Best Men's Mountain Bike Shorts of 2025
Comfy Baggy mountain bike shorts that work with pro for trail, downhill, and gravel riding
September 13th, 2025, updated to add FAQ, Care and Maintenance, What to look for in men's MTB shorts, and explanation on when you need MTB shorts, and to remove discontinued products and add a year's worth of testing
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Mountain bike shorts aren’t just clothing—they're critical gear to tackle everything from rocky climbs to dusty descents. The best ones blend stretch, protection, ventilated comfort, and smart features so you can ride hard, whether you're going up or tearing down.
Over the past three years, the Treeline team narrowed down the field from over 20 popular models through reviews, rider feedback, and thorough real-world testing. We wore the shorts on hot summer rides, crisp fall laps, muddy spring trails—and even in winter—across Colorado’s Front Range, including spots like Staunton State Park, Rollins Pass, and Floyd Hill.
Our evaluation looked at fit, adjustability, ventilation, fabric stretch and durability, pocket design, and pad compatibility. Highlights include dual waist cinches that work with gloves, sliding button closures, high-quality Bluesign and DWR-treated materials, zippered thigh pockets with internal sleeves, and generous ventilation or liner-friendly designs, depending on the riding scenario.
Top Pick: The Rapha Trail Shorts earned the top spot. Tested extensively on Front Range rides, they offer an exceptional fit, thoughtful pockets, durable stretch fabric, and superior waist adjusters—all contributing to comfort and utility ride after ride.
Looking for women’s shorts? Check out our guide to the Best Women's Mountain Bike Shorts
Read More: Mountain Bike Clothing and Gear Checklist
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Comparison table
| MTB SHORTS | TREELINE AWARD | SIZES | INSEAM | POCKETS | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapha Trail Shorts | Best Overall Read why |
XS - XXL | 12.5" | 2 zippered thigh, 2 hip | Bluesign and Oeko-Tex certified Nylon and elastane |
| POC Guardian Air | Best Premium Read why |
XS - XXL | 13.5” | 2 zippered side pockets, 1 small rear card pocket | Cordura stretch nylon with DWR |
| Outdoor Research Freewheel | Best for Hot Days Read why |
28”- 42” | 12" | 2 zippered pockets | bluesign-approved DWR-treated 88% nylon 12% spandex mix |
| Norrøna Fjørå Flex Mid Weight Shorts | Best for Cool Days Read why |
S - XL | 14” | 2 zippered hip pockets, 1 thigh pocket | Bluesign-certified, 50% recycled stretch-woven nylon with DWR |
| POC Essential Enduro | Best for Pads Read why |
XS - XXL | 13.5” | 2 zippered hip pockets | Stretch-woven nylon with DWR |
The winners
Best Mountain Bike Shorts: Rapha Trail Shorts
Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam: 12.5”
Pockets: 4 (2 zippered thigh pockets, 2 hip pockets)
Fabric: Bluesign and Oeko-Tex certified Nylon and elastane
What we liked: Excellent fit, great pockets, best in class waist adjusters
What we didn't like: Expensive
Hands down, the Rapha Trail Shorts are the best MTB shorts we've ever tested. We wore these shorts on many Front Range adventures—at Staunton State Park, on local trails near Rollins Pass and elsewhere in an unusually cool spring and into a hot summer. We were impressed.
Last year when testing mountain bike shorts, the pair we always returned to were the POC Guardian Air Shorts. This year it’s definitely the Rapha Trail Short—and the two shorts have very little in common. Where the Guardian Air shorts are extremely light (not that we’re gram counters on shorts, but 5.4 ounces as tested) the Rapha Trail shorts are heavier, but still breathable (9.7 ounces as tested) and plenty stretchy.
Going for a retail price of $160 (we’ve seen them for $90—a steal!), these aren’t cheap shorts, but they have nice touches that go well beyond the great fit. Though we never had a problem with the shorts falling down, the dual waist cinches are easy to adjust, even with gloves on.
View the Rapha Trail Shorts
The Rapha Trail Shorts also have the best pockets we’ve seen on mountain bike shorts. They've got two hip pockets and two well-designed, zipping thigh pockets that each have an interior pocket to keep a phone or tool from jostling around on challenging terrain.
Rather than a normal snap closure or button above the zippered fly, they have a sliding button that locks into place ensuring they won’t come undone.
Made of Bluesign and Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics, the Rapha Trail shorts meet the comfort and sustainability requirements we like as well.
The fabric is soft and stretchy and they come in a wide variety of colors.
Others, like Outdoor Gear Lab, agree, observing “We found the Trail Shorts to be very pedal-friendly and we would have no problem wearing them on all-day mega rides. In fact, the in-saddle experience is about as good as it gets. When you are turning the cranks, the low-profile nature of the shorts works wonders.” However, OGL notes that the shorts don’t work well with bulky knee pads, something we didn’t have a problem with in our testing. (You can see my Best Knee Pads guide for the results of that testing).
Best upgrade mtb shorts: POC Guardian Air
Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam: 13.5”
Pockets: 2 zippered side pockets, 1 small rear card pocket,
Fabric: Cordura stretch nylon with DWR
What we liked: Great fit, great pocket and knee design, stretchy, breathable, durable fabric
What we didn't like: Pricey, no waistband adjusters
POC Guardian Air is our winner for the burliest upgrade mountain bike baggy. POC’s Guardian Air shorts have a waistband borrowed from yoga shorts, which makes them extra comfy and keeps the shorts up where they’re supposed to while jumping and hammering down trails in Staunton State Park and Floyd Hill, among others.
While we gripe that they don’t have any hip adjusters or belt loops, the truth is they didn’t really need them in our testing.
Compare prices of the POC Guardian Air
Testing the POC Guardian Air shorts at Floyd Hill in Colorado.
Though this baggy short has no ventilation holes, the thin, stretchy Cordura fabric breathed exceptionally well on hot days.
We also appreciated the mid-thigh pockets on these shorts, which helped keep gear in place and relatively unnoticed in our testing. In addition, the card pocket in the back is just big enough for two fingers and not so deep that you have to fish around in there to get anything out.
The legs of the MTB shorts are slightly articulated, and the fabric lining the inside of the leg holes is coated with light anti-slip material. The material and longer fabric in the front keep the fabric over knee pads and reduce the risk of exposing any skin to impact during a fall.
While we had no problem with the shorts slipping or the pockets, Golay notes in his review that without the waist adjusters, they could slip, and heavier items in the pockets could both be felt and help jostle the shorts down.
Best for Hot Days: Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Mountain Bike Shorts
Sizes: 28”- 42”
Inseam: 12”
Pockets: 2 zippered pockets (left vertical zip hip pocket, right top zip hip pocket)
Fabric: bluesign-approved DWR-treated 88% nylon 12% spandex mix
What we liked: Great ventilation, slide lock snap, waist adjusters are bomber yet almost disappear, and plenty of stretch in a lightweight fabric
What we didn't like: Zippered pockets could have slightly wider openings for hands, no butt pockets
Outdoor Research designed a really capable, lightweight (8 oz as tested—9.3 oz claimed) and highly breathable mountain bike short with the Freewheel Ride Mountain Bike Shorts. We haven’t put a full season in on them yet, but on a recent ride at Heil Ranch we noticed just how unobtrusive all the features of these stretchy wonder shorts are.
Compare prices of the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride
They really shine on the waist, thanks to a slide lock snap as opposed to two snaps like a lot of other models tested, as well as the centimeter-wide waist adjusters which virtually disappear. The waist adjusters are super easy to cinch down and to release, and they stay in place better than most of the other models we tested. Plus a little fabric covers the plastic buckles so you’re less likely to bump them and knock them loose when bumping against a tree or rock on the trail.
Though we haven’t bashed the shorts against trees or rocks yet—thankfully—we also appreciate that Outdoor Research placed DuraPrint overlays on the outside of the knee. The overlays are intended to add durability in an area where we’re more likely to bash them against trees, rocks, and whatever else.
Though they don’t have as much ventilation as our previous pick for this category, the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell Short, they are plenty breathable thanks to the mix of fabric and the laser-cut holes just below the waistband in the rear. The better fly, waist adjustment, and other features, as well as a lower retail price, make this a better choice.
See our most popular mountain bike guides in our Bike gear section:
Best mtb shorts for days with varying temperature swings: Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 Mid Weight Shorts
Sizes: S-XL
Inseam: 14”
Pockets: 2 zippered hip pockets, 1 thigh pocket
Fabric: Bluesign-certified, 50% recycled stretch-woven nylon with DWR
What we liked: Great adjustable ventilation, super soft fleece waistband with silicon gripper in the back, Bluesign-recycled materials
What we didn't like: Pocket placement, can’t adjust hip adjusters on the fly
Bar none, the Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 Mid Weight Shorts sported the best adjustable ventilation (also, the only shorts with adjustable ventilation) we tested. This ventilation is thanks to the 16” long X-open side zip vents covering expanding mesh panels outside each leg. That's why we think the Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 Mid Weight are the best mountain bike shorts for spring or fall riding, where temperatures change and ventilation is especially important.
Each vent has two zippers, allowing the wearer to customize how much ventilation they need. This feature makes them ideal for those early spring and late fall days when the temperature might start in the 50s and rise to the 80s or higher. However, since we tested shorts over the summer, we primarily tested these on warmer days.
We were particularly thankful for these shorts on a September day on Sourdough Trail near Nederland, CO, when we expected temperatures to be in the 60s, but the mercury rose to the 90s, and the generous side vents allowed us to easily dump heat that other shorts couldn’t.
Compare prices of the Norrøna Fjørå Flex1
The Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 Mid Weight Shorts sport a bunch of techy features, most of which are shown here, including the full-thigh zip, daisy-chain style adjusters and zipped front pockets.
The shorts are the most visible tech-laden shorts we tested. The knees have some articulation allowing them to drape over the knee easily. The lower zipper on the side vents also makes it easy for the shorts to accommodate large knee pads.
The waistband is higher in the back, has a cozy fleece lining, and the siliconized strip inside the waistband is anti-slip. We also appreciated that the company used Bluesign-certified materials, including recycled and loss-toxic materials.
The zippered pocket placement is high on the front of the hip, which makes it a little awkward to access. The right zippered thigh pocket has an internal mesh smartphone sleeve, which is a nice feature. The external hip adjusters have a daisy chain design that secures with metal hooks. It’s great to set before a ride but not easy to adjust while wearing the shorts.
Best MTB shorts for wearing with pads: POC Essential Enduro
Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam: 13.5”
Pockets: 2 zippered hip pockets.
Fabric: Stretch-woven nylon with DWR
What we liked: Drop knee and generous leg hole openings for pads, great stretchy, lightweight fabric, ventilation on the elastic waistband
What we didn't like: Hip adjuster straps on the outside could catch on something
The POC Essential Enduro MTB shorts are the best mountain bike shorts for wearing with knee pads. They were great on trail days when we knew we’d be doing more technical downhill riding, like on the Mountain Lion Trail at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. On such rides, we found the light, stretchy fabric on the Essential Enduro shorts vented well and easily accommodated our knee pads. We also particularly like that POC incorporated mesh into the elastic waistband.
To work well with pads, the knees on these MTB shorts are longer in the front than the rear; the holes are large enough to accommodate any knee pad. Since the fabric is shorter in the rear, it’s less likely to impede your movement when wearing knee pads.
Compare Prices Of The Poc Essential Enduro
The knees on the POC Essential Enduro Short dips down in the front, making it great for working with all pads.
Bicycling Magazine also recognized how well they’re constructed for downhill rides. “These shorts impressed all of our testers. Despite the enduro name, they’re light enough for sweaty pedal-fests, weighing in at 233 grams,” Bicycling says, “The DWR-coated fabric withstood our water penetration test, even after multiple washes.”
The Essential Enduro shorts have external hip adjusters with velcro to fine-tune the fit. They worked well, but if your shirt or MTB jersey is tucked in or not long, they could potentially snag and loosen on a branch or rock.
With vertical zippers, the hip pockets are easy to access and well-positioned. But not as well positioned as some others.
Other bike stories you may like:
Best MTB shorts for downhill: Tasco Scout Shorts
Sizes: 28”-48”
Inseam: 12.5” (on 34” waist)
Pockets: 2 zippered hip pockets, 1 side pocket
Fabric: Repreve recycled stretch polyester
What we liked: Thicker, recycled fabric with lots of stretch, side smartphone pocket, belt loops
What we didn't like: No ventilation
The Tasco Scout Shorts are the best mountain bike shorts for downhill. The pair we tested were made with 35% REPREVE fabric recycled from soda bottles. The durable, woven polyester is blended with 10% elastic, resulting in an extra stretchy and thicker short than most bike shorts we tested. That makes it ideal for downhill riding, where you’re more likely to crash and need short with more abrasion resistance.
We also liked the inner waistband adjusters, which fasten with Velcro-style fabric. They’re not as easy to adjust on the fly as some other options, but they’re designed so that the plastic backing of the velcro is sewn under the fabric so it can’t cause any irritation against the skin – a subtle but nice design feature.
View The Tasco Scout Shorts
The author testing the Tasco Scout Shorts at Maryland Mountain in Colorado.
The rear of the waistband also has some small gripper dots to help keep the waistband from sliding down when we were charging the slopes at Keystone. Externally, the waistband has belt loops for those that prefer wearing a belt.
The Scout shorts’ inseam is a little shorter than most we tested, and its leg holes are wider than most we tested. The wider holes easily accommodate knee pads but don’t cover as much of the knee as other options.
While we appreciated the thoughtful design of these shorts and the fit, they’re not the shorts we’d ride with on a long, hot day since they have no ventilation and are heavier than other options. But they’re the ones we know we’re grabbing for when we’re taking the lift up.
Best with Liners: Patagonia Dirt Roamer
Sizes: 28”-44”
Inseam: 12.5”
Pockets: 2-zippered side hip pockets with pass-through for liner short pockets
Fabric: 4-oz 90-denier 86% recycled polyester/14% spandex with four-way stretch and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
What we liked: Good fit, decent pockets, great stretch and breathability
What we didn't like: Price, waist adjusters, pass-through pockets only work with Dirt Roamer Liners
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer MTB shorts are one of the most-awarded and mountain bike shorts out there.
The Dirt Roamer is our lightweight winner for women’s mountain bike shorts. Patagonia's MTB gear is the first to be made of recycled material.
Testing them on trails at Floyd Hill, White Ranch, and other areas along Colorado’s Front Range, we found they were very good minimalist-style mountain bike shorts.
The latest updates to the Dirt Roamer all make these a great, lightweight, and compelling mountain bike short. That includes adding a second thigh pocket and pass-throughs for liner pockets, as well as dual waist adjusters and glued rather than sewn seams.
Compare Prices Of The Patagonia Dirt Roamer
The four-way stretch fabric is highly breathable and comfortable. Despite its thinness, we and other reviewers have found it to be plenty durable for most riders. However, those who primarily ride downhill will likely want a heavier fabric short for protection from falls.
We liked the fit and features of the shorts, and though none of the shorts we tested caused chafing at sewn seams, the glued seams on the Dirt Roamers are a great feature that helps reduce any possibility of chafing. The higher hem in the back helps ensure that the shorts keep the butt covered even when hunched over and riding for hours.
The Patagonia Dirt Roamers are one of the most-awarded mountain bike shorts out there. They’re a top-pick of Outdoor Gear Lab, Bicycling, and more.
While other reviewers, like Outdoor Gear Lab, liked the low-profile waist adjusters on the Dirt Roamer, we found them hard to adjust on the go, particularly with gloves on. We did find that once adjusted properly they did stay in place well, however.
We liked the shape, size, and zippers on the pockets. They are easy to access and we didn’t notice our smartphone bouncing around while wearing them.
The pass-through is designed in such a way that it’s almost impossible for anything to jostle out. But it’s a little awkward to reach through them to a liner.
We don’t like that they’re designed to only work with the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Liner or Dirt Roamer Bibs—not even other Patagonia liners or bibs. The liners aren’t included with the short. If you’re buying the liner as well, that brings the retail price of a $129 short up another $99, making the combo over $200!
But if you like the fit and features—not to mention the sustainability and fair trade sewn materials—that price is more understandable. Plus, it’s backed with Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee for a repair, replacement, or refund.
Other MTB shorts we tested
Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell Short
Sizes: 26”-38”
Inseam: 13.5”
Pockets: 2 zippered side pockets
Fabric: Recycled stretch-woven nylon with DWR
What we liked: Excellent ventilation, pockets move gear to the side of the thigh
What we didn't like: Mesh fly is a little fiddly, no button closure, slimmer fit means it doesn’t work well with thicker knee pads
We think the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO shell shorts are the best mountain bike shorts for hot days. In a summer where the mercury pushed well past 90 degrees for weeks on end, Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell Short are the shorts we turned to help keep us from riding in total, sweaty misery. With well-designed ventilation holes in the inner thigh and rear of the waistband, as well as a mesh-web fly rather than a standard zipper fly, these shorts offered the best ventilation of the ones tested.
Compare Prices Of The Pearl Izumi Summit Pro
The Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell shorts feature great ventilation in the thighs and waistband.
The shorts were comfortable when riding the long, sun-exposed climbs and rocky descents of Centennial Cone Park on a blazing July day. While not as stretchy as some other shorts tested, they had enough stretch to move freely while pedaling without impeding movement.
The zippered thigh pockets were some of the best we tested. Set off to the sides of the thighs a little bit, they were easy to access even with gloves on. They also did a great job moving items inside toward the back of the thigh while riding, making the items feel almost invisible.
With a slimmer fit than other options and a narrower leg hole, the Summit PRO Shell isn’t the most compatible with knee pads, so it won’t be ideal for those who want to focus on downhill and slope riding.
All in all, the comfort and the zippered pockets made the PEARL iZUMi Summit PRO shell the best mountain bike shorts for hot days.
Sizes: 28”-40”
Inseam: 11.5”
Pockets: Two hip pockets and one zippered thigh pocket
Fabric: 94% nylon (62% recycled)/6% spandex plain weave with four-way stretch and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish (Short); 79% recycled nylon/21% spandex stretch interlock knit with HeiQ Pure odor control (Liner)
Patagonia’s Dirt Craft shorts are a short and removable liner combo, which make them a great deal at $169.
They’re burlier than the Dirt Roamers and heavier, making them more ideal for downhill riding than long, hot days on cross-country trails.The chamois on the liners are among the thickest we tested and offer plenty of padding.
We found the hip pockets were smaller than we’d like, but the zippered thigh pocket easily accommodates a phone. The hook-and-webbing waist adjusters are hard to adjust while wearing and are best set before heading out.
View the Patagonia Dirt Craft
Sizes: S-XXXL, Long and short versions available
Inseam: 14”
Pockets: Two zippered hip pockets and one rear zippered pocket
Fabric: Elastane 15%, Nylon 85%
The Endura Singletrack Lite Short were a tighter fit than most of the mountain bike shorts we evaluated.
The pair we tested had a 14” inseam, which is longer than most of the other shorts tested, draping over the knee slightly. Endura does offer them in a version with a shorter inseam, however. The perforated thigh vents did offer some extra ventilation, but not as much as other shorts like the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell Short. Though the majority of the fabric on the shorts have 4-way stretch, the waistband is static and tightened with two hook-and-loop adjusters on elastic at the rear. They worked well but weren't as comfortable as other options.
Compare prices of the Endura Singletrack Lite Short
Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam: 13.5”
Pockets: Two zippered hip pockets
Fabric: 4-way stretch nylon
The MT500 Spray Short from Endura is a burly, popular short with heavy duty materials. It’s also among the longest shorts we tested, and one of the testers loves them. The leg openings are longer over the front of the knee. However, we found the materials were stiffer than other shorts, the fit was tight, yet the seat was overly bulky compared to other shorts tested.
Compare prices of the Endura MT500 Spray Short
Quentin riding in the Endura MT500 Spray Short near Rollins Pass
Sizes: S-XXL
Inseam: 10”
Pockets: 2-zippered hip pockets
Fabric: Recycled stretch-woven nylon with DWR
The Backcountry Slickrock were a great pair of well-vented MTB shorts, but just not as great as the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell or the POC Guardian Air shorts. The vent holes on the thighs were good but could feasibly get caught on twigs in a crash, leading to potential tearing.
View the Backcountry Slickrock
Sizes: 28”-40”
Inseam: 12”
Pockets: 2 zippered side pockets, 1 rear pocket
Fabric: Recycled stretch-woven nylon with DWR
We’ve had the Patagonia Landfarer MTB shorts for a while and have worn them on lots of rides. They’re lightweight and comfortable, but not as comfortable as the winners, like the POC Guardian Air or the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell. If you want Patagonia's recycled fabric, fair trade sewn clothing, and Ironclad guarantee, we recommend going with the Patagonia Dirt Roamer.
Compare prices of the Patagonia Landfarer
Sizes: S-XL
Inseam: 13”
Pockets: 2 hip pockets, 1 zippered side pocket
Fabric: Stretch polyester with DWR
The Sweet Protection Hunter MTB shorts were ok in our testing. They fit decently, but they were the least breathable we tested, and we got the sweatiest in them. The hip pockets aren’t zippered, but the thigh pocket is.
View the Sweet Protection Hunter
What to look for in men's MTB shorts
Material
When looking for a pair of baggy mountain bike shorts, the materials they’re made of will be your first consideration. You want shorts with a lot of mechanical stretch and with some degree of water repellency. The stretch is important because it allows for more freedom of movement without restricting the mountain biker – and because a degree of stretch can reduce the likelihood of the short ripping when it’s poked by something like a tree branch or a sharp, jutting rock.
All the shorts we tested had at least a little stretch, and some were almost as stretchy as a rubber band. That’s thanks to a blend of nylon, polyester, spandex, and elastics in the shorts. We didn’t test any shorts with cotton or wool in them.
The shorts we tested weren’t 100% waterproof. Most waterproof shorts instead are treated with a Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating. When you’re splashing through puddles and creeks with an opening at the bottom of your shorts, DWR might seem silly because water will get up there. But DWR also helps water and mud shed from the shorts' surface and keeps water from soaking through, so your crotch, undies, or chamois liner aren’t wet puddles all day.
Some shorts were very thin, while others were thicker and heavier. The thinner, best-ventilated shorts are ideal for hotter days and longer days when you’re likely to sweat more, while the thicker fabric shorts are more suitable for bike park and downhill days, where you’re likely to want some extra fall protection beyond just pads.
Seen here, internal waist adjusters and rear gripping dots on the Tasco Scout Shorts.
Waistband
The waistbands of mountain bike shorts have some of their techiest features – from integrated belts to hook-and-loop adjustments and more. We tested models with highly elastic waistbands, more static waistbands, waistbands with belt loops, and those without. Each has its merits and detractions.
Another welcome feature of many mountain bike shorts is a waist higher in the back than in the front. This feature not only keeps your trail buddies from getting distracted by your unsightly plumber’s crack when they’re behind you, but it also ensures that you won’t end up with a sunburn on your lower back after you’ve been hammering on the pedals on a sunny day.
Adjustable waistbands
Why do adjustable waistbands matter? If you’re wearing the shorts through the season, your weight may fluctuate, or layers like a chamois or tights will change how the shorts fit. It's nice to make those adjustments without needing a belt that can dig into your waist while you’re hunched over the bars for hours.
The integrated hook-and-loop closure systems, like the external ones on the POC Essential Enduro Shorts, are the easiest to adjust but could feasibly get caught and loosened on a tree limb or even some loose fabric on a shirt or MTB jersey. The internal closures on the Tasco Scout shorts are a little tougher to adjust on the fly but are designed well enough that we didn’t notice them once we had them adjusted. The daisy chain style adjustments on the Norrøna Fjørå Flex shorts are the best set-and-forget option, but they’re not great for adjusting while trail riding.
Integrated belts
Integrated belts, like those on the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell and the Backcountry Slickrock Bike Short, worked pretty well as well, but sometimes we felt the narrow band on our waist while wearing them.
Silicon or rubber grippers
A waistband feature we welcomed in some of the shorts we tested was silicon or rubber grippers inside the waistband that helped keep them from sliding down while riding. We didn’t notice any major issues with shorts that didn’t have them, but when riding with layers underneath, they can also help keep all the layers in the right place.
Ventilated waistbands
Likewise, some of the shorts we tested, like the Summit PRO Shell and the POC Essential Enduro Shorts, incorporated ventilation into the waistbands, which made them great on hot days.
The waistband of the POC Essential Enduro shorts is higher in the back, has adjusters and also is made of a stretchy, ventilated mesh.
Closure (buttons and flies)
Snap closure
Except for the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell shorts, all the shorts we evaluated had a snap or button closure at the top. The Summit PROs were secured entirely by the internal belt. All but the Sweet Protection Hunter Slashed shorts had buttons, while the Hunters had a hook and loop closure at the top behind their integrated, elasticized belt.
Flies
The flies on all but the Tasco Scouts and the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shells are zippered. The Summit PROs have mesh over the fly area to keep anything from popping out unexpectedly. The Scouts have this in addition to hook and loop closures where a zipper would normally be.
We didn’t mind the panels over the fly too much but found them a little cumbersome in those “gotta go-now” moments, which, like, never happen to anyone on the trail 🙄.
The placement of pockets on shorts impacted their comfort on the trail. We found that shorts that moved their contents to the side or back of the thigh offered the most comforts and freedom.
Pockets
All the shorts tested had at least two pockets, and some had three.
Most of the pockets were secured with zippers and had pulls we could easily access with full-fingered gloves.
Placement and angle of the pockets matter, too. Hip and thigh pockets are fine, but you’re more likely to feel stuff in your zipper pocket while riding. Our favorite pockets, however, were those a little lower on the side of the thigh, like the Pearl iZUMi Summit PRO Shell and POC Guardian Air. Placing gear off the top of the thigh and on the side of it helps keep stuff from bouncing around.
A couple of pairs of shorts had more traditional open hip pockets. We didn’t have any problems with things jostling out of them, but it felt like zippered pockets offered better security for our cell phones, keys, tools, and other loose items like cards and cash.
If you’re planning on riding technical trails, jumps, and downhill trails at the slopes, you’ll want zippered pockets to prevent things from falling out. Pockets lower on the thighs are great for lighter weight items, and pockets farther to the side or even closer to the back of the leg, like on the POC Guardians and Patagonia Landfarer, help minimize movement of items and protect them and your legs from most crashes and impacts.
Patagonia’s Dirt Roamers have a pass-through in the thigh pockets that allows wearers to access storage in their Dirt Roamer Liners, which is an interesting feature. The only shorts that had butt pockets were Patagonia’s Landfarer Shorts (we had a slightly older model, but the new version also has them) and Chrome’s Folsom 2.0 Short. Since most of these shorts boast some sort of ‘apres’ trail-to-tavern style, we’d expect them to have rear pockets for a wallet, but they didn’t. We also understand that rear pockets are the most likely culprit for losing something on the trail (and we definitely don’t recommend storing your MTB glasses in your rear pocket!).
The long side-zips on the Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 Mid Weight Shorts offered the most customizable ventilation in testing, making them great for chill mornings that turn into hot days.
Ventilation
Running is the only discipline you’ll likely find as much venting on shorts as mountain biking. As stated earlier, some companies even incorporated ventilation into their bike shorts’ waistbands. Others incorporated some ventilation into their pockets with mesh.
However, we found the best ventilation on shorts like Backcountry’s Slickrock and Pearl Izumi’s Summit PRO Shell, both of which use laser-etched ventilation holes. Norrøna’s Fjørå Flex shorts have zippered mesh panels with top and bottom zippers to allow you to customize the short’s ventilation to the day.
The knees on the POC Guardian Air (L) dip lower in the front to accommodate knee pads, whereas the Sweet Protection Hunter shorts (R) have a straight cut on the knee.
Mobility and knee pad integration
If you'll be riding with knee pads, look for a cut on the shorts that can accommodate them. Mountain bike shorts with knees with some articulation allow them to drape over the knee easily. Longer fabric in the front and shorter fabric in the rear keep the fabric over knee pads while minimizing how your mobility is impacted. Wider leg holes allow for knee pads with a lot of padding compared to leg holes with a slimmer fit.
The Patagonia Dirt Craft with liner.
Chamois
We only tested a few pairs of shorts with integrated chamois.
We’re not a fan of shorts with a chamois liner (in fact, one of our long-term ride buddies recently started riding without them after swearing by them for years). With extra padding, it just feels like what we imagine wearing a diaper does; plus, they distract us on the trail.
However, we realize padded mountain bike shorts are a personal preference, so included two cycling shorts with chamois, so you have some options. Another option is to get minimalist padded cycling shorts and wear a baggy short on top for protection and pockets.
Knowing our personal preferences, for our own testing, we ended up cutting out the chamois liner on both pairs of padded shorts and wearing them as normal baggies. We still appreciate the liners and would use them on gravel and road bikes, which often have narrower seats with less padding.
Testing Dakine Thrillium Shorts and TLD pads at Erie Singletrack Trails at Sunset Open Space.
Sizing
At Treeline Review, we seek to find brands and models that offer inclusive sizing. For our women's mountain bike shorts guide, the Shredly MTB short is available from XS to XXL/2X size. For men's mountain bike shorts, no one brand offers the same range of sizes. In this men's guide, the POC Guardian and POC Essential Enduro are available in size XS, and the Decathlon Rockrider is available to XXXL.
Sustainability
We were impressed with the number of cycling shorts we tested that used recycled materials, like REPREVE in the Tasco Scout Shorts as well as BlueSign-certified materials and recycled fabrics in the Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 Mid Weight Shorts. Despite the use of recycled materials, we didn’t find any discomfort in the shorts or compromised durability. We also found that using recycled materials didn’t add any costs to the shorts that had them.
Looking forward, we hope to see more cycling shorts and clothes using recycled materials, of course. We also hope to see more using BlueSign-certified materials, which help reduce the environmental footprint of products from start to finish. But the best way you, as a consumer, can help move this process forward is by buying products made with these types of materials.
Getting the most life out of the outdoor apparel you purchase is also important. Mountain bike shorts are a piece of equipment that will take a lot of beating. But they still should be able to last for multiple seasons. If you do tear them, consider using something like a Noso patch to extend their life and add some style.
Alternatively, see if the manufacturer will warranty the piece or recommend a company to mend it. That way, you can help keep more materials out of the waste stream – and ultimately save yourself some money – for the next big purchase, like a new bike!
FAQ
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A quality pair of mountain bike shorts should last you 2-4 seasons with regular use, depending on your riding style and fabric durability. Downhill riders may need replacement sooner due to increased abrasion from crashes and contact with rocks and trees. High-end models like the Rapha Trail Shorts use reinforced fabrics that can withstand multiple seasons, while budget options may show wear after one season of heavy use. Proper care including gentle washing, air drying, and prompt repair of small tears with patches can significantly extend their lifespan.
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Yes, different riding disciplines benefit from specific short designs. Cross-country and trail riders need lightweight, highly breathable shorts with good ventilation like the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell. Downhill riders require thicker, more abrasion-resistant fabrics like the Tasco Scout Shorts with reinforced knees. Enduro riders benefit from shorts with drop-knee designs and wider leg openings like the POC Essential Enduro that accommodate knee pads while maintaining mobility.
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Mountain bike shorts offer specialized features including DWR water-resistant coatings, reinforced abrasion zones, secure zippered pockets positioned to avoid pedaling interference, and articulated knees for riding posture. They typically feature longer inseams (11-14 inches) for coverage, strategic ventilation placement, and waistbands designed to stay put while hunched over handlebars. Regular athletic shorts lack these cycling-specific design elements that prevent chafing and provide crash protection.
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Mountain bike shorts should fit comfortably loose without being baggy - you should be able to pinch about an inch of fabric at the waist when properly sized. The inseam should provide adequate knee coverage when seated on your bike, typically falling 2-3 inches above the kneecap. Waistbands should sit securely without sliding down during rides, and leg openings should allow free movement without binding. Most brands offer 12-14 inch inseams as the sweet spot for coverage and mobility.
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Yes, most mountain bike shorts are designed to be worn with regular underwear unlike road cycling shorts with built-in chamois. Choose moisture-wicking, seamless underwear to prevent chafing during long rides. Some riders prefer compression shorts or boxer briefs for additional support and friction reduction. Avoid cotton underwear which retains moisture and can cause discomfort on longer rides in hot conditions.
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Most quality mountain bike shorts feature 2-3 pockets optimally positioned for trail riding needs. Two zippered hip pockets handle essentials like keys, cards, and energy bars, while a side or rear thigh pocket accommodates smartphones. Pocket placement matters more than quantity - side-mounted pockets like those on the POC Guardian Air move contents away from your pedaling motion, reducing bounce and improving comfort during aggressive riding.
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Yes, well-designed ventilation significantly improves comfort on hot days and long rides. Laser-cut ventilation holes like those on the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell provide excellent airflow without compromising durability. Adjustable ventilation systems like the Norrøna Fjørå Flex's 16-inch zip vents allow customization based on conditions. Even simple mesh panels in waistbands help dump heat during climbs and sunny exposure.
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Order your normal size but choose shorts specifically designed for knee pad compatibility. Look for models with articulated knees, wider leg openings, and longer front panels like the POC Essential Enduro rather than sizing up. Sizing up creates loose waistbands and excess fabric that can bunch up. Purpose-built pad-compatible shorts accommodate protection without compromising fit or creating pressure points during extended riding.
The author testing the POC Guardian Air shorts and pads at Floyd Hill in Colorado.
Care and maintenance tips
Mountain bike shorts are built to handle punishment on the trail, but proper care will keep them performing season after season. Whether you're riding Floyd Hill or hitting bike park laps at Keystone, here's how to maximize your gear's lifespan.
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Don't let muddy shorts sit in your gear bag overnight. After rides at places like White Ranch where dirt likes to stick, shake them out and hang them up immediately. For particularly muddy sessions, rinse with cold water first—those laser-cut ventilation holes on shorts like the Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Shell can trap debris.
Wash in cold water to preserve DWR coatings on shorts like the POC Guardian Air or Tasco Scout that rely on these treatments to shed water and mud. Turn shorts inside out, use gentle detergent, and skip fabric softener entirely—it breaks down moisture-wicking properties. Air dry whenever possible to maintain stretch properties, or use low heat if you must use a dryer.
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Keep waist adjusters like those on the Rapha Trail Shorts clean and free of debris. Check zipper pulls regularly and use a drop of lubricant if needed. For shorts with ventilation zippers like the Norrøna Fjørå Flex, work the zippers occasionally to prevent them from seizing up.
Mountain biking means crashes happen, but most modern MTB shorts are surprisingly repairable. Use fabric repair patches for small damage, or consider a Noso patch for style. Take advantage of manufacturer repair services when available—it's better for your wallet and the environment than replacing gear prematurely.
Store shorts clean and dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Don't compress them in tight spaces—those stretch panels work best when they can maintain their shape.
Do I Need MTB Shorts?
Our Treeline Review gear tester loved the ventilation on the Dakine Thrillium shorts. However, the mesh ventilation fabric could show off more than some want to show.
The short answer: if you're serious about mountain biking, absolutely. But let's dig into why dedicated MTB shorts make such a difference on the trail.
Beyond regular athletic shorts
You might think any athletic shorts will do for mountain biking, but there's a reason dedicated riders swear by MTB-specific gear. Regular gym shorts, running shorts, or even hiking shorts lack the features that make hours in the saddle comfortable and safe.
Abrasion protection is the big one. When you're threading through tight singletrack at places like White Ranch or bombing down technical descents at Floyd Hill, your shorts are going to brush against rocks, trees, and trail debris. Standard athletic shorts use thin, lightweight fabrics designed for controlled environments—not the punishment of real trail riding. MTB shorts use thicker, more durable materials that can handle the occasional scrape without leaving you with shredded fabric and exposed skin.
Pocket placement and security matter more than you think. Hip pockets on regular shorts put your phone right where your leg pumps up and down with each pedal stroke. MTB shorts position pockets on the thigh or move contents toward the back of the leg, so your gear stays put and doesn't interfere with pedaling. Plus, zippered closures mean your stuff won't bounce out on rough terrain.
Comfort makes the difference
After testing shorts on everything from hot summer days to muddy spring rides, the comfort difference is undeniable. MTB shorts are cut longer than typical athletic shorts—usually hitting at or just above the knee. This prevents the uncomfortable ride-up that happens when you're hunched over bars for hours and provides better coverage when wearing knee pads.
The stretch fabrics used in quality MTB shorts like the POC Guardian Air or Rapha Trail Shorts move with your body through the full range of pedaling motion without binding or restricting. That four-way stretch becomes crucial when you're grinding up a long climb or maneuvering through technical sections.
Ventilation is engineered specifically for the demands of mountain biking. Many MTB shorts incorporate laser-cut ventilation holes, mesh panels, or breathable waistbands positioned where you actually sweat most while riding—not just random ventilation that works for general athletics.
How we researched and tested
Treeline Review testers Tim and Jake considering trails at Keystone. Jake’s wearing the Tasco Scout Phantom and Tim’s wearing the Backcountry Empire shorts.
Before saddling up and jumping into this piece, we clicked through the gears of the internet, looking for what professional reviewers and customers considered the best mountain biking shorts available. We also checked out what our fellow riders were wearing and loved and then sourced some of the most promising shorts. Then, we took them to the trails, bike parks, and downhill slopes of Colorado.
We use this dual-research approach to learn from other reviewers, reduce time wasted testing gear that’s not up to par, and use our experience to ensure we’re selecting models that will make most riders happy.
We tested MTB shorts side-by-side on rides in summer, fall, spring, and even winter.
To find the best mountain bike shorts, we tested on hot summer days, crisp fall rides, muddy spring trails, and even in winter. In total, we've seen three years testing with multiple testers trying out these shorts to weigh in and give their feedback on how they ride.
We tested on on trails in the Colorado Front Range including:
Staunton State Park
Floyd Hill and White RAnch
Rollins Pass area trails
Heil Ranch open space
Winter Park Trestle Bike Park
Keystone Resort and Golden Gate Canyon
the Sourdough Trail near Nederland, CO
In our testing, we considered which types of riders would benefit most from which shorts and made recommendations based on how the shorts performed for those purposes.
Our Testing Process
2 years of rigorous testing across Colorado's Front Range and beyond
Testing Locations
- Staunton State Park
- Floyd Hill & White Ranch
- Rollins Pass area trails
- Heil Ranch open space
- Winter Park Trestle Bike Park
- Keystone Resort & Golden Gate Canyon
What We Test
- Waistband adjustability & comfort
- Pocket placement & accessibility
- Ventilation in hot conditions
- Knee pad compatibility
- Fabric stretch & durability
- Performance across riding styles
About the Author/Why You Should Trust Us
As an outdoors writer covering adventure and gear, I write regularly about bike and mountain bike equipment and have a long history with the sport. I’ve authored numerous gear guides for Treeline Review; I also write for Popular Mechanics, Bicycling Magazine, Popular Science, Backpacker, and other outdoor publications/organizations.
My experience with mountain biking stretches back to the Appalachians in the late 1980s when Specialized, Trek, Gary Fisher, and Cannondale were among the first companies to mass-produce mountain bikes. My first ‘mountain bike’ was a 10-speed Huffy Scout, which I got around ’87. My first real mountain bike was a beautiful, chartreuse Gary Fisher SuperCaliber from 1991.
These days, I spend most of my time mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, climbing, and crisscrossing Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
I have authored multiple outdoor guidebooks, including covering mountain bike adventures. My most recent Falcon Guide is "Colorado’s Best Front Range Adventures: The Greatest Hiking, Climbing, Paddling and More From Denver to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.” In it, I cover the region's best hiking, cycling, climbing, and rafting.
I’m also the author of Falcon Guide’s “Climbing Colorado's Fourteeners: From the Easiest Hikes to the Most Challenging Climbs” and edited Justin Lichter’s excellent guide to thru-hiking titled “Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Guide To Ultralight Hiking And Backpacking.” This experience has helped me become a first-rate gearhead and product tester.
I have 20-plus years of exploring, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, guiding, and playing in the wild. I worked with National Geographic and their mapping division in developing their Colorado 14ers Map Pack Bundle. I’ve written about hiking and climbing for Elevation Outdoors, including stories about Colorado 14ers and outdoor apps to boost adventures.
I’ve written about countless outdoor companies, outdoor sports, and tested gear with publications, including CompanyWeek, Outdoor USA Magazine (print), Elevation Outdoors, 5280, and more.
For this review, we tested multiple mountain bike shorts for review and spent a lot of time researching and evaluating all the best mountain bike shorts on riders of all types, going on group rides, and swapping results.
At Treeline Review, we strive to offer unbiased reviews to help you find the best product for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews. I am not sponsored by any companies, nor are any of my family members sponsored by, employees of, or ambassadors of any of the companies in this review.
See all Treeline Review gear guides by Chris Meehan.
