The Best Mountain Bike Shorts of 2024

With a 14-inch inseam and relatively roomy legs, the Vectra works well with any style of knee pads, making them a solid option for warmer days at the bike park or aggressive trail riding. Made from a lightweight but sturdy feeling blend of 96% recycled polyester and 4% spandex, the Vectra shorts feel like they can take some serious abuse, yet the material isn’t overly heavy or bulky, and the laser-cut ventilation holes on the inner thighs allow for surprisingly good airflow.

Our size Medium test pair fits true to size on our 32-inch waist tester, with a wide waistband that is lined with a soft, comfortable wicking material that feels good against the skin. The Vectra has an offset ratcheting closure that is secure, easy to use, and allows for around 2 inches of waistband adjustment.

The overall fit is somewhat slim through the hips/buttocks with roomier legs and leg openings. All of the internal seams are stitched flat, and the pockets are welded, providing a comfortable, chafe-free pedaling experience.

The Vectra shorts have two top-loading zippered pockets, one on each thigh, that offer ample space for most rider’s needs. The pockets are large enough to accommodate a smartphone and aren’t too intrusive while riding. That said, given their position toward the front of the thigh, the contents are quite noticeable while pedaling compared to some other pocket designs. Our only other real gripe with the Vectra shorts is the lack of a zipper fly that makes trailside rest stops a little less convenient.

Despite those minor qualms, the Dakine Vectra shorts stand out for their impressive versatility and reasonable price. If you’re looking for one short to cover your needs from the bike park to pedal-heavy trail rides, we think the Vectra are worthy of consideration.

Velocio’s expertise in crafting quality road bike apparel is immediately evident in both the fit and finish of the Ultralight Trail Shorts. The paneling of the shorts, articulation, and form-fitting cut are absolutely perfect. They come in nine sizes from XXS to 4XL, covering waist sizes between 27.5 to 40 inches. Our size Medium test pair has a claimed 32-inch waist, and it fits true to size.

Should you need to add a little tension to the waist, the shorts come with a Velocio-branded stretch belt made in collaboration with Arcade belts (also sold separately for $38) that fits through the belt loops. The lack of built-in waist adjusters may put some people off, but it does reduce weight, bulk, and bunching at the waistline, and ours fit so well that we didn’t have to use the belt anyway. Silicone dots across the back of the waistband help keep them in place while riding and a locking snap at the top of the zipper fly ensures they won’t pop open unexpectedly.

Inseam length varies by size with the Medium we tested coming in at 13.5 inches. They hang right down around the middle of the kneecap while standing, rise slightly above the knee while pedaling, and there is adequate space in the leg opening to work well with low-profile knee pads.

The hem at the knee is bonded and taped, and along with the streamlined fit and ample stretch in the material, they are exceptionally pedal-friendly. The relatively minimal design has two zippered pockets, one on each thigh, that are back-loading and hold contents like a phone out of the way and with impressive stability.

While expensive, they are in line with other high-end mountain bike shorts, plus they include a $35 belt with the purchase. Certainly, some riders will scoff at the lack of waist adjustability, but we found it unnecessary, and the belt has you covered should you need to snug them up. We did notice that the articulation in the waist could cause them to hang a little funny when off the bike, though it is one of the reasons they are so comfortable and high-performing while riding.

If lightweight, excellent fit, and quality construction are important to you, check out the Velocio Ultralight Trail Shorts. For something a little burlier, check out the Trail Access Shorts ($179) that are made from a slightly heavier stretch Cordura fabric.

Rapha now offers three models of mountain bike shorts, with the Trail Shorts being the most rugged of the bunch. These aren’t downhill shorts, mind you, but the material is just a bit thicker and sturdier feeling than the lighter-weight models, and this is also apparent in the comparatively heavier 245 g weight for our size Medium test pair.

The mid-weight of these shorts also makes them a touch warmer overall, not excessively hot, but not the coolest or breeziest shorts on hot days either. Fortunately, Rapha also makes the Trail Lightweight and Trail Fast and Light shorts for those seeking something a bit lighter and airier.

Our size Medium test pair fit true to size on our 32-inch waist tester, and they have belt loops as well as dual external locking waist adjustment tabs to take up any slack evenly on both sides. The broad waistband secures above the zipper fly with a locking snap that won’t ever pop open but does take a little getting used to.

The waist is nicely contoured and articulated for comfort in the seated pedaling position, and we found the fit through the hips and buttocks to be relatively slim but spot-on. The fit in the legs is a bit roomier, and the 13-inch inseam length falls right down to the knees, where an angled hem keeps them from rubbing the calves when pedaling. The unique paneling of the Trail shorts helps to minimize seams for comfortable and irritation-free pedaling, while the size of the leg opening works great with light to mid-duty knee pads if you wear them.

The Trail shorts have four pockets and ample room to suit most people’s needs both on and off the bike. The two open, jeans-style pockets are most useful and convenient off the bike when you’re running post-ride errands or grabbing beverages with your riding buddies.

The other two are well-designed zippered, back-loading thigh pockets that are vertically oriented and hold contents off to the side and out of the way of the pedal stroke. A nice feature of these pockets is a small internal sleeve for your phone that helps keep it from flopping around when pedaling or smashing down a rough descent.

The Trail shorts don’t come cheap, but Rapha has gone out of its way to ensure you get your money’s worth from the investment. They include a small repair kit with several color-matched iron-on patches to fix small holes and offer a free repair program where they will try to fix any damage you can’t fix on your own.

So, you no longer have to be a roadie to wear Rapha, and if you can justify the expense, the mid-weight Trail shorts are made to have a long life and look good doing it.

If you spend your days riding lifts at the bike park, shuttling, or riding super rough terrain, the Defend shorts are up to the task. Made from a rugged recycled material, these shorts brush off encounters with trailside branches or wipeouts without a second thought. They are much more substantial than thinner, lighter options. 

That also makes them a bit heavier, and at 332 g (size 32), they are the heaviest shorts we tested by a significant margin. But, if you value protection and durability for gravity riding, that weight is relatively inconsequential. Laser-cut perforations on the inside of the thighs allow for a bit of airflow, but the thickness of the material also means that these shorts run a bit hotter. Again, if you’re not climbing all day in the heat, it’s not a big deal. 

The Defend shorts come in even waist sizes between 28 and 40, and our size 32 test pair fit true to size. The offset Race-ratchet closure provides a couple of inches of tension adjustment, is easy to use, and doesn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable at the waist. The 13.25-inch inseam length is pretty ideal for gravity riding, and these shorts work great with kneepads of all sizes. 

Two zippered hand pockets and a zippered phone/pass pocket on the thigh provide ample storage space. While the thigh pocket perfectly fits a phone, we found that it tended to bounce around a bit while riding, so we opted to carry it in the hand pockets, which worked just fine.

The Fox Defend Shorts also happen to look great. They aren’t excessively baggy and the solid color options are tasteful and pair well with any jersey in your closet. One small fox head logo on the left thigh is the only branding, a stark contrast to the logo-heavy, moto-styling of gravity shorts of the past.

The Ramble Scramble Long shorts break the mold in several ways. Rather than skewing towards specificity, Curious Creatures leaned into versatility in both style and functionality. This is most obvious in the look of the Ramble Scramble shorts. With a unique blend of workwear meets mountain casual crossed with a small scoop of irreverence, they stand out from other models on the market. 

This also includes the cut of the shorts, which, without a heavily articulated waist, allows them to hang normally and look relatively casual. The pocket layout plays a part here as well, with two hand pockets, two back pockets, and a drop-in side pocket that provide heaps of storage and functionality off the bike. If you didn’t know they were mountain bike shorts, you might easily confuse them for casual, hiking, or a well-loved pair of work shorts because that’s what they look like, and they work well for all those things, too.

Turns out, they work pretty well on the bike, too. Ample stretch in the material makes the lack of waist articulation a non-issue, and the internal drawcord at the waist allows you to snug them up while remaining comfortable and low profile. The 11.5-inch inseam rises a few inches above the knee when pedaling, but they provide good leg coverage, and the tough, midweight material shrugs off encounters with bushes and the occasional roll in the dirt.

We didn’t find the five open pockets to be the most useful or secure while riding, but the zippered side pocket worked great with our phone. We tested them with knee pads, and they worked fine with those, too. Just be aware that you might experience some pad gap if your pads don’t have a long upper sleeve.

So what are the drawbacks? The 240gsm polyester material is definitely on the mid to heavyweight side of the spectrum for mountain bike shorts, and we found them to run a bit warm on hot rides mid-summer. Once soaked with sweat, we found this material also dries a bit slower than thinner, lighter fabrics. They’re also fairly expensive at $139.

Still, the Curious Creatures Ramble Scramble Long shorts top the charts for their versatility. You can essentially wear them for just about any activity all summer long, something we can’t say about most mountain bike shorts. They also look pretty darn good, and the quality construction and material feel built to last for years to come. Curious Creatures also stands behind its products and will repair, replace, or refund products due to defects and repair damage due to wear and tear at a reasonable cost to keep them on the trail and out of the landfill.

Of course, not everyone needs or wants waterproof shorts, but those who live in perpetually wet areas or are seeking a little extra wind and water protection for those shoulder season rides are the target market of the Bastion shorts.

Constructed from a three-layer waterproof fabric with fully taped seams, they protect from tire spray in the rear and rain and splashes in the front, keeping you dry if the weather goes south or you choose to go out and ride in the rain. While they aren’t quite as breathable as lightweight nonwaterproof shorts, the fabric does allow heat and moisture to escape, and air easily circulates up from the leg opening to keep you cool.

POC doesn’t specify an inseam length for the Bastion shorts, but we measured it at 15 inches on our size Medium test pair. With an angled hem, they actually feel a bit longer than that, and they provide lots of leg coverage, hanging just below the kneecap while standing and barely rising above it while pedaling. The long cut, along with roomy legs and a fairly large leg opening, plays super well with any kind of knee pads.

At the waist, a single metal snap secures a flap over the zipper fly and two large external Velcro tabs provide a couple of inches of waistband adjustment. We found the broad waistband to be quite comfy, with minimal bunching from the adjusters, even when snugged up to fit our 32-inch waisted tester.

There are a total of three pockets, two zippered hand pockets and one on the rear of the waistband. While we don’t love the positioning of the front pockets that hold their contents on the top of the thigh, they provide plenty of space and the mesh lining means they can be used for ventilation if they aren’t carrying anything. The small zippered pocket on the back is the perfect size to fit a credit card or other small, thin items.

While the Bastion shorts are certainly great for riding in wet and sloppy conditions, they aren’t exactly the shorts you want to be wearing when it’s dry or warm. The material is somewhat noisy when pedaling and they are simply overkill when taken out of their conditions niche. They are indeed a boutique product aimed squarely at specific riders and conditions, but if you’re looking for quality waterproof shorts, the POC Bastion might be a perfect fit.

The Slab shorts are very lightweight, weighing in at just 160 grams for the size Small. Despite their featherweight, the 85% nylon and 15% elastane material doesn’t feel too flimsy. It stands up well to encounters with trailside obstacles and the occasional slide across the dirt, and the DWR finish effectively repels moisture from puddle splashes and light rain showers.

Along with the streamlined fit, the material also has just enough stretch to allow for impressive freedom of movement while pedaling and maneuvering the bike without excessive material flapping in the wind or snagging on the saddle.

Inseam lengths vary by size for a proportional fit, with our size small test pair measuring in at 14 inches. They provide good leg coverage and hang right down around the kneecap, and the leg opening is large enough to accommodate low-profile, pedal-friendly knee pads. Inside the shorts, all of the seams are welded and taped, making them super smooth and chafe-free.

While they are slightly baggy, the overall fit is relatively slim and form-fitting, although 7Mesh does a wonderful job of creating proportional fits across their size range. In fact, their sizing is a bit different than most other brands, relying on hip and thigh measurements, as well as pants/waist size, on their size chart. If you’re considering any 7Mesh shorts, we highly recommend referencing their size chart and taking those measurements to ensure you get the correct size.

The Slab shorts feature a zipper fly and a metal snap along with an integrated Ultrasuede belt with a metal slip-hook and webbing ladder to adjust the tension of the waistband if needed. This closure system works well, and we never experienced any unwanted slipping or sagging of our shorts during testing, which was a common complaint about the previous version. A single back-loading zippered pocket on the upper right thigh easily fits a smartphone and holds its contents securely and out of the way while pedaling.

Along with making quality apparel, the folks at 7Mesh are doing their best to be an environmentally and socially responsible brand. The Slab Shorts are constructed from Bluesign-approved and Okeo-Tex-certified fabric that is PFC and PFAS-free, and the brand is very transparent about its other environmental, manufacturing, and social initiatives on its website. All that said, if you’re looking for an excellent pair of minimalist mountain bike shorts, the 7Mesh Slab is one of the best we tested.

But, behind the casual appearance, these light, stretchy, and comfortable shorts perform well on the bike and are just as comfortable and “normal-looking” off the bike whether you’re going for a hike or wearing them around town. Few shorts we’ve used can transition as seamlessly between activities as the Giro Arc.

The Arc shorts are offered in two inseam lengths, the regular 13-inch and the 11-inch version we tested. Eleven inches is definitely on the shorter end of the spectrum these days, though it’s great for those who prefer a shorter inseam or don’t wear knee pads, and the longer option is available for those who like a little more leg coverage.

Our 11-inch test shorts hang just above the knee when standing and rise up the thigh a few inches when pedaling, and are well suited to XC-style or even gravel riding. The ripstop polyester material is thin, lightweight, and stretchy, and pedaling in these shorts is smooth, comfortable, and virtually silent with a relaxed but not overly baggy fit with little excess material to flap in the wind.

Giro opted for a simple approach to the waistband, which is secured with a metal button at the top of the zipper fly. There are belt loops, but wearing a belt is generally unnecessary with two external Velcro adjustment tabs that offer a couple of inches of tension adjustment. They come in even numerical waist sizes between 28 and 40 inches, and our size 32 test pair fit perfectly true to size.

The styling is super subtle and does anything but scream mountain bike shorts with three solid, earth-tone color options and a small Giro logo printed on the side of the right leg. There are a total of three pockets, two of which are open, jeans-style hand pockets that further reinforce their casual style and off-the-bike functionality.

The third pocket is a semi-hidden zippered pocket on the right thigh that zips vertically and loads toward the front of the leg. This pocket is large enough for a smartphone, though its position makes the contents fairly noticeable when pedaling.

If you’re interested in some mountain bike shorts that look as good and perform as well off the bike as while you’re riding, the Giro Arc shorts are worth a look. Whether you’re bike-packing, trail riding, or just want something that looks normal for those rides that end at the pub, these shorts have you covered with two inseam length options to ensure you get the fit and leg coverage you want.

Mission Workshop makes two models of baggy mountain bike shorts, with the Traverse being a bit longer and beefier than the lighter-weight Traverse XC we tested. The Traverse XC has a more tailored cut that makes them a bit slimmer fitting and streamlined, as well as a shorter, 12-inch inseam that sits just above the knee and is well-suited to XC-style and gravel riding alike.

The waistband is nicely contoured with a dual snap closure above the zipper fly and a unique integrated belt that works as the waist adjustment system. This thin but broad belt wraps around the majority of the waistband with a small metal buckle on the right side that allows you to add or remove tension on the fly. They also come in odd and even numerical waist sizes between 28 and 38, and although Mission Workshop says they run a little small, we found the size 32 to fit perfectly.

The Traverse XC shorts are constructed from a U.S.-made Mil-spec stretch fabric that offers a good amount of stretch and has a surprisingly tough and durable feel. Still, it feels good against the skin, and pedaling in these shorts is comfortable and unrestrictive. The hem lays nice and flat, and the seams along the crotch gusset have been taped to prevent any chafing or irritation during the pedal stroke.

Two top-loading zippered cargo pockets, one on each thigh, offer ample room to carry things on your rides, and their placement on the outside of the leg holds items nicely without conflicting with the pedal stroke. The small flap of fabric that covers the zippers gives the shorts a very clean aesthetic, though we found they made the zipper pulls a little harder to access at times.

One thing that stands out about the Traverse XC shorts is their super clean, minimalist styling. They come in four solid color schemes: charcoal, black, navy, and olive, and they have essentially zero branding except for a super-tiny Mission Workshop logo on the waistbelt buckle.

These shorts look great whether you’re pounding out some miles or grabbing a bite or drinks with friends after a ride. They aren’t inexpensive, but if Made in the USA matters to you, then we suggest checking out the Mission Workshop Traverse XC shorts and the rest of its lineup, for that matter.

The Trail Air shorts have a relatively slim fit through the hips and loose but not excessively baggy legs that cater well to their trail riding intentions. The 13.5-inch inseam hangs down around mid-knee and plays well with light- to mid-duty knee pads. The angled hem is shorter in the back to prevent unwanted calf contact, and the welded hem and taped seams ensure an irritation-free pedaling experience.

Specialized’s Vaporize woven fabric is a blend of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, and it is lightweight, adequately stretchy, highly breathable, and feels great against the skin. Some perforations on the inner thighs and on the back of the waistband aim to add a little more airflow, and these shorts live up to their airy promises.

The Trail Air shorts come in even waist sizes between 28 and 44, so most people will be able to find a relatively precise fit. A simple ladder strap buckle at the waist is used as both the closure system and the waist adjustment, offering about 2 inches of adjustability.

We did find, however, that our size 32 test pair ran a little big, and we had the ladder strap maxed out and wouldn’t have minded being able to get them a little tighter. There is a bit of stretch in the waistband itself, which is the primary culprit, and we think it might be a good idea to size down if buying these shorts.

A single zippered pocket on the left thigh makes up the storage capabilities. This backloading pocket fits a phone perfectly and holds its contents securely and out of the way of the pedal stroke.

The Specialized Trail Air shorts are a well-designed and constructed pair of lightweight, breathable, and pedal-friendly trail riding shorts that are a great option for riding in the heat of summer. They’ve got a clean aesthetic and minimal branding, and come in several colors to match your taste.

The Singletrack Lite shorts are made from a fabric that is a blend of 85% nylon and 15% elastane with a 4-way stretch. This material is nice and forgiving, providing excellent mobility and a high level of pedal-friendliness while still feeling surprisingly tough and durable.

The 13-inch inseam hangs right down around mid-knee with leg openings that play nice with most styles of knee pads. The welded hem is also nice and smooth and glides over the top of the knee easily while pedaling. In addition to the “regular” inseam length we tested, Endura makes a “short fit” version of the Singletrack Lite that has a slightly shorter length.

We tested the size Medium with a claimed waist size of 33-35 inches, and they fit our 32-inch-waisted tester quite well. This gives us the impression that they run on the small side, as we doubt someone with a 35-inch waist would fit into the Medium shorts.

A dual snap closure secures the shorts at the top of the zippered fly and the broad waistband is lined with wicking material with silicone grippers added at the back to help keep them in place. Two external Velcro tabs offer a couple of inches of tension adjustment and are quick and easy to use.

Endura also added its Clickfast poppers on the inner waistband that allow you to snap them together with the Endura Singletrack Bib Liner. While this system is unique, we found the snaps popped open quite easily in practice and weren’t as effective as we’d hoped.

Ventilation was clearly high on the priority list when designing the Singletrack Lite shorts, and they feature lots of laser-cut perforations on both the inner and outer thighs that allow for a significant amount of airflow. Three zippered pockets, two hand pockets, and one rear pocket offer lots of storage.

We found all three pockets, but especially the hand pockets, to be more useful off the bike, however, as their placement holds items awkwardly and in conflict with the pedal stroke.

Endura has a long history of making quality mountain bike apparel, and the Singletrack Lite shorts are a compelling new option for anyone seeking a relatively light, well-ventilated, and durable pair of shorts.

Flylow’s mountain bike lineup has grown a bit in recent years, and they also make a more gravity-oriented model with a longer inseam called the Animal Short. The Laser Short is the brand’s XC-oriented option with an even shorter inseam and minimalist design than the Goodson. As such, the Goodson lands right in the middle, with an 11.5-inch inseam that appeals to the trail-riding crowd.

Flylow chose a lightweight Intuitive MTB IQ fabric for the Goodson. This material helps keep the weight of the shorts down at 171 g (size 32), dries quickly, and breathes quite well. A DWR finish helps to shrug off splashes from puddles or light drizzle.

It also has a bit of stretch, but not quite as much as some of the other models we tested. The limited stretch makes the Goodson shorts feel a bit tougher than the weight suggests but also means they don’t move quite as freely with the pedal stroke as stretchier options.

The Goodson shorts come in even waist sizes between 30 and 38. A beefy metal snap and zipper fly secure them around the waist. Instead of an adjustment system, they have an elasticized waistband with silicone print inside to stick to your liner shorts.

The brand also added belt loops, so you can hold them up that way if you prefer. While the stretchy waistband works okay to keep them in place, we found they would slide down a bit if you carry anything in the pockets, so we opted to wear an Arcade belt for better security. 

There are two zippered pockets oriented on the outer thighs of the Goodson shorts. These backloading pockets are easy to access while riding and are the perfect size for a phone or any other items you wish to carry. Their position on the outside of the leg also holds contents securely and out of the way of the pedal stroke. 

If you’re not opposed to wearing a belt while you ride, the Flylow Goodson Shorts are a great option to consider. They are a great length and weight for everyday trail riding and are made by a small, independent apparel brand. They come in four colors, including the Rye color we tested.

100% has been making mountain bike apparel for some time, and the Airmatic shorts ($99) are one of its more popular models of baggy shorts. While they are a bit more subtle than 100%’s DH-focused shorts, the Airmatic still has styling that speaks the brand’s motocross roots.

The Airmatic shorts have a relatively slim fit through the hips and buttocks that manages to be very comfortable thanks to great paneling and a bit of articulation. Likewise, the broad waistband is nicely contoured, and our size 32 test pair was spot on in terms of sizing.

A metal slip-hook buckle and webbing ladder secure a flap over the top of the zipper fly and allow for 1.5 inches of waist tension adjustment. Inside the back half of the waistband, lots of silicone grippers help to further ensure these shorts stay in place while riding.

The legs are loose-fitting but not super baggy, with a 14-inch inseam that hangs down right about mid-knee. The leg openings are well-sized, and they work great with light to mid-duty knee protection.

The material used in the Airmatic shorts is a blend of 96% polyester and 4% elastane, and while it has a tiny bit of stretch, it is a bit more restrictive than stretchier fabrics. That said, it doesn’t seem to restrict the pedal stroke in any way, though it is a bit less forgiving in terms of fit.

It is incredibly soft, however, with a brushed backing that feels great against the skin and seams that lay nice and flat. It is a mid-weight fabric, and as such, we found it to be a bit on the warmer side and relatively limited in terms of ventilation and breathability.

Three zippered pockets comprise the storage capabilities of the Airmatic shorts. Two of these are zippered hand pockets that hold their contents on the front, top of the thighs. They are fairly deep, so the contents aren’t too in the way while pedaling, though they don’t exactly go unnoticed.

A zippered pocket on the left thigh is great for use while riding, easily fitting a phone and holding it off to the side comfortably. At $99, the 100% Airmatic shorts are also offered at a fair price, making them a solid value for anyone seeking a well-fitting pair of mid-weight shorts.