These Outerwear Brands are Dominating the Mountain Bike Scene

Featured Image: Courtesy of Trestle Bike Park

You can certainly stick with your jorts and cut-off button-up western shirt, but there are some brands out there that you already trust to keep you warm and dry in the backcountry, now dropping into the singletrack scene with mountain biking kits that are just as dialed.

From alpine-hardened shell tech to trail-tuned shorts and breathable jerseys, this apparel really does make a massive difference in comfort and performance, despite the initial sticker shock perhaps, and here are a few of our go-to pieces from the ski world’s finest, reimagined for dirt.

PATAGONIA

Patagonia has been moonlighting as a legitimate player in mountain biking since 2018, but doubled down in 2019 with an all-new MTB rollout. Like their other collections, every piece is Fair Trade Certified, in a line of gear for riders who care about performance with ethos and a guarantee of the highest quality, design, and environmental stewardship available at this level.

*FREESKIER Favorite: Merino Blend 3/4-Sleeved Bike Jersey*

FLYLOW

Colorado’s own Flylow made the leap from pow to pedals in 2016, and their MTB lineup has been a cult classic since their full trail launch in 2020. They nail the “casual technical” look, meaning it’s highly functional, purpose-built, but doesn’t scream race-day or spandex.

*FREESKIER Favorite: Squad 2-in-1 Short*

RAB

Rab might’ve shown up late to the bike party in 2023, but they knew a good thing when they saw it and didn’t come empty handed. With the Cinder collection, they fused British grit and alpine credibility into a mountain bike apparel line that immediately turned heads and won awards. It’s purpose-built for big miles, foul weather, and fast escapes off the grid. A latecomer to the cycling game but a legend in high alpine design, Rab smashed it with the Cinder collection—blending British mountain-wear heritage with adventure-ready tech.

*FREESKIER Favorite: W’s Cinder Kinetic Jacket*

NORRØNA

Born in the rugged Norwegian highlands, Norrøna has been crafting precision outerwear since 1929. Their fjørå MTB line, launched in 2010, translates that European flavored mountain mastery into premium trail gear. Norrona is akin to the “Patagonia of Europe” in many ways, environmentally forward with undisputable quality built in. These pieces are built for riders drawn to clean design, serious protection, and enduring quality. The Norwegian legend brings fjørå MTB gear with Scandinavian precision, layering alpine-grade tech into trail lines.

For summer, check out the fjørå Flex1 Shorts, reinforced and stretchy enough for rock gardens. The fjørå Equaliser Long-Sleeve combines a merino blend with odor resistance and a freeride fit. The fjørå Gore-Tex Pro Jacket offers some of the best protection on the market – ideal for late summer storms and fall bike missions. Finish with fjørå Infinium Gloves, which use Gore-Tex wind protection and touchscreen tips to the best protection and mobility you’ll find in a mountain bike glove.

*FREESKIER Favorite: fjøra Infinium Gloves*

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

Known for classic high-alpine excellence with solid crossover style from winter to summer, Mountain Hardwear brought that summit know-how to the saddle with a dedicated MTB collection in 2022. The current result? Technical trail apparel made for riders who go long, shred hard, and don’t stop when the weather goes south. Hardwear brings expedition-grade tech from the high-altitude playbook. Known for gear that performs on serious peaks, they’ve translated that summit-tested durability into bike-specific designs for riders who push into big terrain and variable conditions.

The Traxion Trail Short features a handy zip pocket and stretch fabric tailored for the riding position. For storm protection, the Threshold Jacket weighs just 360g but delivers full waterproof coverage. The Sunblocker Short Sleeve brings UPF 50 sun protection with moisture-wicking properties and a clean, understated look.