Patagonia Dirt Craft & Landfarer: Bike shorts & jersey from Patagonia for hot days

Patagonia has an extremely large product portfolio ranging from cool, casual streetwear to professional mountaineering equipment. There is less explicit cycling clothing, such as bibs, shorts and jerseys - much more items that can also be worn when running or hiking. However, we have tested three specific MTB products here:

• Dirt Craft Bike Shorts - the robust
• Landfarer Bike Shorts - the long, thin
• Long-Sleeved Dirt Craft Bike Jersey - the fluttering

As our nicknames suggest: The shorts are very different and the longsleeve jersey has its pros and cons.

Test Patagonia Dirt Craft bike shorts

The Patagonia Dirt Craft bike shorts come with a removable, padded inner short, but without straps. This is good for shorter tours and possibly a little more airy at the back compared to some bibs. The rather thick padding is a matter of taste, which can be perceived by some as "too much material on the perineum". However, the inner shorts are stable and hardly slip. The mesh inserts on the side are also very pleasant (cooling).

The Dirt Craft bike shorts themselves are also made of breathable, fairly stretchy material and make a very robust impression - after a few test rides, the saddle has yet to show any chafing or similar signs of wear. The Cycling trousers has several pockets, with the one on the side finally offering enough space for a modern phone, which then hardly gets in the way when pedalling - great! The waistband can be adjusted on both sides using a buckle system. Although this can really pinch and squeeze under the belt of a hip bag or rucksack, it is also quite stable and durable.

Because what is always important at Patagonia: the Sustainability conceptthe suitability for grandchildren. So it's good if the Dirt Craft bike shorts last as long as possible. But because grandchild-friendliness is more than just having a piece to pass on, the Patagonia trousers are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory and are made from recycled material.

Facts & Features Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts

• According to Patagonia, the main material of the bike shorts is made from 82% recycled polyester (according to OceanCycle certification from coastal areas threatened by plastic pollution) and 18% XLANCE with a durable DWR finish without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS) to keep out light moisture and dirt
• Removable padded inner shorts
• Adjustable waistband
• 2 front slit pockets and 2 thigh pockets with zips for easy access when seated in the saddle
• Longer, MTB-specific legs: 32 cm inseam and leg openings that extend over knee pads
• Fair Trade Certified
• Made in Vietnam
• Weight: 357 g
• Price: 200.00 Euro (RRP) >> e.g. available here at a reduced price

Conclusion on the Patgonia Dirt Craft bike shorts

Patagonia's Dirt Craft bike shorts are wonderfully light and airy bike shorts with practical pockets and a very comfortable fit when biking. Even in summer temperatures, the ensemble of shorts and inner shorts does not make a sweaty impression. However, the inner shorts are only suitable to a limited extent for long distances and a more sporty riding position.

Patagonia Landfarer bike shorts on test

The Landfarer bike shorts from Patagonia are significantly lighter in direct comparison and wear almost like swim shorts, which is a positive thing. They are breathable and extremely stretchy, which gives them a slightly creased look. The cycling shorts are made from 96% NetPlus recycled nylon (from recycled fishing nets to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans) and 4% elastane, with a durable water-repellent DWR finish without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS).

The Landfarer MTB shorts also have 2 side pockets, each with a zip and arranged just as practically as those on the Dirt Craft trousers top. A back pocket with a press stud is perhaps less useful on the bike because the contents can fall out when you're rumbling down the trail, but it looks good. The waistband is as elasticated as the rest of the trousers, so they don't fit quite as tightly and can slip. The legs of the Landfarer are a bit longer in comparison, so they can also cover knee pads.

Facts & Features Patagonia Landfarer Bike Shorts

• Robust, elasticated material mainly made from recycled nylon
• Elasticated waistband offers comfort under the belt of a hip bag or rucksack
• Two zip pockets and one slit pocket with press stud at the back
• Longer trouser legs with 33 cm inseam (covers the upper edge of knee pads and protects against undergrowth, sun etc.)
• Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory
• Made in Vietnam.
• Weight: 176 g
• Price: 100.00 Euro (RRP) >> at Bike Components available at a reduced price

Conclusion on the Landfarer bike shorts from Patagonia

The right bike shorts for hot days. XC racers will probably find the Patagonia Landfarer bike shorts too long (or only wear bibs), but for everyone else these bike shorts are a loose, lightweight and above all stretchy alternative. Every now and then you have to remind them not to slip, but the waistband doesn't pinch and sits unobtrusively under the hip belt of your rucksack and hip bag.

The Patagonia Long-Sleeved Dirt Craft Bike Jersey

The long-sleeved Patagonia Dirt Craft Jersey could hardly be more airy, although according to the manufacturer it should also offer a certain amount of protection. The Airshed fabric on the shoulders, outside of the sleeves and at the back of the hem is supposed to provide (some) protection in the event of a fall, but even more durability in areas subject to wear and tear. The highly elasticated and quick-drying "Capilene Cool Daily" fabric on the torso, inside of the sleeves and cuffs is extremely airy and thin.

And unfortunately it has another effect: sweat, but also sun cream, for example, immediately forms dark and large stains. And if you use the Cycling jersey If you wear it in hot temperatures, after a while the edges form where sweat has dried. Not very visually appealing and therefore a real minus point for this product.

Facts & Features Patagonia Long-Sleeved Dirt Craft Bike Jersey

• Main material made from 100% recycled polyester with impregnation for moisture wicking and odour control
• Contrast inserts (shoulder, yoke, outside of sleeves, back hem) made from 100 % recycled polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish without perfluorinated chemicals
• Very breathable main material on the inside of the sleeves and cuffs
• Protective fabric inserts on the shoulders and the outside of the sleeves
• Suitable for elbow pads
• Bike-specific cut with longer back and long sleeves
• Fair Trade Certified
• Made in Vietnam
• Weight: 142 g
• Price: 100,00 Euro (RRP) >> e.g. at Bike Components currently reduced

Conclusion on the Patagonia Long-Sleeved Dirt Craft Bike Jersey

The Patagonia Long-Sleeved Dirt Craft Bike Jersey is cut quite wide, so it is very airy and offers enough space for elbow pads. Those who want to be racier on the road will appreciate the fluttery bike jersey less. Those who sweat a lot - even less. Apart from the discreet grey look, the stains that appear in the fabric are a real disadvantage. We were unable to test how this looks with the available black colour version.