Published May 12, 2026 08:00AM
Key Takeaway: The best mountain bike shorts of 2026 are the Patagonia Dirt Craft (best overall), DhARCO Gravity Shorts (best value), Leatt MTB Trail 6.0 Cargo (best pockets), POC Women’s Motion (best for women), and Fox Racing Ranger (best minimalist). When shopping, look for four-way stretch fabric, a DWR finish, at least two zippered pockets, and an inseam between 11–13 inches.
You don’t need mountain bike shorts to ride—just like you don’t need a swimsuit to go swimming. But the right pair will make a long ride a whole lot more comfortable. The best mountain bike shorts are cut for pedaling, breathe well, offer smart storage, and hold up when you inevitably hit the dirt. Sure, you could grind through a four-hour ride in cotton underwear and denim cutoffs, but the chafing you’re likely to receive to the more delicate parts of your anatomy will make you regret it. The picks below balance performance, durability, and price, with options for different riding styles and budgets. Whether you’re looking for baggy enduro shorts with maximum storage or a trim trail short that moves like a second skin, there’s a pick here for you.
Best Mountain Bike Shorts: At a Glance
The Reviews: The Best MTB Shorts of 2026
Best Overall MTB Shorts: Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts
Sizes: Men’s (US 28-40)/ Women’s (US 0-22 )
Inseam: 12 ½ ” (medium)
Pros and Cons
+ High quality
+ Extremely comfortable
+ Extended adjustability and sizing range for both men and women
– Expensive
These were our testers’ favorite mountain bike shorts thanks to their dialed fit, all-day comfort, and smart storage. The highly adjustable hook-and-webbing waistband makes it easy to fine-tune the fit, while two front drop-in pockets and two zippered thigh pockets keep snacks and a phone handy and secure. The updated 12.5-inch inseam hits a versatile middle ground, and the recycled four-way stretch fabric with a DWR finish handles sweat, dust, rain, and the occasional crash.
Fit was true to size, with testers calling out how comfortable the shorts felt while pedaling and how easy they were to adjust on the fly. We rode in them everywhere from the warm desert of Baja to Sedona’s cooler high desert and into the Pacific Northwest, and they performed consistently across fluctuating temps and mixed conditions.
Bottom line: The Dirt Craft nails the balance of comfort, breathability, and durability that defines the best mountain bike shorts. The price is on the higher side, but the included removable liner adds value—and you can often find them on sale at the end of the season for closer to $99.
Best Value MTB Shorts: DhARCO Gravity Shorts
Sizes: Men’s (S-2XL)/ Women’s (XS-2XL )
In-seam: 12”
Pros and Cons
+ Affordable
+ Durable fabric
+ Stylish look and feel
– Sizing tends to run tighter/tapered in the leg
The Gravity Shorts deliver a lot for the price. They’re regularly on sale in the $48–$64 range, making them one of the most affordable mountain bike shorts that still check the boxes for comfort, durability, and style—especially if you like a slightly more tailored fit.
The four-way stretch fabric feels comfortable for pedaling and the mid-weight feel gave testers confidence in the shorts’ durability. Three zippered pockets keep essentials secure, and the mid-length inseam is compatible with most knee guards. Our testers found the Gravity Shorts particularly well-suited to cooler riding conditions, where the slightly heavier fabric and DWR finish paid off. We rode in them from Baja to the Pacific Northwest, and they held up well to long pedal days and a few minor crashes without feeling restrictive.
The one criticism was the fit through the leg. These shorts run a bit slimmer and taper more toward the knee, which can make them less compatible with bulkier knee pads. That said, the stretch fabric and adjustable waist still make them comfortable for most rides—just something to keep in mind depending on your setup. The women’s sizing, in particular, tends to run on the smaller size, so we recommend sizing up.
Best Minimalist Mountain Bike Shorts: Fox Racing Ranger Short
Sizes: Men’s (28-40)/ Women’s (2-16)
In-seam: 11 ¾”
Pros and Cons
+ Simple waist ratchet system with no zipper hassle
+ Smart pocket placement
+ Quick drying
– A little pricey for a minimalist short
The Fox Ranger Shorts stand out for their comfort and straightforward, no-frills design. They pair a stretch ripstop fabric with a DWR finish for durability on the trail, while the race-ratchet waist (no zipper) keeps sizing adjustments quick and simple. Two zippered hand pockets are well sized and thoughtfully placed for carrying essentials.
Fit was true to size for our tester, with a comfortable feel both on and off the bike. The fabric has enough stretch to move with you—and accommodate pocket contents—without sacrificing durability, and the minimal branding keeps the look clean. The Ranger isn’t overloaded with features, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a simple, well-executed short that prioritizes comfort and usability.
Available for both men and women, they’re priced at $130 with a liner or $100 without, and previous-season colors are often available for less.
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Backcountry Slickrock 11″ Bike Short
Long days in the saddle call for shorts that breathe well and move with you, and the Slickrock 11in Bike Short is built for just that. Lightweight, stretchy recycled fabric delivers unrestricted mobility and excellent breathability, while a DWR treatment helps shed light rain, mud, and trail spray. The slim fit reduces annoying saddle snags, and the 11-inch inseam offers coverage from brush and trail debris. With a 50+ UPF rating, you can rack up big sunny miles with added peace of mind for your skin.
Best Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts: POC Women’s Motion Shorts
Sizes: Womens XS-XL
Inseam: 12 ½” (medium)
Pros and Cons
+ Great pockets
+ Loose design shaped for comfort and movement
– Velcro waist adjusters prone to wear
The POC Women’s Motion Shorts are our top pick for women—and the pair we kept reaching for on long rides. They’re built around a lightweight, loose-fitting design that prioritizes comfort on the bike, especially when the miles start to stack up.
The recycled nylon fabric is light and soft, making these shorts especially suited to long rides in warm temps. The extended 12.5-inch inseam and relaxed fit through the waist and hips also give them a comfortable, non-restrictive feel when pedaling. Details are simple but well executed. Velcro tabs on the waist make it easy to adjust fit (although testers noted they wear down over time and lose their clasp), and two zippered pockets are positioned for easy access without getting in the way. The fabric includes a PFAS-free DWR finish for light weather protection without adding bulk.
If you prioritize comfort for long rides, these are the best women’s mountain bike shorts in the test. They strike a smart balance of lightweight performance, durability, and value—and are an easy recommendation for riders (also available for men) who prefer a roomier fit.
Best Pockets: Leatt Men’s Cargo MTB Trail 6.0
Sizes: Mens XS-3XL
Inseam: 12” (medium)
Pros and Cons
+ Ample pockets
+ Durable fabric
+ Taped, smooth seams
– Heavier fabric can run a little hot
The Leatt MTB Trail 6.0 Cargo Shorts are the pick for riders who want to ditch the pack and carry everything on their body. Storage is the headline here: two zippered hand pockets, a large padded thigh cargo pocket, and Leatt’s rear “Mission Pack,” a bounce-free stash built into the back of the shorts for a jacket, snacks, or even a chin bar. It’s a lot—but it works.
Despite all that storage, the shorts don’t feel overly bulky. Fit was true to size, with a comfortable, flexible feel thanks to the four-way stretch fabric. Velcro waist adjusters help fine-tune the fit, and perforated panels add some ventilation for longer days in the saddle. We tested these in Baja, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest, and they held up well to long rides and varied conditions. The big upside is obvious: being able to skip the pack entirely on shorter rides is a game changer. The tradeoff is warmth—the fabric runs a bit hot in high temps—but it breathes reasonably well and dries quickly, which helped during sweaty rides and post-ride dips.
“Leatt has delivered the overlander SUV of riding shorts, with rugged but comfortable design and uncompromised cargo carrying capacity,” commented one tester. If you like the idea of carrying everything in your shorts and leaving the pack behind, these deliver.
Other Mountain Bike Shorts We Tested
Wild Rye Freel 12” Bike Shorts ($159): These women specific MTB shorts check all the boxes for fit, function, comfort while dialing up style with feminine and flattering designs. While the POC Motion shorts slightly edged out the Freel with the looser and lighter fit and feel that our tester preferred, we love what Wild Rye, a company founded by women for women, is doing for female riders.
Curious Creatures Men’s Ramble Scramble ($139): Curious Creatures has really hit the mark with the Ramble Scramble 11.5″ shorts, which offer a classic workwear vibe and usable five-pocket design. The bio-based stretch fabric is comfortable in all the right places while pedaling, and exceeded our testers’ expectations in style and versatility. However, in comparison to the Dirt Craft, the shorts are a bit heavier in fabric and slightly less breathable in warm riding temps.
7 Mesh Glidepath Short ($170 $102): These MTB shorts, which are available for both men and women, were a tester favorite in performance and function, featuring a four-way stretch fabric, four-pocket storage system, and a no-flip belt system for dialing in fit. All that comes at a cost—the $170 might be a hard sell for the average rider.
Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Short ($115): The Freewheel shorts are another competitive MTB short for men or women shredders that has a design focused on comfort and durability. The shorts have all the features and fixings to be a tester favorite, but they were slightly outperformed by the fit of the Dirt Craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need mountain bike shorts?
Mountain bike shorts are designed for the specific demands of the sport, making them better suited to hours in the saddle than your average running shorts or jorts. Things like durability, looser cut or articulation so that there are no restrictions when pedaling, a longer length for coverage, pockets for storage, ventilation for airflow, or waist adjustability to dial in the fit are all important when you are out on the trails.
Do MTB shorts come with liners?
Some brands include a liner (also known as chamois) with their MTB shorts, but many don’t, requiring you to purchase them separately. Finding a liner that fits well is the most important element, so although there might be a little cost savings when they are included, it is best to test out a variety to find the liner that fits best and is most comfortable.
What’s the difference between MTB shorts and cycling shorts?
The term “cycling shorts” generally refers to a pair of lycra shorts or bibs with a built-in chamois that is used for racing or road cycling. You can wear cycling shorts for mountain biking, but MTB shorts offer more coverage and protection from the elements (rocks, bushes, weather, etc.).
Are baggy mountain bike shorts better?
For most trail and enduro riders, yes—baggy mountain bike shorts are better than form-fitting cycling shorts because they offer more coverage and protection from rocks, brush, and crashes; better compatibility with knee pads; and a relaxed fit that’s comfortable on and off the bike. They’re also more versatile for hiking to trailheads or post-ride stops. The tradeoff is slightly more wind resistance and weight compared to lycra, but for anything beyond road or XC racing, baggy shorts are the practical choice.
What are the best mountain bike shorts for women?
The best women’s mountain bike shorts are the POC Women’s Motion Shorts ($120) for long-ride comfort, the Wild Rye Freel 12″ Bike Shorts ($159) for style and fit, and the Patagonia Dirt Craft ($199) for all-around performance (available in women’s sizing through US 22). When shopping, prioritize a relaxed waist and hip fit, a 12–13 inch inseam for trail coverage, and PFAS-free DWR protection. Note that women’s sizing in MTB shorts often runs small — sizing up is common across brands.
How We Tested Mountain Bike Shorts
Our team selected 12 pairs of men’s and women’s MTB shorts from nine brands for 2026 testing, with input from Pinkbike staff, mountain bike testers, and industry colleagues. In some cases, men and women tested the same shorts to compare notes. Testing took place in La Ventana, BCS; Sedona, AZ; Hood River, OR; and Bellingham, WA, from late fall 2025 through spring 2026, supplemented by long-term feedback from Pinkbike staff.
Testers rode everything from sandy desert singletrack in Southern Baja and Sedona red rocks to the Syncline, Nestor Peak, and Post Canyon systems around Hood River, and Bellingham’s loamy, steep forest trails. They averaged around 2,000 vertical feet of climbing per ride across a mix of jumps, drops, berms, rocks, and cactus. Trail conditions ranged from sandy, muddy, tacky, and loamy; temperatures swung from below freezing to uncomfortably hot and sunny.
When the dust settled, seven of the twelve mountain bike shorts we tested made the final cut, impressing with their fit, comfort, style, durability, and feature-set.
Meet Our Lead Testers
Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for over 20 years and testing mountain biking gear for Outside Interactive, Inc. affiliate Pinkbike for over a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her three kids, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. She spent a chunk of time competing in enduro races in the PNW, as well as events like Trans BC, Trans Provence, Downieville Classic, Grinduro, and the occasional CX or gravel race. When she is not working or traveling, you will find her on the river, the local trails or exploring the endless forest roads.
Matt Patterson is a New Zealand native who got hooked on mountain biking in 2002 and has been racing downhill and enduro, building trails, and exploring the PNW on two wheels ever since. He currently splits his time in his home on wheels in Hood River Oregon, Bellingham Washington and La Ventana BCS. He has two grown kids and a Baja rescue dog named Nutmeg. Matt is happiest when his tires are touching loam or in the air.
Annick Chalier is a longtime Pacific Northwesterner who resides in Lyle, Washington and winters in La Ventana BCS. She has a passion for all things cycling and has been a mountain bike coach, raced road bikes professionally, raced cyclocross, and dabbled in some endurance mountain bike racing. Through the years of training for racing, mountain biking always remained the counterbalance to the structured intervals: a way to be creative and connect with nature, dance down the trail hootin’ and hollerin’ with friends, and find distance from the outside world by being focused on the moment with the bike.
