TESTED | INTREPID APPAREL CAMPAIGN SHORTS REVIEW
With the arrival of new 2015 kit from UK brand Intrepid at Dirt HQ recently, we started discussing their approach to clothing and what kit from them we had ridden in. With Intrepid placing a strong focus on quality and durability we thought we would revisit one of their original designs, the Campaign shorts and see how they have performed over the past few seasons.
CONSTRUCTION
Intrepid Apparel’s design ethos is to blend style with performance along with attention to detail and fit. The brand is based here in the UK and the designers are in tune with what the core mountainbiker’s requirements are.
There is much to mention here… First up is the unique fabric: a tough, light 3-way stretch nylon mix fabric, with a soft inner face but a tough outer finish.
The waist band has a fast-wicking brushed lining fabric for comfort and rises slightly higher at the back for the best ‘on the bike’ fit.
Five pockets on the Campaign shorts give plenty of capacity for that quick ride without a pack. Cargo pockets have a key clip and a phone sleeve, the main pockets are fleece lined and there is a small zipped pocket on the rear waistband. Zipped vents on the front of the legs aid air flow. Quality YKK zips are used all round. Weight is around 450g which for a robust short, with pockets, is on the money.
FIT:
The waist is adjusted by two ratchet straps but standard belt loops are also added. Leg length is good whether you are padded up or not and the hems are cuffed so as not to snag on your knee pads. We found the shorts’ waist sizing to be on the generous size and used the ratchet adjusters to cinch them in.
TESTING:
We’ve ridden in loads of shorts over the years and find many frustrating; with lack of stretch, poor cut and noisy fabrics being the key issues. The folks at Intrepid must agree, as all of the above complaints have been addressed with the Campaign short.
The cut is closer fitting than many shorts meaning no surplus fabric flapping about on a wet, mucky ride. The stretch fabric is quiet (no rustling), comfortable and very quick drying.
These shorts are a true indication that the guys at Intrepid Apparel know their stuff. They ride the type of bikes and tracks we ride, are out on the hill in all weathers, and it shows
CONCLUSION:
We found little to dislike about these shorts. Maybe a touch looser in the leg? Fewer pockets? Overkill on the zips?
The package these shorts offer is ‘more than the sum of the parts’ as the saying goes. An investment at £85 for sure, but as proven these will carry on season after season and are as tough as they come, without weighing in high on the scales.
Intrepid have just added new shorts and jackets for 2015 ; check them out…
Price: £85
Weight: 450g/Pair (Size L)
