Patagonia Dirt Roamer Review

Just a few short years ago we were testing the original Dirt Roamer shorts which were some of the first mountain bike-specific shorts Patagonia had made in some time. Since then, their mtb apparel has grown in popularity, and their line has grown in response. A mainstay in their lineup, the lightweight and minimalist Dirt Roamer shorts have recently been updated. While they don't look remarkably different, Patagonia made several notable changes that we feel have made these shorts even better than the originals (which we also loved).

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Dirt Roamer shorts are one of the most comfortable shorts in our test. An excellent fit, soft fabric, and minimalist design means they basically disappear while you are wearing them. The recent updates have changed these shorts slightly, but they still maintain the high level of comfort of the originals.

Their comfort starts with the excellent tailored and contoured performance-oriented fit that feels right. Unlike other shorts that only come in a few sizes, the Dirt Roamer come in 9 different waist sizes between 28 and 40, so you can get a pair that fits you properly without having to compensate much with waist adjustments. We found them to fit true to size, but should you need to adjust them, the new external waist adjustment straps are so low profile that you hardly even notice they are there. They come in a lightweight 4-way stretch fabric that has a slightly rougher hand feel than the previous version, but it is still quite soft and feels good against the skin. They have no ventilation, but the fabric is so breathable that you honestly don't need any, plus it's treated with a DWR and is incredibly quick drying. Lastly, the taped/welded seams are flat and smooth and cause no unwanted chafing no matter how long you ride.

Fit and Pedal Friendliness

The fit of the Dirt Roamer shorts is one of our favorite things about them. Our size 33 test pair fits true to size, and the revised adjustable waist system offers a couple of inches of secure and super low-profile adjustment should you need to cinch them down. The waistband is contoured and articulated for comfort while in the seated position and the fit is slim and performance-oriented. Patagonia added a little length to the new version with a 12.5-inch inseam, and the legs feel a touch roomier too. The previous version was a little too slim-fitting for some people with larger thighs and buttocks, but the updated fit should work a little better for a wider range of leg sizes. When standing, the shorts fall right around the middle of the knee, and they play well with light to mid-duty knee pads.

The fit along with the material and construction of the Dirt Roamer makes them one of the most pedal-friendly shorts in our test. These shorts are incredibly lightweight, and it barely feels like you're wearing anything at all. The 4-way stretch material is soft and doesn't create any resistance while pedaling, and the welded seams are smooth and flat and don't chafe or irritate you in any way. The hem of the shorts is also cut at an angle, lower in the front and higher in the back, to enhance their comfort when pedaling by eliminating any contact with the back of the knee. When pedaling, the hem of the shorts rises just above the knee in the front, so they don't hang up or grab on the top of your knee during the pedal stroke.

Features

The Dirt Roamer shorts are relatively minimalist in their design and therefore have limited features, although the features they do have are functional and useful. The closure and waist adjustment system has been updated, and we feel it is an improvement over the previous version. The shorts have a standard zippered fly which is secured at the top with two small metal snaps. Patagonia has done away with the one-sided Opposet adjustment system, and now there are two thin and super low-profile webbing straps, one on each side, that provide about 3/4 of an inch of adjustability on each side. These adjusters are very well designed, and they work great and stay put while riding.

There are now two pockets on the Dirt Roamer shorts, and they are top loading zippered pockets on the outside of each thigh. The pockets are ample size to fit a smartphone or some snacks, and the carrying capacity is much greater than the single pocket on the previous version. The pockets are welded to the inside of the leg, and we found that the contents stayed put and didn't flop around while pedaling. Patagonia also added pass-through flaps at the top of the pockets on the inside, so you can access the cargo pockets on a pair of liner shorts through the pockets as well.

The construction of the Dirt Roamer short's lightweight, breathable, 4-way stretch material is done almost entirely with sonic welded seams. This makes for an exceptionally refined look and flat seams throughout the shorts that do not chafe or irritate the skin in any way. Combine the welded seams with the contoured waistband, articulated cut, and angled hem at the knee and these are some of the most comfortable shorts in the test.

Durability

We've ridden hundreds of miles in the Dirt Roamer shorts, and they show no signs of premature wear. While it is very lightweight, the material used in their construction has a slightly tougher hand feel than the original, and we feel it should be more resistant to damage from trailside bushes and the occasional light crash. There are no rips, loose threads, or seam tape coming loose. This is impressive considering that even high-stress seams like the seat and the crotch gusset are held together with only their sonic welds.

Style

In typical Patagonia fashion, the Dirt Roamer shorts have a subtle and timeless style that looks as good off the bike as it does while you're riding. You'd be hard-pressed to identify them as mountain biking shorts if you didn't already know they were. The only thing that might give them away is the sonically welded seams throughout their construction. Otherwise, they have a casual style with a solid color scheme, two zippered thigh pockets, and a small logo on the side of the left knee. With a tailored slim fit and an inseam that hangs right to the middle of the kneecap when standing, these shorts look right at home running errands around town or stopping for an apres ride beverage at the local brewery. They come in three solid color options including the Moray Khaki we tested.

On the bike, the Dirt Roamer shorts have the same understated styling; these shorts are not flashy in any way. Instead, their classic look and slim fit is casual, minimalist, and extremely functional. Style is subjective, of course, but the muted tones, solid colors, and slimmer fit of these shorts are something that our testers appreciate. If you're into something flashy, we'd suggest looking elsewhere.

Protection

The Dirt Roamer shorts score a little lower than the competition for the level of protection they offer. Other competitors with longer inseams and thicker materials are probably a better bet if you're doing shuttle runs or riding lifts. That's not really what the Dirt Roamer shorts are made for, however, and this shows in their lightweight and minimalist design.

These shorts are light, comfortable, and very pedal-friendly for long days in the saddle. They have a 12.5-inch inseam that rises just above the knee when pedaling and provides a decent amount of leg coverage and UV protection. The fit is certainly performance-oriented, but the leg openings and length play well with lower-profile knee pads.

Value

Patagonia is often referred to as "Pata-Gucci" for their notoriously high-end products and prices. Because the Dirt Roamer is a lightweight and technical pair of mountain bike shorts with welded seams made with recycled materials and Fair Trade Certified sewing, we feel they are a solid value. Of course, these shorts will be the best value to the rider who is seeking a pedal-friendly, minimalist short for big days on the bike.

Conclusion

If you're a minimalist and comfort is at the top of your list when searching for a pair of mountain bike shorts then look no further than the Dirt Roamer. The combination of a great fit, lightweight 4-way stretch material, and no-frills design makes these shorts not just comfortable, but extremely functional as well. Gravity riders should probably look elsewhere, but riders who appreciate a contoured slim fit and high level of pedal friendliness should definitely consider the Dirt Roamer.