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There's nothing quite like the gripping, adrenaline-fueled moments of your life while behind the bars on your favorite flowy trail. With the right pair of mountain bike shorts, you can chase that feeling up techy climbs and down jagged descents until your legs collapse, keeping your focus where it should be, on the trail in front of you.
We rounded up 14 of the best MTB shorts and tested them head-to-head, grinding up tough ascents, ripping down flowing single track, and skipping along through rocky tech sections. We put in hundreds of hours in the saddle, testing and scrutinizing every detail so you can feel confident in making an informed decision when buying your next pair of MTB shorts.
Since 2013, our mountain bike experts have tested over 80 different pairs of mountain bike shorts. Today, the Troy Lee Designs Skyline is the standout performer in our testing. It blends comfort and well-thought-out, convenient features like a great liner, an adjustable waist band, and perfect venting into a short that is ideal for most riders. For a more budget-friendly pair that offers great value, the Fox Racing Ranger is high quality, comfortable, and flexible, and comes at a fair price.
Working on building out your dream bike kit? If so, we've got you covered with in-depth reviews curated to help you make the right decision on any bike gear you might need, including the top mountain bike helmets and bike shoes.
Editor's Note: Our MTB shorts review was updated on October 22, 2025, with an entirely new test group and testing results.
The latest iteration of the Troy Lee Designs Skyline is an absolute weapon among the arsenal of shorts available to mountain bikers. They are thoughtfully designed with convenient features including a high-quality, comfortable liner short, several vents that complement the breathable fabric, and stretchy, velcro waist adjusters for dialing in the perfect fit. The sturdy construction of the Skyline short offers solid trail protection while still remaining breathable for hot weather rides. Our tester noted, “I like the 13-inch inseam. It falls right in the middle for length among our test group and ends dead-center on your kneecap, allowing for easy articulation without snagging.” These shorts are a great choice for those looking for a no-compromise option that offers premium comfort and support, abrasion resistance, useful features, and high-quality construction.
The Skyline Short shreds on and off the trail with its supportive fit and notably silky smooth feel for all-day comfort, but those who prefer the feel of a lighter, minimalist short may opt for the lightweight Patagonia Dirt Roamer Short with its low-profile welded seams, though it doesn't offer near the trail protection as the Skyline Short does. It's hard to fault the Skyline, but it may not be for everyone. Our tester Kolby said, "The waist adjusters are adequate but only offer fine-tuning capability rather than large, meaningful adjustments like the Patagonia Dirt Craft offers." In the end, our complaints are minimal, and these shorts have a great modern design with casual styling and are an excellent choice for almost any ride you might find yourself on.
The high-quality liner shorts included with the Skyline offer great comfort and support when climbing.
The Fox Racing Ranger is a no-frills mountain bike short that delivers quality and performance where it's needed most. The Ranger Shorts feature lightweight, pedal-friendly fabric that is made from ripstop material treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to help easily shed dirt, moisture, and debris. The 12-inch inseam is the ideal length to wear with kneepads and also provides superficial protection from trees and bushes along the trail. The fabric of the Fox Ranger breathes really well and strikes a balance between being lightweight and providing decent trail protection. The Ranger takes a different approach to the waistband than most, with a race-ratchet front closure that allows for quick, micro adjustments of the fit and embraces simplicity by eliminating the zipper completely. “I like that the casual style of the Ranger Short is just as comfortable out on the trails as it is running errands around town,” mentioned our tester, Kolby. It includes two zippered pockets, allowing you to set and forget what you put in your pocket and focus on riding.
We feel that the Fox Racing Ranger offers a great bang for your buck to riders looking for a high-quality short available at a reasonable price, but when it comes to features, the Ranger Short is quite lackluster. It doesn't have any vents, just the two zippered pockets, and the front ratchet closure that doubles as a waist adjuster. For those of you more dedicated to grinding climbs to enjoy the downhill, the Troy Lee Ruckus Shell is a better fit, packed with features like several functional vents, dedicated waist adjusters, and a longer, more protective inseam of 14 inches. Aside from the lack of features, the stylish Fox Ranger Shorts are breathable, comfortable, and offer great value.
Pedaling in the Fox Racing Ranger shorts is a breeze, even in hot weather.
The Patagonia Dirt Craft shorts feature a well-designed, comfortable included liner short, excellent waist adjusters that offer meaningful adjustment, and four thoughtfully designed pockets. The 12-inch inseam falls right in the middle of our test group and sits on a comfortable middle ground that provides adequate coverage for trail protection and doesn't catch when wearing kneepads. Our tester mentioned, “The four pockets give you plenty of options and space to bring along anything necessary, though I felt that the two top pockets are quite tight to get your hands into and are inaccessible while in the saddle.” The shorts are constructed of a stretchy yet sturdy, lightweight material that breathes exceptionally well, making it an ideal choice for those who ride in a variety of different climates. If money is no object in your short selection process, the Patagonia Dirt Craft is hard to beat with its high-quality construction, premium included liner short, and thoughtful features.
Padded liner shorts with contoured chamois and mesh panels
Chamois Fabric (if included and available)
74% NetPlus recycled nylon made, 26% spandex power-stretch knit with miDori bioSoft and HeiQ Mint odor control
The Dirt Craft Shorts come at a premium price and are some of the highest-priced shorts in our test group, but our only real gripe with them is that the closure is a button and button hole, which seems to be a weak point destined for failure in the future (though we didn't have any issues with it during our testing). This latest design of the Patagonia Dirt Craft Shorts also does not feature any vents, leaving the responsibility of ventilation up to the fabric. It works well in variable weather, but if you ride primarily in hotter climates, the minimalist, ultra-lightweight Patagonia Dirt Roamer might be a better fit, as it is one of the best-breathing shorts in our testing lineup. That said, quality is evident from top to bottom in the construction of these shorts. If you're looking for the best mountain bike shorts that money can buy, the Patagonia Dirt Craft should be on your shortlist.
The Patagonia Dirt Craft shorts are a workhorse on the trail, keeping you cool and comfortable no matter the circumstances.
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer is a uniquely constructed mountain bike short featuring no-stitch welded seams that, when compared to other shorts in our testing lineup, make them look and feel like a secret prototype mountain bike short from the future. The Dirt Roamer Shorts have a 12.5-inch inseam that strikes a great balance between adequate length for trail protection and is not too long to cause binding or snagging when worn with kneepads. When it comes to quality construction, these are second to none. The welded seams are truly a work of art, and the shorts overall feel very lightweight and strong. Our tester noted, “I like that the fabric is very flexible. I can feel the four-way stretch, and it is very breathable, making it a great choice for those riding in hot climates.” The two zippered pockets keep your belongings secure while also having the capability to pass your hand through to adjust your liner without having to unbutton, which we found surprisingly convenient and useful in our testing.
While the ultra-lightweight, breathable fabric of the Patagonia Dirt Roamer is ideal for comfort and pedal friendliness, the fabric is close to sheer, and light passes through it when held up to the sun, which left us feeling pretty vulnerable to branches and bushes along the trail (cue photo of my leg with red whip marks from an overgrown tree). We loved the minimalist design of the Dirt Roamer, but for those who frequently encounter trail hazards at speeds too late to deviate, you may want to consider shorts that offer superior protection, like the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts. As far as features go, the Dirt Roamer has good-quality zippers on the two pockets, although we wish they had some sort of tassel on them to make them easier to grab when wearing gloves. Bottom line, if you're looking for a unique, minimalist mountain bike short that breathes well, look no further than the Patagonia Dirt Roamer.
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer shorts breathe so well, sometimes you feel like you need to check and make sure they're still there.
Wet and rowdy riding conditions are where the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts feel most at home. These shorts are constructed of tough, durable fabric and are easily the most protective shorts in our test group. The MT500 Spray Shorts are built with three-layer waterproof rear seat panels with taped seams to keep you comfortable and dry in sloppy, wet trail conditions. The rear waistband of the Endura Shorts features a silicone honeycomb-like pattern for grip on the inside and is stepped up in the back to provide additional rear wheel spray protection. Also, along the back are two stretchy velcro waist adjusters that allow you to fine-tune the fit to your liking. All three pockets of the MT500 have high-quality, smooth zippers so you can ride with the confidence that you're not going to lose something along the way. When testing these shorts, our tester Kolby remarked, “They're a snug fit in my size but not too tight and are very supportive, especially around my waist.” They also feature two zippered vents, one on each side, with mesh baffles to allow for additional airflow when needed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Fabric
88% polyamide, 12% elastane, 4-way stretch front panels with DWR finish, 3-layer waterproof rear seat panels with taped seams
Inseam Measurement (tested size in inches)
13" (M)
Number of pockets
3
Chamois Included
None
Chamois Fabric (if included and available)
N/A
Even with the mesh vents, the high level of protection and waterproofing does hinder the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts ability to shed heat, but the relaxed, baggy fit also helps keep the breeze flowing, even when worn with kneepads. That said, when compared to most other shorts in our testing lineup, the Endura fabric feels thick and heavy. Those who live in hot climates may want to consider the Patagonia Dirt Roamer with its superior breathability as an alternative to ride during the summer and save the Endura MT500 Shorts for mountain or winter trail days. The MT500 Shorts do not come with a liner short, but they are compatible with Endura's “ClickFast” snap-in liner shorts that can easily be moved from one pair of shorts to another. If you're looking for a durable pair of shorts to protect you from twigs and trees along your favorite single-track and shield you from wet spray from days on the mountain, the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts are a solid option.
A sense of security and protection is felt when riding in the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts.
The Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 offers a great value in a complete package. It is a good deal for those who are new to mountain biking and don't already own mountain bike-specific shorts and liner shorts. The Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 includes a liner short that brings added comfort and support, allowing you to maximize your ride time. These shorts have three pockets, two top pockets on the front, and one zippered side pocket on the right leg. Our tester, Kolby, mentioned, “The top two pockets have small openings and are hard to get my hands into, even when standing. If I tried to force my hands in while pedaling, I think I'd rip the seams.” The 13.75-inch inseam of these shorts makes them some of the longest shorts in our test group, and while taller people might find this a welcome design feature, those who are shorter might want to opt for shorts with less length.
SPECIFICATIONS
Shell Fabric
360 degree stretch, 92% polyester, 8% elastane
Inseam Measurement (tested size in inches)
13.75" (L/34")
Number of pockets
3
Chamois Included
Removeable Berenis chamois
Chamois Fabric (if included and available)
Unavailable
Although the Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 offers a complete package, it's not without faults. The included liner shorts offer very little padding for comfort, and the chamois seems to be too short from front to back to give you full coverage when sitting in the saddle. There are laser-cut triangles up the inner thigh of each leg to promote air flow. In our testing, these vents proved less than functional for air flow, but are great for showing off what color your underwear or liner is, as the holes are quite large and awkwardly placed. If you're in the market for a short/liner combo and your budget allows, the Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Patagonia Dirt Craft will deliver better overall performance, with both shorts offering a supportive and comfortable included liner short, and are packed with other useful features. For those new to mountain biking or those on a budget, the Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 offers a good bang for your buck, but performance-wise, it is average compared to others in our test group.
Although the 13.75-inch inseam of the Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 Shorts is fairly long compared to most in our lineup, they don't interfere when pedaling.
The Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Short Shell feels purpose-built for rowdy descents.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
How We Tested
We're mountain bike fanatics. As such, we're constantly scouring the internet for the latest and greatest mountain bike gear, shorts included. While all of the shorts in our review are relaxed fit, they run the gamut from fitted cross-country-style shorts to longer, baggier, gravity shorts. Our testing plan encompasses all key aspects and attributes of what we believe make a pair of quality mountain bike shorts. Then we took off to the trails to individually evaluate each pair of shorts after riding in a variety of terrains, weather, and circumstances. We evaluated their comfort, factored in how their fit helped or hindered pedaling, examined the functionality of the features, assessed whether they offered any sort of protection, and put them through a variety of common trail hazard situations to determine what sort of durability you might expect from each pair. Our comparative analysis involves a deep dive into the construction of each pair of shorts, analyzing how well they are stitched, sewn, and welded to ensure you enjoy them for as many miles as your legs will take you.
Our mountain bike shorts testing uses six rating metrics:
• Comfort & Fit (25% weighting)
• Pedal Friendliness (25% weighting)
• Protection (15% weighting)
• Breathability (15% weighting)
• Features (10% weighting)
We've come to appreciate a lightweight, breathable pair of shorts like the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride throughout our testing.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Why Trust GearLab
To cover the various trail types and rider builds, our testing is a collaboration involving several veteran testers: Pat Donahue, Nick Miley, and Kolby Anderson. Among these three riders are several decades of riding and bike industry experience. From building bikes at Pat's bike shop to building trail – these guys put their bike clothing to work. More than that, thousands of miles of singletrack were ridden to make this review. Nick Miley has been riding mountain bikes for over two decades and has ridden in most of the iconic areas in the Western United States. Kolby Anderson lives in the Southwest, and when he's not wrenching on one of the many bikes in his garage, he frequents everything from desert single track and slickrock to high elevation resort-style mountain bike parks.
We carefully examined each detail of the variety of shorts included in our testing lineup.
Analysis and Test Results
Our team of expert testers put every pair of shorts in our selection through the wringer, riding in each on diverse terrain, on short and long rides, and with and without liner shorts. We scrutinized every aspect of their performance and analyzed how the design, materials, fit, and features integrate into their comfort and performance on and off the trail. We evaluated each pair of shorts using six metrics: Comfort and Fit, Pedal Friendliness, Protection, Breathability, Features, and Quality Construction.
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer Shorts feature an asymmetrical cut that's a bit longer in the front to best accommodate kneepads.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
What's the Best Value?
Cost isn't one of our considerations when we score a product we're testing. However, we do appreciate a good value and take note when we see it. As one might expect, many of our top performers are some of this test group's most expensive shorts, but that doesn't mean that being on a budget prohibits you from getting a solid pair of mountain biking shorts. The Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 delivers a great bang for your buck and gives you everything you need to get out riding. But our testing did conclude that opening your wallet more generally means higher comfort, performance, and build quality, as found in the dominant Troy Lee Designs Skyline.
Worse Value
Better Value
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline Shorts integrate perfectly with kneepads, with a few inches to spare.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are key for any ride, even if it's just a short one. How shorts look or even the features might be high priority for many, but all those considerations fall by the wayside when riding. All that matters on the trail is how shorts fit and feel. Ideally, you won't notice or even think about your shorts. Comfort and fit scores were determined after performing several tests and long rides. The Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Patagonia Dirt Craft topped our charts, with both including high-quality liner shorts with silky smooth fabric, comfortable chamois pads, and supportive waistbands. The manufacturer's measurements provided on their websites matched our in-person test measurements for both of these shorts dead on.
The double snap closure on the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Shorts provides peace of mind.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer, Fox Racing Ranger, and Troy Lee Ruckus Shell also delivered exceptional comfort and an accurate, supportive fit, falling just short of the two highest performers. The Patagonia Dirt Roamer is a minimalist's dream with its ultra-lightweight feel, which makes it very comfortable for long, grindy climbs wherever ounce seems to count. The Fox Racing Ranger takes a different approach to comfort, where it ditches a zipper for the front closure and uses a micro-adjust race ratchet system, similar to those found on dirtbike pants, that also functions as a fine-tuning waist adjustment and quickly allows you to dial in your fit. The Troy Lee Ruckus Shell is sort of the opposite of the Patagonia Dirt Roamer in that it features a heavier, baggier material and a thicker waistband that translates into a comfortable and supportive fit that also has quite a long inseam, measuring 14 inches in length, and is one of the longest shorts in our test group.
The inseam of the Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Short Shell is one of the longest in our test group at 14 inches.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The 7Mesh Glidepath is the only other pair of shorts in our lineup that has a 14-inch inseam, like the Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Shell Short. Although it's not quite as comfortable as the Ruckus Short, it's still worth noting that it's a relaxed, comfortable option that accommodates kneepads well with a much lighter fabric than the Ruckus that sort of resembles a windbreaker. The Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Shorts hang in the comfort range of the 7Mesh Glidepath but with a micro-adjust ratchet waist similar to the Fox Racing Ranger and comfortable 4-way stretch fabric that is forgiving and water repellent.
The elastic scrunch-style waistband of the Arsuxeo Loose Fit 1903 shorts accommodates a wide range of body types but feels insecure when riding aggressively.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
There were two pairs of shorts that delivered below-average comfort and fit in our testing, and this was mainly due to them both having a scrunch-style elastic waistband that left the fit feeling insecure, sloppy, and unsupportive. Both the Zoic Ether 12" with Liner and Arsuxeo Loose Fit 1903 incorporate an ineffective elastic waistband and felt more like basketball shorts than supportive and flexible mountain bike shorts. The Zoic Ether 12" includes a liner short that helps make them feel more supportive with a well-paddled and comfortable chamois but overall, they fall short, feeling a bit too relaxed. The Arsuxeo Loose Fit 1903 also leans a little too much into the “loose fit” characteristic it's named for. They're comfortable in the sense that I would describe my favorite pair of basketball shorts, but they lack the supportive, almost aggressive feel that a quality pair of mountain bike shorts has. They are very baggy and heavy.
The Endura MT500 Spray Shorts include several useful features like vents that you can zip open and closed, and waterproof rear seat panels.
When strictly speaking of comfort and fit, the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts were average among our test group, but when it comes to weather resistance, these shorts go above and beyond any other pair we tested, with a waterproof back panel and stepped-up portion of the rear waistband that offers additional rear wheel spray protection. Our test riders also noted that these shorts could be a go-to for rides that start out cold but warm up enough to enjoy wearing shorts instead of pants, with their solid wind resistance and vents that can be opened or closed as needed.
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts were some of our favorites to test, with ideal comfort on and off the trail.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Pedal Friendliness
Depending on your riding style and local trail network, the pedal friendliness of your mountain bike shorts may be one of your most critical considerations, or it may be just an afterthought. Cross-country and trail riders spending long hours pedaling up steep climbs will typically appreciate shorts with a more performance-oriented fit and materials that hug the body, stretching and giving with each movement. On the other hand, gravity-oriented riders are more likely to be concerned with shorts' durability, leg coverage, and compatibility with knee pads.
Even shorts with the perfect fit can be uncomfortable on long rides – particularly in the seat and crotch. We use Chamois Butt'r or similar creams on rides over three hours.
We put each pair of shorts in our test group through several rides in a variety of different terrains.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Patagonia Dirt Roamer topped our charts in this assessment. The minimalist, lightweight Dirt Roamer is the closest that riders will get to the pedaling comfort of riding in spandex, but in the form of a sharp-looking, relaxed short. It is a standout short in our competitive lineup due to its ultra-lightweight construction, which is welded together rather than sewn. The fabric is highly breathable and stretchy, making these shorts ideal for long grinds in hot weather. The 12.5-inch inseam falls right in the center of your kneecap for a seamless integration when worn with kneepads. They also feature an asymmetrical cut on the legs that's a bit longer in the front to further accommodate the use of kneepads. Pedaling in these shorts is like a dream where you think you left home without your shorts on, but look down and realize they're still there.
The included liner short with the Troy Lee Designs Skyline has a supportive and comfortable chamois for long grinds in the saddle.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline is a different animal. This short is cut on the baggier side of the fit spectrum for pedal-oriented shorts with a relaxed look and a 13-inch inseam. The fabric is also substantially heavier, though a large vent panel along the back and massive 3-inch mesh panels up each inseam do a lot to increase mobility and decrease friction while providing massive amounts of air flow. Balancing comfort on long rides with heavy materials is one of the impressive features that make the Skyline a great, do-it-all riding short, fit for pretty much anything you can throw at it.
The included liner short of the Patagonia Dirt Craft Shorts has a comfortable padded chamois keeping you comfortable on long climbs.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Fox Racing Ranger, Patagonia Dirt Craft, and Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Shorts lag slightly behind our two front runners for pedal friendliness, but are still pretty good. The Fox Racing Ranger keeps things simple with lightweight ripstop stretchy fabric that is easy on the skin, comfortable when worn with or without a liner short, and is easy to forget about and focus on pedaling. The Patagonia Dirt Craft closely resembles the performance of the Troy Lee Designs Skyline, featuring a high-quality fabric that breathes well, but it lacks actual vents, relying instead on the short material to solely handle ventilation. The Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Shorts opts for a similar design, also lacking vents, but is a much less substantial fabric, making it most similar to the Patagonia Dirt Roamer, but not as lightweight or flexible.
When worn with kneepads, the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts provide a superior level of protection.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Protection
Manufacturing high-performance mountain bike shorts is a tightrope walk balancing durability and comfort, among other things. Many have been able to make comfortable shorts, others durable shorts, but striking a balance between the two has proved challenging. That said, it comes as no surprise that the most durable shorts in our test group delivered a less comfortable fit. The Endura MT500 Spray Shorts are easily the most protective shorts in our testing lineup, with thick, heavy fabric that provides solid protection from superficial damage you might encounter along the trail. We describe the fabric as heavy because it's much more substantial than the rest of the shorts in our testing lineup, but all things considered, the MT500 Spray Shorts are still relatively lightweight.
The casual design of the Troy Lee Designs Skyline allows for comfort on and off the trails.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Although the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts reign when it comes to protection, the Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Troy Lee Ruckus Shell weren't too far behind, which is quite impressive, especially when considering the comfort that they both offer. The Skyline really is the best of both worlds, with exceptional trail protection due to its heavier-weight fabric while also still maintaining unrivaled comfort compared to most other shorts in our test group. The Ruckus Shell Short leans pretty heavily into the downhill/gravity discipline of mountain bike, and as such, has no problem justifying a heavier-weight fabric, a long and protective 14-inch inseam, and solid build quality throughout with very symmetrical and consistent stitching.
Honorable mentions go to the Gorewear C5 Shorts, the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride, and Rapha Trail Shorts, all of which seem to embrace the idea of keeping trail protection in mind while still maintaining the design focus around comfort and breathability. The Gorewear C4 Shorts are made of a fairly substantial, durable, and water-resistant fabric that is well balanced with laser cut vents on the side of each thigh that allow for meaningful breathability. The Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride features an interesting and eye-catching 3D printed overlay on their sturdy 4-way stretch fabric that they call “DuraPrint,” which is overlaid near the hems of the shorts for extra abrasion resistance in high-wear areas. The Rapha Trails Shorts take an interesting approach to protection with a highly supportive waistband that feels as though it noticeably locks in once fastened and is comprised of 88% nylon and 12% elastane for superior protection as well as flexibility. Rapha goes the extra mile and includes a color-matched repair kit with several iron-on patches for post-crash repairs at home, which is pretty freaking rad.
The Rapha Trail Shorts include a unique color-matched iron-on patch kit, allowing you to repair your shorts yourself, if necessary.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
We include machine washing in the durability assessment, as washing can quickly expose the weak points in a poorly made garment. Each model was washed multiple times. Across the board, we did not observe any negative consequences when following the manufacturers' instructions for laundering.
The Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Shorts have well-designed vents integrated on each side and along the back panel.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Breathability
As most would suspect, when it comes to breathability, shorts with thicker and more protective fabrics have a harder time providing adequate airflow. No industry secrets or snake oil here. We also found, with only a few exceptions, that mesh panels and laser-cut vents do allow for meaningful improvement of air flow to help keep you cool while riding; however, fabric makeup still remains the most influential factor.
The rear panel of the Troy Lee Designs Skyline Shorts features a large three-inch mesh panel for increased breathability.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The top performers in our breathability testing include two shorts that don't use vents at all, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer and Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Shorts, and one with several vents, the Troy Lee Designs Skyline. The ultra-lightweight fabric of the Patagonia Dirt Roamer is a very relaxed fit, allowing air to freely flow while you're riding, and the fabric itself breathes so well you might find yourself looking down to check and make sure they're still there. The Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Shorts fabric also offers ideal breathability, and when you wear them, it feels as if there's almost nothing between your skin and the fabric. Our tester Kolby remarked, “Airflow is abundant in these shorts, and they breathe great. The fabric is somewhat sheer but not see-through unless you hold it up to the sun and get your eyes pretty close to it.” The Troy Lee Designs Skyline has much more substantial fabric that does a great job providing superficial protection, but reduces its overall breathability. It gains its exceptional breathability from both its relaxed fit and three large mesh vents. One covers the entire rear panel of the shorts, and the other two are massive 3-inch mesh panels on the inside of each leg.
The front race-ratchet closure of the Fox Racing Ranger also functions as a waist adjuster for fine-tuning your fit.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Many of the shorts in our lineup performed well in our breathability testing, creating a data cluster of above-average performers. The Fox Racing Ranger fabric is one of those with its lightweight ripstop fabric. The stretchy yet sturdy fabric of the Patagonia Dirt Craft also breathes exceptionally well and is constructed from 82% recycled polyester and 18% XLANCE, which is described as elastic yarn. The breathability of the 7Mesh Glidepath surprised us, as it feels quite similar to a windbreaker, which we thought would hinder its breathability significantly. Comprised of 86% nylon (43% of which is recycled) and 14% elastane, these shorts surprisingly kept things light and breezy.
The laser-cut triangular vents on the Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 are very strange and not very functional.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Gorewear C5 Shorts are made from a pretty sturdy fabric that doesn't breathe quite as well as some others, but the laser cut vents along the inside of your legs pick up the slack and function quite well, inviting extra airflow. The Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts also feature laser cut venting along the back panel of the shorts, just below your back. It's hard to tell the effectiveness of these vents because the fabric breathes quite well, but they definitely don't hurt. Lastly, the Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 breathes exceptionally well, mostly due to its polyester weave fabric with 360-degree stretch. They also have pretty large triangle-shaped laser cut vents up the inside of both of your legs, but we're convinced that these are only good for revealing your pale white skin that hasn't seen the sun for ages, because they're so large and strangely placed. On a more serious note, these vent holes are less than ideal, as we could easily see them snagging a stick or branch with how large they are.
The integrated features of the Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Short, like the velcro waist adjusters, allow for a secure and comfortable fit.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Features
Functional features like ventilation panels, sewn-in mesh pockets, waist adjustment, and waist closure systems greatly impact a rider's on-trail experience. Our features assessment measures the usefulness of features and not just their presence. After all, what good is a phone pocket if it's too small or uncomfortably placed? And, what good is a waist adjustment if it's difficult to use or doesn't offer meaningful changes in the fit? After hundreds of hours, we can tell you that the Rapha Trail Shorts and 7Mesh Glidepath do the best job at providing meaningful and useful features.
The Rapha Trail Shorts utilize a strange front closure with a “T-Lock” that caught us off guard almost every time we put them on.
The Rapha Trail Shorts incorporate four pockets, two front pockets and two additional zippered pockets, one on each side. All four of the pockets are roomy enough to fit your phone (we tested with a Samsung S25 Ultra with a case on). The two zippered pockets have convenient plastic dongles on them that make them easy to find and use, even when wearing gloves. They also include a nifty color-matched iron-on patch kit that allows you to perform your own repairs on the shorts at home, if necessary. The waist adjusters for the Rapha Trail Shorts do offer the ability to make meaningful adjustments, but they're located in a bad spot, right under a belt loop on each side. Their location makes them a pain to use, but ideally, you'd just be fiddling with this feature once in a while, so it's not a huge concern.
The 7Mesh GlidePath Shorts have two snaps to keep them securely around your waist and have low-profile waist adjusters for dialing in your fit.
The 7Mesh Glidepath Shorts also have four pockets, the standard two up top, and one zippered pocket on each side of your legs. The front pockets are pretty tight to get your hands into, but not as tight as those of the Patagonia Dirt Craft, which feel so tight we were worried we'd pop a stitch. The two zippered side pockets have small dividers inside, which are nice to keep something small like a key fob or chapstick from jostling around while riding. The zippers have convenient string tassels on them, making them no issue to find or use with your gloves on. 7Mesh claims that the waist adjusters of the Glidepath Shorts are capable of making adjustments equal to one full waist size, and after testing, we agree with their claim as they are definitely capable of making meaningful adjustments. While most may not wear a belt when biking, these do have belt loops if that's your thing, and it's a nice added feature if you're wearing them off the trails.
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Patagonia Dirt Craft take two very different approaches to waist adjustment. Those of the Dirt Craft offer a large range of adjustments.
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Patagonia Dirt Craft both come with high-quality liner shorts that incorporate plush yet supportive chamois pads for extended comfort on long trail days and arduous climbs. The liner short included with the Skyline has a silky smooth waistband and offers the most supportive chamois of any of the liners included with the shorts in our testing lineup. The Dirt Craft short liner is a perfect middle ground with solid comfort but not so supportive that you lose the feel of your seat. The Skyline Shorts have convenient rope tethers on the zippers and stretchy velcro waist adjusters that allow you to fine-tune your fit. We also appreciated the reflective details found on the Skyline Shorts. The Dirt Craft has four pockets; the top two are super tight to get your hands into and completely inaccessible when riding, but the two zippered side pockets are convenient to access on or off your bike. The waist adjusters on the Dirt Craft are the best in our test group, offering huge amounts of meaningful adjustment that can be dialed in fairly precisely.
Inside and out, the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts are equipped with heavy-duty construction to make sure you stay dry and comfortable while riding.
The Endura MT500 Spray Shorts have three pockets, two of them with zippers. The top two zippered pockets are tight to get your hands into and are barely deep enough to fit a phone. The lowest zippered pocket is much smaller and is ideal for things like a key fob or a park pass with easy access whenever you need it. The zippers are of great quality, but we do wish that they had some sort of tassel or dongle on them to make them easier to use when wearing gloves. The waist adjusters of the Endura Shorts are stretchy with velcro, and although they don't allow for large adjustment, they work just fine for fine-tuning your fit. What really sets these shorts apart from the pack is the 3-layer waterproof rear seat panels with taped seams and a stepped-up portion of the rear waistband that provides additional spray protection for sloppy trail days or standing water crossings after a good storm. Although they don't come with a liner short, they are compatible with Endura's Clickfast system, which allows you to snap a liner into place in any of their compatible shorts.
The inside of a pair of shorts is where the true story of their construction is told.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Quality Construction
Construction of clothing is often overlooked, as most of us are worried about the color we want, a feature we have to have, or even a specific manufacturer we're loyal to. Our assessment of quality construction involves closely inspecting how each pair of shorts is made, paying close attention to note any loose threads, unevenly sewn areas, and areas of potential concern for longevity. We also inspect each pair of shorts after having used them on several rides and a few trips through the washing machine to see if there are any areas showing premature wear. Ideally, we're looking for symmetry in the sewing without loose threads and little to no sign of wear after being used and washed numerous times throughout our testing process.
The welded and taped seams of the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Shorts are uniquely and expertly crafted.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer is in a league of its own when it comes to build quality, with very straight and symmetrical construction from top to bottom, and not a stitch in sight, thanks to the high-quality welded construction. These shorts are very unique, strong, and durable. We can't find anything to fault about these welded-together shorts. This type of short construction is likely to become increasingly popular in the coming years, though they are quite expensive.
Both the Skyline and Ruckus Shorts from Troy Lee Designs have silicone printed designs in the waistband for added grip.
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Shell Short are a testament to TLD's commitment to making quality gear, with both having solid stitching that's very tidy and symmetrical. After several rides and wash cycles, we have no concerns with the quality and longevity of these shorts and believe they'll last as long as you'll be able to fit in them. The Patagonia Dirt Craft is another standout pair of shorts on par with the two offerings from Troy Lee Designs. The construction of these shorts features tight and symmetrical stitching throughout, with high-quality materials used in every step of the process. Although we didn't have any issues in testing, we did note some concern about the button and button front closure that, of all the shorts in our testing lineup, is the one that we could see failing the soonest. Though that's an easy fix if it ever did happen.
The waist adjusters of the Arsuxeo Loose Fit 1903 are poorly designed and do not allow for any useful adjustment.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
There are two pairs of shorts in particular that gave us cause for concern when evaluating quality construction. The Zoic Ether 12" with Liner and Arsuxeo Loose Fit 1903 both seemed to have very large, loose stitching that was prone to snagging on things easily when putting them on and taking them off, as well as numerous loose threads and somewhat sloppy construction. We do still feel that the Zoic Ether delivers a lot of bang for your buck, but for just a few bucks more, you're in the price range of the Leatt MTB Trail 2.0 Shorts that are a superior choice over these two. The Arsuxeo Loose Fit 1903 is really only something we'd recommend to someone with a very tight budget who doesn't plan on getting into mountain biking long term. Otherwise, your money is better spent investing in a higher-quality pair of shorts in our lineup.
Having a breathable pair of shorts like the 7Mesh Glidepath makes the downhill that much more enjoyable.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
How to Pick the Best Mountain Bike Shorts for You
Choosing the right pair of mountain bike shorts is like drinking from a fire hose these days. There are countless manufacturers with several different designs optimized for various disciplines of riding. A few questions will help guide you quickly to the pair of shorts that will keep you comfortable and focused on the trails ahead.
Although the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts aren't the most breathable, they're nice on a brisk morning.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
What Ride Style Best Describes You?
Do you prefer riding the lift at your favorite resort to rack up countless park laps on the mountain, or would you rather ride from your house to your favorite trail to get the best cardio workout your bike can take you on? Having a good idea of where you're typically going to ride is going to help you choose a pair of shorts that will keep you comfortable in those circumstances, whether that's a thicker, heavier-weight short that will provide solid trail protection from trees and bushes whipping by on your favorite mountain single track or the lightest shorts that you can find that breathe so well you can't even tell you're wearing them because you like to grind out long techy climbs.
The mesh rear panel contours around your waist on the Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Shorts.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
What Fit and Length Do You Prefer?
We all come in different shapes and sizes, so a lot of your decision when it comes to mountain bike shorts is going to depend upon your body composition and your personal preferences. Our testers generally prefer relaxed fit shorts that are fairly long so that the leg openings don't catch on the seat when standing up for a rocky descent, but not so long that they harbor and hold heat in when riding in the summer. Seek out a pair of shorts that fit your riding style, and keep in mind that if you prefer to wear trail protection like kneepads, you're going to want a pair of shorts that are optimized to be worn with them.
Our testers put each pair of shorts through numerous rides to make accurate judgments on them.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
What Climates and Trail Conditions Do You Generally Ride In?
Knowing the weather and trail conditions can make or break a ride, just as not being prepared with the right pair of shorts can too. Many mountain bike shorts can be quite versatile and will suit various types of conditions you might find yourself in. If your rides often involve standing water from the latest storm in the area or colder mornings, a short with spray protection and thicker fabric will complement those conditions. If you're in the desert, it's probably safe to say you don't often plan for rain, so choosing shorts that breathe best and have functional vents will be the ideal choice.
Having zippers on your pockets is essential when riding rough trails, so you still have your keys when you get back to your vehicle.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
What Features Are Important to You?
Features are important to some and not to others. Some features to keep in the forefront of your mind when looking for mountain bike shorts are pockets, how many do you really need, and what will you be carrying in them? If you're carrying anything in mountain bike shorts, zippers are a must, so you don't have to go round two on the trail you just finished in the dark, looking for the car key that fell out of your pocket somewhere a few miles back. Do you like the idea of being able to fine-tune how well your shorts fit? If so, opt for a pair with waist adjusters that allow for meaningful adjustment. Depending upon what trail systems you frequent, a pass holder is a useful accessory if you often find yourself at a mountain park complex, state, or national park.
Our testers spent countless hours spinning up technical hill climbs and charging down rocky descents to determine which mountain bike shorts perform best.
Credit: Kolby Anderson
Conclusion
Given the staggering number of mountain bike shorts on the market, finding the right pair for your body type and riding style can be daunting. Our testing structure and extensive time in the field allow us to quantify the objective characteristics of a good pair of shorts. We rode these shorts on every type of trail and in every condition, from sweltering heat to snow and sleet. We hope that this comparative analysis will quickly guide you to the right pair of shorts to fit your needs and budget.
