Grinding through a long ride in gym shorts teaches the lesson fast: regular shorts snag on the saddle, soak through, and chafe in all the wrong places. Mountain bike shorts solve that with a relaxed cut made for pedaling, durable fabric that shrugs off brush and crashes, and pockets that actually hold a phone. The best mountain bike shorts balance comfort and freedom of movement, breathability, smart storage, and a fit that clears knee pads. These picks are research-based, drawn from independent testing across budgets and riding styles.
Disclosure: OutdoorHiking is reader-supported. If you buy through a link on this page, we may earn an Amazon commission at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on independent research, not paid placement.
Quick Verdict
For most riders, the Fox Racing Ranger is the best all-around short, with a clean fit and an optional liner. The Troy Lee Designs Skyline is the comfort favorite, and the ZOIC Ether and Navaeh are the value picks that still ride well.
Why Trust This Guide
These picks are research-based, drawing on independent testing of fit, comfort, breathability, durability, and storage across men’s and women’s shorts, with sources cited. We have not field-tested every pair ourselves and base the rankings on reviewer consensus and manufacturer specifications. The goal is a fair shortlist across budgets and riding styles.
Key Takeaways
- Look for four-way stretch fabric, a water-shedding DWR finish, and zippered pockets.
- A knee-length inseam clears knee pads without flapping.
- Some shorts include a padded liner, others sell it separately.
- Baggy shorts beat lycra for trail coverage and crash protection.
- An adjustable waist keeps shorts from sagging on rough descents.
How We Picked the Best Mountain Bike Shorts
We weighed fit and freedom of movement, breathability, durability, storage, and value, drawing on independent testing.1 Good trail shorts have to move with you while pedaling, clear knee pads, and survive contact with rocks and brush, so cut and fabric led the ranking. We included men’s and women’s options across budgets. To round out your kit, pair shorts with our guide to mountain bike gloves.
1. Fox Racing Ranger: Best Overall
The Fox Racing Ranger is the do-everything trail short most riders end up recommending. It uses a stretch ripstop fabric for durability and movement, has a clean look on and off the bike, and comes in versions with or without a padded liner.
Why It Stands Out
It balances a comfortable cut, durable stretch fabric, and waist adjusters at a fair price, with the flexibility of buying it lined or unlined. For an all-around trail short, it leads. The understated styling works off the bike too.
Worth Knowing
The included liner is basic, so dedicated riders often pair the shell with a better separate liner. Confirm whether you are buying the lined or unlined version.
Get the Ranger for a versatile, well-priced short that does everything. Skip it if you want the most premium fabric or a high-end built-in liner.
2. Troy Lee Designs Skyline: Best Comfort
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline is the comfort standout, a relaxed-but-not-baggy short in a polyester-spandex blend that moves freely. Mesh side panels add airflow, and deep zippered pockets swallow a phone and snacks.
Why It Stands Out
Testers describe barely noticing they are wearing it, thanks to the stretchy fabric and well-judged cut, and the knee-length inseam covers knee pads. For all-day comfort, it is the pick. The mesh venting helps on hot climbs.
Worth Knowing
It sits in the mid-to-upper price range, and the included liner is one some riders skip in favor of their own. Fit runs relaxed rather than slim.
Choose the Skyline for a short you forget you are wearing. Skip it if you want the cheapest option or a slim race cut.
3. ZOIC Ether and Navaeh: Best Budget
The ZOIC Ether for men and Navaeh for women are the value picks that still ride like real trail shorts. Both use lightweight, breathable stretch fabric, well-placed pockets, and an adjustable waist, at a friendly price.
Why It Stands Out
They deliver durability, comfort, and good ventilation for noticeably less, with a cut that suits a range of body types and lots of colors. For value, they are the standout. ZOIC’s customer service also has a good reputation among riders.
Worth Knowing
The basic included liner is the weak point, so many riders upgrade to a better one. The lightweight fabric favors summer over rough, wet conditions.
Get the ZOIC Ether or Navaeh for the best value in a real trail short. Skip them if you want premium fabric or the most weather protection.
4. Patagonia Dirt Craft: Best Premium
The Patagonia Dirt Craft is the premium pick for riders who want durability and quality construction. It pairs a tough, comfortable shell with thoughtful features and Patagonia’s build standards, with a breathable Dirt Roamer option for hot days.
Why It Stands Out
The build quality and durable fabric justify the price for riders who put in serious miles, and the airy Dirt Roamer variant is a favorite for steamy summer rides. For premium durability, it is the pick. The construction is built to last seasons.
Worth Knowing
It is among the pricier options here, and the premium materials are more than casual riders need. Choose the model that matches your climate.
Choose the Dirt Craft for premium build and long-term durability. Skip it if you ride occasionally or want to spend less.
5. Pearl Izumi Summit: Best Ventilated Shell
The Pearl Izumi Summit is a no-nonsense trail shell built for comfort and airflow. Laser-perforated venting keeps the legs cool, a water-shedding coating handles spray, and zippered front pockets keep items secure.
Why It Stands Out
The perforated venting and water-shedding finish make it a strong hot-and-variable-weather shell, and the clean shorts-only design pairs with whatever liner you prefer. For ventilation, it is the pick. A step-up Pro version adds refinements.
Worth Knowing
It is sold as a shell without a liner, so budget for one separately. The trail-focused fit falls just above or at the knee depending on height.
Get the Summit for a breathable, water-shedding shell. Skip it if you want an all-in-one lined short.
6. Leatt MTB Trail 6.0 Cargo: Best Pockets
The Leatt MTB Trail Cargo is the pick for riders who carry a lot, with generous cargo pockets built into a capable trail short. It pairs storage with durable, stretchy fabric suited to longer rides.
Why It Stands Out
The cargo pockets hold tools, snacks, and a phone without a pack, which suits riders who like to go pack-free, and the fabric handles trail abuse. For storage, it is the standout. The cut still pedals comfortably.
Worth Knowing
Loaded pockets add a little bulk on the thighs, and the feature set is more than minimalists want. Distribute weight evenly to avoid sag.
Choose the Leatt Cargo if you ride pack-free and carry gear. Skip it if you prefer a minimal, low-bulk short.
Mountain Bike Shorts at a Glance
| Short | Liner | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Racing Ranger | Optional | Versatile, value | Best overall |
| Troy Lee Skyline | Included | Comfort, venting | All-day comfort |
| ZOIC Ether / Navaeh | Basic included | Affordable | Budget |
| Patagonia Dirt Craft | No | Premium build | Durability |
| Pearl Izumi Summit | No | Ventilated shell | Hot weather |
| Leatt MTB Trail Cargo | No | Cargo storage | Pack-free rides |
How to Choose Mountain Bike Shorts
Fit and Inseam
Look for a relaxed but not excessively baggy cut, since too-tight shorts restrict pedaling and too-baggy ones catch on the saddle. A knee-length inseam clears knee pads without flapping. Check the waist adjustment keeps them from sagging.
Liner or No Liner
Some shorts include a padded liner, others sell it separately, and many riders prefer pairing a shell with a quality separate liner they choose. A detachable liner is easier to wash and lets you ride with or without it. Budget for a good liner if comfort on long rides matters.
Fabric and Weather
Four-way stretch fabric moves with you, a water-shedding finish handles mud and spray, and venting keeps you cool on climbs. Match the weight to your climate, lighter for hot trails, tougher for wet or technical terrain. Durable fabric also survives crashes better.
Pockets and Storage
Zippered pockets keep a phone and keys secure on rough descents, and cargo styles let you ride without a pack. Decide whether you carry a hydration pack or want pockets to do the work. More storage adds a little bulk.
Build Out Your Mountain Bike Kit
- Best Mountain Bike Helmets
- Best Mountain Bike Gloves
- Best Mountain Bike Shoes
- Best Mountain Bike Lights
- Best Bike Hydration Packs
- Best Compression Socks
- Best Rain Jackets
- Best Hiking Gloves
- Best Sun Hats
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best mountain bike shorts?
For most riders, the Fox Racing Ranger is the best all-around choice, with a versatile fit and an optional liner, while the Troy Lee Designs Skyline leads on comfort. The ZOIC Ether and Navaeh are strong budget picks. The best pair depends on your fit, climate, and whether you want a built-in liner.
Do mountain bike shorts come with a liner?
Some do and some do not, so read the description carefully, since brands like Fox sell lined and unlined versions of the same short. Many riders prefer buying a shell and pairing it with a separate quality liner. A detachable liner is easier to clean.
Are baggy shorts better than lycra for mountain biking?
For most trail and enduro riding, yes, because baggy shorts add coverage and protection from rocks and brush, work better with knee pads, and feel more comfortable off the bike. Lycra suits cross-country racing where weight and aerodynamics matter. Many riders wear a lycra liner under a baggy shell.
What length inseam should mountain bike shorts be?
A knee-length inseam, often in the 11 to 13 inch range for men, covers knee pads without flapping, while shorter inseams suit riders who skip pads. Taller riders may want longer inseams to maintain coverage. Check the inseam against your height and pad use.
How do I wash mountain bike shorts?
Wash them cold on a gentle cycle, skip fabric softener, which can degrade water-shedding finishes, and air dry to protect the fabric. Remove a detachable liner and wash it separately. Following the care label keeps the DWR coating working longer.
Do I need padded shorts for mountain biking?
Padding helps on longer rides by reducing saddle irritation, but whether you want it is personal, and some riders prefer minimal padding or none on short, descent-heavy rides. Try a liner and see what suits your body and ride length. A comfortable saddle also reduces the need for heavy padding.
Can I wear mountain bike shorts for other activities?
Yes, many trail shorts look casual enough for hiking or everyday wear, especially shell-style shorts without a liner. Their durable, stretchy fabric handles plenty of activities. Removing the liner makes them more versatile off the bike.
How much should I spend on mountain bike shorts?
Solid budget shorts like the ZOIC Ether ride well for less, while premium options like the Patagonia Dirt Craft cost more but add durability and refinement. A mid-range short suits most riders. Spend more if you ride often or want a built-in quality liner.
Sources
- Independent mountain bike shorts testing on fit, comfort, breathability, durability, and storage (OutdoorGearLab, Outside, Singletracks, Treeline Review), plus manufacturer specifications.
