Pearl Izumi Women’s Summit Short Review
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Riding in comfort is one of the keys to a great day on the trail. Pearl Izumi continues to expand their women’s specific mountain biking apparel line up. This season they offer 5 mountain-specific shorts to meet your needs and wants: Canyon Short, Journey Short, Versa Short, Launch Short, and the Summit Short. I’ve been riding the local trails with the Summit Short & Select Liner, here are some of my initial impressions.
Women’s Summit Short Fabric
The Summit Short is Pearl Izumi’s top tier trail short. The Summit Short features a durable 100% polyester shell. The fabric has also been treated with a DWR (durable water repellant finish) to help keep you dry in the afternoon rain or thunderstorms. Pearl Izumi added a stretchy back panel, featured in black in the photo below, that is lighter weight to help with moisture management along your low back.
The Summit Short features a shell design and does not come with a liner or chamois. Some may find this a bummer, but it allows you to continue to use your favorite chamois if you have one, or invest in a quality mesh chamois such as the Select Liner. Pearl Izumi’s Select Liner is extremely lightweight, features mesh that that slides easily underneath the Summit Short. The mesh also helps to keep you cool and the Select Liner weighs a mere 3.5 ounces. Despite the low weight, Pearl Izumi hasn’t skimped on comfort and has included their SELECT Escape 1:1® Chamois. The inseam of the Select Liner is 8″, which means it stays nicely tucked under the 12″ inseam of the Summit Short.
Rounding on the specs, there are two zippered pockets over the thigh. I don’t typically ride with many items in my pockets unless I’m on a short town loop, but it is nice to have the option of a safe compartment. When it is hot out, you can unzip the pockets as they feature a mesh lining and allow for more breathability or air flow within the shorts.
Sizing & Fit
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Summit Short really excels in this department. The shorts are available in size 2 through 14, which allows for a much more precise fit than shorts with size small through large. With the Women’s Summit Short, the sizing is very true to the size guide and I would recommend ordering your typical pant size. For example, I am a size 6 in most brands and the Pearl Izumi Summit Shorts in a size 6 fit perfectly. The Summit Short offers plenty of room in the thighs (I have pretty big quads) and glute region, without being overly baggy. The waist is also completely adjustable with the internal velcro adjustment straps at each side.
The Summit Short features a relaxed fit and generous leg openings, which allow complete freedom of motion while pedaling. The durable stretch fabric, mentioned above, also allows the shorts to move rather than cling to you. The 12′ inseam offers protection from the elements, including the sun as well as stray branches and rocks with accidental falls.
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Summit Short is available in 3 colors: Port/Cayenne (stock photos above), Black, & Arctic/Sea Moss and retail for $80. This price tag does not include a chamois. If you are looking to pair with a new chamois, then check out the Pearl Izumi Select Liner that retails for $50.
For more information on the Summit Short or Select Liner please visit Pearl Izumi.
