The Rapha Women’s Cargo bib shorts are designed as adventure-ready legwear, with two mesh leg pockets and two back pockets providing on-the-go storage in lieu of a traditional jersey. The pockets can also be found on Rapha’s Cargo shorts and Cargo Winter bib tights.
What’s it for?
The Cargo bib shorts use a full coverage mesh upper, which acts as an integrated base layer, with a total composition of 71% nylon and 29% elastane. The bib shorts feature Rapha’s new Brevet women’s chamois, which the brand says is lightweight and perforated, specifically designed for longer days in the saddle.
Rapha says these bib shorts use a stretch-woven compression fabric in a Classic fit – ie, Rapha’s close but relaxed fit – for day-to-day riding. The material feels sturdy in hand, in particular the mesh pockets, while the bib shorts felt true to size when worn, with a good balance of compression and breathability.
The full-length zip has a neat fabric cover, which prevented any irritation, and the integrated base layer provides faff-free coverage. A comfort break feature would be ideal to fully complete the bib shorts’ overall practicality.
Fabric and features
The Women’s Cargo bib shorts are made from 71% nylon and 29% elastane (spandex). Rapha says this is broken down into a recycled nylon-spandex knitted body and a nylon-spandex mesh upper.
The side cargo pockets are made from a fine gauge nylon-elastane mesh, which Rapha says will hold its elasticity well over time and keep contents secure. The pockets have a curved upper hem, and measure roughly 14cm deep in the middle and 17cm at the edges when on.
The main body of the fabric uses its water-resistant Shadow technology, which Rapha says provides excellent water repellence for riding in rainy conditions. The bib shorts are intended for use in temperatures up to 30°C, with the lightweight upper designed to allow high breathability to help keep the rider cool.
The Cargo bib shorts uses Rapha’s new Brevet chamois, which the brand says is quick-drying, lightweight and perforated, providing extra comfort on long rides. The perforations are also designed to help the chamois dry quickly after washing, with the idea that the bib shorts can be washed one evening and then worn the next morning.
The bib shorts are available in black, dark grey and green, and have reflective detailing on the backs of the legs and on the main rear panel for added visibility.
Rapha Women’s Cargo bib shorts fit and sizing
Rapha says that the Cargo bib shorts are designed to have a compressive fit while using a Classic, slightly more relaxed cut than its more performance-oriented clothing. I opted for a size large, which is my normal cycling size as a UK 12. The shorts felt relatively true to size though definitely on the relaxed side. If you’re bordering two sizes, I would recommend choosing the smaller one.
I liked the balance between the more compressive leg material and the lightweight upper, with the straps long enough to allow room for taller rider’s torsos – I’m 5’7 – but stretchy enough to not feel loose.
Rapha says it chose to use a full torso upper to provide additional support and coverage, especially if riders want to unzip or remove their jerseys or T-shirts in warmer weather without feeling exposed.
The legs have a double-lined hem, with a thin strip of silicone gripper, and the increased density helped stop the legs rolling up when moving as well as giving the legs a sturdier feel.
Rapha says that the back pockets have been designed to sit above the waistband of the brand’s Cotton and Randonée shorts, for those that prefer to cover up their Lycra.
Using the Rapha Women’s Cargo bib shorts
The first thing I noticed about the Cargo bib shorts was how soft the mesh upper was against my skin. As an integrated base layer, it removed the faff of having extra fabric underneath the bib shorts and provided good coverage when I wanted to unzip my jersey on hotter rides.
The chamois felt quite thick, which I sometimes find uncomfortable, but worked well on both short and long days in the saddle. I personally prefer a slightly thinner pad but that’s down to personal preference and anatomy.
The leg fabric was nicely compressive but didn’t impact the bib shorts’ breathability which worked best at temperatures between 10-20°C (though it’s worth nothing that I run very warm so others may be fine up to the recommended 30°C).
The standout features is the cargo pockets. I put everything from my phone to snacks to keys (a safety no-no FYI, in case you fall and impale your leg) and the pockets held everything in place without any signs of wear. Side note: I have had a pair of Rapha Cargo shorts with the same pocket design for around two years and the pockets remain undamaged and secure.
The only slight downfall of the Cargo bib shorts is the lack of comfort break feature. While it’s possible that the full body upper makes this a harder feature to include, it would be a very useful addition. The upper is designed for modesty and a comfort break feature would help this cause greatly when going to the toilet mid-ride.
Rapha Women’s Cargo bib shorts review summary
The Rapha Women’s Cargo bib shorts are a practical, well-thought-out piece of kit for anyone who wants a bit of extra storage while riding. The high density chamois works well on long rides, while the compressive leg and breathable upper contribute to all-round riding comfort.
The cargo mesh pockets steal the show with their security and design, and the only missing element is a comfort break feature in the main body of the bib shorts. The Cargo bib shorts would suit both relaxed adventure riders and roadies alike, providing on-the-go storage that’s easy to reach – as long as price isn’t an issue.
- Buy now from Rapha (£240)
