2024 Summer Mountain Bike Clothing for Men and Women – Expanded!

Looking back over the years it’s amazing to see how much our mountain bike wardrobes have changed, and we’re not just talking about the switch from lycra to baggies over lycra. Colors and styles come and go, technical features keep getting more technical, and comfort is king. These are the latest mountain bike clothing styles — from jerseys to shorts, pants to jackets — that we’re wearing for spring and summer 2024.

Mountain bike jerseys

It’s weird to even call today’s mountain bike shirts jerseys. T-shirt style tops are in, as are button-ups that work across a wide range of temperatures throughout the day.

Backcountry Button-Up Long-Sleeve MTB Jersey

Tester: Jeff Barber. Height/weight: 6’3″/160lb

For a shirt with such a generic-sounding name, the Backcountry Button-Up Long Sleeve MTB Jersey checks a lot of boxes and looks good too. On the technical side, the breathable, four-way stretch material dries fast and feels great on the bike. There’s also a zippered pocket and an eyewear wipe sewn inside the front left corner.

I love long-sleeve, button-up jerseys like this one for rides that start off cold and end up hot. Sleeves down and buttoned up, the jersey keeps me warm. Then, once the blood gets flowing, I roll up the sleeves and unbutton the snaps for ventilation. This pattern looks like spring to me, and there are two other styles to choose from.

• Price: $99
• Buy from Backcountry

Club Ride Motive

Tester: Jeff Barber. Height/weight: 6’3″/160lb

The Club Ride Motive short sleeve snap button jersey is billed as “ultra breathable,” and I have to agree. Look closely and you’ll see the four-way stretch material is perforated and mesh-like for maximum ventilation. And if you’re still not getting enough airflow on the hottest days, the snap buttons make it easy to open up the front of the shirt for maximum breeze.

Because it’s a Club Ride, there are some bike-friendly features to note like the integrated eyewear wipe inside the jersey, reflective accents, and even a hidden zippered pocket at the rear. My size medium sample runs a little too large, but at 6’3″ tall I can’t possibly be a size small, can I? And while I like the Burnt Ochre color shown here, the jersey tends to look a little wrinkled right out of the dryer. Additional colors and patterns are available.

• Price: $89.95
• Buy from Club Ride

Curious Creatures Senderella tank

Tester: Leah Barber. Height/weight: 5’0″/112lb

Curious Creatures launched in the Fall of 2023 “to empower riders to embrace who they are and experience the world in their own unique ways.” Founder and owner Natasha Woodworth combines her background in fashion and design with her passion for adventure to completely re-imagine mountain bike apparel.

Starting off with the women’s light and airy Senderella tank, adding Tencel fabric is a pro move. Tencel makes the tank feel silky and luxurious while being a sustainable fiber and is sweat-wicking. The loose cut drapes and flows nicely when moving at any speed. Fabulous feel aside, I’m confused (curious?) if the oversized fit is a fashion statement or an oversight. My size XS fit more like a size medium with the width of the shirt being about 19″ wide dwarfing my nearly 15″ shoulder span.

• Price: $70
• Buy from Curious Creatures

evo Lookout jersey

Tester: Sam James

Off the bike, the evo Lookout jersey offers a fairly modern, relaxed and baggy fit, that feels comfortable and casual. The Camo colorway is a stylish take on traditional camo and I don’t mind it, though it’s not for everyone. It’s minimal on logos, which I like, with only a single evo logo on the chest. Stitching looks decent, but some of the edge finishing is not perfect.

Features include a drop tail cut, UPF50 fabric for sun protection, and a small zippered stealth pocket for credit cards or the like at the bottom of the left-hand side seam. Available in sizes S-XXL and in three colors: Black, Khaki, and Camo, on test here.

On the bike, the relaxed cut feels somewhat baggy across the chest, and while it’s not uncomfortable, it doesn’t feel like a cycling cut. Contrast this with pieces from 7mesh that have an ultra-specific cut that works well on-bike but feels tight across the chest off-bike, and looks somewhat strange worn sans bicycle. The Lookout jersey feels like a bit more of a fashion piece, and that’s okay.

• Price: $49.95
• Buy from evo

Flylow Women’s Phoenix Shirt

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

The Flylow Women’s Phoenix Shirt is a lightweight, breathable, and silky smooth button-up with snaps that I did not want to take off after testing. This shirt has a nice tailored overall fit with stretchy fabric throughout making it ideal when in motion on or off the bike. 

I’ve had a hard time finding a good cycling button-up for my measurements in the past. I went for a size large based on their sizing guide and my measurements and the shirt fit like a glove! I’m glad that this shirt is very accommodating with room in the chest and shoulder area for comfort and mobility. The side zippered pocket is a nice touch, and it’s large enough to fit a small snack or chapstick. The material boasts a 50+ UPF to protect you from the harmful UV during hot summer days, and it is moisture-wicking. 

• MSRP $90
• Buy from Flylow

KETL Nofry Sun Shirt Long Sleeve

Tester: Daniel P. Height/weight: 5’8”/220lb

The KETL Nofry Sun Shirt Long Sleeve is featherweight and UPF 30+ rated, designed to be worn on hot summer days or to be layered under a hoodie or jacket. The 100% polyester stretchy fabric fit me very well in the shoulders and snug in the torso, arms, and chest with plenty of room at the abdomen area. I found optimal mobility as the shirt stretched and conformed with my body movement.

There is a loop in the back to hang dry but this shirt dried so fast when riding there was never a need for that. The uber lightweight material can be susceptible to tears out on the trails so I’ll be using it on XC, gravel, and road rides. Their sizing chart was pretty accurate and I am happy with my XL-sized shirt. 

• Price: $54.95
• Buy from KETL Mountain Apparel

Ornot Trail Tech Shirt

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

The Ornot Trail Tech Shirt is a well-tailored and comfortable shirt for riding. At first glance it may look more like a t-shirt than a cycling-specific shirt, which I think is a highlight, but what makes it stand out is the blend of bamboo and organic cotton. The resulting fabric is very soft on the skin while also boasting moisture-wicking properties for riding.

The Trail Tech shirt is true to size and their comprehensive sizing guide is quite helpful. While the Trail Tech Shirt silhouette is slim-fitting, it was designed with no tension across the chest, which makes it feel stretchy and comfortable. It is a great choice for warm days and it can be styled on or off the bike. 

• MSRP $65
• Buy from Ornot

Outdoor Research Freewheel jersey

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

Outdoor Research launched their first mountain bike collection this spring and the Freewheel jersey is a new favorite, maybe because of what it doesn’t have. It’s a simple T-shirt (in tech apparel speak we call it a jersey), but the tee has an athletic fit, good colors and simple, subtle branding. More importantly, it’s very comfortable.

The Freewheel jersey is made from a blend of recycled and non-recycled polyesters and spandex and fends off stink well for a non-wool shirt. We appreciate the fit and feel and that it doesn’t cost too much considering it’s from OR. Available in three solids and one print, plus there’s a long-sleeve version.

• Price: $60
• Long and short sleeve, men’s and women’s versions available
• Buy from Outdoor Research

Ornot Long Sleeve Micro Grid Jersey

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

The Ornot Micro Grid jersey is another XC and gravel option for spring temperatures or an extra layer for rides in the high country. The brand says it’s comfortable in temperatures from 55°-75°, though I probably wouldn’t wear it once the temperature summits 70°. It’s proven to be a comfortable added layer with good breathability and it’s made from deadstock fabric, which is surplus from a high-end brand’s textile mill or production process. So buyers get a performance fabric at a better price that’s made to be mindful of sustainability. The grid-like fabric feels very close to Polartec Alpha, so it’s kind of fleecy inside. There’s a silicone gripper on the bottom of the inside and four pockets in the back of the jersey.

• Price: $162
• Long and short sleeve, men’s and women’s styles available.
• Buy from Ornot.

Roark Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt

Tester: Jeff Barber. Height/weight: 6’3″/160lb

The Roark Bless Up breathable stretch shirt isn’t just my favorite bike shirt this spring; it’s my favorite shirt, shirt. Like the Club Ride Motive, the Roark Bless Up features perforated, four-way stretch fabric that wicks sweat and dries quickly. While it’s not designed specifically for mountain biking, the Bless Up works just as well as those that are, while looking awesome too. I found the size medium to be an excellent fit.

Because it’s not a MTB jersey, there aren’t any rear pockets, and there’s no eyewear wipe. The Bless Up uses traditional buttons rather than snaps, which is my only complaint. I tested the Roark Bless Up in a pattern known as Cagliari Military, and there are eight other patterns to choose from, and I’m tempted to pick up a couple of them because I love the Bless Up so much.

• Price: $89
• Buy from Roark

Shredly Beyond Tech Tank

Tester: Chris Schieffer. Height/weight: 5’5”/115lb

If there’s one thing that Shredly excels at, it’s creating products that women want. Not only is the Shredly Beyond Tech Tank performance-oriented with bonded seam construction and a conservative cropped hem to improve airflow, but it’s also stylish and versatile across sports disciplines.  Designed with a more boxy/relaxed fit, the Tech tank is perfect for those who prefer a bit more room in their jersey and less constriction when biking.

Crafted from a soft polyester/spandex blend, the Beyond Tech Tank provides riders with a lightweight, breathable tank jersey for those hot summer riding months. The Tech Tank boasts moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, and anti-odor properties thanks to its chemically-free treatment with FAR infrared red and negative ion technology. 

The Tech Tank is available in a wide range of sizes ranging from XS to 3X, ensuring everyBODY can enjoy fashion and comfort on the trails.

• Colors: Nebula Pink (read: HOT Pink) and Midnight (Blue)
• Price: $88
• Buy from Shredly

Shredly Cropped Mesh Long Sleeve Hoodie

Tester: Chris Schieffer. Height/weight: 5’5”/115lb

The Shredly cropped mesh long-sleeve hoodie is a versatile piece that doubles as a sun shirt and an ultra-breathable riding companion. Crafted with a blend of performance and style, this fashion-forward long sleeve is sure to be your go-to for mountain biking and all outdoor pursuits. The long sleeves offer versatility and functionality, providing extra coverage and protection, making this hoodie suitable for cooler temperatures or sunnier days when you need to shield your largest organ from the sun. The thumbholes at the cuffs add a practical touch, keeping the sleeves in place and providing added warmth when needed. 

The slight stretch and cropped silhouette of the hoodie add a modern twist to any mountain biking ensemble. It’s a flattering cut that accentuates your figure while providing just the right amount of coverage. Whether you’re pairing it with spandex riding shorts, baggies, or high-waisted leggings for a sleek athleisure look, the cropped design exudes confidence and style. Available in a range of colors and patterns, there’s a hoodie to suit every personality. With its unbeatable combination of breathability, style, and functionality, it’s a perfect transition piece from Winter to Spring and beyond. 

• Price: $88
• Buy from Shredly

Velocio Signature jersey

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

The Velocio Signature jersey is built for comfort and breathability with an “ultralight” blend of polyester and elastane that has a a UPF30 sun protection factor. The Signature jersey has an excellent, modern fit that’s close-to-skin and pockets that stay high, even with stuff in them. Prices for Velocio gear are not always easy to digest, but they make some of the best clothing out there.

• Price: $179
• Multiple colors, men’s and women’s styles available
• Buy from Velocio

Wild Rye Salida Bike Jersey

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

The Wild Rye Salida Bike Jersey is a comfortable jersey thoughtfully designed with a merino blend fabric in the front and mesh in the back, which brings the best of both worlds in terms of minimizing odor and sweat. The UPF 50 fabric is a plus, helping protect the body from the harsh sun. A silicone grip in the back bottom seam keeps the jersey in place when on the bike. 

The fit is quite relaxed, which Wild Rye describes as “draping over the shoulders.” According to the brand’s sizing guide based on bust and waist measurements, I was in between sizes, so I opted for the size large to make sure it fit. Unfortunately, it fits too loose all around, and was unexpectedly very long in the back. While I wanted to love it because of the feel of the material, I will need to try a size down before making a final decision. This sized jersey may work great for women with long torsos. 

• MSRP $75
• Buy from Wild Rye

Mountain bike shorts and pants

Whether you like your mountain bike shorts long enough to cover your knee pads, or short enough to show off those rock-hard quads, there is an option out there for you. We’re also stoked to see so many choices for pants this season, including some that are thin and ventilated enough to wear into the summer.

Backcountry Slickrock Bike Short

Tester: Jeff Barber. Height/weight: 6’3″/160lb

Online retailer Backcountry has their own house-brand of MTB-specific clothing, and the Slickrock shorts are a popular choice. The 11in inseam version I tested has laser-cut holes inside the thighs and along the waist for cross ventilation, making these already cool shorts even cooler. There are two zippered front pockets, a built-in nylon belt and fat, grippy dots inside the waist band to keep the shorts in place.

• Price: $99
• Multiple colors, men’s and women’s styles available
• Buy from Backcountry

Club Ride Hifi all-mountain shorts

The Club Ride Hifi mountain bike shorts are not messing around. I count eight pockets total: two open front hand pockets, two front zippered pockets, two front mesh sleeve pockets, and two open rear pockets. There’s a zippered and snap button waist closure which is adjustable via hook-and-loop straps. Oh, and there are belt loops in case you also want to add a belt.

I like the length of the Club Ride Hifi all-mountain shorts and the four-way stretch material moves well on the bike. These shorts are on the thicker side which bodes well for abrasion protection, though I probably won’t be wearing them on the hottest days of the year. I tested the Clover Green version and naturally there’s a black option too.

• Price: $99.95
• Buy from Club Ride

Curious Creatures Marilyn Shorts

Tester: Leah Barber. Height/weight: 5’0″/112lb

Bet you’ve never seen a side entry zipper before on mountain bike clothing! The slim fit high-waisted Marilyn shorts hug your body from your belly button down just above the knee (or wherever the 12″ inseam falls on you). The shorts have a very tailored appearance from the fabric weave to the minimal hem lines and single flat-ish zippered pocket. Even the rear elastic waistband is hidden.

I wanted to love these shorts because they are so stylish and thoughtfully made, however, the side zipper pops open ALL.THE.TIME. Riding bikes, walking around, tying shoes, the zipper falls down within minutes. Hopefully this problem is limited to their first run.

• Price: $130
• Buy from Curious Creatures

Flylow Women’s Squad 2-in-1 Shorts

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

The Flylow Women’s Squad 2-in-1 shorts are a classic pair of shorts that are great for comfortable riding. And I like that these include a chamois liner! I’m always on the lookout for the most comfortable shorts around the midsection, and Squad 2-in-1s hit the mark with both an adjustable velcro waistband and belt loops. 

The Squad Shorts have plenty of pockets: two deep hand pockets and two side pockets offer lots of options to stash some soft goods. The zippered front side pocket is large enough to fit my iPhone 13 Pro securely. 

The Squad’s material is flexible and wicks away moisture quickly to allow sweat to evaporate to keep you dry. They also feature DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment to repel water or mud on the trails. The material feels durable enough to offer protection from scratches or a minor tumble. 

• Inseam: 11.5in
• MSRP $90
• Buy from Flylow

KETL Skid Mark MTB Short

Tester: Daniel P. Height/weight: 5’8”/220lb

The KETL Skid Mark MTB Short is an all around trail riding short. The stretchy, durable, and water-resistant fabric feels premium. There are many small details that make this a solid pair of shorts to wear. The two mesh lines pockets make for easy storage and sit up high to prevent things from falling out. There are two zippered side pockets with pull tabs for quick grab items and two rear zippered pockets for smaller items. All five zippers worked smoothly and never got caught. The G-Hook helps to prevent the shorts from falling off which came in handy as the snap button snapped open a few times on its own. 

Sizing was pretty accurate based on their sizing guide. I grabbed a size XL and noticed the tailored cut at the legs is a bit longer at the front. I dig the cut and the many small accent colors throughout like the orange KETL embroidered logo. I rode these around in hot and muggy weather and could barely notice them. KETL offers free lifetime repairs on their products which is rad!

• Price: $94.95
• Buy from KETL Mountain Apparel

Ornot Mission Lightweight Pants

Tester: Daniel P. Height/weight: 5’8”/215lb

The Ornot Men’s Lighweight Mission Pants are ready for summer bike riding. At first glance these stretchy pants look like a set of Lululemon Trouser pants you would wear to the office, but the fabric and tailored cut of these Mission pants make them super versatile for all-day bike riding. Whether you’re commuting or exploring new trails, the durable, quick-drying DWR woven fabric should last for many miles. 

I went with a waist size of 36in like my other Ornot bottoms, and the fit was comfortably exact. I’m 5”8’ tall and the 32in inseam length is a bit too long for me. Although I can roll them up, I wish they offered inseam lengths of 30in and/or 28in. On the plus side, when the cuffs are rolled up, a reflective print is exposed to keep you visible to vehicles. You get five pockets to stash keys, snacks, cash, or a phone. Two zippered rear pockets and a zippered right thigh pocket keeps belongings in place while in motion, while two front, non-zippered pockets give you quick access to stashed goods. You can get these pants in Slate or Olive (pictured). 

• Price $ 165
• Buy from Ornot

Ornot Women’s Lightweight Mission Short 

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

Ornot just dropped their Women’s version of the Lightweight Mission Short. These shorts are a stretchy, breathable option to wear on and off the bike, with a “durable, recycled bluesign®-approved fabric” meaning you can get down and dirty worry-free. I can attest to their claims, as during my testing I felt that they were stretchy in all the right ways and kept me comfortable and moving with ease. 

The waistband is one of my favorite features, as the elastic is stretchy and flexible and did not dig into my stomach. The clasp button and zipper keep the shorts secure and comfortable. These shorts come with four total pockets, two generously sized front open pockets that fit my iPhone Pro 13 Max, and two rear zippered pockets for soft items you need to keep stashed. The rear zippered pockets are ever so slanted and give it a nice aesthetic. These shorts are a bit shorter than the other ones I tested in this roundup, with an inseam of 7.5 inches. The leg holes are nicely wide with a nice stretch, so if you have thicker thighs like myself, there is plenty of room to pedal and move around. 

Ornot prides itself on the fact that their clothing is designed in San Francisco and sewn in Oakland, CA. They offer a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects as well as discounted Crash Replacement Assistance if you take a spill and damage your clothing! 

• Inseam: 7.5 inches
• Price: $126
• Buy from: Ornot.com

Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

The new Outdoor Research Freewheel shorts are a relatively simple, lightweight trail-riding mountain bike short with some nice features. There are only two pockets: a zippered hip pocket on the left and one on the right, designed for a phone.

They are made from a stretchable nylon and spandex blend and have what OR calls DuraPrint on the lower part of the shorts for abrasion resistance. The shorts fit and breathe well and have stood up to the shrubs and thorns on the side of the trail nicely so far.

• Price: $115
• Men’s and women’s styles available
• Buy from Outdoor Research

Shredly Biker Cham

Tester: Chris Schieffer. Height/weight: 5’5”/115lb

The Shredly Biker Cham, to the best of our knowledge, is the only chamois available in four different colors of sparkle spandex (Galaxy Shimmer pictured). That fact alone is a win; a real sight to see in the sun. If sparkle isn’t for you, the Biker Cham is available in 13 colors ranging from muted solids, bright colors, and even tie-dye, which is a Shredly trademark at this point. Aesthetics aside, this chamois is also a winner in the saddle.

The Biker Cham shorts are a top choice for female mountain bikers looking for a blend of comfort, performance, and style. The leg cuffs boast a scalloped shape with laser perforations meant to be seen under baggies or worn on their own. Additionally, the shorts feature roomy thigh pockets, able to securely hold a phone or snacks. The seam-free inseam accommodates “mountain biker quads” and the waistband-free design creates a slimming effect that is compressive and comfortable at the same time.

Overall, the Shredly Biker Cham is a highly technical chamois that is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and stylish all-in-one. The high-quality materials and versatility are worth the investment for serious cyclists and casual riders who enjoy flair. The Biker Cham is available in sizes ranging from XS-3XL. I’m normally an XS, however I found the Biker Cham fits large for the size.

• Price: $98
• Buy from Shredly

Velocio Utility Bib Shorts

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

Velocio’s apparel, and their bibs especially, are some of the best on the market. These utility bibs are perfect for cross-country mountain biking or gravel riding.

The bibs are made from an ultralight stretch woven fabric that uses recycled materials. The bibs, like a lot of more endurance-focused gear, fit on the slimmer side, but Velocio’s gear tends to break-in and fit better over time.

The pockets along the thighs are perfect for phones, keys, or snacks and you’ll likely find that over time you’re using your jersey pockets less and less. There’s also one more pocket along the lower back for even more cargo space.

The chamois on the Utility bib is like other Velocio offerings and doesn’t disappoint. Everything stays in place and will keep you happy after hours in the saddle.

• Price: $299
• Buy from Velocio

Velocio Ultralight Trail Shorts

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

The Velocio Ultralight Trail Shorts live up to their claim and are, well, ultralight! The fabric weighs only 115gsm; to put it into perspective, a standard piece of 8.5 x 11 inch printer paper weighs 75gsm. 

These were not the most stretchy of the shorts I tested, although the slim fit creates a form-fitting silhouette that allows for great mobility. The Velocio Ultralight Trail Shorts use a fastening button closure that slides and snaps into place securely and there are belt loops if you feel the need to wear a belt. 

I followed the sizing guide and while they are true to size, the waistband does not have a lot of adjustability and is not as stretchy as other shorts I tried this season. The back of the waist band is silicone-lined to prevent the waist area from rotating while riding. 

• DWR coated
• Inseam: 13.5in
• Price: $159
• Buy from Velocio

Wild Rye Riley Lightweight Bike Shorts

Tester: Jamieelee P. Height/weight: 5’7”/158lb

The Wild Rye Riley Lightweight Bike Shorts offer a fun and stylish summer-weight option for shredding the trails on hot days. The shorts are very comfortable thanks to the four-way stretch elastic fabric throughout the shorts and waistband. With a 10-inch inseam these shorts have just the right amount of leg coverage and plenty of room for kneepads.

The Riley shorts come with two deep pockets in the front, and a zippered side pocket that fits my iPhone 13 Pro securely and out of the way.  I tested a color called Witchy Woman, and Wild Rye offers two other fun color options, Painted Poppy, and Sicilian Summer, with subtle funky prints that add pizzazz to any MTB wardrobe. 

• Inseam: 10in
• MSRP $109
• Buy from Wild Rye

Patagonia Dirt Craft Pants

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

Trail pants are a go-to in the spring when temperatures at the start of a ride are still brisk and never hit a hot point. The Patagonia Dirt Craft pants are a simple and easy-to-wear pair. There is a button enclosure and a stretchy waist band for maximum comfort.

Two zippered pockets keep stowed items safe, but you’ll want to be aware of a pass-through pocket on the left side. If you’ve got bibs with hip pockets on underneath, this allows you to access the snacks or whatever without taking your pants off. This could be a love it or hate it feature, and you’ll probably want to keep things like your phone or car keys in a different pocket.

The pants are comfortable, but it would be nice to have some sort of adjustment on the waist line. I experienced some slippage with the pants. The fabric seems to be a win though. They’re light but a nice warm layer on chilly days, and you wouldn’t know it, but they got caked with mud on the first ride and washed up nicely.

• Price: $149
• Men’s and women’s styles and sizes available, multiple colors
• Buy from Patagonia

Backcountry Empire Enduro Pants

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

The Backcountry Empire Enduro pants are no-frills pant, ready for laps on laps at the bike park, all summer long. They are built with a handful of features, but start with a 4-way stretch fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating to keep them looking good after splashing in the mud.

There are reinforced panels over the knees and hips, so that when a crash does happen the pants will hopefully stay in good shape. Obviously the panels add some weight, but laser-cut vents behind the knee bring fresh air inside. These pants are made to be worn with knee pads, and without pads on, there is some bunching in the knees.

With zippered pockets to keep things in the right place, and a zippered access for knee pads at the bottom, as well as a ratcheting belt, these pants are going to cost a little more, but for a downhill-ready MTB pant that you can easily wear for several seasons in a row, they aren’t priced too terribly.

• MSRP: $179
• Buy from Backcountry

Mountain Khakis Alpine Work Pant

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

Spring also means the kick-off of trail building season; it’s not too hot out and trails are still getting some moisture, making it possible to mend and mold beat-up singletrack.

For those unfamiliar with Mountain Khakis, they’re a casual slash lifestyle work brand with an eye toward modernity and style.

The Mountain Khakis Alpine Work Pants are a great layer to consider for trail building, or even bike maintenance days. They’re made from a heavy weight cotton canvas blended with spandex for a moderate stretch. The pants have pockets on pockets to accommodate tools, a double-layered knee, back seat and heel cuff panels for the long haul.

The pants fit a little long, but can be hemmed. The multiple pockets make it easy to take the tools you need away from your tool box or work station.

• Price: $99
• Buy from mountainkhakis.com

Jackets for mountain biking

It’s tempting to put away your mountain bike jackets once spring arrives, but not so fast! Whether it’s wind, or rain, or cold morning starts, having the right jacket or layer is just as important in spring and summer.

ENVE Last Resort wind jacket

Tester: Jeff Barber. Height/weight: 6’3″/160lb

The name of the ENVE Last Resort jacket hints at its ideal use case, but IMO that’s selling it a little short. This lightweight (117g, size medium) and highly packable jacket is designed to keep you warm and dry(ish) in both mild conditions and emergency situations out on the trail. It features a cinch-able hood, a small rear zippered pocket, and a DWR coating to repel water. It’s the most lightweight jacket that I own, the perfect summertime emergency shell and for indecisive days when the temperature is neither hot nor cold.

• $175 (on sale for $87.50)
• Buy from ENVE

Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket

Tester: Matt Miller. Height/weight: 5’8”/165lb

I put the Dirt Roamer Storm jacket from Patagonia through a nice spring Arizona storm. The jacket was a great warming layer and kept me nice and dry underneath without getting cooked.

The jacket has a 3/4-length storm zipper down the front with storm zippers at the flanks to make it easier to take it on or off and bring in more ventilation. There are additional zippers on the arm pits for even more air. Between the zippers, a mesh bridge keeps the jacket from flapping.

The jacket has a drop tail and a zippered cyclists pocket at the rear. Everything on the inside has taped and welded seams. The jacket is has an extremely athletic and moveable feel for a 3-layer rain coat and stays comfortable against bare skin.

Unfortunately, the many storm zippers, pockets, adjustable hood, light weight, and 3-layer construction means that it will be a pricy jacket.

• Price: $320
• Buy from Patagonia

Ripton Podium Vest

Tester: Leah Barber. Height/weight: 5’0″/112lb

It wouldn’t be mountain bike clothing if it didn’t look good “on the bike and off the bike,” now would it? Honestly though, I gifted this vest to myself over the holidays to mostly wear off the bike (and because it was on sale). And this vest turns out to be an ideal layering piece for all seasons of mountain biking, whether you want to jazz up the basic black uniform or if you need a bit of warmth during a sunset ride.

The vest is made of a midweight stretchy denim fabric, thicker and heavier than any Ripton jorts. It’s soft to the touch and like most denim, can take a lot of abuse. You will definitely get hot and sweaty riding with this vest on, but it’s totally worth the style points. Then there are the pockets: two mini chest pockets, a jersey-style large rear pocket, and a smaller zippered rear pocket. And yes, it’s made for men and women!

• Price: $49 (on sale for $39)
• Buy from Ripton

Editor’s note: Let us know your favorite MTB clothing brands in the comments and we’ll continue to add to this roundup throughout the season with new items.