Backcountry.com is one of the largest online retailers of outdoor sporting goods, selling everything from backcountry skis and rock climbing equipment to camping gear and casual apparel. Backcountry also sells a wide range of cycling products, including complete bikes, components, accessories, and a very large selection of apparel for gravel, road, and mountain bike riders. In the past couple of years, the online retail giant also began selling a small lineup of Backcountry-branded mountain bike apparel for both men and women.
Backcountry’s MTB apparel lineup now includes multiple pairs of shorts, pants, jerseys (DriRelease and button-up), liner bibs and shorts, a hip pack, and two styles of full-finger gloves. It’s a relatively extensive collection that covers nearly all the bases, and is competitively priced, too. A few months ago, I got my hands on several pieces of the men’s Backcountry MTB apparel to check out. I’ve ridden in all of them numerous times, and have some impressions to share.
- MSRP: $119
- Material: 88% recycled nylon, 12% spandex, PFC-free DWR treatment
- Inseam length: 13"
- Pockets: 2 open hand pockets, 2 zippered thigh pockets
- Measured weight: 259 g (size M)
- Available sizes: S-XXL
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Good looking
- Useful pockets on and off the bike
- Tough material
- Good cut and fabric for more aggressive riding
Cons
- Not the best ventilation
- More articulation in the waist wouldn't hurt
The Empire is Backcountry’s gravity-oriented short with a 13-inch inseam for extra leg coverage and a gap-free fit with knee pads. The 4-way stretch fabric is made from a blend of recycled 88% nylon and 12% spandex and is treated with a PFC-free DWR. At 259 grams in size medium, the material is in the midweight category, but it has a tough, durable feel.
The Empire shorts have two jeans-style hand pockets, along with two zippered back-loading pockets, one on each thigh, the perfect size for a smartphone. A zipper fly with dual snaps comprises the closure, with external velcro tabs on both sides of the waistband to optimize the fit. The back of the waistband has a silicone dot texture for grip on liner shorts/bibs, plus a hang loop. Ventilation is limited to numerous small perforations on the inner thighs.
Of the two pairs of Backcountry shorts I have, these are my favorite. They fit and feel similar to Fox’s Defend gravity shorts, with a longer inseam and a durable fabric. With a mid-weight material and limited ventilation, they aren’t my first choice for the hottest rides, but I’ve been wearing them quite frequently on enduro bikes and eMTBs — basically any ride with knee pads.
The medium fits my 32-inch waist well, they don’t slip down while riding, and they are easy to adjust if/when needed. The pocket layout is functional both on and off the bike, and I think they look pretty good with just a single Backcountry Goat logo by the left knee. I wouldn’t complain if they had a touch more articulation in the waist and some larger ventilation holes in the crotch, but at $119, the Empire Bike Short gets the job done for less than most gravity shorts.
- MSRP: $99
- Material: 85% recycled nylon, 15% spandex, PFC-free DWR treatment
- Inseam: 11"
- Pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets
- Measured weight: 204 g (size M)
- Available Sizes: S-XXL
Pros
- Affordable
- Good-looking
- Relatively well-ventilated
- Stretchy, comfortable material
Cons
- Pockets aren't great for a phone
- Shorter inseam may not be for everyone
The Slickrock 11in Bike Short is more of a trail-oriented option with an 11-inch inseam and a lighter, stretchier material. The 4-way stretch fabric is made from a blend of 85% recycled nylon and 15% spandex, treated with a PFC-free DWR, and is very stretchy. They have a “slim” fit with slightly narrower leg openings. The zipper fly is topped with a single snap, along with an integrated belt that offers some waistband adjustment. A silicone dot print on the back of the inner waistband helps keep them in place.
The Slickrock shorts have two zippered hand pockets. There are numerous large perforations for ventilation on the inner thighs, as well as just below the waistband on the back. In addition to the 11in version, Backcountry offers the men’s Slickrock shorts with a 9in inseam. The women’s Slickrock shorts are offered in 9in and 7in inseam lengths.
The Slickrock shorts are lightweight and very stretchy, and the 11-inch inseam shows quite a bit more thigh than the Empire shorts described above. They definitely have more of a trail riding feel compared to their gravity-oriented sibling. The light material is breathable and quick-drying, while the ventilation holes do a good job of keeping the air flowing on hot days or hard efforts. The waist is easy to adjust, and I haven’t had any issues with them riding up or down.
At the same time, they strike me almost as a crossover hiking/biking type of short. Minimal articulation in the waist and the pocket layout simply don’t feel bike-specific. But, they still perform pretty well on the bike, and I’ve also worn them hiking and to the gym. They aren’t really my style, but at $99, Backcountry’s Slickrock 11in Bike Short is relatively affordable if you don’t mind the hiking short look.
- MSRP: $49
- Material: Cotton-soft DriRelease yarns: recycled polyester and Tencel blend
- Fit: Regular
- Pockets: 2 side
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Colors: Fog, Oil Blue, Black, Kalamata/Turbulence, Sierra/Turbulence
Pros
- Comfortable and soft
- Dries very quickly
- Breathes well
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Open side pockets seem a little odd
The Slickrock DriRelease tech T is a lightweight short-sleeve bike jersey made from soft, moisture-wicking materials. The DriRelease yarns are made from blends of recycled polyester and TENCEL Lyocell and are made to create both the jersey knit front and shoulder fabric, as well as the jersey knit mesh on the back. Both materials are super-soft with a cotton-like feel, and strategically body-mapped for enhanced airflow and breathability.
The Tech T has a slightly dropped rear hem, along with a drop-in pocket on each side. Backcountry says the shoulder seams have been strategically placed forward on the shoulders to prevent chafing from pack straps. There is a Backcountry Goat logo on the right shoulder, and the mesh back has subtle Backcountry print along with a reflective stripe for visibility. It comes in sizes S to XXL, and five colorways.
I’m 6’0”, and I have the Slickrock Tech T in large, which fits me well. I’ll point out that I also have the long-sleeve version in large, and it fits noticeably longer than the short-sleeve. I’ve been wearing it quite a bit and have been very impressed by the softness and comfort of the DriRelease materials. It feels like a cotton T-shirt, yet it wicks moisture and dries faster than most of the other jerseys I have. It has been HOT around here this summer, and this shirt has been outperforming some of my jerseys that cost more than double. It works really well.
I don’t trust the drop-in side pockets, so I haven’t used them at all. Otherwise, the Slickrock Tech T looks pretty good and is very comfortable. At $49, I think it’s a killer value for any shirt made from a technical fabric, especially one that wicks and performs as well as DriRelease does.
- MSRP: $35
- Weight: 33 grams (size L)
- Type: Lightweight
- Knuckle Protection: No
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Full size nose wipe
- Great, comfortable fit
- Works great with touchscreen
Cons
- Minimal hand protection
- Light materials may be more prone to damage
Backcountry sells two full-finger mountain bike gloves, both of which are rebranded Giro models. The Slickrock glove is the Giro DND, a light-midweight option that has been around for years. The Slickrock Lite Glove is the Giro Rivet CS, a true lightweight full-finger glove that’s perfect for riding in warm to hot temperatures. It is made with a thin, ventilated Cool Skin microfiber palm with Giro’s Super Fit three-panel construction. The back of the hand is a super thin, Gradient polyester material that is both stretchy and moisture-wicking. They have a stretch cuff, wrist pull tab, and a soft nose wipe on the thumb.
As mentioned, it has been HOT around here, and the Slickrock Lite gloves have become my go-to. I own probably 20 pairs of mountain bike gloves, yet these are the pair I’ve been reaching for nearly every ride for the past couple of months. They are incredibly light, and the ventilated palm and back-of-hand materials breathe super well and dry quickly. They are so thin that it almost feels (and works with touchscreens) like I’m not wearing gloves, yet they keep a layer of material between my sweaty palms and grips.
The large fits me perfectly, just like every other Giro glove I’ve worn in the past couple of decades. They slip on easily with a stretch cuff and a snug fit. They’ve got good articulation, and the Super Fit palm construction prevents any material bunching. I also think the grey color I have looks great, with a fairly subtle Backcountry logo above the wrist. With such lightweight materials, they don’t offer any knuckle protection and certainly won’t last forever, but no mountain bike gloves ever do. I’m honestly surprised the Slickrock Lite have become my new favorite gloves, but here we are.
- MSRP: $99
- Materials: 68% nylon, 32% spandex, recycled, bluesign approved
- Inseam: 7.5"
- Pockets: None
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Colors: Black
Pros
- Comfortable
- Seat pad is surprisingly good
- Moderate compression
- Smooth non-stitched shoulder straps
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Main body material is a little heavier/warmer
- No cargo pockets
Backcountry’s liner bibs are a straightforward pair of padded liner shorts with bib straps to keep them comfortably in place. Unlike many MTB bib liners, these do not have any cargo pockets on the back or thighs to stash tools or snacks. The main body of the bibs is made from a nylon/spandex blend, with a dense mesh on the front of the thighs and mid back. The 1 ¾-inch-wide bib straps are elastic and seamless, and the silicone leg grippers are 1.5 inches wide. Inside, the chamois /seat pad is moderate in both thickness and density.
I can’t stand pressure on my waist while riding, so I’ve been riding in bibs and/or bib liners for as long as I can remember. I’m 6’0” and 165 lbs, and I got these in a size medium. In that size, they fit snugly and feel moderately compressive, with a bit of tension in the straps over the shoulders. Overall, the fit feels pretty precise, and everything, most importantly the seat pad, stays in place while riding.
The pad is well-shaped with a medium density that I’ve found to be comfortable and supportive while riding. The straps are smooth, and all of the materials feel good against the skin. I haven’t experienced any chafing or discomfort from seams or anything else. That said, the main body material is a little denser and less breathable than most liner bibs I wear, and I’ve found them to run warmer and soak with sweat on hot rides, comparatively. On cooler days, this isn’t an issue, and sometimes even a benefit.
While some might wish for pockets, I haven’t missed them — I almost always ride with a hydration vest these days. Although they are somewhat basic and run a bit warm, at $99, Backcountry’s Liner Bib Short is significantly less expensive than most of the other options out there. Assuming you don’t require pockets or ride on the hottest days, they seem like a pretty good value to me.
Availability
Backcountry’s branded MTB apparel is only available directly from Backcountry.com. In addition to the products described above, they’ve got a full women’s lineup, plus button-down long- and short-sleeve jerseys, mountain bike pants, and more. Head to the website to learn more or pick up some of their reasonably priced gear for summer and fall riding.
