Unless you’re into mountaineering, you may not be familiar with Haglöfs, but this Swedish company have been making serious gear since Wiktor Haglöf finished his first batch of rucksacks back in 1914, and they are now one of the biggest Nordic outdoor gear suppliers. They now have a great range of mountain biking gear, blending high quality construction with cutting edge fabrics. Haglöfs believe that their products are perfect for riders with a sense of adventure, and their dedication to mountain biking has been demonstrated through sponsoring many events around the globe. Their new Ardent II shorts caught our attention so we thought it was time to test them.

The Ardent II shorts makes up part of Haglöfs new ‘Trail’ range, targeted at the adventure seeking rider/trail runner who is looking for lightweight, robust gear that looks great too. The shorts retail for €150 so are certainly a premier product, made from Haglöfs own FlexAble fabric that promises to be both water and wind resistant. The rear of the shorts feature a more substantial laminated softshell panel designed to repel mud and spray. The cut is long and the fit has plenty of room for knee pads so they sit nicely when seated on the bike, a characteristic that is not shared by every pair of shorts.

The fit of the shorts is long and comfortable.   Perfect if you don't like 'gapping'
The fit of the shorts is long and comfortable. Perfect if you don’t like ‘gapping’
The rear of the short features a laminated softshell panel to boost weather and mud protection
The rear of the short features a laminated softshell panel to boost weather and mud protection

The flat waistband ensures the shorts feel really well fitted at the front and the S-shaped construction is designed to minimise bunching when pedalling, with all seams offset to reduce the risk of chaffing. The Ardent II shorts feature huge zippered vents on the front for when it gets tropical and we were happy to see a sturdy zippered thigh pocket. The shorts are available in both Gale Blue and Driftwood.

The fit around the waist is very figure hugging and secure, velcro closures provide  fine adjustment
The fit around the waist is very figure hugging and secure, velcro closures provide fine adjustment
The shorts feature two zippered huge mesh vents for cooling, and a zippered thigh pocket too
The shorts feature two zippered huge mesh vents for cooling, and a zippered thigh pocket too
The Ardent shorts use FlexAble fabric which is both wind and water resistant
The Ardent shorts use FlexAble fabric which is both wind and water resistant

Our Impressions

We have used these shorts on a number of riding trips and have been impressed with the fit, comfort and function. We like the slightly longer fit which stops the shorts riding up above the knee pads when pedaling, eliminating the ‘oh so uncool’ gap; and the fabric has proven very flexible while still being tough enough to shrug off the usual biking knocks

In use we liked the longer length of the shorts with plenty of room for knee protection
In use we liked the longer length of the shorts with plenty of room for knee protection

Riding in the rain always tests fabrics to the limit and although the Ardent II did not provide the same protection as a full waterproof short, they kept us comfortable and shrugged off the worst of the deluge. The Ardent II would make a good year round option, nice and warm on cooler days but once the huge forward facing vents are zipped open they provide instant and dramatic supercharged cooling. We loved the flat waistband which makes them feel very fitted and ensures they are comfortable when leant over in a riding position. The big price tag will certainly deter some, but if you value attention to detail and quality workmanship then the Ardent II shorts may become your go-to choice.

For more information check out the Haglöfs website.

Words and photos: Trev Worsey


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