Nice gravel shorts

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

6` 1"

Weight

190 lbs

Very well made shorts which are great for casual cycling. Sizing appears to be accurate though they do run a bit on the long side, particularly when you are off the bike. Design is well thought through with nice zippered side pockets to stow keys and mobile and still includes front pockets. Will likely pick up another pair while they're on sale.

Justin R.

The Goldilocks Short

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Small

Height

5` 9"

Weight

160 lbs

...With just the right amount of storage, good breathability, cut just right, can take a beating yet stretchy and lightweight. After trying a number of brands, these are now my go-to for summer rides. BC has thought of a lot of clever features: velcro + double snap closure, 2 zippered and 2 traditional pockets, perforated vents, stretch fabric, non-slip grips, water resistance, etc etc. I'm 5'9"/160lb/31" waist and originally got a Medium but later found the Small to be a much better fit. Stop reading and buy a pair! (once they're back in stock that is...)

Jeffrey K.

Great shorts, just in between sizing

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

S

Height

5` 11"

Weight

150 lbs

These were quality lightweight and stretchy shorts to ride in. I just happen to come in between a M and S size so they unfortunately didn't work out for me. The size S was adjusted to be all the way open while the M had to be cinched all the way closed leaving some fabric overlap

Almost my perfect shorts.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

S

Height

5` 8"

Weight

146 lbs

As soon as I tried these on I knew I had found a new favorite general purpose outdoor short. The material has a great amount of stretch, the integrated cinch belts feel secure, pockets are great, and best of all the length is perfect. My only critique is that I wished they had at least one full belt loop to allow for clipping on keys and things.

Spencer K.

Love!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 6"

Weight

155 lbs

I've officially given up on women's bike shorts. They never fit right and are always uncomfortable. I have a couple pairs of men's Zoic shorts that I like but they aren't very stretchy or flattering. These were made for me. I have big legs from lots of skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer and small hips/waist. I got a M and am usually a women's 8 on bottom. I love the fit/stretchy material, length, and adjustable waist. Highly recommend for men or women who get frustrated with how women's bike shorts usually fit.

Haley M.

Great shorts, a bit pricey.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Small

Height

6` 0"

Weight

170 lbs

Perfect bike shorts. The main pockets don't have zippers but are snug and angled in the correct direction that you don't have to worry about stuff falling out while pedaling/crashing. I keep my phone and keys in there without worry. It's also easy to slide your phone out to take dope pics of your friends while pedaling, and sliding your phone back in when you're done. It also has convenient zippered pockets if you need to keep your stuff extra secure. Sizing: I was right in the middle between small and medium on the fit chart. Ended up purchasing a small, and they fit great, but I would definitely size up for anyone bigger around than me. I typically wear size 31 pants, 1 ft tall and 170 pounds.

Mikhael Mikhalev

What is the inseam for these?

LinZ

Favorite MTB Short To Date

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 8"

Weight

170 lbs

While I preferred the hook & loop waist adjustment on the previous model, these shorts are the best shorts I've owned. I prefer a short with a little weight to it, which these have, yet they still breathe well. They're incredibly comfortable and stretchy, making them great for the uphill slogs. I wear a medium in TLD shorts and Fox, a 32 in the Flexair Pant, and these fit true to size. The side pockets are perfect for your phone or a tool. The length is perfect, coming to the knee. Have two pair - one black, one blue - and am about to order one or two more.

John Oscadal

Great fit, Low Key Styling

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 1"

Weight

190 lbs

Very impressed with these shorts after a few rides. Fit is a little slimmer than usual mtb shorts, which is good - stuff in your pockets doesn’t flop around and moving around the saddle is easy. I also dig the durable, stretchy material; I have no worries about these lasting many seasons. These also look like regular shorts so grabbing a beer in these after a ride won’t make you look like you just got off a race course. Fit is a little smaller but not too bad. I usually wear a 34 or 36 inch and the size Large fit is spot on. Adjustable waist straps are a bonus too.

Matthew M.

Do these shorts have a liner?

Justin D.

Slick Pockets

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Weight

200 lbs

I love the slight stretchy fabric, the quality of workmanship, the dusty olive color. But the pockets - neato. Zippered at the side. One for a telephone, one for my wallet. Stealthy. Not baggy cargo. Good for riding my fat bike and excellent for walking around town. I'd like to see more colors. Earth tones.

Bayard G.

Killer Shorts

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 10"

Weight

170 lbs

I've tried several different riding shorts and I finally found something that fits and has great quality. Great for trail riding without the bulky padded liner. Light weight perfect for the Tx heat.

Chris Sider

What is the waist size for a medium? I cannot find a graph that tells what the measurements are for the sizes.

Jody N.

New favorite shorts!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 10"

Weight

170 lbs

I give the Empires 4.5 stars as they are near perfect for my needs. Things I like (in order of importance): -Doesn’t include a crappy liner short that drives up cost and immediately ends up in a landfill. -The fit works for me. I have to size up to accommodate my large butt, but the legs remain tapered enough for my taste. They are not too tight in the hips which is a problem that I have with many other shorts. -Has gusseted crotch and legs. -Simple styling that can be worn anywhere and goes with nearly everything. -Construction quality is very good for an in-house brand. Seams are smooth, zippers are YKK, snaps and hook-and-loops are high quality. -Fabric is stretchy in all directions and durable but not too heavy. The shorts overall are a good all-season weight. -Backcountry aced the pockets! They are the right size, shape, quantity, and location. The shorts don’t have any unnecessary back pockets or hidden gym key or gel pockets. The side pockets are zippered while the hand pockets are not, just as I like them. They are also externally attached and have enough structure to comfortably ride with my iPhone in them, while also looking discrete (no baggy top-flap cargo pockets here). -Waist adjusters are streamlined and effective. No need for belt loops on these shorts. -Double snap fly instead of a fashionable button. Functional and durable. Areas for improvement: -The glued hems catch on my liners and have little stretch to them. Maybe try sewing them instead. -I despise hook-and-loop and the patch on the fly is annoying. It just catches on my liners and gloves. Why is it there? -The waist adjusters are also hook-and-loop. I’d prefer mini cams or a daisychain-and-hook system (ex. 7mesh and Patagonia). -Price is about $20 too high for an in-house brand. They are a good deal when on sale. -More color options! The peppercorn color of the Slickrock shorts is dope, and a medium grey or stone would be appreciated. -They could stand to lose an inch of length, but some folks like longer shorts, so maybe provide two length options. -The fabric is a good all-season weight, but it’s heavier than I like for mid-summer heat. If the same design was available in a lightweight fabric then I’d buy those, too.

powder addict

Solid, Not Unique

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 1"

Weight

170 lbs

These shorts are well constructed with durable material and nice features, they're not innovative or really unique but a solid short. Fit seemed spot on to me, and the adjustable waistband works well. I usually like belt loops just in case the fit is off a bit but they're not needed here. These feel a bit longer/baggier than the images suggest, they're not terrible but I prefer a slimmer short with shorter inseam. The material is a good weight to balance breathability and toughness and the zippered pocket is slightly small for my phone but it works. All in all these are on par with

Daniel

improved over previous design

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 0"

Weight

182 lbs

These are a bit snug in the waist based on size chart for size M and previous model. I think the waist snug is a big improvement over a previous backcountry brand MTB short. Fabric has a good feel and very durable. Good pockets, too.

Matt S.

Now my go-to shorts

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 10"

Weight

160 lbs

These have quickly become my go-to shorts for biking. The material has stood up to some crashes but is comfy with good stretch. The thigh pockets are perfect. They hold a phone or multi tool and you don't notice them bouncing around while riding. The open side pockets are nice while off the bike but otherwise I don't use them much while riding. Fit is great. Sometimes shorts tend to fit too tightly for me in size M or 30". These are great. Slightly baggy but not too much. They fall to my knees and I have about a 33" cycling inseam. Waist adjustment is nice. DWR is great. THE ONE THING these shorts could use is better ventilation for the summer months, on the flip side, they're great in the shoulder seasons and winter. Highly recommend these shorts overall.

Henry H.

Not bad

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 1"

Weight

185 lbs

First off, I absolutely love the placement of the zippered pockets on the thighs. I have used these to store my phone, wallet, keys and snacks during the ride and never noticed the pockets while pedaling. I would prefer the waist to have a bit more adjustment and for the two hand pockets to have zippers as well. I did size up for a bit of extra room through the hips, and as such, the shorts do tend to ride low - just can't get them snug enough for an entire ride.

Day Walker

Great MTB wear

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Height

5` 5"

Weight

110 lbs

Great set of shorts to replace my worn out Fox pair. The pockets are decent, and I like the velcro adjustments on the waist.

Meghan Bruington

Gave as a gift, and he loves them

Familiarity:

I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share

Fit:

True to size

I gave these as a gift to my brother, who rides 5-6 times a week. Here's what he had to say: Excellent shorts! They have a nice stretch, 2 regular pockets, and 2 zippered pockets. They also have a nice silicon band around the waist that helps keep your shorts up when you are flying high speed through brake bumps, roots, and rocks. The zipper pockets can fit a phone, but the regular pockets are angled and placed perfectly were your phone won’t fall out. In warm weather, they are well vented and don’t retain heat, so you feel cool. The fabric holds up well to trees and crashes too. For fit, I have a 32” waist and am 6'2" and the mediums fit perfectly.

Monika G