The best cargo bib shorts are a game-changer for cyclists, enabling you to carry extra gear on your rides, freeing up your jersey pockets for more storage, and potentially allowing you to ditch your saddle bag.
In recent years, cargo bib shorts have certainly been very popular with gravel riders, but that revolution is now coming to the road as well. With the science behind how we should fuel ourselves during rides evolving, riders are looking to carry more of the best energy bars yet still need one of the best packable rain jackets and the best bike pumps for long rides and protection from the elements. So, plenty of pockets is crucial.
Cargo bib shorts are often based on the best cycling shorts and best budget bib shorts, so comfort and a quality fit are upheld, with the added benefit of some extra storage. Different shorts offer various solutions, but most will feature pockets on the thigh, with some having additional ones on the rear, similar to jersey pockets.
The quick list
We love Rapha's Core range of cycling kit. All the qualities that Rapha is so well known for are unnecessary fashion, and the Core Cargo Bibs are no exception. Highly rated by both our male and female testers, we rate the Core Cargo Bibs very highly.
As ever with Assos, the quality shines through, and these were the most comfortable shorts on test. The pockets were excellent, and the fabrics seemed very durable, with the only potential downside being the cost.
The warmest and most weather-resistant shorts on the test, so they are perfect for UK and places like the PNW. A quality finish is topped off by a gel-based chamois, which offers a ton of comfort.
Spacious pockets took lots of kit, and the chamois proved itself on long off-road rides, making the MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts an excellent option. Leg length is noticeably longer than the Assos shorts, so take your pick as to which you prefer.
Some riders will prefer the slightly lower bulk chamois of the MAAP, which I found to be plenty comfortable for all-day rides. The pocket fabric isn't as stretchy as other shorts, limiting storage, but the zip-thigh pocket provides much safer storage.
Tough Dyneema side panels protect both the shorts and the skin in the event of a crash, whilst the pad does a great job of offering comfort in the saddle. The side pockets provide ample storage space. However, overload them, and the straps will stretch.
Best cargo bib shorts as reviewed by Cycling Weekly
Best Overall
Rapha takes its already well-regarded Core bib shorts and adds four pockets, allowing you to carry much of your standard riding kit without recourse to jersey pockets. Between the two leg pockets and the two on the rear, we managed to squeeze in a large phone in a riding case, a pump and keys, without noticing any sagging.
The standard Rapha Core bib shorts are a quality, comfortable option with a good seat pad, plenty of stretch to the fabric and a good fit. Adding the cargo carrying capacity makes the Rapha Core Cargo bib shorts a great option for bikepacking or gravel rides, but they're also a first-rate choice for longer road rides, letting you carry more food, a jacket and more without needing a saddle bag or bar bag.
Read our full Rapha Core Cargo Bib Shorts review
Best for comfort
Assos has a reputation for producing high-quality kit with a keen attention to detail and the Kiespanzer - which literally translates as 'gravel tank' - bib shorts are yet another instance of this.
Firstly, the Kiespanzer shorts are supremely comfortable over long distances on rough terrain, thanks in large part to the generously cushioned chamois, which helped mute the vibrations on rocky terrain.
The materials of the lower section of the shorts stood up excellently to close encounters with overgrown bushes and various stints sitting on rocks and gravel while bikepacking. The mesh of the side pockets has a bit more of a tendency to get caught on twigs and branches, but I haven't had any problems with pulled threads.
The pockets themselves are great, with plenty of stretch from the mesh material making it easy to load them up with really quite bulky items: sun cream, bike lights, more chocolate bars than I care to mention - all were easily accommodated. I never make much use of pockets which sit over my lower back as I prefer to use jersey pockets for easier accessibility, but the Kiespanzer bib shorts do offer extra storage there too.
Finally, the leg length is a little shorter than what many brands have recently moved to. Personally, I much prefer the feel and look of this length of short - and it means they're easier to pair with a set of over shorts without sticking out the bottom, adding to their versatility. The only downside with these shorts is the same as for most of Assos' kit and that is the high cost - although they are in line with other premium cycling clothing brands.
Best bibs for shoulder season
The Le Col Sport Thermal Cargo bib shorts are made of a fleece-backed, wind-resistant fabric and their raised waistline also adds extra insulation for cooler rides. That's topped off with extra carrying capacity from two mesh leg pockets that hold items in place well.
There's a quality seat pad with three layers including a gel insert for that we found comfortable on longer rides, while the fabric has plenty of stretch so that it's easy to pair up with leg warmers for additional warmth.
There are plenty of size options, from XS to 3XL and black or navy colorways, but availability is for men only.
Read our full Le Col Sport Thermal Cargo Bib Shorts review
Best cargo capacity
For the most part, I really got on well with the 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts. The chamois isn't quite as padded as the Assos Kiespanzer, but was still highly comfortable on rides over six hours in duration - and the slightly lower profile gives a more compact feel for harder and faster riding.
The pockets were particularly roomy and had a huge amount of stretch - for serial stuffers, these are a great option. On the lower back, there are three pockets rather than the more usual two. This helps with the organisation but does mean that there is less room in each of them. Still, pairing these shorts with standard cycling jerseys, I didn't feel the need to use them.
The one area which let down the shorts for me was the leg length, which is notably long. If you're quite tall and slim, they could be an excellent option for you. But for me, they sat a little bit lower than I would have preferred - something to bear in mind if your hips are quite slim for your height.
Most secure pockets
Similar to the 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts, MAAP's Alt_Road Cargo Bib Shorts come with a dense and reasonably low-profile chamois. It's still highly comfortable over long distances - though for supreme comfort, the Assos Kiespanzer is the one to go for - but it feels less bulky and is great for harder and faster riding.
The construction of the pockets is quite different here. Whereas most brands use some form of mesh - which is very stretchy, although easier to snag on foliage - MAAP has gone for a more Lyrca-y feeling fabric which doesn't have those perforations. It means you can't carry quite as much, but what you do carry is held a bit more securely.
On the other side, there's a vertical zip for stowing away something like a card or set of keys. There's not much space in this pocket or much stretch, so larger and more bulky items can't really be carried here. It's a good idea in principle - I do like the security of a zippered pocket - but it does limit the amount you can carry with these shorts. Essentially, it's horses for courses.
Best for protection
So many of the features of Castelli's Free Unlimited Bib Shorts are excellent. I really liked the side panels, which are made from a Dyneema fabric for greater protection in the event of a crash. I didn't crash while I had these shorts on test, but from bitter experience, side panels are generally in the heaviest line of fire - so reinforcement there is always appreciated.
The chamois is a bit thicker than either the MAAP Alt_Road or the 7mesh MK3 Cargo Bib Shorts, but not quite as cloud-like as the Assos Mille GTC Kiespanzer C2. I found it excellent for long rides on rough terrain - but if I was pushed, I would tend to either go for the Assos for ultimate comfort or the 7mesh/MAAP for a slightly lower profile. That is splitting hairs, though.
Similar to the MAAP Alt_Road shorts, Castelli has gone for a more closely woven fabric for the pockets. This has rather more stretch than on the Alt_Roads though, and allows for a greater carrying capacity.
The only downside for me was that the bib straps have very little stretch to them and did cut in a little bit. It wasn't much, but stretchier bib straps are more comfortable. If you have quite narrow hips in relation to your height, these shorts might not suit you so well. But if you have a stockier build, then the lack of stretch in the straps may well go unnoticed.
How we test
Whilst clothing in general, especially when discussing fit and comfort, is always subjective, based on the tester's physic and preferences, We are proud of the experience our testers bring to every review here at Cycling Weekly. With over a hundred years of testing and cycling in our heritage, you can expect our views on any cycling product to include impartiality and come from deep-set knowledge.
The best part about testing clothing is that you can't leave the house without it, so our team of testers rack up the hours fairly rapidly, which gives them a broad and even base for their experiences.
As I mentioned, testing the best cargo bib shorts or anything clothing can be subjective; however, when it comes to testing the best cycling shorts, this is what we are looking for;
Of course, comfort and fit are our main priorities; while the vast majority of this comes from the feel and the tester's experience, we will use the tape measure for clarity. Durability and usability are key factors in any garment, but especially so in cycling shorts, given the skin contact and protection they provide.
When discussing cargo bib shorts specifically, this is where our testing steps up to another level of those aimed at road use. Firstly, you have the additional cargo capacity to put through its paces, where we are testing its flexibility, overall load capacity, and structure. Additionally, because cargo shorts have a crossover nature, ideal for both road and gravel riding, we must effectively conduct all of this testing twice to cover both disciplines.
For more on information on how we go about our testing here at Cycling Weekly check out our How We Test page.
Choosing the best cargo bib shorts
What makes the best cargo bib shorts is, in many respects, the same as what you would look for in the best cycling shorts for more general road riding, just with extra carrying capacity, so it's worth reading the buyer's guide at the end of that post as well as here.
But here is the abbreviated version;
- Look for a seat pad or chamois that is dense enough to feel like it offers good support but soft enough to be comfortable. Consider a design that suits your riding style. Generally, the longer you plan to ride, the thicker the pad needs to be
- Fit is, of course, of paramount priority, and it is no good testing them off-bike—bib shorts are designed to be used in a bend-over position.
- Fabric and construction play a huge part in the comfort of cycling shorts. Look for a fabric that offers some compression but not so much that it restricts. Check seam placements and trims for where they sit and how bulky they are, as they can irritate quickly.
- This is also true for the straps; ensure they provide decent support without feeling like they are pulling on your back and neck. However, they certainly should not be irritating in any way.
Do I need pockets?
The minimum that most of the best cargo bib shorts provide is a large patch pocket on each thigh, which can essentially double your carrying capacity over even the best cycling jerseys. Many cargo bib shorts go beyond that and offer pockets in the rear of the bibs and maybe also on the sides.
You may not find that you use all that pocket space, particularly if you wear a jersey with rear pockets when the overlap with loaded pockets in cargo bib shorts can be uncomfortable.
On the other hand, you can never have too much-carrying capacity, and if you prefer a pocketless top in the more casual gravel bike clothing idiom, you will probably be glad of the extra rear pockets.
Do I need bibs?
With the extra carrying capacity of cargo bib shorts, you could end up with a significant amount of additional weight in your shorts. That means that it's even more important to have good support to avoid the shorts sagging or working their way down with repeated sitting and standing as you ride.
So a decent set of bibs is an important feature. You want them to provide enough support to keep everything in place as you ride - not just your extras in the pockets, but also the seat pad.
Frequently asked questions about the best cargo bib shorts
Should I wear anything under bib shorts?
The short answer is no; you need to be in direct contact with the chamois and fabric for the best comfort and to avoid any discomfort.
There are several reasons for this, primarily because the two fabrics may create friction or not sit flat against your skin. It's likely, based on what most underwear is made of, that they will not be a high-performing and wicking fabric, which means that sweat and moisture could again irritate.
It is recommended that using the best chamois cream can improve comfort, offering moisturising qualities, soothing effects, and protection.
What should I put where?
Thigh pockets offer ample space for a phone. But if you have a fall or bash against a branch as you ride, it's usually your thigh that takes a lot of the impact so that a phone might be vulnerable. It is likely to get wet if you ride in the rain or even on wet roads or trails.
A waterproof phone case can help, but we'd be inclined to keep our phone in a rear pocket where it's better protected. That opens up the thigh pockets for a waterproof cycling jacket or other spare clothing, such as one of the best vests or gilets or arm warmers. They're also a great place to keep on-bike food where it's handy and to stash used gel wrappers and other waste.
