First Look: Patagonia MTB Apparel 4

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sspomer
3/11/2016 2:04 PM

The name Patagonia is synonymous with outdoor adventure. Yvon Chouinard took his love for climbing and mountaineering from a humble hand-made piton business in the late 1950's and turned it into the eco-focused outdoor sporting goods company that we all know as Patagonia today. As Patagonia has grown and mountain biking has become accepted, it's no surprise to see Patagonia wet their feet in the stream of two-wheeled adventure. If any thought comes to mind with the announcement of Patagonia MTB gear, it's "what took them so long?"

We received three garments from Patagonia aimed at the mountain biker; the Dirt Craft Short, Dirt Craft Jacket and Fore Runner Short-sleeve Zip Jersey. All garment fabrics are bluesign®-approved, which means they come from a sustainable production process.

Patagonia Dirt Craft Shorts

The Dirt Craft short from Patagonia was the highlight of the garment samples we received. The shorts are light, have ample stretch, fit well and live up the no-frills-all-function expectation we have for products from the brand. The shorts are built with a fabric that's 96% nylon with 4% spandex to give it the stretch necessary for trail riding. Even coated with DWR (durable water repellent) coating, the shorts are soft to the touch. Included with the shorts is a spandex liner with a chamois (well, that's what we generically call it). The liner has open mesh panels on the top of the thighs to help with cooling.

The shorts have belt loops which could be handy for the right rider, but also feature a range of waist adjustment thanks to a system of daisy chain webbing with a hook to fine tune the fit. Our size Large shorts were just right in the waist which was a bit of a surprise because often large size shorts can be a bit snug. There was even room to pull them in a web or two with the tuning system. The inseam length and articulated design in the knee worked well when wearing light-weight knee pads with the Dirt Crafts. The "Rattan" color we received is nice and clean, but the shorts are also available in black.

Dirt Craft Short specs

Comfortable and supportive liner in a polyester/spandex blend with breathable panels of nylon/spandex power mesh and a mountain-biking-specific 3-layer protective pad. Fabric is bluesign® approved
Outer short is a stretchy nylon/spandex plain weave with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and enough breathability to avoid overheating
Low-profile external hook-and-webbing adjustment at waist to fine-tune fit
Drop-in hand pockets and secure zipper pocket at left hip
Articulation at knee for comfort and movement; 11.5" inseam
Reflective logos at left hem at the side panel and back right hip
Fit of outer short offers versatility for hiking
Outer short: 4.5-oz 96% nylon/4% spandex stretch plain weave with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Liner: 5.2-oz 72% polyester/28% spandex stretch interlock knit with breathable 80% nylon/20% spandex power mesh panels. Fabric is bluesign® approved
348 g (12.3 oz)
Made in Vietnam.
Price: $149

Black color option.

Patagonia Fore Runner Short-Sleeve Zip Jersey

There's really not a lot to say about the Fore Runner jersey other than it has a nice price point, it's comfortable, and if you're not into wearing logos all over yourself, you'll be pleased. At $45, the short-sleeve version of the Fore Runner zip jersey features a nice, light fabric that provides sun protection of 15 UPF and is odor-resistant. The nylon fabric is actually comprised of 60% recycled content, so you can hit the trails with that nice piece of info in your head while the jersey is on your back. You won't be wearing energy bars or bottles on your back as there are no aft stash pockets. The Fore Runner comes in a variety of colors for both men and women.

Fore Runner S/S Jersey specs

Lightweight, breathable 100% recycled polyester fabric with 15-UPF sun protection and Polygiene® permanent odor control. Fabric is bluesign® approved
Minimal flat seams won’t chafe or restrict movement
Set-in sleeve construction for comfort and range of motion
Short self-fabric zip-neck collar wicks moisture and won’t bind
Deep 11" zipper with chin guard for comfort against skin
Locker loop
Reflective logo on left hem and center back at neck
2.8-oz 100% recycled polyester with moisture-wicking performance, 15-UPF sun protection and Polygiene® permanent odor control. Fabric is bluesign® approved
116 g (4.1 oz)
Made in Vietnam.
Price: $45

Patagonia Dirt Craft Jacket

Patagonia's Dirt Craft Jacket is also a no-frills cover with a subdued appearance. The shell is a nylon/spandex combo with ripstop. The coat breathes but will shed water thanks to the DWR coating. Two zip-up hand pockets in the standard-issue location join a stealthy zip pocket on the chest which is perfect for stashing your phone or wallet. The cuffs tighten up with the Velcro tabs and there's a single-pull waist adjuster to keep the elements out down low. Kelp Forest Green is shown here but the Dirt Craft Jacket is available in grey or blue with a version for the female shredder, too.

Dirt Craft Jacket specs

Lightweight and stretchy nylon/spandex ripstop breathes to regulate temperature and has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Fabric is bluesign® approved
Vision® zippers with cord pulls
Secure zippered chest pocket hidden under welt
Secure zippered hand pockets
Velcro® tabs for cuff adjustment
Single-pull hem adjustment
Drop tail for protection on bike
4.2-oz 95% nylon (60% recycled)/5% spandex stretch ripstop soft shell with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Fabric is bluesign® approved
297 g (10.5 oz)
Made in Vietnam.
Price: $129