Altura Esker Trail Shorts review

Altura’s Esker Trail Shorts form part of an affordable range of on-bike clothing that also includes jackets and trousers.

Priced at £65, the Esker Trail Shorts exude quality, are well tailored and show promise for lasting a long time.

Boasting two zippered front pockets, they also have an extended back panel with a soft lining.

Both men’s and women’s Esker Trail Shorts have a stretch panel over the hips to help them conform to your shape. The women’s version has a slip-on design, while the men’s shorts have a zippered fly, flap and popper closure.

They lend themselves well to other activities with their subtly tapered, long legs (13.5 inches inner seam), and excellent fit and styling.

Thanks to their minimal construction, they’re lightweight, the size small weighing 175g.

Altura Esker Women’s Trail Shorts performance

The surprising, perfect degree of stretch in the main material and even stretchier side panels means they fit like a dream, even in the absence of waist adjusters and a fly closure. It makes for a very comfortable, close fit.

It also meant they didn’t restrict movement or pedalling on the bike at all.

Despite the lack of a silicone gripper, they stayed put throughout the whole test period.

The lack of buttons, zips and poppers made the waistband really comfortable to wear a hip pack over.

They also size up and fit true to Altura’s claims.

The DWR coating was most welcome when riding through unavoidable puddles and in light rain. The material has softened, in a good way, since washing but the water beading effect is still going strong.

The mid-thigh-height front pockets let the shorts down; carrying something as bulky as a phone or multi-tool was distractingly uncomfortable, but there was enough space for cash or a bank card.

Riders who prefer to ride without a pack will be disappointed at the lack of on-board storage.

Altura Esker Women’s Trail Shorts bottom line

The Esker trail shorts are a high-quality, well tailored, hard-wearing pair of all-year-round women's mountain bike shorts.

The pocket location and size presents a serious downside, especially if you like to keep your phone or other items on you.

For the relatively low price, though, you get an equally – if not more – comfortable and versatile piece of kit than some more expensive alternatives, and the styling is perfect for on and off the bike.