Whether you are trail riding or smashing cross-country miles, the Avery is a one-quiver option for most riding needs. The length will offer basic protection on a trail ride, and you can rock kneepads or not, though the fabric is a bit thin to offer primo protection.
The Avery is a sleek, stretchy pair of mountain bike shorts. It boasts lightweight four-way stretch fabric and one zippered pocket. It retains the low-profile waistband adjustment system and is still an all-around great looking short for riding a bike in the mountains, the desert, and anywhere in between.
The Yeti Avery is made of a lightweight polyester material that is ideal for longer rides on warm days. But we found they cut wind well on blustery days, as well as wicking sweat on hot days. Though this is a slim-fitting short, the four-way stretch is quite comfortable and accommodating to different body types.
Pull-to-fit toggles adjust the fit inside the waistband. They cinch from the front, and the shorts retain a flattering look even with the toggles tightened. The adjusters have to be pinched in one hand while pulling a stretchy nylon cord in the other. There are fabric “garages” to tuck in the cord loops once you have the shorts adjusted, which keeps the waistband comfortable. Tucking them in was awkward with gloves, but once in place, they stayed put and didn't need further adjustment. The waistband lining is soft and comfortable against the skin.
The waistband of the Avery features a silicone gripper logo that kept the waistband from sliding while we were riding. We appreciate the new, stretchier fabric, and the short felt like it was always ready and willing to move with us.
A good overall fit allowed for confident descending, as well. We had no complaints of fabric catching on seats. The short is breathable and wicked sweat away like it was going out of style.
Yeti advertises the Avery as having a 12-inch inseam, but we measured it at 11 inches on the extra small we tested. It is not long enough to work well with pads, though the fabric is thin enough that we probably wouldn't choose these shorts for situations where we needed a lot of extra protection. The soft, stretchy fabric also proved to be remarkably durable against grabby branches, but we weren't quite as confident that it would hold up to a collision with lava rocks. If you are worried about protecting your skin in a crash, take a look at some of the burlier shorts that we reviewed.
The new iteration of the Avery has just one zippered pocket but it is exactly what we want: a secure place to stash a phone, an ID, or a snack. The angle of the zipper allows for easy access when we need to snap a quick pic or have a trail snack. The pocket is mesh-lined for maximum breathability, keeping our smartphones free from condensation and sweat. We did find that the extra-stretchy fabric did not allow the pocket to have much structural integrity and heavy objects felt a little saggy.
If you always wear a pack or a jersey with pockets, one secure pocket for keys, lip balm, or an ID might be all you need. If you think more pockets are a good thing, there are many other options that will suit your needs.
Overall, it is the cut that we most appreciate in the Yeti Avery. These shorts have a streamlined and flattering look. The fabric is heathered and looks a bit like your favorite old tee. There are some nice contrasting touches with the logo and pocket, but the overall look is pretty minimal. We appreciate details like the notched cuff and contrasting button grommets for added cuteness.
The Yeti Avery is in the middle of the pack, price-wise, of shorts that we tested. Considering how versatile, comfortable, lightweight, and breathable it is, that is a smokin' deal. It is not our top choice for protection, but it is one of the best all-around shorts we tested.
