Minimalism with a little something extra – The 2023 Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts in review

Rapha are the most popular brand amongst our readers. It’s no wonder, since they have plenty of great concepts to offer both women and men. We put the €105 Women’s Core Cargo Shorts to the test to find out whether the same holds true for them with their two leg pockets and strapless design. Read on to find out.

Note: We also tested the men’s version of the Rapha Core Cargo Bib Shorts.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Which are the best cargo bibs of 2023 – 13 cargo bib shorts in review.

The 2023 Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Bib Shorts | € 105

Specs & quality of Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Bib Shorts

As with the men’s models, the core versions of the women’s cargo shorts come from Rapha’s more affordable line. They come in black and dark blue, and the women’s models are exclusively available without straps. Like all other Rapha products in the test field, the Women’s Core Cargo Shorts boast clean workmanship. They come equipped with the Rapha Classic chamois, which isn’t advertised to be quick drying, like the chamois in the more expensive Cargo Bibs from Rapha. Nevertheless, the chamois dried quickly during our tests. The legs have rubberised cuffs that prevent them from riding up. The waistband of the Women’s Core Cargo Shorts is pleasantly wide, offering a good fit. It’s cut lower at the front, which should prevent the shorts from sliding up while riding. The Rapha repair service is available for these shorts, too.

Cargo functionality of the Rapha Women’s Cargo Bib Shorts

The Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts are said to be all-rounders with their 15 x 11 cm pockets on each leg, accommodating everything that you’d typically carry in your jersey. As the only strapless shorts on test, they have no back pockets, of course. Thanks to the large leg pockets, however, you can easily carry your mobile phone, snacks, and credit card. Carrying a rain jacket is a bit of a challenge, but our smartphones and energy bars were safely stowed away during all rides.
Thanks to the dark colours and the subtle Rapha print in the pockets, you must look closely to recognise them as cargo shorts.

Dinner is sorted: Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts

Safety/visibility of the Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts

The Rapha Core Cargo Shorts didn’t show signs of wear after our tests. As with the men’s models, you must spend more money in Rapha’s women’s department if you want reflectors, which are only available on the Women’s Cargo Bib Shorts model. That shouldn’t be the case!

Comfort of the Rapha Women’s Cargo Bib Shorts

Contrary to the claim that the low-cut front should prevent the fabric from rolling down, the shorts covered the abdominal area. Nevertheless, they stayed put, didn’t cut into the skin, and didn’t curl up around the abdomen – that’s how it should be! The cuffs also stayed in place and the waistband covered the lumbar area. The Rapha Classic chamois is comfortable, and we didn’t experience any pressure points. The shorts are designed for mild to warm weather, and they worked well in those conditions.
Due to the lack of straps, the Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts are the only models on test that made the pit stop much easier for women, which is a significant advantage!

The chamois of Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts

Despite their minimalistic design, the Rapha Women’s Core Cargo Shorts still manage to accommodate all the essentials you need on a ride, plus snacks, thus making a top tube bag superfluous. The possibility of taking a quick pee break without having to take off your jersey or top if you’re a woman is a big plus. This makes them the ideal cargo shorts for those who don’t want straps but still want extra storage space on those epic, all-day rides.

Tops

good fit, comfortable chamois
slightly higher cut on the back protects your lumbar area

Flops

less storage space than cargo bibs with straps
no reflectors

For more info visit rapha.com.

The test field