The MTB Lab Best Apparel of 2023 includes shorts, bibs, bib tights, shirts, jerseys, jackets, and gloves for warm and cold season:
- Pearl iZUMi Summit Shell Shorts – Light and airy shorts.
- Pearl iZUMi Expedition Pro Bib Short – Comfortable bibs with good compression and padding
- Pearl iZUMi AmFIB Lite Cycling Bib Tights – Cusp season bib tights, warm, light, and comfortable.
- Beyond Clothing Geo-T Crew L.S. Shirt – Excellent sun protection, soft, breathable, and dries quickly.
- Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew – Cool season jersey that is warm, durable, and comfortable.
- Smartwool Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket – Stretchy and comfortable, it provides warmth and windbreaking capabilities on cold days.
- RAB Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket – Extremely lightweight, waterproof jacket with superb packability.
- Pearl iZUMi Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket – Heavier-duty waterproof hooded jacket.
- Pearl iZUMi Summit Pro Glove – An excellent combination of thinness for dexterity and robustness for durability
- Gordini Front Line Midi Glove – Cool season glove; offers excellent dexterity and a tactile feel while providing plenty of warmth.
Pearl iZUMi Summit Shell Shorts
It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out for an after-work hot lap or gearing up for an all-day epic; the Pearl iZUMi Summit Short is the right choice for every trail. These premium shorts feature a tailored fit with your favorite knee guards. Perforated panels on the inside of the legs keep the Summit feeling airy, while dual Trail Access pockets keep the day’s essentials close at hand yet out of the way, so they don’t interfere with pedaling. Add your favorite chamois liner, and you’re ready to hit the dirt.
Impressions => The Summit Shell Shorts are light, airy, and perfect for short and long rides, especially on warmer days. The inner perforated panels allow for lots of ventilation and comfort, porting air where needed. Even with their slightly tighter fit, they still offer plenty of room and easily fit knee pads if desired, and I always wore them over chamois bibs without any issues. The zippered side pockets offered plenty of storage, while the front zipper and waist closure system provided plenty of adjustability.
- Pedal to Zero: Going by bike 17mi / 27km offsets the climate impact of this garment
- Constructed from lightweight, fast-drying polyester fabric made from recycled material
- Adjustable waist closure for easy on-the-fly adjustments
- Two zippered Trail Access side pockets shift contents to the back of the leg for pedaling comfort
- Kneepad compatible
- Add a chamois liner of your choice to complete the package
- Standard fit
- 12.5″ inseam
Click here to buy the Men’s Pearl iZUMi Summit Shorts
Click here to buy the Women’s Pearl iZUMi Summit Shorts
Pearl iZUMi Expedition Pro Bib Short
Made for the rider who aims to go astray, the Pearl iZUMi Expedition Bib Short is tuned for all-terrain adventures. When you hit the rough stuff, you’ll be glad to have their new Levitate Plus multi-density chamois under you, with an innovative, highly resilient suspension core to damp road chatter and significantly improve ride comfort.
These bib shorts are designed for rugged gravel or tarmac that stretches to the horizon. They took the popular Expedition Bib to the next level with their all-new Levitate PRO Chamois and luxurious Italian PRO Transfer fabric. Low-profile cargo pockets on the thighs and two small rear pockets provide easy access to smartphones and snacks and the flexibility to wear any top without worrying about carrying capacity. Last but certainly not least, this is their first men’s bib short with a drop-tail to make nature breaks quick and easy. They added their water-shedding P.I. Dry technology to the shorts to shrug off tire spray and light rain. There is no finer choice for a long-haul adventure.
Impressions => The Expedition Bib Short is uber comfy, with just the right amount of compression and tightness. The Chamois pad is comfortable and offers all-day plushness without any hot spots. The bib straps are wide and supple for security and comfort, and they don’t dig into your shoulders. The fabric has been durable and provides just enough water repellency when things get damp. I liked the simple thigh pocket, perfect for a snack, rag, or small sundry item.
- Pedal to Zero: Going by bike 18mi / 29km offsets the climate impact of this garment
- Luxurious Italian PRO Transfer fabric balances compression for ultimate comfort
- New Men’s Levitate PRO Chamois pad with triple-density design delivers unmatched support.
- Drop-tail design for nature breaks
- Laser-cut bib straps for superior next-to-skin comfort
- Thigh cargo pockets provide additional storage options
- A dual rear pocket at the base of the straps fits lip balm or a credit card
- Laser-cut raw edge leg hem construction for a seamless transition to skin
- P.I. Dry technology for permanent water-shedding performance
- 10.5″ inseam
- Men’s/Women’s MSRP $265
Click here to buy the Men’s Pearl iZUMi Expedition Pro Bib Short
Click here to buy the Women’s Pearl iZUMi Expedition Pro Bib Short
Pearl iZUMi AmFIB Lite Cycling Bib Tights
This lighter-weight version of our legendary Pearl iZUMi AmFIB tight is perfect for brisk spring and fall rides. We use three-quarter length AmFIB panels over the thighs and knees for weather protection where it matters most. Raw-edge bib straps reduce layering bulk and improve comfort. P.I. Dry permanent water-repellent technology sheds precipitation and helps keep the dual-density Levitate Plus chamois dry. BioViz reflective elements appear on the back of the calves, high enough for visibility above any shoe covers or booties, as well as on the hip.
Thoughts => Warm, light, and comfortable. The AmFIB Lite Tight Bibs have enough coverage and insulation on brisk days, providing warmth without overheating on cusp days. When it spits snow, the water repellency works like a charm. The Levitate Plus chamois offers plenty of padding for long rides in the saddle. They have a just perfect snug enough fit without being overly tight or too compressive, and the high back and waist offer additional warmth and protection from errant drafts.
- Pedal to Zero: Going by bike 29mi / 47km offsets the climate impact of this garment
- Strategically placed ultra-soft AmFIB softshell fabric panels protect from wind and water.
- Made with recycled content
- Brushed thermal fleece lining
- Dual-density Levitate Plus chamois pad reduces friction for all-day comfort.
- P.I. Dry technology for permanent water-shedding performance
- BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility
Click here to buy the Pearl iZUMi AmFIB Lite Cycling Bib Tights
Beyond Clothing Geo-T Crew L.S. Shirt
The Beyond Clothing Geo-T Crew L.S. Shirt is a versatile sunshirt built for hiking and outdoor activities and made of soft knit fabric that provides breathability, quick drying, and moisture-wicking properties for ultimate comfort out on the trail. With a UPF 50 rating, this long-sleeved shirt shields you from the sun’s harmful U.V. rays. The fabric and seams offer a 4-way stretch, allowing for a full range of motion without restrictions. The shirt’s fabric also features Ionic+ Odor Control, which means you can wear it multiple times before washing it, making it an ideal choice for multi-day backpacking and camping trips.
Impressions => The Geo-T Crew L.S. Shirt offered excellent sun protection and was soft and comfortable against the skin. The fabric dried quickly, offering highly functional breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. The fabric had superb 4-way Stretch, making it conformable with lots of range of motion. It was perfect as the top layer on warmer days and could be used as a base layer during the cusp season.
- UPF 50 Sun Protection
- Odor Control, Ionic+ antimicrobial technology
- Fast Drying
- Moisture Wicking
- Breathable
- Anti-static
- 4-Way Stretch
- Low-profile thumb loops
- Durable stretch seams
- Neck chafing guard
- Soft knit fabric
- Polyester P.K. Knit Honeycomb
- 84% Biodegradable Polyester, 8% Ionic (X-Static), 8% Elastane
Click here to buy the Men’s Beyond GeoT Crew L.S. Shirt
Click here to buy the Women’s Beyond GeoT Crew L.S. Shirt
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
Meet the better-than-ever Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew. We’ve updated this 100% Merino wool fan-favorite with new colors and a new fit to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics. Shoulder panels eliminate top shoulder seams, and a flatlock seam construction helps prevent chafing. Add one of their best base layers for cold weather to your winter wardrobe and experience the difference the next time you go skiing, hiking, climbing, or biking.
Impressions => The Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew has a decent thickness and is warm, comfortable, and durable. In cooler weather, it provides plenty of warmth as an outer layer if you use it with an underlying ultralight/thin base layer. Any time it gets colder, you could add a jacket or windbreaker to push the temperature range. The 100% Merino wool fabric offered warmth, breathability, and amazing thermoregulation. It became my go-to garment once the cusp season started.
- 100% Merino wool fabric made with an interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, thermoregulation, and odor resistance
- Fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics
- Shoulder panels eliminate top shoulder seams
- Flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing
- Garment Weight: 276 g = 9.74 oz
Click here to buy the Men’s Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew.
Click here to buy the Women’s Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew.
Smartwool Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket
Nothing stops us outdoor lovers from getting outside. Their Smartwool Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket was made with this in mind. They’ve combined the softness and cooling properties of TENCEL Lyocell fibers with Merino’s moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance for a jacket that’s always performance-ready. Four-way Stretch and wind-resistant front panel keep you moving in comfort. And with mesh ventilation knit in all the right spots, this jacket helps keep you from overheating. So, no matter what the weather’s looking like, you can go far and feel good.
Impressions => The Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket is stretchy, comfortable, warm, and tough. It provided warmth and windbreaking capabilities on cold days, and adding an outer rain jacket or full-on windbreaker helped push the temperature range even farther. The full zipper allowed temperature regulation, and when zipped up, the soft high collar kept you warm and cozy. The combination of moisture management and temperature regulating Merino Wool with the soft and comfortable TENCEL materials offered excellent cross-functional purposes to the jacket.
- This regular fit is intended to give you room to move without additional bulk.
- Fabric combines Merino’s moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance with the softness and cooling properties of TENCEL Lyocell fiber.
- Mesh ventilation seamlessly knit in gender-specific zones designed to keep the body dry and comfortable during high-intensity activities.
- Four-way Stretch, wind-resistant recycled nylon front panel.
- Two zippered hand pockets.
- Made in Vietnam:
- Body/Sleeve/Collar: 52.7% Merino Wool, 21% Tencel, 20.9% Polyester, 5.4% Elastane.
- Front Body/Pocket Bag: 88% Recycled Nylon, 12% Elastane. Exclusive of Decoration.
Click here to buy the Men’s Smartwool Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket
Click here to buy the Women’s Smartwool Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket
RAB Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
The RAB Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket shell uses waterproof 2.5-layer construction, with taped seams and lightweight 7D Pertex Shield 2.5L fabric. To reduce bulk and simplify the design, it has no pockets, a low-volume elasticated hood, half micro elasticated hem and cuffs, and a half-length zip. These features still deliver effective weather protection without excessive weight and can be packed into a palm-sized storage sleeve. At just 90g, the Phantom Pull-On provides highly specialized mountain protection in an exceptionally packable form for any adventurous outdoor activity.
Impressions => The Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket is the ideal lightweight wet and wind apparel for inclement outdoor usage and is perfect for biking, running, and hiking. It will keep you warm and dry in almost any weather, short of a full-on hurricane. Since it’s imminently lightweight and offers superb packability, it’s a waterproof hooded jacket you can always bring with you and never leave behind. Consider the ultimate in stash and forget survival gear.
- Weight:86g/3.03oz (Size M)
- 7D Pertex Shield 2.5L fabric with Stretch (40gsm) H.H.: 20,000mm/MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
- Ultralight taped seams
- Reduced volume hood with ultralight stiffened peak, micro elasticated front section, and easy access adjustment.
- Deep venting, calendered YKK front zip for weather protection with internal waterproof zip guard
- Optimized elbow pre-curve for unrestricted movement while running
- Extended bonded cuffs to optimize hand warmth during exposed runs
- Part elasticated cuffs for better access to sports watch
- Part elasticated hem for improved fit
- Pre-tensioned stuff sack for quick and easy storage
- Packed size: 8cm x 10cm
- Multi-angle reflective branding throughout
- 100% polyamide with polyurethane coating
Click here to buy the Men’s RAB Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
Click here to buy the Women’s RAB Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
Pearl iZUMi Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket
The Pearl iZUMi Men’s PRO Neoshell WxB Jacket is available in road ($325) and mountain bike ($375) styles. The jacket’s advanced membrane construction allows constant air exchange while providing complete 20K/20K waterproof protection.
MTB
Wearing a rain jacket during a high-intensity effort like trail riding is usually a mixed bag. It may keep you from getting soaked, but copious venting is needed to avoid a humid microclimate, which can quickly turn clammy. The Summit PRO NeoShell Jacket is the first rain jacket to deliver all-day mountain biking comfort. It’s built using a membrane that can move a basketball-sized volume of air from the jacket every minute; it’s the world’s most breathable waterproof material. This unrivaled level of moisture transfer manages body temps and keeps you dry like never before. But it’s not just about the breathability. Stretch fabric allows for dynamic movement, and the woven fabric improves durability. They designed the hood to fit over your helmet so you can ride through whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Impressions => When you need a heavier-duty waterproof hooded jacket for mountain biking, look no further than the Summit PRO NeoShell. The Polartec NeoShell fabric offers excellent waterproof characteristics and highly functional breathability, making it perfect for high-output riding. Yet, it keeps you dry and warm when you pedal slowly or hang out for a break. It works nicely over a helmet, and the cut provides enough maneuverability without overt bagginess. It features zippered pockets and is small enough to be packable. The jacket kept me warm and dry this past season in some ugly, wet, and snowy conditions.
- Polartec NeoShell for unrivaled waterproof breathability
- Stretch fabric and articulated sleeves for a great fit while riding
- A hood-over-helmet design
- PFC-free, Durable, Water Repellent treatment sheds light precipitation
- YKK Aquaguard waterproof zippers on main and pockets
- Packable to fit in a hydration pack
- Relaxed fit
- Men’s only – $375
Click here to buy the Pearl iZUMi MTB PRO Neoshell WxB Jacket
Pearl iZUMi Summit Pro Glove
This Pearl iZUMi Summit Pro mountain bike glove is designed with rowdy riding in mind. The outer knuckles feature flexible TPR armor to defend against brush, while the ultra-slim Clarino palm provides excellent tactile feedback with laser perforations to keep you cool. Silicone grippers on the thumb, index, and middle fingers provide confident shift and brake control in all conditions. Plus, touchscreen compatibility makes it easy to share the stoke.
Impressions => The Summit PRO Glove offers an excellent combination of thinness for dexterity and robustness for durability. It has light armor to protect the knuckles, a thin Clarino palm for tactual, and silicone grippers on the fingers to control levers. Even though they fit snugly, the cuff’s hook and loop closure system makes them easy to take on and off.
- TPR armor on the outer knuckles
- Touchscreen compatible
- Perforated synthetic Clarino leather palm
- Hook and loop closure on the cuff
- Sweat wipe on the thumb
Click here to purchase the Pearl iZUMi Summit Pro Glove
Gordini Front Line Midi Glove
The Front Line series was designed as a mix-and-match backcountry kit that leverages performance layering based on the users’ needs and climate. With premium fabrics, durable construction, and minimal seams, the Front Line system adapts to the ever-changing conditions and transitions in the backcountry.
The Gordini Front Line Midi can be worn as a mid-layer or as a stand-alone, breathable, insulated glove. Front Line gloves feature a minimal seam design to reduce wear and tear areas, PrimaLoft Gold insulation, moisture-wicking linings, and Schoeller Keprotec on the palm and finger wrap utilizing Kevlar fibers for ultimate durability and grip.
Impressions => The Front Line Midi Glove is perfect for cold days on the bike. For a cool/cold season glove, it offers excellent dexterity and a tactile feel while still providing plenty of warmth. The palms and fingers are covered with a grippy and tough Kevlar coating. The Primaloft insulation is warm enough for everything besides a frigid day. The cuffs extend far enough down for coverage, and the pull tabs on the cuff make it super easy to put the gloves on.
- Shell, trim, and hardware are bluesign APPROVED
- Breathable bonded soft shell exterior with four-way stretch
- Kevlar palm and wrap caps for ultimate durability and grip
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Primaloft synthetic insulation (100GSM)
- Stretch cuff
- Cuff pull tab for easy-on, easy-off
- Wrist elastic
- Shell: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane Face, 100% Polyester Back
- Trim: 77% Nylon, 23% Elastane Face, 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane Back
- Palm: 75% Nylon 22% Kevlar 3% Elastane
- Lining: 100% Polyester
- Insulation: 100% Polyester
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