Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts Review – Updated for 2024

Cargo bib shorts are the bee’s knees. When given the choice between regular and cargo bibs, it’s cargo bibs 100% of the time. With added utility and a performance cut, the Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts have quickly settled into my first choice for road, gravel and MTB.

Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts Features (2024 Update):

• Updated with super-lux Oeko-Tex certified fabric for 2024
• Dual leg and back pockets
• High-density 12mm endurance pad made with recycled fibers
• Soft and wide bib straps
• Minimal back panel
• Available in 4 colors: Black, Midnight Blue (tested), Cortado and Olive
• Made in Italy
• MSRP: $218.00

Cargo pockets aplenty

Before getting into the bib shorts, let me introduce you to what makes Ornot special. Back in 2013, Ornot was founded with the goal of making stylish, minimally-branded, durable, earth-conscious and high-performing cycling clothing. And, the kicker is they make much of it in California. You can kiss massive logos goodbye and also know that Ornot is doing all they can to use recycled and deadstock fabrics that maximize the “good feels” of the brand. Last year, I reviewed the Ornot Micro Grid Jersey and I continue to love it for cool morning rides. This year, Ornot updated their Cargo Bib Shorts and I’ve been riding the patushkas out of them on road, gravel and MTB rides.

I’ve worn a boatload of bib shorts over the years and it doesn’t take long to spot attention to quality. The updated Ornot Cargo Bib Shorts were overhauled and released in June 2024. Highlights include a more luxurious fabric that not only feels fantastic, but offers excellent compression. They also have 2″ wide leg grippers for added security. Of course, they are cargo bibs, so there are two large leg pockets and two rear pockets built into the uppers.

Pulling them on, the fit and finish feels awesome. Some leg movements and stretching get them in the right position and the comfy straps and uppers ensure they stay put. The front of the bibs come right to my navel and the back panel extends to my mid-back. The sides are cut a little higher (about 5″ above my hip bone), which does an awesome job of hiding my dad bod curves. I appreciate the wide leg grippers and have found them to keep the shorts in place without hindering muscle movement.

A sign of the perfect leg pocket placement is the ability for items to simply disappear in there. Admittedly, I have walked around the house wondering where my phone is, only to realize I’ve got it tucked perfectly in the right leg pocket. It’s a beautiful thing both on and off the bike to have my phone or gels go completely unnoticed while riding or lounging. When I wear traditional bib shorts, I tend to get frustrated because I can’t drop my phone or empty gel packets in them. Ornot has absolutely nailed the pocket size and placement.

The mesh pockets do stand out against the dark blue fabric, so they don’t have quite a sleek of a look as the Velocio Utility Bib Shorts, for example. But, the pockets are more functional. The trade-off is a little less style points for better hauling capability.

The right chamois pad is critical to every bib short and Ornot’s Endurance Pad is a solid offering. It’s built with multi-density material to provide optimal cushioning for both small and large bumps. Also, the outward-facing material that sits just under the outer fabric is a woven fabric that allows smooth transitions to the saddle and also helps keep the structure of the chamois. Without a doubt, I feel the combination of the high-quality bib construction and an excellent chamois will keep these in the rotation for a long time.

I have a couple of minor complaints. Yes, the chamois is good, but it isn’t quite best-in-class for long days in the saddle. I’d put it among the best but still short of the chamois in the Pearl iZUMi Expedition PRO’s. And, while the tag inside the left leg pocket has a funny “For Snacks ORNOT” saying on it, I’d rather it be on the rear seam of the pocket instead of sitting right on top of the thigh. It adds bulk to that seam and interrupts the clean lines.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, wearing the size medium in Midnight Blue (and they fit perfectly).

Buy Now: Visit Ornotbike.com