When you’re planning a multi-day mountain bike tour or a bikepacking adventure, your gear list is critical. Every piece of equipment must earn its place, and your shorts are no exception. They are your constant companion through long hours in the saddle, changing weather, and rugged terrain. The right pair provides more than just comfort; it offers durability, practical storage, and the freedom to move without restriction, both on and off the bike.
This roundup focuses on shorts built for the long haul. We’ve selected options that prioritize robust materials, functional features like secure pockets, and designs that balance cycling performance with casual wearability for those moments when you’re not pedaling. From detachable liners to integrated ventilation, these shorts are engineered to handle the demands of your next great journey on two wheels.
Our Top Picks for Mountain Bike Touring Shorts
- PEARL IZUMI Men’s Canyon Short with Detachable Liner
- ZOIC Ether Short – 9″ Inseam + 7″ Essential Liner
- PEARL IZUMI Men’s Attack Cycling Shorts, Breathable
- Fox Racing Ranger Utility Short
- ZOIC Ether Short – 9″ Inseam Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts
- RBX Activewear Women’s 7″ Ultra Hold Bike Short with Pockets
- Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts
- Club Ride Men’s Wayward Cargo Short
PEARL IZUMI Men’s Canyon Short
The PEARL IZUMI Canyon Short is a top choice for riders who value versatility. Constructed from durable ripstop fabric, it stands up to abrasion and the general wear and tear of the trail. Its pedal-friendly design looks good whether you’re at a trailhead cafe or grinding up a fire road, making it a true on-and-off-the-bike essential.
Comfort is a key focus, thanks to the inclusion of a plush, easily detachable 1:1 Escape Chamois liner. For functionality, the short includes two zippered hand pockets and a rear pocket, along with a button closure and a stretch waistband designed for all-day comfort. This combination of durable construction and user-friendly features makes it a reliable partner for long-distance rides.
ZOIC Ether Short with Essential Liner
Built for dynamic movement on technical terrain, the ZOIC Ether Short features DuraFlex fabric that provides excellent stretch while resisting abrasion. The 9-inch inseam offers a balanced coverage, and the included 7-inch Essential Liner is designed for saddle support. Its thoughtful design prioritizes a full range of motion where it matters most.
A key feature is the Fusion Gusset inseam, which eliminates excess fabric and prevents snags on the saddle. For ventilation, integrated Air Flow mesh panels are strategically placed below the back waistband and down the legs to help keep you cool during intense climbs. This short is engineered for riders who need performance and breathability on demanding trails.
PEARL IZUMI Men’s Attack Cycling Shorts
For riders who prefer a traditional bibless short, the PEARL IZUMI Attack offers a performance-oriented design. These breathable shorts are engineered to keep you cool and dry, utilizing moisture-transfer technology to manage sweat effectively. The 10.5-inch inseam provides ample coverage for a powerful pedaling position.
At the heart of these shorts is the SELECT Escape 1:1 Chamois, a pad designed for comfort on long rides. An important safety addition is the inclusion of BioViz reflective elements, which improve your visibility to others in low-light conditions. This makes the Attack Short a solid option for early morning starts or rides that might extend into the evening.
Fox Racing Ranger Utility Short
The Fox Racing Ranger Utility Short is designed for the rider who needs to carry gear. It features two large cargo pockets with water-resistant zippers, providing secure storage for tools, snacks, or a phone. Secure zip hand pockets offer additional space for smaller items you need to keep safe.
A standout feature is the ratchet closure system, which allows for quick and precise on-the-fly adjustments to the waistband for a secure and personalized fit. This focus on adjustable comfort and significant storage capacity makes the Ranger Utility Short a highly functional choice for bikepacking adventures where organization is key.
ZOIC Ether Short
This version of the popular ZOIC Ether Short offers the same great performance features in a linerless design, perfect for riders who prefer to use their own separate chamois. The DuraFlex fabric provides the same reliable combination of stretch and abrasion resistance, ensuring durability on rough trails.
It retains the Fusion Gusset inseam for unrestricted movement and the integrated Air Flow mesh ventilation panels for enhanced cooling. This makes it an excellent shell short that offers maximum versatility, allowing you to pair it with your favorite liner for a customized comfort system on your tours.
RBX Activewear Women’s Ultra Hold Bike Short
The RBX Activewear Women’s Ultra Hold Bike Short provides a compressive, high-waisted fit that is both flattering and functional. Made from a squat-proof fabric with four-way stretch, these shorts offer total coverage and move with you during any activity, from cycling to yoga. The 7-inch inseam provides versatile coverage.
These shorts are designed to stay in place, with a seamless waistband that resists rolling down during movement. The moisture-wicking properties help keep you dry, while the included pockets add a layer of practicality. This model is a strong contender for riders seeking a tight-fitting, all-purpose short with comfortable compression.
Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts
Patagonia is renowned for its commitment to durability and environmental responsibility, and the Dirt Craft Bike Shorts are built with this ethos. These shorts are constructed from a robust yet stretchy fabric designed to withstand the rigors of mountain biking. They are typically designed as a shell short, meant to be worn over a separate liner.
Expect functional features like a secure pocket setup and a fit that allows for freedom of movement on the bike. The build quality and material selection ensure these shorts are a long-term investment for serious riders who prioritize gear that lasts and is made with a consideration for its environmental impact.
Club Ride Men’s Wayward Cargo Short
Club Ride specializes in apparel that transitions seamlessly from the trail to town, and the Wayward Cargo Short embodies this philosophy. This short likely features a casual look with hidden performance benefits, such as stretchy fabric and a gusseted crotch for comfortable pedaling.
With a focus on cargo storage, it offers practical pockets for carrying everyday essentials without sacrificing a low-profile, everyday appearance. This is the ideal short for bikepackers and tourers who spend as much time off the bike exploring as they do riding, and who prefer a more casual aesthetic.
What to Look For in Mountain Bike Shorts for Touring & Bikepacking
When you’re planning a multi-day ride, your gear list gets a serious audit. Your shorts aren’t just for a few hours anymore; they’re your second skin for days on end. I’ve learned the hard way that the wrong pair can turn an epic adventure into a painful slog. So, what separates a great pair of mountain bike shorts for touring and bikepacking from a merely okay one?
First up is fabric and durability. You need something tough enough to handle brush, the occasional fall, and the constant friction of riding, but also light and breathable for those long, hot climbs. Look for reinforced panels in high-wear areas like the seat and cuff. A blend with a healthy dose of nylon or polyester with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is my go-to. It shrugs off light rain and morning dew, which you’re bound to encounter.
Next, consider the fit and freedom of movement. This is non-negotiable. You’ll be in and out of the saddle constantly, so you need a cut that allows for a full range of motion without feeling baggy or restrictive. A gusseted crotch is a game-changer for preventing chafing. I always look for a articulated knee design that follows your body’s natural bend. And remember, you might be wearing these over a chamois for days, so a comfortable, non-binding waistband is crucial.
Storage solutions are a huge deal when you’re bikepacking. Jersey pockets are great, but sometimes you need quicker access. That’s why I love shorts with well-designed pockets. Secure zippered pockets for your phone, keys, or wallet are a must. Some models even have thigh pockets that are perfect for a map, snacks, or a multi-tool. Just make sure they sit flat and don’t interfere with your pedaling.
Finally, think about the versatility and features. Are these shorts just for riding, or can you wear them around camp? A pair that looks good enough for a post-ride burger and beer is a winner in my book. Features like a built-in belt, adjustable waist tabs, and soft, non-abrasive labels might seem small, but after eight hours in the saddle, you’ll be thankful for them. Finding the right pair of mountain bike shorts for touring and bikepacking is about balancing all these factors to get you through the miles in comfort and style.
FAQ
What’s the difference between regular mountain bike shorts and ones for bikepacking?
The main difference boils down to durability, storage, and all-day comfort. Bikepacking-specific shorts are often made from slightly more robust fabrics to handle multi-day abrasion and brush. They also tend to feature more practical storage, like secure zippered pockets, to hold essentials you’d need access to without stopping and digging into your bags. The fit is also tuned for long hours in the saddle, with a focus on minimizing pressure points and chafing over a multi-day journey.
Can I just wear my regular hiking shorts for a bikepacking trip?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anything more than a very casual overnight. Hiking shorts aren’t designed for the specific biomechanics of cycling. They often lack the freedom of movement in the hips and thighs, have seams in bad places that can cause chafing, and their pockets aren’t always secure for things flying out while you’re riding. A dedicated pair of mountain bike shorts for touring and bikepacking will provide a much more comfortable and functional experience.
How important are pockets on bike shorts?
For bikepacking, they’re incredibly important. While you’ll have bags on your bike, having quick access to small items without stopping is a huge quality-of-life improvement. A zippered thigh pocket is perfect for a phone or snacks, and a secure back pocket can hold a wallet or a light layer. It means you can keep moving and stay self-sufficient without constantly accessing your frame bag.
Should I get shorts with a built-in liner or separate ones?
I strongly prefer separate liners. The primary reason is hygiene. On a multi-day trip, you can rinse out your padded chamois liner each night and let it dry while you wear a fresh one the next day. It’s much harder to do that with a built-in liner. Having separate pieces also allows you to mix and match, and if one part wears out, you don’t have to replace the entire system.
What length of short is best for mountain biking?
This is largely personal preference, but for touring, I lean towards a mid-length short that hits just above the knee. This length offers a good balance of protection from brush, sun, and chainring bites, while still providing plenty of ventilation and freedom of movement. It also tends to look a bit more casual off the bike compared to a very short race-style short.