10 Best MTB Shorts of 2026: Tried, Tested & Reviewed

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It doesn’t matter if you’re ripping laps at the bike park or just riding singletrack with your friends after work; staying comfortable and protected is essential, but with the heart of the summer descending upon us, pants might not be the best choice for your next mountain bike ride.
I’ve been hard at work testing out a huge selection of the best mountain bike shorts to figure out which ones are worth spending the money on. For 2026, there are still some shorts that have stood the test of time from last year, and that speaks volumes to the fit and function. From enduro MTB shorts, trail riding shorts, to lightweight biking shorts and all the variations in between, there are options for all types of riders in this mountain bike shorts buying guide.

Mountain bike shorts can come in all different cuts and materials. Some have more than enough pockets, while others lack carrying capacity for big rides, but are ideal for extremely hot days, which makes finding the perfect MTB shorts a challenge.

Mountain bike shorts are also not inexpensive, and finding the right ones can be a costly gamble if you’re trying out a variety of different styles. To make your life easier, I’ve compiled a list of the best MTB shorts on the market.

What Makes a Great Mountain Bike Short?

Fit

You want a mountain bike short to be form-fitting but not so tight that you feel restricted while pedaling, and you also want decent coverage if you ride with knee pads. Many shorts come in different inseam lengths; it’s essential to consider what type of riding you will be doing to determine which fit is best for you.

Function

Are you primarily riding bike parks, or are you a seasoned long ride connoisseur? Knowing the intended use can significantly impact the effectiveness of an MTB short, and selecting a short tailored to your riding style is crucial. More durable shorts will be less breathable, but lightweight shorts will often lack durability and pockets, making them less suitable for gravity-fueled riding. Finding a balance can make all the difference.

Pockets

Not all MTB shorts will have the same number of pockets as street clothes, and there are plenty of shorts that might fit perfectly but lack space to carry all the things you want on a ride. If you are someone who rides with a backpack or hip pack, pockets might not be a huge selling point, but this is still something to consider when shopping for your next pair of mountain bike shorts.

Material

The construction and material of a MTB short can be the difference between a good pair of mountain bike shorts and a GREAT pair of mountain bike shorts. If you are looking for a super durable pair of shorts for enduro and aggressive trail riding, they are likely made of a thicker material and won’t be ideal for longer, hotter rides. But a lightweight mountain bike short will likely lack the protection you need for bigger XC-style rides.

Price

Most mountain bike-specific shorts aren’t cheap; they serve an essential purpose, and finding a pair that will last a while is vital if you want to avoid suffering from buyer’s regret. Some MTB shorts can be close to $200 USD, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend that much to find a pair that checks all the boxes, and I’ve found that the sweet spot for the best MTB shorts is right around the $125-$150 range, but spending more will come with advantages.

Best All-Around MTB Shorts

Velocio ACCESS Short – $189

In 2026, the Velocio ACCESS Shorts continue to be the pair of shorts I keep going back to, with ample pockets and a terrific balance between durability and breathability. I’ve found myself reaching for the Trail ACCESS shorts on most of my rides lately, thanks to their convenient, secure pockets, supremely comfortable fit, and excellent coverage. The entire range of MTB apparel from Velocio isn’t to be overlooked, but it isn’t cheap at $189 USD.

The Trail ACCESS shorts are the second-most-expensive pair of MTB shorts in this guide, but for what they are, I’d happily pay the price again and again. Thanks to the Velocio Renewed option, you can find these shorts at a discount if you’re willing to purchase a quality-controlled selection of repurposed and reconditioned apparel.

Most Breathable MTB Shorts

Curious Creatures Sun Dog Short – $125

Curious Creatures nailed it with the new Sun Dog Shorts. I spent a warm weekend in Moab, discovering what these lightweight mountain bike shorts were all about. As expected, these shorts are great. The Sun Dog shorts feature the same elastic waistband and drawstring as the pants, which makes them remarkably comfortable and especially harmonious with hip packs. The Sun Dog Shorts are made from soft, four-way stretch 100% polyester fabric and have a 12.5” inseam and three pockets (two sides, one rear). They are ideal for long rides, big chilling, and even dips in the river.

At $125 USD, the Sun Dog Shorts are a pretty affordable and SUPER comfortable short, and to further sweeten the deal, Curious Creatures has partnered with a local Montana sewing studio to handle any repairs that are needed from damage due to regular wear and tear, which will be repaired at a reasonable cost.

Related: Curious Creatures Spring MTB Apparel Is Here

Best Lightweight MTB Shorts

Strafe Ridgeline Short – $129.00

Can an MTB short actually make you cooler? Somehow, Strafe has made this possible with the Ridgeline Shorts with brrr° Cooling Technology. In short, brrr°’s cooling magic creates a Triple Chill Effect®, using cooling minerals, rapid drying, and active wicking to deliver a cooling effect on long days. Whether it really works or not is hard to discern, but I can say that the Ridgeline Shorts are super comfortable, and absurdly light – so much so that these were the shorts of choice for a 100-mile gravel event that I did on a mountain bike last year in the heat of summer, and I have no complaints.

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To keep things light, the Ridgeline Shorts are pretty minimalist, with only two pockets and not a lot of fluff-features to weigh you down. The fit is pretty tight, but not so tight that you’ll be self-conscious, and the branding is minimal. When it comes to the waistband, the minimalist yet efficient trend continues with webbing and a tension-lock adjustment system offset to avoid pinching and discomfort.

Best MTB Shorts for On and Off the Bike

Ripton Performance Jorts – $69

Performance and denim don’t always go hand in hand, but Ripton is breaking that stereotype. If you want to look chill on and off the bike? Ripton has you covered, and the Performance Jorts are honestly some of the most comfortable shorts I’ve worn this year, both on and off the bike. They aren’t just relegated to being an MTB short, and I know I’ll be spending a lot of time in them on all types of bikes thanks to the 33% Weft stretch material, gusseted crotch, and relaxed fit.

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The Performance Jorts use a blend of 89% Cotton, 10% Polyester, 1% Spandex for freedom of movement, and the 9.5″ inseam (on the hemmed option) is just enough to give the thighs a little sunshine but not so short that you feel like a Reno 911 character. They really hit the sweet spot for on- and off-bike comfort.

Best MTB Shorts for Adventure

Stio OPR Short – $129

The Stio OPR Short is incredibly versatile, and I found myself wearing these off the bike almost as much as on it, making them ideal for those seeking a single pair of mountain bike shorts that can do it all, day after day. With two traditional front pockets, a zippered side and rear pocket, an adjustable waist, and Schoeller nylon/spandex blend fabric featuring a delightful amount of stretch. The Stio OPR shorts are ideal for long gravel rides, commutes, river hangs, trail rides, and multi-day bikepacking trips.

The Stio OPR shorts are available in 9” and 11.5” inseams, depending on your preference, and the $129 USD price tag strikes a sweet spot for most consumers, while also offering a durable and wonderfully comfortable pair of shorts.

Best MTB Shorts for Long Days

Outdoor Research Freewheel Lite Shorts – $115

When Outdoor Research entered the MTB apparel game last year, they made quite a statement with their Freewheel collection. Everything in the collection is well thought out, and the legacy outdoor brand clearly invested a lot of time and energy in doing things the right way with its first MTB collection, which is exemplified by the Freewheel Ride Shorts.

The Freewheel MTB Ride Shorts are only $115 USD, but the quality and fit are something you’d expect from a much more expensive pair of MTB shorts. With two zippered side pockets, a breathable back panel, an adjustable waistband, and construction details that enhance durability, these shorts are perfect for big rides with variable terrain. Thanks to the water-resistant and Bluesign-approved fabric, articulated leg openings with front drop coverage, the Freewheel Ride Short is ready for whatever weather, features, or mileage you might encounter while out on epic rides.

Related: Tested and Compared: Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Shorts

Most Comfortable MTB Shorts

NF Lazerlite Trail Short – $128

NF has been a solid and consistent figure in the mountain bike scene for years, and those who have spent time in NF kit will attest to its fit and durability. Trusted by some of the most recognizable names in freeride and downhill, including Yoann Barelli, Aaron Gwin, and Steve Vanderhoek, the NF kit is designed to withstand incredible amounts of abuse. But it’s not just durability with NF.

At $127 USD, the Lazerlite Trail Shorts hit the nail on the head with fit and functionality thanks to NF’s purpose-designed zrilix™ fabric. The NF shorts are designed from the ground up for riding, with no buckles, unusual seams, or unnecessary fabrics that can distract you while on the trail. The Lazerlite Trail Shorts are some of the most comfortable shorts that money can buy, and it’s easy to see why NF has such a dedicated following after a single ride in these shorts.

Related: Roots to Grow with NF

Best Budget MTB Short

Backcountry Slickrock – $89.99

Backcountry is known as one of the largest online marketplaces for outdoor gear, but it also has a catalog of owned brands that offer incredible value in the MTB apparel space. The Slickrock and Empire shorts from Backcountry have been standouts in this test for the amount of features that you get for the price.

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The Slickrock shorts, priced at $89.99 USD, feature a comfortable fit, secure fasteners, and numerous pockets with construction that promotes airflow and versatility on a wide range of rides. On paper, they check many of the boxes that need to be checked for a great MTB short, and in testing, the same boxes are also checked. As the most affordable option on this list, the Slickrock shorts are my recommendation for those seeking a great pair of shorts on a budget.

For a more robust pair of MTB shorts that is more gravity-oriented, the Empire shorts are a great option at $119.00 USD. The Backcountry Empire Shorts have a longer inseam and more pockets, making them a better choice if you’re kitting up with knee pads and looking to bring more spares or snacks on a longer ride.

Best for Bike Park Riding

Peak Performance Trail Short – $145

Peak Performance has been a big name in outdoor apparel, especially in the world of snow sports, but a recent push into mountain bike apparel got me excited about these new Trail Shorts. These are the longest pair on the list, and the baggier fit slots them in as an excellent option for hotter days in the bike park when pants are too claustrophobic.

Related: Peak Performance Breaks into MTB Apparel

The Peak Performance Trail Shorts are super comfortable and spacious, but with only one pocket, they aren’t ideal for longer rides when you need to carry more gear. Where the Trail Shorts shine is in the park and shorter, more aggressive rides. The material is extremely robust, and the secure double closure and adjustable waist are excellent at keeping the shorts secure, even if you take a spill. At $145 USD, these fall right in the middle of the price sweet spot, but the durable construction and comfy fit make them ideal for more casual rides when lots of accessories aren’t needed.

Most Sustainable MTB Shorts

Norrøna Fjørå Flex1 tech Shorts – $139.00

Norrøna is well known in the outdoor space for hiking and snow gear, but they actually make a host of great MTB kits that translate the brand’s adventure heritage into the world of mountain biking. The Fjørå Flex1 tech Shorts have been a solid addition to my rotation of shorts over the last year, thanks to the Flex1 material, which has a PFC-free DWR coating, great breathability, and durable construction that will take whatever you can throw at it.

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The 4-way stretch double weave fabric (86% Recycled Nylon, 14% Elastane, 125g/m2 PFC-free DWR bluesign & GRS certified) feels robust in the hand, but super light when you’re wearing it, and the pockets are super usable – something that a lot of MTB shorts often get wrong. The Fjørå Flex1 Tech Shorts are a great length, and thanks to the MTB-specific cut of the leg opening, you won’t be a victim of pad-gap when wearing kneepads.

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