Cargo ≠ Cargo

Not all cargo bibs are equal. The market has grown enormously and there is a good selection for women, too, which we think is great. As such, our test field includes 5 women’s and 8 men’s models. Prices start at € 84.95 for the ROSE UNPAVED bib W II women’s gravel bib shorts, while the MAAP Alt_Road Cargo Bib costs € 265. Note: we always give you the recommended retail price, but you can often save by getting discounts and special offers, especially towards the end of the season. Covering a wide range of prices is very important, since it allows us to check whether more expensive is necessarily better, or whether you can get better bibs for your intended use for less.
The pockets of cargo bibs are mainly located on the legs and the lower back, though there are exceptions, like the Café Du Cycliste Chloe bibs, which have a chest pocket. We found big differences in the number of pockets offered. While the Isadore Gravel Bib Short must make do with just one – albeit very large – pocket, the Specialized/Fjällräven Adventure Bib Shorts SWAT have a whopping 7 pockets. The Canyon Cargo Bibshort also takes a unique approach with small pockets on the straps as well as loops that can be used to stow your arm warmers or even attach a light. Some bibs come with zippered pockets (MAAP, Specialized/Fjällräven), while others have flaps (Isadore, POC) to safely store important items.

In general, all the cargo bibs can be worn with nothing in the pockets. Empty pockets are much less noticeable on black or dark bibs, making them more difficult to distinguish from regular bibs. In terms of design, it is a nice solution to hide the reflectors under the mesh of the leg pockets. However, it’s impractical when you’re carrying stuff, because – rocket science – that covers the reflectors and renders them useless.
If you’re going to carry a backpack despite wearing cargo bibs, you may feel the back pockets, especially if they make use of a zipper (Specialized/Fjällräven). Some of the back pockets are placed so high on the bibs that they sit above the pockets of your jersey, should you decide to wear one, allowing you to use both options.