This Farside short from 7Mesh is a lightweight breathable trail short made with a thin four-way stretch fabric. It’s exceptionally cool and comfortable, and, unlike most of the best summer MTB shorts, this ‘Long’ version covers all of the thigh, so you don’t look dorky wearing knee pads.

The wafer-thin material has a DWR coating to repel water and uses a swishy, free-flowing fabric that never gets saturated and sweaty even on the hottest days. It also dries really quickly if splashes or a shower rain on your parade. All seams inside are very neatly sewn, with extra reinforcement stitching in the crotch area where the most rubbing and abrasion happens.

7Mesh Farside Long shorts

Farside fit is barely there and almost invisible, partly due to the bottom hem being taped (laminated) together, so there’s no excess bulk or weight on the knee, but also because 7Mesh has nailed the cut everywhere with a close-fitting shape that never flaps but also doesn’t cling or grab while you’re pedalling or moving around.

I can’t get along with shorts without pockets for keys and a phone (I’d rather not carry a pack if I can help it) and there are two classic hip pockets here as well as a zippered stash for your phone that puts the weight in a perfect place on the side to be unobtrusive when cranking.

Unlike many MTB shorts, 7Mesh’s waistband cinches tight enough on the shape of riders tending to have a small waist and bigger thighs/backside, and the thread though/fold over waist adjustment clasp (like some Specialized shorts) is lightweight and secure. There’s also a very soft-against-skin fluffy internal fabric.