ZOIC Ether Shorts + Essential Liner - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.3
out of 10
15 Positive, 4 Mixed & 1 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$79.95
Used Value:
$47.97
Sale Value:
$71.96

The ZOIC Ether Shorts are a mash-up of high-tech features, fantastic comfort, and understated style, and as per all ZOIC offerings, it's made of recycled materials wherever possible. With a strong polyester shell and UPF 50+ rating, the exterior protects for a full day out on trail. The chamois, called the Zo-Tech, is Zoic's highest-quality, multi-level, stretch chamois made with recycled polyester to cushion impact and reduce vibrations in the saddle. The liner is also fully removable to enhance the versatility of the Ether. The Fusion Gusset inseam increases the short's range of motion and eliminates seat hang-ups, while vents below the waistband in the back and down the legs promote airflow so you can stay cool on hot days of riding. The Ether also comes with plenty of pockets — two front, two thigh, and one back — so you have plenty of room for your essentials. There's even a dedicated media pocket for your phone or music player with a headphone cord control grommet and loop to avoid snags.

Specifications

Brand:
Chamois:
Zoic Comfort
Fit:
loose
Inseam:
12in
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
[face fabric] 95% polyester, 5% spandex, [insert] 87% nylon, 13% spandex, [liner] 95% polyetser, 5% spandex
Pockets:
2 hand, 2 zippered thigh, 1 zippered rear, 1 zippered side
Recommended Use:
cross-country, enduro, trail
Removable Liner:
Zoic Essential
UPF Rating:
50+
Venting:
mesh inserts
Waist:
elastic, hook-and-loop

Full Reviews

10
Bought these for the BF because his other pair he's wore to death (same brand). They look really good on him (like a lot of things ;)), they fit him well, and he can take out the liner or wear the liner with a different pair of shorts if needed. So for that, I call it a 2-fer!. Wait there's more... they also provide UPF 50+ protection so they keep my mans skin safer than most shorts.
Nicole Kingsley, backcountry.com
December 23, 2020
8
Shorts are very comfortable, both the baggy shorts and liners. The fastening apparatus needs to be beefed up. One of the snaps broke first time I unsnapped it. Straps on shorts and corresponding loops on liner shorts need to be stronger. Customer service on replacing shorts was excellent and quick.
Jim H., backcountry.com
November 6, 2020
10
Good fit. Like that liner is removable. Plenty of pockets
Brian E., backcountry.com
November 4, 2020
10
Fits true to size. Comfortable chamois and not constricting. Pockets seem to have plenty of space for phone and other items.
Phil R, backcountry.com
September 11, 2020
8
These shorts were the first chamois shorts I ever owned, and they have since become the only shorts that I use to ride. The included liner is simple and very comfortable, the shorts are light and fit well, the amount of pockets is ideal and the zippers are key for not losing important items - keys, phone, etc. The only issue I have ever had with these shorts is tearing one of the zippered pockets. The pocket still works, but I have to be careful not to make it worse. I will continue to buy these same shorts in the future. They are my favorite MTB shorts of all time!
Justin Lozier, backcountry.com
September 7, 2020
4
Fit great. Liked pockets and liner. Zipper sucked. Blew out after a few months
Jay O., backcountry.com
June 15, 2020
4
Liked the fit and quality but zippers are poor. After a half season the zíper blew out. Do not recommend
Jay O., backcountry.com
June 3, 2020
2
too much, non breathable, loose, not flexible material. Get caught on seat frequently. Zippers all seized
Warren H., backcountry.com
May 31, 2020
10
I’ve had these shorts for two years and worn on dozens of rides. Like the fit, not baggy and not too long. Unlike others, I’ve had no problems with the zippers. Substantial, quality material. Padded insert just so so, but what do you expect, Castelli quality padding? I wear road shorts underneath instead.
Gregory O., backcountry.com
May 24, 2020
10
Recommend for everyone, very comfortable and great fit.
Ali A., backcountry.com
May 4, 2020
10
Having always had cheap shorts these are a major upgrade. What a difference in wicking, breathability and comfort. Also the zippers seem to be flawless, which cheaper shorts always seem to have issues with. Nothing more frustrating than going pack less and worrying about loosing your key. Get a color you can wear while not biking, you'll want to wear them more. I've used for kayaking, biking, and day trips and they have been holding up great. Over 50miles of single track miles on them, look like new. 5-10 160lb 32 jeans and I fit the medium. They have an adjustable waistband but they are snug all the way loose. Length is just above my knee and the pad is the best fitting I have ever worn. Likely going to buy another pair next Backcountry sale.
Jon L., backcountry.com
September 9, 2019
8
Material is perfect for contact with saddle. No belt loops is a major flaw. . Liner padding is excellent (feels weird until worn on bike)...much better than my old liner. After four rides one of the front pockets already has a hole, Zoic is sending replacement. Outstanding customer service.
James K., backcountry.com
May 27, 2019
10
I love the liner design. Very functional and comfortable. Also I really like the outer shell. Having pockets is a big plus.
Louis C., backcountry.com
May 2, 2019
10
Bought these for biking. Lots of zip pockets for any junk I haul. Took them down to the Green River where we used the bikes for shuttle for a river run. took out the liner and used em as river shorts. Thumbs up.
Mack, backcountry.com
January 10, 2019
10
I originally thought that buying the cheapest mountain bike shorts would be adequate until I bought these. Material is much more breathable and comfortable, doesn't stick to seat yet not too slippery. great pockets, improvement in chamois, true to size, adjustable waist, washes well. Look no further.
Dan Nelson, backcountry.com
August 3, 2018
6
These are nice pants and reasonably comfortable. Pockets are well thought out and secure. I especially like the front pockets. They are fairly deep and the top access is cut at a more horizontal angle, so stuff doesn’t fall out every time you sit down. I can put my cell phone in there and know that it’s not going to disappear during my ride. I do have a few issues with these pants, however. First, I have the 12” inseam version and wish it was a little longer. I now see that they have come out with a 13” version. So, that issue seems to be resolved. Second, the snap closure on the front of the pants is way too puny. Even though it has a tiny piece of velcro to help reduce stress on the snap and keep it closed, it still comes undone at random times. This situation is exacerbated by my third issue with these pants - NO belt loops! Having a belt would likely reduce the stress on the front snap, so the pants wouldn’t pop open. I don’t think I’ve ever had a pair of pants, that relied solely on elastic for waste support, that actually fit properly and stayed in place. These are no exception. And, if you like to carry something on your belt, while you are hiking/riding (Leatherman tool or whatever), the elastic/velcro system is not adequate. How difficult would it be to include a few belt loops? In fact, I would be quite happy to ditch the Velcro adjuster system for some real belt loops. If there were belt loops, I think I could give these pants 4/5 stars. As it is, the belt loop issue is a deal breaker for me, as far as purchasing another pair of these pants.
Dick R., backcountry.com
May 11, 2018
10
The shorts fit awesome and the liner helps on long rides. all the pockets are awesome....
Bryan Bult, backcountry.com
May 8, 2018
10
I am totally digging these shorts. They are super comfy, especially the chamois. They breath well and are very durable.
Duncan Britt, backcountry.com
February 19, 2018
10
These shorts are a perfect fit very breathable lots of pockets and a super nice feel. I have bought 2 more colors since. I do a lot of trail riding during the week so there great for what I need them to do.
PJ Haywood, backcountry.com
September 25, 2017
6
This is an awesome short, but the removable chamois is smaller than the short. I love the feel and features of the short, but I had to trade out the removable chamois with one that fits me. The chamois waist was easily an inch smaller than the short waist. Other than that i would order the short again. I gave the chamois to my 15 year old, 125lb son and they fit him fine.
Robert W., backcountry.com
September 10, 2017