies on their own.
Mesh lining is part of the pockets on both versions though. Having a mesh lining allows for water drainage so it helps your shorts dry out and stay comfortable once you’re out of the water.
There are some differences in the pockets too. The pockets on the standard Baggies shorts are quite a lot deeper and extend down pretty much the full length of each leg.
The pockets on the Barely Baggies are not as deep (partly because the leg length is shorter) so there is a risk of things falling out from inside them.
One final difference in the pockets is the number of them on each version. Patagonia Baggies have three pockets in total – one on each side and one on the back. The Barely Baggies have two side pockets but not the rear pocket.
This does make sense when you think about how much less material there is in the Barely Baggies shorts.
Patagonia have done a great job in creating some truly awesome shorts in the form of the Baggies and the Barely Baggies shorts.
The standard version are ideal for any outdoor lovers but for women who like a more fitted, shorter pair of shorts – the Barely Baggies shorts fit the bill very well.
Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts Reviewed
Patagonia Women’s Barely Baggies Shorts are made from 100% recycled nylon and have a lower rise and shorter inseam than the extremely popular regular Baggies.
The elastic waistband and internal drawstring make sure your shorts fit you well and comfortably.
Patagonia Barely Baggies shorts feature two side mesh pockets with an elastic key loop inside the right pocket.
They are water-resistant so can be worn in and out of the water making them ideal for women who like practical yet comfortable outdoor clothing.
- Made from recycled nylon and coated with DWR (durable water repellent) so they are tough and water-resistant
- 2.5″ inseam and a lower rise create a shorter pair of shorts designed to give flexibility, mobility, and comfort to whoever is wearing them
- The elastic waistband helps the Barely Baggies fit comfortably and securely
Patagonia Baggies Shorts Reviewed
Patagonia Baggies Shorts are made for outdoor activities. Whether you are heading out into the wild for a hike, a swim, a day at the beach, or even doing some work in the backyard – Baggies shorts can keep up with whatever you are doing.
3 mesh pockets (two on the sides and one on the rear) give you plenty of storage space and an elastic key loop in the right pocket helps keep your keys safe and secure too.
A five-inch inseam gives a good length to your shorts while still allowing you to move freely and not feel restricted.
- The recycled nylon the Patagonia Baggies are made from is covered in a durable water repellent allowing you to wear them in and out of the water
- Deep pockets that extend down the legs of the shorts give you space to carry useful outdoor accessories with you on your adventures
- The elastic waistband and internal drawstring help ensure your Baggies shorts fit you comfortably and securely while looking cool too.
Final Thoughts on Patagonia Baggies vs Barely Baggies
Both Patagonia Baggies Shorts and Patagonia Women’s Barely Baggies are awesome shorts and are perfectly designed for outdoor living.
Both versions are lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and have a no-fuss style that makes them very popular.
If you like deep pockets and a longer length to your shorts, then the original Patagonia Baggies shorts will be a good choice for you.
However, if you are a woman who likes their shorts to be a bit shorter and to give you a bit more flexibility and freedom – the Barely Baggies shorts will be worth looking at.
There are some features that cross over both versions of the Baggies range. Both have an elastic waistband, both have multiple pockets, and both can be worn in and out of the water.
The lack of mesh lining can be slightly problematic in the Barely Baggies shorts. This lining basically acts as built-in underwear so not having it in the Barely Baggies can leave you feeling a bit exposed if you’re wearing them for extended periods.
That being said, whether you go for the regular Patagonia Baggies Shorts or the Patagonia Women’s Barely Baggies Shorts, you will be well dressed for water sports, hiking, and pretty much any other outdoor activity you can think of.
