Pearl Izumi’s Elite Barrier two-layer fabric is lightweight and has a really soft feel. This is a mixed blessing – the shorts are quiet, light and comfortable, but don’t feel like they’ll shrug off attacks from branches or falls.
That said, we didn’t manage to damage them, and the seat benefits from reinforcement with a more substantial material. There’s no waist fastener – the WxBs pull up and stay in place thanks to an elasticated waistband. It’s quite narrow but reasonably comfortable.
A drawcord and toggle lock help tune the fit, and leg adjusters do the same at the other end. The shorts sit just above the knee, providing ample coverage without any distracting interference.
There’s a pair of zippered vents on the thighs. We didn’t need to use them, but if you’re out in particularly warm weather they may prove valuable. There’s also a single zipped pocket across the back – it’s quite small and definitely in the keys/loose change category.