A variety of outdoor clothing laid out on a gravel surface, including t-shirts in shades of blue, gray, and white, as well as shorts and lightweight pants in earthy tones like beige, green, and brown, with some items featuring zippers and logo designs.Photos: Travis Reill

Summer is upon us, and we still have quite a bit of warm weather ahead. So, shorts and T-shirts always, right? Well, not necessarily.

​Obviously, it is summer, and where I’m at in Bend, Oregon, temperatures are in the 90s. But this summer kit roundup also includes pants, long-sleeved shirts, and even a jacket. Don’t get it wrong; I absolutely have the correct season in mind.

A black lightweight jacket with a hood laid flat on a surface covered with small pebbles. The jacket features a full front zipper and has a logo on the upper left side.

Yes, even a jacket is needed in the summer months from time to time. Not only do I use something like the 7Mesh Northwoods Jacket on early-morning rides, but I’ve also used it quite a bit at the bike park. Up there, it is typically quite a bit cooler and always pretty breezy.

​And that is really what the Northwoods Jacket is for — it’s a windbreaker. 7Mesh designed the Northwoods to be a fairly simple jacket, with a main front zipper, elastic at the cuffs and hood, and a zippered pocket on the left that doubles as a stowing pocket. The jacket is 100% polyester and feels soft, without that crinkly experience we might associate with other windbreakers. Best of all, it packs down small and weighs only around 170g, making it an easy option to leave in a hip bag or frame storage in case bad weather rolls in.

A black outdoor bag with the brand name "7MESH" displayed on the side, resting on a bed of small, multicolored gravel stones. The bag features multiple straps for securing or carrying.
A man with a beard stands outdoors, wearing a black zip-up jacket with the hood up. He has on a green bike helmet and mirrored sunglasses, and is surrounded by a forest with blue sky and clouds in the background.

​If the jacket is too much, I usually reach for the Patagonia Trail Craft Vest. While it wasn’t officially a part of the roundup, having a solid vest is a must — layers are a good call even during summer.

​At nearly $200, the Northwoods Jacket isn’t cheap, but with 7Mesh’s warranty and repair options, a replacement or repair is available at little or no cost should any issues arise.

  • Price: $190
  • Sizes: XS-XXL
  • Buy from 7Mesh
A person wearing a gray and blue long-sleeve shirt and a green helmet stands outdoors, looking to the side. They have a beard and are in a natural setting with trees and a blue sky. Their hands are tucked into the pockets of their shirt.
A light gray short-sleeve t-shirt is placed on top of a darker long-sleeve shirt with blue accents, both resting on a bed of small, naturally colored stones.

Backcountry Drirelease jerseys

Don’t sleep on Backcountry.com; in addition to good deals on all sorts of mountain biking apparel, they also have a solid lineup under their own brand.

This summer I’ve been testing the Slickrock Drirelease shirts, long- and short-sleeved. And I am a fan. With a blend of polyester and lyocell, they feel much closer to Merino wool. In fact, if you’re not a fan of the typical polyester/nylon jersey (I’m typically not) but don’t want to fork out big bucks for Merino, these are great options.

To be fair, my preference is still Merino wool, especially on road trips or cold rides where I’m layering. But, as far as wicking moisture, drying quickly, and overall general performance, Backcountry’s Drirelease shirts did pretty well. Oh, and they have cool side pockets that are perfect for stashing snacks on climbs or easy rides with my kids.

A person stands outdoors wearing light brown pants and a dark long-sleeve shirt, with their hands resting at their sides. The background features rocky terrain and sparse greenery.
A close-up view of three pairs of shorts stacked on top of each other, showcasing different colors. Each pair features a distinctive strap and clasp design, with the brand name "FOX" visible on the clasps and tags. The background consists of small stones, creating an outdoor feel.

The new Fox Flexair kit

Inspired by its DH-racing Speedsuit, Fox introduced its latest Flexair lineup this spring. It’s inspired by, but certainly not the same one-piece design we’ve seen the likes of Jackson Goldstone and Asa Vermette racing at World Cups.

There are two specific things to point out about the new Fox Flexair kits. First, they are remarkably breathable, so much so that even the pants do okay in the summertime heat. Second, they are also quite snug.

A close-up view of two pairs of sports shorts lying on a bed of small, multicolored gravel. One pair is navy blue and the other is a light beige, showing smooth fabric with a modern cut and subtle design details.
A pair of outdoor shorts, one in navy with dirt stains and a side zipper pocket, and the other in tan with a sleek design and ventilation details. The shorts are laid out on a surface covered in small pebbles.

I tested both the Flexair pants and shorts — essentially identical except for the missing lower leg portion. Both feature the thinnest material among their pants and shorts, and have quite a few perforations for breathability. They also feature a tall rear waistband, a “race-rachet” adjustable belt, and zippered pockets.

While I’m not a huge fan of the snug fit, the Flexair shorts and pants are easily the most comfortable out of this lineup. The tall back keeps them up and in place regardless of your position on the bike. The material is incredibly stretchy and lightweight, and, if I haven’t said this enough, very breathable. I know quite a few riders who aren’t keen on shorts — the Flexair pants are an easy choice for them.

Two athletic jerseys laid flat on a textured surface made of small gravel stones. The jersey on the top is black, while the one below is light gray. Both jerseys feature the word "FOX" printed on the back in bold lettering. The fabric appears lightweight and breathable, suitable for sports or outdoor activities.
Two long-sleeve shirts are laid out on a gravel surface. The top shirt is navy blue, featuring a logo near the neckline. The bottom shirt is light gray, also with a logo in a similar position. The fabric appears smooth and lightweight, suitable for active wear.

For tops, Fox has a short- and long-sleeve Flexair jersey. Mine must have been mixed up a bit because I received two long-sleeve shirts rather than one of each. Regardless, the material is so breathable that I can wear them in the heat regardless of sleeves.

Now, typically, these polyester/elastane jerseys are exactly the type of shirt I don’t like. I feel like when they get sweaty, they stop wicking moisture and get clammy. And, they certainly don’t dry as fast as the Merino blends I tend to lean toward. But the breathability of the Flexair shirt has me changing my tune, likely because I just don’t get that sweaty in the first place.

A pair of gray outdoor shorts laid flat on a surface covered with small, smooth pebbles. The shorts feature two front pockets and a button closure at the waist.

Arc’teryx enters mountain biking

While Arc’teryx has long been associated with high-quality outdoor clothing, they’ve yet to make their way into the mountain bike space. That is, until the brand introduced the Rhoam Collection this year, a collection made up of shorts, weather-resistant pants, and a rain jacket. Since this is a summer roundup, I’ll discuss the shorts, but keep an eye out for my thoughts on the other two offerings in the future.

A close-up view of a person's side wearing light gray cargo pants with a zippered pocket, paired with a blue shirt. The person's hand is holding the shirt up slightly, revealing the waistband of the pants. The background features outdoor elements like rocks and vegetation, suggesting a natural setting.
A close-up shot of a person wearing light gray shorts and a blue shirt, standing on rocky terrain. The shorts have a relaxed fit and are knee-length, suitable for outdoor activities.

The Rhoam Shorts are somewhat similar to the 7Mesh Transition Shorts, featuring standard and zippered pockets, a longer length, and a snap closure with adjustable nylon belt and buckles. However, the Arc’teryx shorts are without a doubt thicker, and while I imagine that likely makes them more durable, it also makes them a touch warmer. Simply put, on the warmest days, these aren’t the shorts I’m reaching for.

However, on days when temps are a bit more moderate, they work well. Overall, they are a comfortable option, stay put, and don’t snag on my knees or anything strange like that while pedaling. I also like that they have numbered sizes rather than letter sizes, which makes them one of the better-fitting shorts in the roundup.

Close-up view of the interior of a green jacket featuring a mesh lining, adjustable straps, and a button closure, set against a background of small, varied stones.

But, they are also pretty spendy.

  • Price: $220
  • Sizes: 28-38 (waist)
  • Buy from: Arc’teryx
A blue short-sleeve shirt and brown shorts are laid out flat on a bed of small, multicolored gravel stones. The shirt is positioned on the left, with the neckline and shoulders visible, while the shorts are on the right, featuring a button and adjustable straps at the waist.

Shorts and short sleeves from 7Mesh

For warm days on the bike, 7Mesh offers the Transition Shorts and Desperado Merino T-shirt, which I like quite well. With a 13” inseam, the Transition Shorts are a bit on the longer side, especially for my 5’8” frame. While the length doesn’t bother me much, us shorter folks may be out of options if we don’t like our shorts past our knees — not too much of an issue for me considering I’m almost always wearing kneepads.

​The 7mesh Transition Shorts feature standard pockets on each side and zippered pockets at each hip, and I like the option of both. When I am getting ready and on my way to the trailhead, the standard pockets are great for holding my keys and wallet without fussing with zippers. When I’m actually riding, zippered pockets keep items like my phone secure.

A person is standing outdoors, wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt and brown pants. Their hand is resting on their hip, and they are holding a smartphone in their other hand. The background features a rocky terrain with blurred greenery.
A pair of brown outdoor shorts laid flat on a bed of small, light-colored stones. The shorts feature a zipper pocket, a belt loop, and a logo on the lower left side. The fabric appears lightweight and is suitable for outdoor activities.
A person is standing outdoors wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt and brown shorts, with leg sleeves that reach below the knee. The background features a rocky terrain with some greenery and wood logs.

​At the waist, the shorts feature a snap closure and nylon straps with buckles to adjust the waist size. 7Mesh also included belt loops. Overall, the Transition Shorts are a simple design, and the material (50% nylon, 37% polyester, 13% elastane) isn’t too thick or too thin. While they don’t have any perforations for breathability, I don’t feel overheated wearing them, nor do I find them significantly warmer than other shorts that do.

  • Price: $160
  • Sizes: XS-XXL
  • Buy from 7Mesh
A close-up image of a person's arm wearing a blue athletic shirt with a textured pattern, featuring a small stylized logo on the left sleeve. The background shows a natural outdoor setting with trees and a clear sky.
A man with a beard wearing a blue athletic shirt and a dark helmet stands outdoors, surrounded by tall green trees and a clear blue sky with a few clouds. The rugged landscape features scattered rocks and fallen logs.

I love Merino T-Shirts. In my experience, they wick moisture away from my body more quickly, dry quicker, and don’t stink like a polyester (or other material) jersey can. Merino doesn’t make you overheat in the summer and doesn’t turn cold when it gets sweaty, making it a great base layer in the winter.

With a 53/47% blend of polyester and Merino wool, the Desperado Merino T-shirt does all of those things exceptionally well. The shirt is simple, and the fabric is soft, making the Desperado an easy choice for long days in the saddle during the summer heat. And, it is a shirt I can take on a road trip and wear several rides in a row without it getting stinky.

  • Price: $100
  • Sizes: XS-XXL
  • Buy from 7Mesh