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The 10 Best Padded Mountain Bike Shorts & Chamois of 2023

By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | July 11, 2023
 

When it comes to mountain biking, comfort is key, and wearing the right pair of padded shorts or chamois can make all the difference. These vital gear pieces are designed to cushion and reduce friction on your ride, ensuring maximum comfort and performance. As you search for the best padded mtb shorts, consider factors such as padding thickness, material, and fit. Whether you're a seasoned trail conqueror or a mountain biking novice, understanding these crucial elements will guide you toward an optimal choice tailored to your specific needs and style.

New This Year:

In 2023, padded mountain bike shorts and chamois trends reflect the industry's focus on comfort, fit, and gender-specific designs. Many have been honing their balance of a comfortable fit, stylish look, and practical off-trail design. In addition, gender-specific options are also gaining traction, with brands offering models specifically designed to provide optimal comfort and fit for women.

BN3TH North Shore Chamois

BN3TH North Shore Chamois

It's fitting that the BN3TH North Shore Chamois are named for the gnarliest trails in history, outside of Vancouver, BC. High humidity and uncomfortable friction events can have horrific consequences, both on your bike and in your shorts. BN3TH aims to protect your future with these, putting a whole lot of thought into a padded liner short. Breathable, protective, stinkfighting, and featuring MyPakage pouch technology, these deserve a ride with you.

MaterialOriginal Price
82% Polyester / 11% Spandex / 7% Ionic+ Polyester$85.00

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Fox Tecbase Liner Shorts

Fox Tecbase Liner Shorts

With dual-density EVO chamois padding built in and a lightweight, 4-way stretch mesh construction, the Fox Tecbase Liner Shorts ensure all-day comfort on your bike. Experience the breathability, flatlock seam comforts, and anti-ride-up difference of having silicone thigh grippers with the Fox Tecbase Liner Shorts.

MaterialOriginal Price
80% Polyamide Nylon / 20% Elastane$79.95

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Patagonia Nether Liner Shorts

Patagonia Nether Liner Shorts

The Patagonia Nether Liner Shorts provide comfy, minimalist protection with a chamois pad, odor resistant fabric, and a thigh pocket for snacks. Whether you're crushing the daily commute or heading out on an extended bikepacking adventure, these liner shorts are ideal for any two-wheeled adventure.

MaterialOriginal Price
6-Oz 74% Recycled Nylon / 26% Spandex Power-Stretch Knit with Mi Dori™ Bio Soft for Added Wicking and Softness, and HeiQ® Pure Odor Control$69.00

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Fox Tecbase Lite Liner Shorts - Women's

Fox Tecbase Lite Liner Shorts - Women's

The Fox Tecbase Lite Liner Shorts are a women's mountain biking liner short that provides comfort and support with a lightweight, four-way stretch fabric and an integrated dual-density chamois pad.

MaterialOriginal Price
66% Polyester / 17% Polyamide Nylon / 17% Elastane$54.95

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Patagonia Nether Liner Shorts - Women's

Patagonia Nether Liner Shorts - Women's

The Patagonia Nether Liner Shorts provide comfy, minimalist protection with a chamois pad, odor resistant fabric, and a thigh pocket for snacks. Whether you're crushing the daily commute or heading out on an extended bikepacking adventure, these liner shorts are ideal for any two-wheeled adventure.

MaterialOriginal Price
6-Oz 74% Recycled Nylon / 26% Spandex Power-Stretch Knit with Mi Dori™ Bio Soft for Added Wicking and Softness, and HeiQ® Pure Odor Control$69.00

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DHaRCO Party Pants Liner Shorts

DHaRCO Party Pants Liner Shorts

Put on your party pants and mash pedals. The DHaRCO Party Pants Liner Shorts are comfy, festive, and designed to be worn under your outer shorts. They come with a lightly padded chamois for low bulk and high comfort, whether you're setting out on a long cross country mission or a quick lap before work.

MaterialOriginal Price
Breathable Quick Dry Fabric$70.00

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Club Ride Woodchuck Chamois

Club Ride Woodchuck Chamois

The Club Ride Woodchuck Chamois was designed for longer dies with 8mm padding and a soft, quick-drying fabric you'll hardly notice.

MaterialOriginal Price
54% Nylon/34% Poly/12% Spandex$59.95

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Club Ride Drift Chamois - Women's

Club Ride Drift Chamois - Women's

The Club Ride Drift Chamois handles mid to short rides with ease. Its breathable, four-way stretch fabric and padding is light, soft and hardly noticeable under your shorts.

MaterialOriginal Price
155 g/m² 44% Nylon / 44% Poly / 12% Spandex$49.95

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Patagonia Dirt Roamer Liner Shorts - Women's

Patagonia Dirt Roamer Liner Shorts - Women's

Off road all day: the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Liner Shorts were made for MTB, featuring a 3-layer chamois, power mesh panels, and compatibility with all of Patagonia's mountain bike overshorts. Get after it in the dirt, comfortably!

MaterialOriginal Price
  • Body – 5.2-oz 79% Recycled Nylon / 21% Spandex Stretch Interlock Knit
  • Panels – 5-oz 77% Recycled Nylon / 23% Spandex Mesh
$99.00

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Fox Baseframe Shorts

Fox Baseframe Shorts

Crash like a pro with the Fox Baseframe Shorts. With a low profile design and built-in dual-density COMP chamois padding, these discrete liners empower you to ride on the edge with unhindered confidence.

MaterialOriginal Price
79% Polyamide Nylon / 21% Elastane$119.95

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The Selection Process:

Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.

Colin Edwards

Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.

Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.

When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.

With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.