For ‘The MTB Lab Best Apparel of 2024,’ we choose jerseys from Party Shirt International and Velocio, shorts from Patagonia and Velocio, a jacket from Velocio, bib chamois from Peral iZUMi, insulation from Pearl iZUMi, and finally, socks for Paka.
Party Shirt International Stretch-Tech Party Shirts
The multifunctional LS Stretch-Tech Party Shirts remain a staple of their collection, blending functionality with fashion. These shirts are lightweight, moisture-wicking, ventilating, and feature 4-way stretch, wrinkle-resistant fabric. Ideal for adventures, trips, weddings, and events, the Stretch-Tech Party Shirts have become a go-to choice for customers seeking versatility and style.
Impressions
The Long-Sleeved Stretch-Tech Party Shirt is comfortable, stretchy, breathable, and wickable. I loved the shirt’s cut: it’s loose, comfy, and extra long for the arms and torso. That cut made it super functional while riding my bike, offering plenty of maneuverability and no binding on the shoulders or arms. It drapes perfectly over my shorts, with helpful hem tails. It is an excellent long-sleeved shirt/jersey for biking, hiking, camping, concerts, etc., providing flair and sun protection.
It’s a simple shirt with one breast pocket, buttons down the front, a double set on the wrist cuffs, and a standard shirt collar. After wearing so many bike jerseys, having an actual shirt collar was pleasant, which looks nice and provides some additional sun protection. They come in unisex short and long-sleeved versions in a slew of wild and crazy colors, so you’ll stand out in a crowd. I love bright colors and patterns, and the Bamm Bamm is a hoot.
The Long-Sleeved Stretch-Tech Party Shirt is uber-comfy, stretchy, loose-fitting, and fun!
Velocio Merino Trail Long Sleeve
The Trail Merino Long Sleeve jersey provides long-lasting comfort in changing temperatures, thanks to nature’s most versatile material: merino wool. Its abrasion-resistant long sleeves expand durability and versatility in a variety of conditions.
Impressions
This is another one of my go-to jerseys. The merino wool blend provides incredible thermoregulation, making it ideal for any temperature, season, and condition. In addition, it has excellent moisture management and softness to the skin. The jersey is highly durable for a lighter-weight weave and has not torn or gotten any holes, even when abused through trees, rocks, and scrub oak. It has gotten some pilling but hasn’t caused any issues with the jersey’s functionality. The jersey has a long hem and sleeve cut with a comfortable baggy fit, which is ideal for mountain biking. It comes in the reviewed long-sleeved and a short version.
Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts – 12½”
Down or up, steep or steady, the Dirt Craft Bike Shorts are a singletrack workhorse with a removable padded liner to handle any ride. Built from breathable, stretchy yet sturdy 82% recycled polyester certified by OceanCycle and sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution/18% XLANCE stretch plain weave with four-way stretch and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without perfluorinated chemicals to shed light moisture. The removable, padded liner shorts have contoured chamois and mesh panels for wide-open breathability. Low-profile, external hook-and-webbing waist adjustment provides a fine-tuned fit: multiple secure pockets and a 12½” inseam.
Impressions
The Dirt Craft Bike Shorts are super comfy, breathable, and stretchy, with many functional pockets. The fabric is an ideal blend that offers comfort, ruggedness, and stretchiness, not too thick or thin. The 4-way stretch has an excellent give and a DWR finish, which sheds light moisture. The 12.5-inch inseam works perfectly, touches the knees for seamless pedaling, and integrates nicely with armor. It has two front pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, and a front button closure with a zipper. It uses an interesting external hook-and-webbing waist adjustment system that provides fine-tuning. The included chamois offers good padding, with just enough compression, while the mesh panels are breathable.
The Dirt Craft Bike Shorts are uber comfortable and stretchy, have helpful pockets, and are made of sturdy fabric. My go-to shorts this past summer and fall.
Velocio Trail Access Short
This is the short to wear when finally hitting that jump you’ve been eyeing or sending that rock roll that’s evaded you all summer. Trail Access Shorts are durable enough for lift-accessed rowdiness and comfortable enough for every day.
Impressions
The Trail Access Short utilizes a rugged Stretch woven CORDURA fabric, making it long-lasting and comfortable. The extended 14-inch inseam is ideal for mountain biking, coming down to my knees, so it integrates nicely with armor and doesn’t catch on my knees. The front pockets are bottomless, so things stay securely in place even without a zipper. I tested that on some insane roller coaster rides this summer. It has a DWR treatment, so it can tolerate light rain without getting soaked.
I wear these shorts around the house, in town, when camping, etc. They are just plain comfortable, with plenty of stretch, perfect pockets, and a rugged fabric.
Velocio Trail Access Hardshell Jacket
Unlike traditional waterproof-breathable shells, the Velocio Trail Access Hardshell allows air to move through the jacket, dispersing heat and sweat before it can turn the internal climate into a sauna. The result is an advanced layer that keeps the weather out and comfort in. With its three-layer Pertex Shield Air waterproof-breathable fabric, exceptional air permeability, and ultralight weight, the Trail Access Hardshell is undoubtedly Velocio’s most technical outer layer.
The Trail Access Hardshell is designed for the trail. Its 3D fit and helmet-compatible hood excel in riding position, with movement built through the shoulders, snug-fit cuffs, and a drop tail for extra protection. The TRAIL Access Hardshell features a DWR treatment and a polyester membrane, easily maintaining its ability to shed water without sacrificing breathability.
Impressions
The Trail Access Jacket has been my go-to jacket for most of the year. It’s light, packable, and rugged, with plenty of features that provide tons of functionality. The Pertex Shield, Air 3-layer fabric, is waterproof and breathable and has kept me warm and dry in heavy thunderstorms, hailstorms, and snowstorms. The DWR treatment rolls the water off, so the jacket doesn’t absorb anything (I have reapplied the DWR treatment). The hood works like a charm and stays put in heavy winds and flying downhill. The multi-point adjustment for the hood keeps it snugly in place. The jacket offers a perfect, relaxed MTB cut, providing comfort and mobility, even when worn over layering.
It is one of my favorite jackets!
Pearl iZUMi Attack Bib Short
Discover unparalleled comfort and support with their Attack Bib Short, a staple for any dedicated cyclist. Crafted with a blend of high-performance fabrics, these bib shorts offer an optimal balance of flexibility and compression, ensuring a smooth, aerodynamic ride. The advanced ELITE Levitate chamois pad delivers superior cushioning for long-distance comfort, while the binded bib upper provides a secure fit. Designed for durability and performance, the Attack Bib Short is your essential partner for conquering rigorous training sessions and competitive races.
Impressions
The Attack Bib Short offers an ideal blend of compression, comfort, extensive support, and padding. Their ELITE Levitate chamois pad has excellent cushioning, so I have always been provided superb comfort on rugged MTB trails or long-distance rides. The X-shaped back panel and front suspenders are extra wide and have robust outer cuffs, keeping things secure and flat. The bottom 2.5″ thigh cuffs have a silicone gripper to stay in place, preventing any creeping.
I have lived in the Attack Bib Shorts for the past year, and they are my go-to set of bibs for most outings.
Click here to buy the Attack Bib Short.
Pearl iZUMi PRO Alpha Layer
Ditch the bulk and reach for the PRO Alpha Layer when the temperature drops. Worn under your favorite shell, this innovative midlayer will keep you warm without overheating. Premium Polartec Alpha Direct fabric transfers moisture with breakaway speed, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout a wide temperature range. Three bellowed rear pockets hold ride essentials securely under a jacket and allow this top to stand independently when you want to stash your shell on a long climb.
Impressions
The PRO Alpha Layer jersey/sweater utilizes the Polartec Alpha Direct fabric, which offers warmth and highly effective moisture transference. The PRO Alpha Layer is light, and the Polartec Alpha Direct provides incredible insulation properties without any bulk or thickness. When you hold it up, you can look through the weave; it seems it would not be very functional. But wearing it as a midlayer or over a standard jersey offers exceptional warmth and wicking capabilities. It is more than meets the eye!
The PRO Alpha Layer is an innovative mid-layer that offers surprising warmth, wicking, packability, comfort, and lightness.
Click here to buy the PRO Alpha Layer
PAKA Trail Crew Socks
PAKA’s Trail Crew Sock is made from Alpaca Fiber, and its intelligent design enhances its inherent fiber features. The Sock has a snug rib-knit design to avoid shifting and friction, breathable mesh on the top to promote breathability and cooling, and compressive arch support. It also has targeted cushioning on the top and back of the toe, preventing blisters and improving comfort. Alpaca fiber is a performance powerhouse: naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating.
Impressions
I used the Trail Crew Socks for various outdoor activities, primarily hiking, biking, and occasionally slumming around at the house. The socks are uber comfy, with enough padding and support without feeling overly thick. The Alpaca fiber offers excellent thermoregulation properties, breathability, and no stink. They are comfortable and dry quickly, even wet, with minimal water retention. They provide all-day comfort without sloppiness, and the heel and toe protection prevents hotspots.
With its Aplcaca fiber and features, the Trail Crew Socks offer performance, softness, comfort, and versatility to keep up with you on and off any trail.
Click here to buy the Trail ¼ Crew Sock.
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