Durable, flexible, all-terrain riding shorts
Diving into the world of active gear, you come across countless variants, but there's something intriguing about this all-mountain marvel, the Mission Workshop Traverse. It seems to embrace the ethos of adaptability and resilience, in much the same way one might consider a well-weathered traveler or a seasoned mountain climber.
At first glance, the $185 price tag may have you raise an eyebrow, but it's important to remember that when it comes to active gear, you're investing not just in a product, but a companion for your adventures. Traverse fits that bill, promising to stick with you through thick and thin, dry and wet, uphill and downhill.
The beauty of this piece lies in its promise of perpetual motion. This is no ordinary riding short – it's a piece of performance gear that moves with you. The combination of the 4-way stretch fabric and the custom contoured waist belt ensures comfort and flexibility without compromising on fit. And let's not forget the single-handed adjustment hardware – a testament to the thoughtfulness behind this creation.
The “quick-drying and wicking” feature of the fabric holds the promise of continual comfort. That’s essential for those all-day rides when you're left to the mercy of the elements. It's the type of foresight one appreciates when caught in a downpour on a solitary mountain trail.
What's particularly noteworthy is the pocket placement. Any serious rider knows the perils of poorly placed pockets. The Traverse guarantees a seamless ride, ensuring your possessions won't interfere with your pedal motion or bike handling. It’s a well-considered feature that demonstrates a respect for the rider’s experience.
Now, let’s talk durability. With YKK zippers, Prym snaps, and mil-spec stretch fabric, it feels like the Traverse could survive a nuclear winter. Each component is carefully chosen for its robustness and dependability. Even the aluminum hardware has a custom feel to it – there's a certain confidence in knowing the bits and pieces holding your gear together are purpose-built.
A quick word on sizing – if you're stuck between sizes, they recommend going larger. It's a smart move, considering the athletic leanings of the garment. It also helps preserve the tailored-for-movement design, which is truly the spirit of the Traverse.
The Mission Workshop Traverse is more than just an MTB short, it's a symbol of the unyielding adventurous spirit. It's American-made, crafted with intention and care, and ready to stand up to whatever your next escapade may throw at it. It's not just gear; it's a commitment to the journey. After all, isn't that what being active is all about?
Pros of the Mission Workshop Traverse:
- Tailored for Movement: The 4-way stretch fabric and contoured waist belt ensure flexibility and comfort while maintaining a great fit. Perfect for an active lifestyle.
- Quick-Drying and Wicking Fabric: This feature is ideal for long rides and unpredictable weather conditions. The fabric remains non-slick when wet and dries quickly, ensuring rider comfort throughout the day.
- High-Quality Hardware: The custom aluminum hardware, Prym snaps, and YKK zippers contribute to the product's durability and robustness, enhancing its lifespan.
- Thoughtful Pocket Placement: The pocket placement ensures possessions don't interfere with pedal motion or bike handling, a critical factor during active rides.
- Integrated Waistbelt: The waistbelt provides single-handed adjustment, making it easier to adjust the shorts for a perfect fit on the go.
- Durable and Water-Repellent: The mil-spec stretch fabric is resilient and water-repellent, adding to the overall durability of the shorts.
- Made in the USA: The product is locally sourced and crafted, potentially indicating higher quality and better labor practices.
Cons of the Mission Workshop Traverse:
- Runs Small: The sizing may not be accurate for everyone as the product is reported to run a bit small, which could cause inconvenience and potential return/exchange hassle.
- Price Point: At $185, the shorts are a significant investment. While the price reflects the high quality and thoughtful design, it may be a barrier for some consumers.
- Limited Size Adjustability: The integrated waistbelt allows for single-handed adjustments but might limit the overall adjustability of the product, potentially leading to a less customized fit for some body types.
- Unknown Fabric Specifics: While the fabric is touted as ‘mil-spec stretch fabric', without additional specifics, it's hard to ascertain its exact properties or how it compares to other materials on the market.
$185
