Outdoor all-rounder TNF embarked on bike-specific kit relatively recently, putting together a really nice range of shorts, jerseys and jackets that’s evenly weighted between men’s and women’s kit. These shorts are its top-end baggy, and come with liner included.
TNF’s own Apex Aerobic lightweight softshell means they have a load of stretch, so are completely non-restrictive and perfect for warm weather use. Theoretically they should also have a fair amount of water resistance, in practice though they wetted out very quickly. The fabric dries rapidly but these are not a replacement for a fully waterproof shell short (or even a heavier-weight softshell), as the label ‘softshell’ might lead you to assume…
They’re short and baggy in the leg, with velcro waist adjusters to take up the slack; the waistband has minimal reinforcement so there’s little extra bulk at the tabs even if you’ve got several inches of waist to take in, which is nice. Two open hip pockets and two deep, zipped rear pockets mean there’s plenty of storage space, though again the light fabric means there’s not much support if you’re in the habit of carrying heavier things like tools and phone on your person.
There’s a liner short included, and as with most liner shorts this seems to be one size smaller than the baggies are. They’re a nice, lightweight mesh though, so if you can figure out the right compromise on sizing then you should be OK; otherwise, donate the liner to a friend and go with your own established favourites.
Overall: Nice summer short but rather spendy with a lacklustre liner and semi-functional softshell.
Review Info
| Brand: | The North Face |
| Product: | Storm Track |
| From: | The North Face, uk.thenorthface.com |
| Price: | £95.00, liner included |
| Tested: | by Jenn for |