If you are searching for the best MTB shorts 2026 has to offer, the right pair can make a bigger difference than many riders expect. Mountain bike shorts have to deal with constant movement, mud, spray, saddle rub, knee pads, crashes, repeated washing and long days on the bike. A normal pair of sports shorts will not usually cope with that for long.
The best MTB shorts are cut for riding, not standing still. That means they need enough room around the hips and thighs to move freely, enough length to work with knee pads, and a waistband that stays secure without digging in. They also need fabrics that can handle wet trails, gritty spray and the occasional slide across the ground. For UK riders, that combination matters because even summer rides can include mud, rain, overgrown trails and sudden changes in temperature.
This guide sits alongside our wider best MTB clothing 2026 guide, which covers jerseys, shorts, jackets and winter kit as a complete riding setup. Here, we focus specifically on one of the most important pieces of trail clothing: the shorts you actually ride in most often.
The focus here is on baggy MTB shorts rather than road-style Lycra bib shorts. Some include liners, some are shell-only, and some are built for wet-weather riding. There are lightweight summer options, rugged trail shorts, women-specific designs, waterproof shorts and more premium choices for riders who want a technical fit and better materials.
For eMTB riders, good shorts are especially important. More motor-assisted climbing often means more descending, more time on the bike and more repeated laps. That puts extra pressure on comfort, pad compatibility and durability. You do not need eMTB-specific shorts, but you do need MTB shorts that can cope with longer rides and rougher use.
The best MTB shorts 2026 shortlisted
100% Ridecamp MTB Cycling Shorts – £29.99 (RRP £69.99)
Rockrider All Mountain Feel Mountain Bike Shorts – £34.99
Specialized Trail Air Shorts – £39 (RRP £85)
Altura Esker Eco Trail Shorts – £70
Endura SingleTrack Lite Women’s Trail MTB Shorts – £59.99 (RRP £90)
Fox Defend MTB Cycling Shorts – £59.99 (RRP £104.99)
Madison Zenith 4-Season DWR Shorts – £62.99 (RRP £79.99)
POC Essential Enduro Shorts – £85
Troy Lee Designs Skyline MTB Mountain Bike Shorts – £85.28 (RRP £139.99)
Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo MTB Cycling Shorts – £105
What to look for in the best MTB shorts 2026
The best MTB shorts 2026 should feel comfortable when you are pedalling, standing, descending and moving around the bike. The cut matters more than it does with casual shorts. A good MTB short should sit securely at the waist, give enough room for knee pads and avoid bunching around the saddle.
Stretch fabric is one of the most useful features. Four-way stretch is ideal because it moves in multiple directions and helps the shorts feel natural on technical climbs and rough descents. Two-way stretch can still work well on more affordable shorts, especially if the cut is generous.
A DWR finish is worth having for UK riding. It will not make normal shorts fully waterproof, but it helps shed spray, mud and light showers. For winter or very wet riding, proper waterproof MTB shorts use membrane fabrics and taped or reinforced construction, but they are usually warmer and less breathable.
Pocket design also matters. Zipped hand pockets, thigh pockets or phone/pass pockets are useful, but they need to sit where they will not interfere with pedalling. Overloading pockets with heavy items can make any short uncomfortable, so for bigger rides a pack, hip pack or frame storage still makes sense.
Liners are personal. Some riders like shorts with a padded liner included because they are convenient and better value. Others prefer shell shorts and separate bib liners because they can choose their own pad. Neither is automatically better. The best choice depends on ride length, fit and personal comfort.
The best MTB shorts 2026
100% Ridecamp MTB Cycling Shorts
£29.99 (RRP £69.99)
The 100% Ridecamp MTB Cycling Shorts are a strong value choice for riders who want a tougher trail short without spending too much. They sit in that useful middle ground between entry-level kit and more expensive technical shorts, which makes them a good fit for regular UK mountain biking.
The fabric is a DWR-treated polyester 2-way mechanical stretch twill. That gives the Ridecamp a tougher feel than very lightweight summer shorts, while still giving enough movement for normal trail riding. The DWR coating helps shed spray and light mud, which is particularly useful for eMTB and trail-centre riding where rear-wheel spray is a constant part of the experience.
Storage is practical too. The Velcro cargo pocket and zipped pocket give you options for keys, snacks or small tools, while reflective tape adds a little extra visibility if your ride includes road links or evening returns. They are not designed as a high-end race short, but that is part of the appeal. They are straightforward, durable and easy to use.
The main limitation is the 2-way stretch. Riders who want the most natural pedalling feel may prefer a 4-way stretch short such as the Fox Defend, Altura Esker Eco or Troy Lee Designs Skyline. But for the money, the Ridecamp is one of the strongest value MTB shorts here.
Pros
Strong value
DWR-treated 2-way stretch twill fabric
Cargo and zipped pocket storage
Durable enough for regular trail use
Cons
2-way stretch is less flexible than 4-way stretch options
Specifications
Material: DWR polyester 2-way mechanical stretch twill
Fit: All-mountain / trail fit
Pockets: Velcro cargo pocket and zipped pocket
Waist: Adjustable snap waist closure
Liner included: No
Best for: Value-focused trail and eMTB riding
Rockrider All Mountain Feel Mountain Bike Shorts
£34.99
The Rockrider All Mountain Feel shorts are the budget pick in this best MTB shorts 2026 guide. They are simple, affordable and much more trail-focused than their price suggests, which makes them a very useful starting point for riders who want proper mountain bike shorts without spending premium money.
The main appeal is that they include the basics you actually need for UK trail riding. The fabric is light, stretchy and water-repellent, while the cut is designed for all-mountain use rather than casual leisure riding. That means they should move better on the bike and cope more naturally with climbs, descents and rougher trails than normal sports shorts.
The adjustable waist is important because MTB shorts need to stay secure without relying on a normal belt. The two secure pockets are also useful for small ride essentials, although you still need to be realistic about how much you carry in short pockets before they start to pull or bounce.
At this price, the Rockrider All Mountain Feel shorts are not going to feel as refined as Fox, Troy Lee Designs, POC or Leatt options. The materials, fit and long-term durability are unlikely to match the premium choices here. But for riders building a first proper MTB clothing setup, they are one of the easiest ways into the category.
Pros
Excellent price
Stretchy, water-repellent fabric
Adjustable waist
Two secure pockets
Cons
Less refined than premium trail shorts
Specifications
Material: Stretch water-repellent fabric
Fit: All-mountain trail fit
Pockets: Two secure pockets
Waist: Adjustable waistband
Liner included: No
Best for: Budget trail riding and first proper MTB shorts
Specialized Trail Air Shorts
£39 (RRP £85)
The Specialized Trail Air Shorts are the warm-weather performance pick in this guide. They are designed for riders who want proper trail coverage and pad compatibility, but without feeling hot, heavy or restrictive on summer rides.
The key material is Specialized’s VaporRize woven fabric, which is designed to be lightweight, stretchy, durable and water-repellent. That gives the Trail Air a more technical feel than a basic trail short. Laser-perforated venting adds airflow without making the fabric feel flimsy, which is useful when climbing hard or riding in warmer weather.
The fit is relaxed without being too baggy. Specialized has built articulation around the trail riding position, and the roomy legs leave space for knee pads. The men’s version has a 13.5in inseam in a size 34 waist, giving good coverage without feeling like a downhill short.
The front buckle adjustment system is another good feature. It lets you tune the fit securely, even when pockets are loaded, while the bonded zipped pocket gives a safe place for small essentials. UV 50+ protection is also useful for exposed summer rides.
The main caveat is that the Trail Air is shell-only, so you will need your own liner or bib short underneath for longer rides. But as a hot-weather trail short, it is one of the most refined options here.
Pros
Lightweight Vapor
Rize fabric
Laser-perforated venting
Roomy fit leaves space for knee pads
UV 50+ protection
Cons
No liner included
Specifications
Material: VaporRize woven fabric, 86% polyester / 14% spandex main body
Fit: Relaxed trail fit with articulation
Pockets: Bonded zipped pocket
Waist: Front buckle adjustment system
Liner included: No
Best for: Warm-weather trail and eMTB riding
Altura Esker Eco Trail Shorts
£70
The Altura Esker Eco Trail Shorts are one of the best MTB shorts 2026 options if you want something affordable, trail-ready and not overly aggressive. They are designed for off-road riding, but the relaxed fit and clean look also make them easy to wear for gravel rides, towpaths, commuting links and casual post-ride use.
The key details are strong for the price. The shorts use recycled polyamide and elastane content, 4-way stretch fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating to help repel water. That combination makes them a much more rounded choice than a basic baggy short. They should move well on the bike, resist light spray and feel flexible enough for longer rides.
The adjustable buckle waist closure is another useful detail. A good waistband matters because shorts that move around on technical climbs or rough descents quickly become irritating. The Esker Eco is also engineered to work with or without low-profile knee protection, which makes it more suitable for real trail riding than general outdoor shorts.
The storage is simple, with two hand pockets rather than a more elaborate cargo layout. Riders who carry a lot of kit in their shorts may prefer the Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo or Troy Lee Designs Skyline. But for a well-priced, versatile trail short, the Altura Esker Eco is a very sensible pick.
Pros
Good value for a 4-way stretch trail short
PFC-free DWR coating
Works with low-profile knee pads
Relaxed fit suits mixed riding
Cons
Pocket layout is simpler than some rivals
Specifications
Material: Recycled polyamide / elastane, 4-way stretch
Fit: Relaxed trail fit
Pockets: Two hand pockets
Waist: Adjustable buckle waist closure
Liner included: No
Best for: Affordable trail, gravel and mixed-surface riding
Endura SingleTrack Lite Women’s Trail MTB Shorts
£59.99 (RRP £90)
The Endura SingleTrack Lite Women’s Trail MTB Shorts are the women-specific pick in this guide and deserve their place because fit is still one of the biggest issues in MTB clothing. A lot of riders end up choosing men’s or unisex shorts because the women’s options are either too casual, too road-focused or not cut well for proper trail riding. These solve that problem far more convincingly.
The SingleTrack Lite uses lightweight, durable 4-way stretch nylon fabric, which is exactly what you want from a summer and shoulder-season trail short. The material moves well on the bike, while the wicking waistband and Velcro adjusters help keep the fit secure without making the shorts feel stiff or overbuilt.
Ventilation is another strength. Perforated thigh vents help keep airflow moving on hotter rides, which matters on long climbs and eMTB days where you can spend more time lapping trails. Zipped hand pockets and a rear security pocket add useful storage without turning the shorts into cargo shorts.
They are also Clickfast liner compatible, so riders who like Endura’s liner system can build them into a more complete setup. The main limitation is that they are more summer trail shorts than winter armour. If you need serious spray protection, Endura’s MT500 Spray trousers or waterproof shorts may make more sense. But as a women-specific MTB short for regular trail riding, the SingleTrack Lite is a very strong choice.
Pros
Women-specific trail fit
Lightweight 4-way stretch nylon fabric
Perforated thigh vents
Clickfast liner compatible
Cons
More summer/trail focused than wet-weather focused
Specifications
Material: Lightweight 4-way stretch nylon
Fit: Women-specific trail fit
Pockets: Zipped hand pockets and rear security pocket
Waist: Wicking waistband with Velcro adjusters
Liner included: No, Clickfast compatible
Best for: Women riders wanting a proper trail short
Fox Defend MTB Cycling Shorts
£59.99 (RRP £104.99)
The Fox Defend MTB Cycling Shorts are one of the benchmark choices in this guide because they get the modern aggressive trail short formula right. They are tougher than casual trail shorts, more flexible than old-school heavy baggies and cut to work on everything from trail-centre laps to rougher eMTB rides.
The recycled body fabric wicks sweat and uses 4-way stretch for mobility, which is the key to the Defend’s appeal. They feel built for harder riding, but they do not lock you into one position or feel too stiff when pedalling. That balance matters if you want one pair of MTB shorts for climbs, descents and long days rather than a short that only feels good going downhill.
The race-ratchet closure is another useful feature. It lets you fine-tune the fit quickly, even mid-ride, and is more secure than a basic popper or drawstring waist. The DWR finish helps shed moisture, dirt and trail spray, while zipped hand pockets and an additional phone/pass pocket give practical storage.
The 13.25in inseam gives good coverage and should work well with knee pads, which is one reason the Defend remains so easy to recommend for eMTB use. They are not the lightest or most airy shorts here, but for durability and technical trail riding, they remain one of the safest buys.
Pros
Tough, trail-focused construction
4-way stretch recycled body fabric
Race-ratchet closure
DWR finish and useful zipped pockets
Cons
Not as light or airy as summer-focused shorts
Specifications
Material: Recycled sweat-wicking 4-way stretch fabric
Fit: Recycled sweat-wicking 4-way stretch fabric
Pockets: Zipped hand pockets and phone/pass pocket
Waist: Race-ratchet closure
Liner included: No
Best for: Trail centres, eMTB riding and harder trail use
Madison Zenith 4-Season DWR Shorts
£62.99 (RRP £79.99)
The Madison Zenith 4-Season DWR Shorts are a strong choice for riders who want an MTB short that leans into year-round UK use. Not every ride is hot, dry and dusty, and for a lot of British mountain bikers, a slightly more protective short makes more sense than a super-light summer option.
The Zenith concept is all about mixed-weather practicality. A DWR finish helps deal with spray and damp trails, while the cut gives the shorts enough coverage for cooler conditions without moving fully into waterproof short territory. That makes them useful for spring, autumn and changeable summer days when a lightweight race short can feel too exposed.
They are also a good option for eMTB riders. Longer rides and repeated descents mean more time being sprayed by the rear wheel and more exposure to wind chill, especially once you stop pedalling hard. A slightly more protective short can make a noticeable difference without the heat build-up of full trousers.
The main trade-off is that four-season shorts are rarely the best choice for the hottest rides. If you ride mostly in warm weather, something like the Specialized Trail Air or Troy Lee Designs Skyline may feel cooler. But if your riding happens in typical UK conditions, the Madison Zenith is a useful and practical option.
Pros
Good year-round UK trail option
DWR finish helps with spray and damp conditions
More protective than lightweight summer shorts
Sensible choice for eMTB riders
Cons
Less airy than hot-weather trail shorts
Specifications
Material: DWR-treated trail fabric
Fit: Trail / four-season fit
Pockets: Secure ride storage, model dependent
Waist: Adjustable trail waistband
Liner included: No
Best for: Spring, autumn and mixed-weather trail riding
POC Essential Enduro Shorts
£85
The POC Essential Enduro Shorts are one of the cleanest premium choices in this best MTB shorts 2026 guide. They are designed around pedal comfort, protection and knee-pad integration, which makes them a good fit for trail and enduro riders who want something technical without going too bulky.
The lightweight nylon stretch fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly, so these make particular sense for warmer rides or harder efforts. The Essential Enduro is not trying to be a waterproof short. Instead, it is about staying comfortable while pedalling and giving enough coverage and protection for harder trail riding.
The fit is one of the main reasons to consider them. POC uses a rider-tuned shape with pre-bent knees and a waistband that includes Velcro adjustment. The shorts are designed to work cleanly with POC knee protection, but the general cut should also make them suitable for low-profile pads from other brands.
Storage is handled by two zipped side pockets, which keeps the design simple and functional. The fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finish is also a useful touch for UK riding, although it is more about spray resistance than sustained rain protection.
These are not the cheapest shorts here, and the styling is more understated than Fox or Troy Lee Designs. But if you want a light, technical, pad-friendly MTB short from a premium brand, the POC Essential Enduro is a strong choice.
Pros
Lightweight nylon stretch fabric
Good knee-pad compatibility
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finish
Cons
Premium price for a shell-only short
Specifications
Material: Lightweight stretch nylon
Fit: Enduro / trail fit with pre-bent knees
Pockets: Two zipped side pockets
Waist: Elastic rear waist and Velcro adjustment
Liner included: No
Best for: Technical trail and enduro riding
Troy Lee Designs Skyline MTB Mountain Bike Shorts
£85.28 (RRP £139.99)
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline MTB Mountain Bike Shorts are the premium all-rounders in this guide and one of the most complete choices if you want a liner included. Troy Lee Designs has been making mountain bike clothing for years, and the Skyline remains relevant because the balance of comfort, fit and trail practicality is so strong.
The latest Skyline uses recycled 4-way stretch woven fabric for freedom of movement and a fused waistband designed to resist slippage or rolling. That matters on longer rides because a poor waistband can ruin even a technically good short. Velcro waist adjusters and a silicone print inside the waist help keep everything in place.
The included TLD AIR Mesh liner with TMF pad is a major point in its favour. Many premium shorts are shell-only, so getting a proper padded liner included makes the Skyline better value than the price first suggests. The liner is designed to help with comfort on longer rides, which suits trail centres, eMTB loops and bigger summer days.
Needle Out micro ripstop ventilation panels, deep mesh-lined YKK zip hand pockets and reflective details round out a very strong package. The Skyline is not the cheapest short here, but it is one of the easiest to recommend if you want one quality MTB short with liner for a wide range of riding.
Pros
Includes TLD AIR Mesh liner with TMF pad
Recycled 4-way stretch fabric
Secure waist adjusters and silicone waist grip
Deep zipped pockets
Cons
More expensive than most value-focused shorts
Specifications
Material: Bluesign-certified recycled poly/Spandex 4-way stretch blend
Fit: Relaxed trail fit
Pockets: Two YKK zipped hand pockets
Waist: Fused waistband, Velcro adjusters and silicone waist print
Liner included: Yes, TLD AIR Mesh liner with TMF pad
Best for: Premium all-round trail riding
Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo MTB Cycling Shorts
£105
The Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo MTB Cycling Shorts are the wet-weather specialist in this best MTB shorts 2026 guide. Most MTB shorts can handle a bit of spray thanks to a DWR finish, but the Leatt goes much further with a three-layer HydraDri membrane and a claimed 30,000mm waterproof / 23,000g breathability rating.
That makes them a very different product from lightweight summer shorts. They are built for puddles, spray, mud and proper wet trail riding, making them a strong option for year-round UK riders who do not want to switch into full trousers every time the forecast turns. The seamless laminated seat panel is also important because the saddle area is where rear-wheel spray and seated pedalling can quickly make normal shorts uncomfortable.
Despite the weather protection, Leatt has kept them ride-focused. The 4-way stretch shell, pre-curved knees and tailored fit are designed to keep them comfortable while pedalling. Rear zipped ventilation helps manage heat, while the soft-touch non-Velcro waist adjustment with silicone grip should keep the fit secure without scratchy fasteners.
Storage is excellent, with two hip pockets, a waterproof thigh pocket, a phone pocket and a key loop. The main downside is heat and price. They are more specialist than most riders need for summer, but for wet UK trail riding they are one of the most capable options here.
Pros
Three-layer HydraDri waterproof shell
30,000mm / 23,000g waterproof-breathable rating
Excellent pocket layout
Reinforced and weather-focused construction
Cons
More specialist and warmer than normal trail shorts
Specifications
Material: Three-layer HydraDri waterproof shell
Fit: Tailored 4-way stretch fit with pre-curved knees
Pockets: Two hip pockets, waterproof thigh pocket, phone pocket and key loop
Waist: Soft-touch non-Velcro adjustment with silicone grip
Liner included: No
Best for: Wet-weather MTB and eMTB riding
Which MTB shorts should you buy?
The best MTB shorts 2026 choice depends on your riding, budget and weather. If you want the cheapest proper trail option, start with the Rockrider All Mountain Feel shorts. They are affordable, adjustable and practical enough for real mountain biking.
If you want strong value from a more established MTB clothing brand, the 100% Ridecamp is a better all-round trail option. It is tougher, more durable and better suited to regular rides where spray, grit and rough trails are part of the deal.
The Altura Esker Eco is the best affordable all-rounder if you want 4-way stretch, PFC-free DWR and a relaxed fit that works both on and off the bike. For women-specific trail fit, the Endura SingleTrack Lite Women’s shorts are the best choice in this list.
For harder trail and eMTB riding, the Fox Defend is one of the safest recommendations because it balances durability, stretch, pocket storage and knee-pad-friendly coverage so well.
If you ride through spring, autumn and unpredictable UK conditions, the Madison Zenith 4-Season DWR shorts are a sensible choice. If you want a more premium, technical trail short, the POC Essential Enduro is cleaner and lighter.
The Troy Lee Designs Skyline is the best premium all-rounder with a liner included. The Specialized Trail Air is the warm-weather performance pick. The Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo is the one to choose if wet-weather protection is your priority.
MTB shorts with liner or without liner?
MTB shorts with a liner are convenient and often better value. They give you a shell short and padded liner in one package, which is useful if you are building your first proper riding kit. The Troy Lee Designs Skyline is a good example because it includes a proper TLD AIR Mesh liner with a TMF pad.
Shell-only shorts are better if you already have a liner or prefer bib shorts underneath. Many experienced riders choose shell shorts because they can pair them with their favourite chamois, swap liners between rides and wash everything separately. Shell-only designs also tend to be easier to fit, because you are not relying on the outer short and liner both working for your body shape.
For short rides, a liner may not always be necessary. For longer trail rides and eMTB days, padding can make a big difference. The best setup is the one that stays comfortable after two or three hours, not the one that only feels good when you first try it on.
MTB shorts or MTB trousers?
MTB shorts are better for warm weather, faster drying and general trail riding. They are cooler on climbs, easier to layer with knee pads and more comfortable across a wide range of conditions. For most riders, a good pair of MTB shorts will be used more often than trousers.
MTB trousers are better for winter, mud, cold wind and overgrown trails. They keep more spray off your legs and help stop knee pads getting caked in mud. If you ride year-round in the UK, you will probably end up owning both.
For a first proper MTB clothing setup, start with shorts. Add trousers later if you find yourself riding regularly through winter or coming home soaked and cold after every muddy ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best MTB shorts 2026 for most riders?
The best MTB shorts 2026 for most riders are the Fox Defend, Troy Lee Designs Skyline and Altura Esker Eco. The Fox Defend is the strongest trail benchmark, the Troy Lee Designs Skyline is the best premium option with a liner, and the Altura Esker Eco is a very good value all-rounder.
Are MTB shorts worth it?
Yes, proper MTB shorts are worth it because they are cut for riding, built from tougher fabrics and designed to work with knee pads and trail movement. Normal sports shorts usually lack the fit, durability and pocket placement needed for mountain biking.
Should MTB shorts be baggy?
Most MTB shorts are slightly baggy, but they should not flap around or catch on the saddle. The best MTB shorts have a relaxed fit with enough room for movement and knee pads, while still staying secure at the waist.
Do MTB shorts need a padded liner?
Not always. Some MTB shorts include a padded liner, while others are shell-only. A liner is useful for longer rides, but many riders prefer to wear separate bib shorts or liner shorts underneath. For short rides, some riders are comfortable without padding.
What are the best MTB shorts for eMTB riders?
The best MTB shorts for eMTB riders are durable, knee-pad compatible and secure at the waist. Fox Defend, Troy Lee Designs Skyline, POC Essential Enduro and Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo are all strong options because eMTB riders often spend longer on the bike and descend more often.
What are the best MTB shorts for UK weather?
For normal UK trail riding, look for stretch fabric and a DWR coating. The Altura Esker Eco, Fox Defend, Madison Zenith and 100% Ridecamp all make sense. For very wet rides, the Leatt Endurance 5.0 Cargo is the strongest waterproof option here.
Are waterproof MTB shorts better than trousers?
Waterproof MTB shorts are cooler and easier to pedal in than trousers, but they leave your lower legs exposed. They are useful for wet but mild rides. MTB trousers are better for cold winter conditions, deep mud and rides where you want full leg coverage.
What length should MTB shorts be?
Most trail riders should look for MTB shorts long enough to overlap or nearly meet knee pads when riding. Around 12in to 14in inseam is common for trail shorts, although the best length depends on rider height, fit and pad choice.
Can I wear MTB shorts for gravel riding?
Yes, MTB shorts can work very well for gravel riding, especially if you prefer a looser fit than Lycra. Lighter, less bulky shorts such as the Altura Esker Eco, Specialized Trail Air or POC Essential Enduro are particularly well suited to mixed MTB and gravel use.
What should I look for in MTB shorts?
Look for stretch fabric, a secure adjustable waist, knee-pad compatibility, sensible zipped pockets, DWR water resistance and a cut that feels comfortable when pedalling. The best MTB shorts 2026 should move naturally on the bike and survive regular UK trail use.