The 10 Best Mountain Biking Shorts of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | June 2, 2023
Mountain biking is a thrilling outdoor adventure, but wearing the right gear is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The perfect pair of mountain bike shorts can significantly enhance your experience, and it's all about finding the right combination of fit, materials, and pockets. High-quality MTB shorts offer a comfortable fit with no chafing or bunching while pedaling, and they extend over your knee pads. They're made from lightweight, breathable, durable materials that dry quickly and provide flexibility. Plus, strategically placed zippered pockets keep your essentials secure on the trail.
New for 2023, more color options are available across the mountain bike apparel assortment. Rapha, while well established in the bike world, is new to mountain biking, while old-time favorites like Fasthouse make a reappearance. The materials remain lightweight and breathable, but we've also focused on the popular "enduro cut/fit" length. Some shorts, like the TLD Skyline, even include a liner. With a diverse range of styles for every type of rider, our updated collection of the best MTB shorts has something for everyone. Whether you prefer long XC rides or downhill adventures, we've got you covered, and we break down the strengths and weaknesses of each pair to help you find your new go-to shorts.
Rapha Trail
Purpose built by bikers, for bikers. The Rapha Trail Shorts pair a durable, breathable and flexible construction with all the best features to ensure an A1 experience on the trail. Complete with zippered pockets (including a internal phone sleeve), built-in waist adjustment belt, and an ergonomic cut for use with or without knee pads, the Rapha Trail Shorts let you focus more on riding and less on garment-related setbacks.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 88% Nylon / 12% Elastane | 2 Hand Pockets + 2 Zippered Side Pockets | $158.00 |
Troy Lee Designs Skyline
Troy Lee Designs Skyline Shell Shorts have that signature TLD style with a heap of new features. Invisible zip pockets, a super comfy waistband, and new waist adjusters keep these in place all ride long, and with their light weight and ample ventilation they're never a liability. These come with TLD's great TMP® chamois pad for medium to long trail rides.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 4-Way Stretch Recycled Polyester / Spandex | YKK Zip Closure Hand Pockets | $139.99 |
Flylow Deckard
The enduro mountain bike racing mentality shines through with the Flylow Deckard Shorts. With plenty of stretch, sweat-wicking characteristics, and 13.5-inch inseam coverage, these all-around mountain biking shorts lend riders confidence through both the ups and the downs of any trail.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| Intuitive™ IQ MTB Fabric | 100% Polyester | 3 Zippered Pockets for Sunglasses or Phone | $95.00 |
Fox Flexair
Fox Flexair Shorts are so light and comfy that you could close your eyes and convince yourself you're on one of those naked bike rides. But with a padded liner keeping your tender parts happy. And zippered hand pockets. So, probably not like a naked bike ride at all. The perfect shorts for a (fully clothed) summer ride.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| Elastane, Polyamide, Polyester | Secure Zip Hand Pockets | $119.95 |
Patagonia Dirt Roamer
We love the denim jorts vibe, but sometimes you need a little more protection. The Patagonia Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts offer more coverage without feeling stuffy, so you can ride hard through hot summer days. Recycled polyester and spandex fabric is stretchy and breathable and the contoured silhouette follows the natural shape of your body for an articulated, performance-oriented fit. They integrate seamlessly with any of Patagonia's liners too, so you can customize your level of protection for before-work laps or Whole Enchiladas.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 4-oz 90-Denier 86% Recycled Polyester / 14% Spandex with DWR Finish | 2 secure, zippered pockets | $119.95 |
POC Essential Enduro
When you want a dialed fit while you're out mountain biking, you put on your POC Essential Enduro Shorts. It's as simple as that. They're designed for the trail with a stretchy fit, seamless integration with your knee pads, and a Velcro-adjustable waistband.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| Durable, Stretchy Nylon Fabric | Side Pockets with Zip | $99.95 |
Fasthouse Crossline 2.0
The Fasthouse Crossline 2.0 Shorts are outfitted with details that have you coming back for more. COOLMAX® Cool/Dry Fabric with stretch keeps you in the saddle longer while zip pockets keep your phone handy for getting the shot.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 88% Polyester / 7% Polyamide / 5% Spandex | Slanted Front Zip Pockets w/ Locking YKK Zippers | $100.00 |
GORE Wear Fernflow
Ready, steady, go in the GORE Wear Fernflow Shorts! With stretch fabric panels for freedom of movement and laser-cut air vents to keep things cool, you'll be blissfully riding in style all season long. The adjustable waistband allows for comfortable versatility while the silicone gripper keeps everything in place so you don't have to constantly re-adjust. Comfortable enough to cruise around and rugged enough to rip through a race, the GORE Wear Fernflow Shorts are made to keep up.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 73% CORDURA® / 15% Polyamide / 12% Elastane | 2 Front Zip Pockets, Small Zippered Rear Pocket for Keys or Valuables | $130.00 |
Dakine Syncline
Built for all-mountain durability, the Dakine Syncline Shorts are versatile enough to be worn on the trail and in the park. This classic shell is roomy enough to reach pads or cover a chamois, and 4-way stretch construction will keep you moving all day long. Long, short, fast or slow, the Dakine Syncline Shorts are an easy choice rides of any length.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 92% Nylon / 8% Spandex | Zippered Thigh Pocket, Front Hand Pockets | $84.95 |
Yeti Rustler
The Yeti Cycles Rustler Shorts are simple. clean, lightweight, and breathable. These boardshort-inspired trail shorts have a bit of stretch and a saddle-friendly construction to provide all-day comfort, ideally on top of a padded liner.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 91% Polyester / 9% Spandex | Zipper Secured Side Pocket | $75.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
- Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
- Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
- Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
- Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
- Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
- Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
- Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
- eBikes - Classes, Features & More
- eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
- Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
- Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
- Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
- Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
- Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
- Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
- Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:
The Best Women's Mountain Bikes
The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $3,000
The Best Trail Bikes
The Best Enduro Bikes
The Best Gravel Bikes
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Full Face MTB Helmets
The Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Elbow Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Women's Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bike Pants
The Best Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Mountain Bike Accessories
The Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Dropper Posts
The Best Mountain Bike Forks
The Best Mountain Bike Stems
The Best Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bikes Handlebars
The Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers
The Best Mountain Bike Gloves
The Best Mountain Bike Socks
The Best MTB Fanny Packs
The Best Mountain Bike Backpacks
The Best Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes
The Best Flat Pedal MTB Bike Shoes
The Best Mountain Bike Tires
The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals
The Best Bike Racks
The Best Bike Glasses
The Best Bike Goggles
The Best Women's Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Tailgate Bike Pads
The Best Bike Trainers
The Best Hitch Bike Racks
The Best Clipless MTB Pedals
The Best Mountain Bikes Handlebar Bags
The Best Mountain Bike Saddles
The Best MTB Wheels
The Best MTB Grips
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Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.