When it comes to running gear, the options can feel endless. Big names like Nike, Under Armour, and Brooks dominate store shelves, while smaller brands like Path Projects have built loyal followings online. I recently tested several pieces from Path Projects and was impressed with their quality and attention to detail. But that raises the big question: how do they really stack up against the more familiar brands you see everywhere?

In this post, I’ll break down the differences in materials, fit, durability, price, and overall value so you can decide whether Path Projects is worth the investment compared to the big players.

After putting Path Projects head-to-head with the big brands, my takeaway is simple: if you’re looking for gear that lasts, feels great on long runs, and offers thoughtful design details, Path delivers at a level that rivals or even beats the giants. The price point may be higher than entry-level gear from Nike or Under Armour, but when you compare it to their premium lines, Path holds its own — often at a better value.

For me, the pieces I tested weren’t just solid running gear, they’ve become staples I’ll reach for on trails, daily training runs, and even casual wear. If you’re ready to invest in quality over quantity, Path Projects is well worth a look.

Who is Path Projects

Path Projects is a DTC (direct-to-consumer) running/apparel brand, focused on men’s performance gear. They started around 2015, with online offerings beginning in 2017. Their goal is to build running & outdoor clothing that performs well, using high-quality technical fabrics, thoughtful design, and functional details — but with less of the markup that comes from big brand overhead. They split up things like shorts + liners to allow modularity and better fit, prioritize durable materials (e.g. Toray fabrics, proprietary meshes), and try to balance performance with style so the gear works both on workout / trail / run days and in everyday wear.

What I Received & Tested

Here’s a breakdown of the Path Projects gear I tested, all in size Large (or 8″ for the Tahoe CL):

• Graves PX Shell Jacket (Navy / LG)
  • Fabric: Toray Primeflex™ (100% polyester) with mechanical stretch, DWR coating, Bluesign certified.
  • Features: Two-way zipper, packable into hand pocket, underarm ventilation, lightweight (≈9.6 oz).
  • My Take: This jacket quickly became one of my favorite outer layers. It’s light enough to stash in a pack without thinking twice, but when you put it on, it feels substantial enough to actually cut the wind and keep you warm. The stretch is noticeable when running — no tugging or “straightjacket” feeling like some shells. I wore it on a misty morning run and stayed dry from both the rain and my own sweat, thanks to the ventilation. In heavier downpours it will eventually wet out, but for 90% of the conditions I run in, it’s exactly what I want. I also appreciate that it doesn’t scream “running jacket,” so I can wear it casually without feeling out of place.
  • Price: $139.00 $83.40 (currently on sale)
  • Link: https://alnk.to/hDsMOJn

• Wadi Tee (Sea Foam / LG)
  • Fabric: Toray Fieldsensor™ Byokan (100% polyester), 110 gsm lightweight knit.
  • Features: Quick-drying, moisture-wicking, UPF 30+, welded seams to reduce chafe.
  • My Take: The Wadi Tee feels like a purpose-built hot weather shirt. On warm, sunny runs, it kept me cool and comfortable, even when the pace picked up. The fabric dries fast enough that I didn’t feel weighed down, and the welded seams really do make a difference — zero irritation even after 10+ miles. It’s not a “luxury-soft” shirt like cotton or Tencel blends, but that’s not the point. This shirt is about performance in heat, and it nails that. I can see myself using it for summer long runs, speedwork, and races where lightness and breathability matter most.
  • Price: $68.00
  • Link: https://alnk.to/28U6uXO

• Pyrenees T19 Hoodie (Charcoal / LG)
  • Fabric: Tencelite 19 blend (includes TENCEL + polyester), UPF 50+.
  • Features: Sun-protective hood, watch slot, thumb holes, versatile weight for layering.
  • My Take: The Pyrenees Hoodie surprised me with just how versatile it is. It feels soft and cozy, almost like your favorite broken-in sweatshirt, but it still performs like a technical top. I wore it on a chilly morning that warmed up later, and I didn’t feel the need to peel it off — it breathes really well for a midweight top. The hood provides great sun and wind protection without being floppy, and the watch slot is a clever touch I didn’t know I needed until I used it. I’ve found myself reaching for it not just on runs, but also for hikes and even casual wear around town. In really hot weather, it’s too much, but for spring, fall, and cool summer evenings, it’s just about perfect.
  • Price: $84.00
  • Link: https://alnk.to/90BEKNM

• Tahoe CL Base Liner (Black / 8″ / LG)
  • Fabric: “Coolite Mesh” — 82% polyester, 18% spandex, birdseye jacquard knit.
  • Features: Light compression, 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, odor resistant.
  • My Take: If you’ve ever dealt with chafing from standard built-in liners, the Tahoe CL will feel like a game-changer. The light compression gives just enough support without feeling restrictive, and the breathability is excellent. I tested them on a hot day and they stayed comfortable from start to finish. The 8″ inseam kept them in place — no riding up, which is huge for me. They also wash and dry quickly, which means I can rotate them into runs frequently without worrying about lingering odor. Honestly, these liners elevate the shorts experience so much that it’s hard to go back to the standard “one-piece” running shorts from other brands.
  • Price: $32.00
  • Link: https://alnk.to/9TbrEUt

• Graves PX Relaxed Fit Shorts (Dark Grey / 7″ / LG)
  • Fabric: Toray Primeflex™ (same as the jacket), DWR finish, Bluesign certified.
  • Features: Relaxed fit, multiple pockets (including secure zip), external drawcord + Tripure elastic waistband.
  • My Take: These shorts strike a sweet spot between performance and lifestyle wear. The fabric feels durable and high quality, with just enough stretch to move freely without feeling baggy. I tested them on both road and trail runs, and they handled everything — no snagging on brush, no sagging when soaked with sweat, and they dried out quickly after a creek crossing. The pockets are surprisingly functional; I carried gels and a key without bounce. The relaxed fit is comfortable, though at 7″ inseam they’re a bit longer than I’d pick for track intervals — more of an everyday training and trail short than a racing short. Still, they’ve already become a staple in my rotation.
  • Price: $78.00
  • Link: https://alnk.to/74xjXSo

Overall Verdict

Having tested all of the above, here’s where I land:

• Build quality is excellent across the board. The materials are technical, thoughtfully chosen, and well put together: seams, stitching, zipper quality, etc., all feel like they’ll last.
• Functionality is well balanced: not too much focus on any single metric (e.g. ultralight weight, or just sun protection) — rather, each piece seems designed so you can use it in multiple conditions.
• Comfort in wear: stretch, breathability, odor control, fit — these are all strong points. Nothing chafes badly, and layering works well.

Cons / Trade-offs:

• Price is high. Each product costs more than many of the standard offerings in running apparel.
• As with any performance gear, care matters: washing, drying, etc., to preserve DWR, stretch, shrink‐resistance, etc.

Are They Worth the Price?

In my opinion: yes. These are top quality gear. The performance and durability (so far) justify the premium, especially if you run regularly, in varying conditions, and care about long-term use. You may pay more up front, but you're likely to get more life, better features, and overall satisfaction.

If you compare to cheaper gear, you will likely lose out either in durability, fit, material tech, or comfort (odor, chafe, UV protection) — often multiple of those. So the higher price feels acceptable for what you get.

My Favorites & Use Cases

If I had to pick what I'd reach for most:

• Pyrenees T19 Hoodie for cool mornings, layering, trail runs, or when I want sun protection AND softness.
• Graves PX Shell Jacket for cold, windy, wet mornings (light rain), or when I want a “throwover” that works as a rain shell but that also doesn’t look out of place in town.
• Tahoe CL Liner + Graves PX Relaxed shorts combo is my go-to daily/training short setup.

Perfect — let’s do a comparison of Path Projects gear vs. bigger brands (Nike, Under Armour, Brooks, etc.) so you can see how the price, materials, and performance stack up.

Path Projects vs. Big Brand Running Gear

1. Philosophy & Model

• Path Projects: Direct-to-consumer only. No retail markup, so you’re paying mainly for the product and materials. Smaller catalog, focused on men’s gear, lots of modular options (e.g. shorts + liners).
• Nike / Under Armour / Brooks: Mass retail. Prices cover advertising, sponsorships, retail margins, and seasonal collections. Huge variety, but more “trend-driven.” Quality varies widely depending on product tier.

Verdict: Path = fewer choices, but usually better consistency in quality.

2. Materials

• Path Projects: Heavy reliance on Toray (Japan) technical fabrics — Primeflex, Fieldsensor, Coolite Mesh — all designed for stretch, breathability, and durability. Many fabrics are Bluesign® certified (environmentally responsible).
• Nike / UA / Brooks: Fabrics are often proprietary names (e.g. Nike “Dri-FIT”) but usually polyester blends sourced globally. High-end lines (e.g. Nike Aeroswift, UA Rush) can rival Toray, but entry/mid-level products use cheaper weaves.

Verdict: Path = more consistent use of premium fabrics across their entire line. Big brands reserve their best for $90+ “pro” tops or race kits.

3. Fit & Comfort

• Path Projects: Focused on chafe-free seams, modular shorts + liners, and layering systems. Welded seams, gusseted construction, watch slots, hood features all add thoughtful details.
• Nike / UA / Brooks: Some designs are excellent, but others feel generic or designed for “gym wear” as much as running. Liners in shorts are hit-or-miss — not always designed for long-distance comfort.

Verdict: Path = better for distance runners, trail runners, and layering comfort. Big brands = fine for casual runs, gym sessions, or lifestyle crossover.

4. Durability

• Path Projects: Toray fabrics and premium stitching = longer life span. Shorts and jackets hold up well against brush, backpack rub, and repeated washes.
• Nike / UA / Brooks: Varies widely. Entry-level gear often pills, stretches, or loses DWR quickly. High-end racing gear is featherlight but fragile.

Verdict: Path tends to outlast most mainstream apparel unless you’re buying Nike’s or UA’s top-end racing lines.

5. Price

• Path Projects: Tops = $48–$68. Shorts = $58–$74. Jackets = $168. Liners = $32–$38.
• Nike / UA / Brooks: Tops = $30–$55 (basic) up to $90+ (elite lines). Shorts = $40–$60 (basic) up to $90. Jackets = $100–$250. Liners = included in shorts, usually not great.

Verdict: On paper, Path looks expensive, but when you compare apples-to-apples (premium fabric + durability + details), their prices are similar or cheaper than Nike’s/UA’s top-end gear.

6. Style & Everyday Wear

• Path Projects: Minimal logos, neutral colors, versatile for trails and casual wear. No giant swooshes.
• Nike / UA / Brooks: Sporty aesthetic, often with large branding. Great for gym/fashion crossover, less subtle.

Verdict: Path = understated and versatile. Big brands = louder, trendier.

Final Comparison

✅ My take: If you’re serious about running (especially long runs or trails), Path Projects is worth the price.
✅ If you want a casual gym shirt or just something cheap to sweat in, big brands’ entry lines are fine.
✅ If you want racing-lightweight gear, Nike Aeroswift or Brooks race kits may outperform Path in grams saved — but at $100+ per top and much lower durability.

Final Takeaway

After spending time with Path Projects gear and stacking it against what’s available from the bigger brands, I can confidently say this: Path is the real deal. The company may not have the global recognition or marketing presence of Nike or Under Armour, but what they do have is an obsession with quality, thoughtful design, and fabrics that genuinely perform.

What stood out to me most was the attention to detail. From welded seams on the Wadi Tee that reduce chafing, to the watch slot and thumb holes on the Pyrenees T19 Hoodie, to the clever modular system of liners and shorts — every piece feels like it was designed by runners for runners. That’s not something you always get from mainstream brands, where products often feel mass-produced to hit a trend rather than solve a real problem.

Durability is another huge win. The Toray fabrics used in the Graves PX Shell and Shorts are tough, stretch without restriction, and hold up well even after repeated wear and wash cycles. Compare that with many mainstream options that lose shape, pill, or thin out after a season, and it’s clear why Path has built such a loyal following.

Yes, the price point is higher than basic gear you’ll find on a Nike clearance rack or at a big-box store. But when you line up Path against the premium lines from Nike, UA, or Brooks, the pricing actually comes out fair — and in many cases, a better value. With Path, you’re consistently getting high-end fabrics and construction across the board, not just when you pay $100+ for a racing top.

For me personally, the gear I tested has already shifted into my “first grab” rotation:

• The Pyrenees Hoodie is my go-to for cool morning runs and long trail days.
• The Graves PX Shell Jacket is always in my pack when I’m unsure about the weather.
• The Tahoe CL liners + Graves PX shorts combo has basically replaced all my other running shorts for everyday training.

So, is Path Projects worth it? Absolutely. If you care about comfort, durability, and smart design — and you’re willing to pay for gear that actually lasts — Path delivers in a way that mass-market brands often don’t. These are pieces you can trust on the run, layer into your lifestyle, and know you’ll still be reaching for months (or years) down the line.