Endura Hummvee Women’s shorts review
Author block
Product reviews
The Endura Hummvee range has been a long-standing option for both men and women. The shorts are a reliable model with a casual style that never falters. Initially, they were made with London bike couriers in mind and, from then on, have become a reputable choice for cyclists worldwide. Versions include a lightweight construction, a shorter length, a three-quarter length with liner without a liner, with a belt or short shorts – the list goes on. I put the Women’s Endura Hummvee Short with Liner to the test to ascertain where it stands among the best waterproof MTB shorts. Read on for the verdict.
- Mountain bike nutrition
- Gravel bike racing – everything you need to know
- Best baggy mountain bike shorts for women - tried and tested
Endura Hummvee Women’s Short - Technical details
Loaded with mountain bike-specific features, these Hummvee shorts have plenty to offer, from long days in the saddle to quick blasts around your local loop.
The construction of these shorts is a perfect combination of double-stitched areas and durable nylon for a super hard-wearing pair of shorts that are up for withstanding typical trailside features. On top of this, the fabric repels rain showers and mud with a water-repellent finish for added weather defence.
The Hummvees are not short of storage options either, with two zipped hand pockets, two cargo pockets and two large rear pockets. The cargo pockets on the side thigh area have a stitched-down flap for access, while the rear pockets have a zipped closure for better security while in the saddle.
As well as the many pockets, there are also two zipped thigh air vents. These features mesh inside, allowing air to travel out for improved body temperature regulation.
An Endura Clickfast detachable liner can be clipped into the inside of the shorts or detached and not used at all. The shorts are versatile to suit the occasion and comfort level you need for your pursuit. Endura's other clip-in liners are compatible with these shorts and vice versa. The liner features a 200-series chamois pad for moisture-wicking comfort on long and short rides.
An adjustable belt is weaved through waist loops and is fastened with a plastic snap buckle. The waistband is elasticated at the rear for much-welcome comfort. There is also a button and a zip fastening. The colour, Blue Steel, is one of three options, with Black and Deep Teal being the alternatives.
Endura Hummvee Women’s Short - Performance
My first thought when wearing these shorts was their comfort level. A secure hold with a soft feel and the chamois pad offered extra comfort and protection. The fabric is treated with a water-repellent coating which I found ideal for splashing through puddles. While testing in different weather conditions, I didn't feel too warm at any time and found I was cool and at a comfortable temperature. The tough nylon material feels super durable, and the double-stitched construction will no doubt bolster its longevity. Even to the touch, you can feel it will offer high protection to whatever off-road adventure I'm using them for. After many mixed terrain techy rides while testing these, they managed to withstand trailside brambles and a couple of falls without ripping the material.
The stretchy area on the back along the top also allows for better freedom of movement and gives some added dynamics to the shorts, which is much needed as the main nylon material is reasonably sturdy with limited stretch. This stretchy panel was noticeable while pedalling and generally in the typical cycling position.
The shape is tailored for women and it is noticeable how perfectly they fit without unnecessary restrictions and pressure points. The length is perfect for wearing with knee pads, and there is no snagging on the pads while in the riding position. While pedalling, there is plenty of freedom to move with ease. The length was slightly shorter than most other baggy shorts I have worn; they stayed clear of my knee bend with no pulling or restrictions, which allowed better manoeuvrability.
The belt is easy to use and the buckle clips in with an excellent ‘click’ sound for reassurance. I didn't need the belt as the shorts felt snug just by doing the front zip/button closure. So the belt wasn't holding my shorts up, possibly just helping hold them in position more than to keep them on me.
The inner short liner is a handy addition and possibly close to being my favourite aspect of the shorts. They offer the convenience of being attached to the baggies inside. With small poppers around the waistband that allow them to attach to the outer shorts, you can choose the liner or not, depending on preference. This is also ideal for washing. The chamois is enough for a good day's riding and is fairly low profile, which is always a positive. The only niggle with these are the poppers tend to pop off easily, which tends to be slightly annoying, but there must be about 12 poppers to keep them together, so a few coming undone doesn't make much of an impact.
The shorts are not short of storage options with six pockets scattered around, providing space for a phone, nutrition and even tools if needed. While my pockets were full of various items, this didn't interfere with my riding ability or comfort.
One downside to the side pockets is that the inner pocket bag/sleeve followed my hand out when I reached on and took items out, so I always had to tuck the ‘ears’ back inside. The inner pockets followed my hand out almost every time I used them.
Endura Hummvee Women’s Short - Verdict
Overall, I enjoyed wearing these shorts. With lots of impressive features, the Hummvee shorts are perfect for both quick local blasts and long off-road biking days. The inner liner short is a saviour and takes out the pain in the bum of purchasing these separately. Pockets are large, and the fabric is breathable but also offers some protection.
For the price, you get a whole lot of shorts. There is so much choice out there; you can easily pay much more and get much less. We reviewed the Gore C5 Women’s Shorts last year and, other than being £30 more and providing water resistants, they don’t offer many more features and technology than these Endura Hummvees. If you’re looking for baggy women’s specific shorts with more features, then the Nukeproof Blackline Women’s Shorts with Liner offer plenty of off-road detailing and will cost you the same as the Hummvee.
If you’re an Endura fan, you can’t go wrong with the Women's Endura Hummvee Shorts with their reliable, feature-heavy, well-thought-out design. And if you’re a newbie at wearing baggy off-road shorts, these will significantly impact your first impressions of the brand and will no doubt stay with you throughout your cycling journey.
You may also like: