Trail Tested from Desert Dust to Sierra Mud: KETL Skidmark MTB Shorts Review

When we set out the develop the KETL Skidmark MTB shorts, we wanted to make sure we tested them in desert heat, alpine trails, mud & bike parks, and make sure the shorts withstand the test of time. Here is our long-term KETL Skidmark review, covering fit, breathability, durability & more.

As mountain bikers who ride year-round in all kinds of terrain, we at Worldwide Cyclery faced a common problem: finding a single pair of shorts that can truly do it all is a tall order. That challenge drove us to create the KETL Mountain Apparel Skidmark MTB Shorts, a feature-packed pair of bike shorts purpose-built for everything from dusty Nevada desert singletrack to rowdy bike park laps and high alpine adventures.

To make sure our ambitious design lived up to its mission, I've spent the last 18 months practically living in the Skidmark shorts. From scorching summer rides in the high desert to mud-splattered days in the Sierra mountains, and even countless laps at the local bike park, these shorts have seen it all. The Skidmarks were built to mean serious business on the trail, promising a mountain bike-specific cut, a tough yet stretchy fabric, and all the trail-ready features we could pack in.

The Verdict

KETL’s Skidmark MTB Shorts are a versatile, comfortable, and bombproof pair of mountain bike shorts that shine in almost any riding scenario. After this extensive trial period, I'm proud of how well they balance technical performance with everyday comfort. We aimed for a progressive cut tailored for biking. The Skidmarks aren’t too baggy (so they won’t flap or snag) nor too tight to restrict the rider, and the 12-inch inseam provides perfect knee pad coverage. We chose a 4-way stretch nylon blend that manages to be both lightweight and tough, offering breathable comfort in summer heat while fending off abrasion from crashes and bushwhacks.

KETL Skidmark’s shorts are built by riders for riders: a high rear waistband that stays put, well-placed zippered pockets for secure storage, and even cheeky laser cut vents under the waistband for extra airflow (our not-so-patented “Arse Steam Release” vents). All those details add up on the trail, and you really feel the difference.

Are these the perfect shorts for absolutely every situation? Not quite. Ultralight XC racers might find them a bit overbuilt, and truly frigid winter rides will still call for thicker layers or full-length pants. But for about 90% of rides from spring through fall, and from all-day trail pedals to lift-served park laps, the Skidmarks are pretty darn close to perfect. I have a hard time wanting to wear or try other pairs of shorts.

Nitty Gritty

Intended Use: All-around MTB short for trail riding, enduro, bike park, downhill, and all mountain adventures. (In other words, it's built to handle everything from all-day pedals to lift-served laps.)

Material: 96% Nylon, 4% Spandex – a tough woven fabric with 4-way stretch.

Fabric Weight: 156 gsm (a midweight fabric that balances durability and breathability).

Garment Weight: ~232 g (Size M) – impressively lightweight considering the features and robust feel.

Inseam Length: 12 inches, cut to comfortably cover knee pads while riding (the front hem is slightly dropped to prevent any pad gap).

Fit: "Progressive" tailored cut (not baggy, not skin tight). Raised rear waistband for full coverage, plus a built-in internal belt (G hook + snap closure) to dial in fit. The elastic, grippy inner waist keeps the shorts from slipping or twisting. Available in sizes S through 3XL.

Pockets: Six pockets total. Two mesh-lined front hand pockets; two low-profile zippered thigh pockets on the sides; two zippered back pockets. Pocket placement is designed to avoid catching on the saddle or causing contents to bounce during rides.

Vents: Laser-cut micro ventilation holes along the upper rear (our "Arse Steam Release" vents) let heat and moisture escape. Mesh front pocket linings also double as vents when the pockets are left open.

Finish: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment for water and stain resistance. The quick-dry fabric sheds sweat and light rain easily.

Colors: Black, Grey, or Brown 

MSRP: $94.95 USD.

Warranty: Lifetime repair/replacement guarantee. If these shorts ever fail, KETL will fix or replace them. (We also offer free U.S. shipping and returns in case you need to swap sizes.)

Design & Features

At first glance, the Skidmark MTB Shorts have a clean, no-nonsense look, but don't let the simplicity fool you. Every detail was purpose-built for mountain biking. We tailored the cut specifically to avoid any saddle snags: the legs taper just enough, and the crotch is gusseted for total freedom of movement. In all our test rides, I’ve never once caught these shorts on a saddle, even when sliding way off the back on steep descents or throwing down at the bike park. We also raised and contoured the rear waistband; when you’re in an aggressive riding stance, you're fully covered back there, so no more exposed lower back or mud streaks on your lower back.

One of the marquee features of the Skidmarks is the fabric itself. We knew the material had to hit a sweet spot, and the nylon/spandex blend we chose, we feel like it does just that. It's soft to the touch with a bit of stretch, but clearly built to take a beating. This durable woven fabric isn’t plasticky or crinkly, so you won’t get that loud "swoosh swoosh" noise as you pedal. At the same time, it's light and breathable enough for hot summer rides, yet substantial enough that you’re not constantly worrying about every thorn bush or potential crash. In testing, our shorts survived several encounters with thorny scrubs and even scraping along granite with no punctures to show for it. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish does its job too: muddy splashes and red clay dirt have been easy to wash off, and light rain simply beads up and rolls off the fabric. (Sure, in a prolonged downpour, they'll eventually soak through, but they dry surprisingly fast once the sun comes back out.)

Ventilation was another area we didn’t overlook. One of our favorite little design touches is what we affectionately call the “Arse Steam Release” tech. It's essentially a row of tiny laser-cut vents just below the back waistband. Goofy name aside, it's a seriously useful feature: as you heat up on climbs, these micro vents let hot air escape and help prevent that gross lower back swampiness you can get under a pack. I’ll admit I wasn’t sure a few small holes would make a difference, but after long climbs in these shorts, I’ve noticed my lower back stays noticeably drier compared to shorts with no venting. It’s a subtle detail you might not even spot at first, but it definitely adds comfort on those grinds.

We also put a lot of thought into the waist and closure system. Instead of the typical velcro side cinches that many shorts use, we integrated a full-length internal belt right into the waistband. It fastens with a sturdy G hook and snap button at the front. This setup is easy to adjust on the fly, and once you set it to your liking, it stays locked in place. I've never had to readjust mid-ride, even when my pockets are loaded with snacks and tools. On the inside of the waistband, we added a silicone grip strip that gently grabs onto your base layer or skin to keep the shorts from sliding down as you move. Paired with the slight stretch of our fabric, the result is shorts that move with you and stay put without requiring an overly tight external belt.

Fit & Comfort

If there’s one thing that can make or break a bike short, it’s the fit. We spent a lot of time dialing in a Goldilocks fit on the Skidmarks. For reference, I'm about 5'10" with an athletic build, and the size Medium fits true to size with a little room to spare (helpful when I inhale a big post-ride burrito). Thanks to the elasticized waistband and the adjustable G hook belt, fine-tuning the snugness is easy. Once fastened, the shorts neither pinch nor gap; they just comfortably hug my waist. I've logged some long 5-6 hour rides with a fully loaded hip pack, and I never felt the shorts migrating or the waist digging in. The wide waistband and silicone grip backing distribute pressure evenly, so it just stays put.

Through the thighs and hips, the cut is relaxed but not billowy. There's enough room for padded liner shorts underneath without any restriction. Riders with bigger quads should still find the stretch fabric accommodating, though if you're accustomed to ultra loose gravity shorts, the Skidmark’s more tailored leg might take a tiny adjustment. Personally, I love the slight taper: it cuts down on flapping in the wind on fast descents (leading to a quieter ride) and ensures the legs don’t catch on the saddle or snag on bushes. Despite the trim fit, I never feel the shorts bind or pull, even when I’m muscling up a technical climb or sending a jump line. The gusseted crotch and true 4-way stretch give me full freedom of movement for pedaling, pumping, and those occasional hike-a-bike sections.

Crucially, the length is spot on. With a 12-inch inseam, the hem covers the top of my knee pads perfectly when I'm standing. Even in a deep crouch or railing through berms, the shorts mostly stay draped over the pads. We purposely gave the front hem a slightly lower cut to eliminate that dreaded gap between shorts and knee pads. It worked while wearing the Skidmarks. I basically forgot about any pad gap issues, which is exactly how it should be.

Pockets & Trail Features

As riders ourselves, we know how particular mountain bikers can be about pockets, so we made sure to nail the storage on these shorts. The Skidmark MTB Shorts come loaded with six pockets in total, and the layout is one of the best I’ve used on any bike shorts. We had countless hours methodically laying out each pocket and testing. Up front, you get two traditional hand pockets, which are mesh-lined for breathability. They're great for casually stashing items at the trailhead or around town.. These front pockets are also plenty deep, easily holding a phone or gloves securely when you're off the bike.

For anything you want to keep secure during a ride, there are four zippered pockets thoughtfully positioned on the shorts. On each thigh, we've placed a low-profile zip pocket a bit lower and more forward than where your hands naturally rest. I’ve found these side pockets perfect for a smartphone, multitool, or an energy bar. They sit flat against the leg, and thanks to their smart placement, the contents stay out of the way while pedaling and don’t flop around at all. These pockets are also meshlined, so they also double as massive side vents when left open on those sun-beating climbs. 

Around back, there are two more zippered pockets (one on each side). These rear pockets are pretty spacious. I’ve tucked a folded map and even a spare snack in them. Crucially, we designed them without any bulky flaps or exposed seams on the outside that might catch on your saddle. Even if these pockets are full, they stay sleek against the shorts, so your hips won’t snag the seat when you shift your weight back on steep descents. I’ll admit I don’t use the rear pockets as often during a ride (since anything behind you is hard to reach on the move, especially with a pack on), but it’s awesome to have the extra storage for less-needed items or for when you're just wearing the shorts off the bike. 

Performance on the Trail (All Conditions Test)

Over the past year and a half, we’ve thrown just about every type of riding at the Skidmark shorts, and they’ve handled it all with aplomb. Here’s how they fared in a couple of very different scenarios:

Bike Park & Downhill Runs: I put the Skidmarks through multiple bike park days to gauge how they’d hold up under extreme use. The result? The durability is phenomenal: I had a couple of minor spills on hardpack and rock, and the shorts emerged with barely a scuff. In one slide out on a berm, I fully expected to see a tear in the thigh, but after brushing off the dust, the fabric didn’t pill. The dust and dirt were the only signs I crashed instead of torn shorts. The tough nylon weave really seems to disperse abrasions, which gave me extra confidence to push hard. Beyond toughness, the fit and features shone in the gravity environment, too. The secure waistband meant I never had to tug up my shorts after a run, no annoying sagging, even with the constant motion of jumps and drops. And the knee pad coverage never faltered; my pads stayed nicely covered by the shorts, and the hems never caught on the pads or the saddle. That high rear waist we designed proved its worth on steep downhill sections: no matter how far off the back of the bike I leaned, the shorts stayed up and kept me covered. Little things, like the absence of flappy material, became really appreciable when ripping at high speeds; nothing was buzzing or distracting me. By the end of a full day of laps, I had zero irritation points: no rubbing at the waist, no weird pressure from pocket contents, nothing. 

Long Trail Days: I wore the Skidmarks on several big all-mountain rides, 20+ mile days with big climbs, some hike-a-bike sections, and lots of hours in the saddle. These kinds of outings will reveal any weakness in your gear. From the morning start to the exhausted roll back to the car at dusk, the shorts remained comfortable. The lack of seams in critical areas meant I never developed any hot spots, even after hours of pedaling. When scrambling up steep sections off the bike, the shorts flexed and moved with me like a good pair of hiking pants. I never felt the crotch bind when stepping up high, thanks to that gusseted design and the fabric's stretch. I also came to appreciate the shorts’ versatile styling on these adventures; one long ride ended at a trailhead brewery, and I didn’t feel out of place at all, grabbing a post-ride burger in these. The Skidmarks don’t scream “bike gear” or sport garish logos, so you can easily walk around town in them without turning heads. The clean, neutral look basically passes for casual outdoor apparel, which is a nice bonus for rides that end with some relaxation.

Durability & Long-Term Wear

After about 18 months of regular use, my Skidmark shorts are still in fantastic shape, a testament to how durable they are. I estimate I’ve put them through hundreds of miles of riding and dozens of washes, and structurally, they're holding up just as well as day one. No split seams, no blown zippers, not a single hole or tear anywhere. The fabric has a couple of faint snag marks (probably souvenirs from thorny bushes), but you’d have to really hunt to notice them. Every stitch in the high-stress areas (like the crotch gusset and pocket corners) is still intact, which is impressive considering how much flex and movement those spots see. Even the hardware is rock solid: the front snap still clicks firmly, and the main fly zipper hasn’t lost a tooth or its smooth glide.

The DWR finish will eventually diminish after a lot of washing, that’s normal for any technical fabric, but a quick refresh with a spray brought the water-shedding ability right back. Importantly, the fabric’s stretch and shape have not bagged out or sagged.

I even unintentionally put the shorts through a crash test. A few months back, I took a slow tumble on a rock slab and ended up sliding on my hip. The Skidmarks bore the brunt of the slide, and aside from a little dust, they came away essentially unscathed. It’s the kind of fall that has shredded other lightweight shorts of mine in the past, yet these didn’t even show a scuff. Needless to say, I was pretty stoked about that.

All the little components are holding up well, too. The YKK zippers on the pockets are still flawless, no sticking, no misalignment, and the pulls are all still attached. The G hook at the waist hasn’t bent or stretched out the strap at all. Even the silicone gripper on the inside of the waistband remains grippy after many washes. Those may sound like small things, but they underscore that we built these shorts to last, not just to feel good out of the box.

And if anything ever does go wrong, we stand behind the Skidmarks with a lifetime repair/replacement guarantee. I haven’t had to use it, but it’s comforting to know that if I somehow rip a hole or pop a seam down the line, we’ll fix or replace the shorts, no questions asked. That level of support is pretty rare in the bike clothing world, and it shows just how much we believe in the gear we make.

Overall, I’d call the durability of the Skidmark MTB Shorts outstanding. They’ve proven to be long-haul workhorses, the kind of shorts you can abuse on rugged trails, toss in the wash, and repeat, without worry. It’s one thing for shorts to feel great on the first ride; it’s another for them to still be performing well after two seasons. In this case, the Skidmarks have earned my trust to keep delivering for many more rides (and years) to come.

Final Thoughts

After all of this testing through dust, mud, rain, and rock, I'm more confident than ever that we accomplished what we set out to do with the Skidmark MTB Shorts. I rarely finish a long-term test feeling this enthusiastic, but these shorts earned it. At this point, I wouldn’t hesitate to throw them on for literally any ride, knowing they'll comfortably handle whatever I dish out. If you’re an avid mountain biker looking for one pair of shorts to be your reliable companion on all your adventures, the KETL Skidmark MTB Shorts make a very compelling case.