Published May 12, 2026 08:00AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Key Takeaway: The best mountain bike shorts of 2026 are the Patagonia Dirt Craft<\/a> (best overall), DhARCO Gravity Shorts<\/a> (best value), Leatt MTB Trail 6.0 Cargo<\/a> (best pockets), POC Women\u2019s Motion<\/a> (best for women), and Fox Racing Ranger<\/a> (best minimalist). When shopping, look for four-way stretch fabric, a DWR finish, at least two zippered pockets, and an inseam between 11\u201313 inches.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n You don\u2019t need mountain bike shorts to ride\u2014just like you don\u2019t 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\u2019re 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\u2019re looking for baggy enduro shorts with maximum storage or a trim trail short that moves like a second skin, there\u2019s a pick here for you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> Men\u2019s (US 28-40)\/ Women\u2019s (US 0-22 ) Pros and Cons<\/strong> <\/section>\n These were our testers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s cooler high desert and into the Pacific Northwest, and they performed consistently across fluctuating temps and mixed conditions.<\/p>\n 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\u2014and you can often find them on sale at the end of the season for closer to $99.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> Men\u2019s (S-2XL)\/ Women\u2019s (XS-2XL ) Pros and Cons<\/strong> <\/section>\n The Gravity Shorts deliver a lot for the price. They\u2019re regularly on sale in the $48\u2013$64 range, making them one of the most affordable mountain bike shorts that still check the boxes for comfort, durability, and style\u2014especially if you like a slightly more tailored fit.<\/p>\n The four-way stretch fabric feels comfortable for pedaling and the mid-weight feel gave testers confidence in the shorts\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014just something to keep in mind depending on your setup. The women\u2019s sizing, in particular, tends to run on the smaller size, so we recommend sizing up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> Men\u2019s (28-40)\/ Women\u2019s (2-16) Pros and Cons<\/strong> <\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014and accommodate pocket contents\u2014without sacrificing durability, and the minimal branding keeps the look clean. The Ranger isn\u2019t overloaded with features, but that\u2019s part of the appeal. It\u2019s a simple, well-executed short that prioritizes comfort and usability.<\/p>\n Available for both men and women, they\u2019re priced at $130 with a liner or $100 without, and previous-season colors are often available for less.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n Sizes:<\/strong> Womens XS-XL Pros and Cons<\/strong> <\/section>\n The POC Women\u2019s Motion Shorts are our top pick for women\u2014and the pair we kept reaching for on long rides. They\u2019re built around a lightweight, loose-fitting design that prioritizes comfort on the bike, especially when the miles start to stack up.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you prioritize comfort for long rides, these are the best women\u2019s mountain bike shorts in the test. They strike a smart balance of lightweight performance, durability, and value\u2014and are an easy recommendation for riders (also available for men) who prefer a roomier fit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> Mens XS-3XL Pros and Cons<\/strong> <\/section>\n 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\u2019s rear \u201cMission Pack,\u201d a bounce-free stash built into the back of the shorts for a jacket, snacks, or even a chin bar. It\u2019s a lot\u2014but it works.<\/p>\n Despite all that storage, the shorts don\u2019t 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\u2014the fabric runs a bit hot in high temps\u2014but it breathes reasonably well and dries quickly, which helped during sweaty rides and post-ride dips.<\/p>\n \u201cLeatt has delivered the overlander SUV of riding shorts, with rugged but comfortable design and uncompromised cargo carrying capacity,\u201d commented one tester. If you like the idea of carrying everything in your shorts and leaving the pack behind, these deliver.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wild Rye Freel 12\u201d Bike Shorts ($159)<\/b><\/a>:<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n Curious Creatures Men\u2019s Ramble Scramble<\/b> <\/a>($139):<\/b> Curious Creatures has really hit the mark with the Ramble Scramble 11.5\u2033 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 7 Mesh Glidepath Short ( Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Short ($115)<\/a>:<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Some brands include a liner (also known as chamois) with their MTB shorts, but many don\u2019t, 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.<\/p>\n The term \u201ccycling shorts\u201d 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.).<\/p>\n For most trail and enduro riders, yes\u2014baggy 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\u2019s comfortable on and off the bike. They\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n The best women\u2019s mountain bike shorts are the POC Women\u2019s Motion Shorts ($120) for long-ride comfort, the Wild Rye Freel 12\u2033 Bike Shorts ($159) for style and fit, and the Patagonia Dirt Craft ($199) for all-around performance (available in women\u2019s sizing through US 22). When shopping, prioritize a relaxed waist and hip fit, a 12\u201313 inch inseam for trail coverage, and PFAS-free DWR protection. Note that women\u2019s sizing in MTB shorts often runs small \u2014 sizing up is common across brands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our team selected 12 pairs of men\u2019s and women\u2019s MTB shorts from nine brands for 2026 testing, with input from Pinkbike<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nBest Mountain Bike Shorts: At a Glance <\/b><\/h2>\n
The Reviews: The Best MTB Shorts of 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n
Best Overall MTB Shorts: <\/strong>Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Inseam:<\/strong> 12 \u00bd \u201d (medium)<\/p>\n
+ High quality
+ Extremely comfortable
+ Extended adjustability and sizing range for both men and women
\u2013 Expensive<\/p>\nBest Value MTB Shorts: <\/strong>DhARCO Gravity Shorts<\/h2>\n
![\"DhARCO](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DhARCO-Gravity-Shorts_Backcountry_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
In-seam:<\/strong> 12\u201d<\/p>\n
+ Affordable
+ Durable fabric
+ Stylish look and feel
\u2013 Sizing tends to run tighter\/tapered in the leg<\/p>\nBest Minimalist Mountain Bike Shorts: <\/strong>Fox Racing Ranger Short<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Fox](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fox-Racing-Ranger-Shorts_Backcountry_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
In-seam:<\/strong> 11 \u00be\u201d<\/p>\n
+ Simple waist ratchet system with no zipper hassle
+ Smart pocket placement
+ Quick drying
\u2013 A little pricey for a minimalist short<\/p>\n![\"Backcountry](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Backcountry-Slickrock_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Paid Advertisement by Backcountry.com <\/span><\/h2>\n
Backcountry Slickrock 11\u2033 Bike Short<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best Women\u2019s Mountain Bike Shorts: <\/strong>POC Women\u2019s Motion Shorts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"POC](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/POC-Wms-Motion-Shorts-women_Backcountry_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Inseam:<\/strong> 12 \u00bd\u201d (medium)<\/p>\n
+ Great pockets
+ Loose design shaped for comfort and movement
\u2013 Velcro waist adjusters prone to wear<\/p>\nBest Pockets: <\/strong>Leatt Men\u2019s Cargo MTB Trail 6.0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Leatt](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leatt-Cargo-6.0_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Inseam:<\/strong> 12\u201d (medium)<\/p>\n
+ Ample pockets
+ Durable fabric
+ Taped, smooth seams
\u2013 Heavier fabric can run a little hot<\/p>\nOther Mountain Bike Shorts We Tested<\/b><\/h2>\n
$170<\/del> $102)<\/a>:<\/b> 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\u2014the $170 might be a hard sell for the average rider.<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n
Why do you need mountain bike shorts?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Do MTB shorts come with liners?<\/b><\/h3>\n
What\u2019s the difference between MTB shorts and cycling shorts?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Are baggy mountain bike shorts better?<\/h3>\n
What are the best mountain bike shorts for women?<\/b><\/h3>\n
How We Tested Mountain Bike Shorts\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Meet Our Lead Testers<\/b><\/h2>\n