Ortovox enters the MTB world: and it does it in its own style.
There are brands that, when they decide to enter a new segment, never start from scratch. Ortovox is one of them. For those who have lived in the mountains for years, the name Ortovox immediately evokes reliability, technical research, and above all, safety. It's the brand of airbag backpacks, avalanche transceivers, and an almost obsessive attention to protection in the alpine environment.
When I received the official announcement of Ortovox's entry into the MTB world some time ago, my first reaction was simple: "Great news." Because seeing a company with this background enter our world means bringing a specific philosophy, based on concrete design, functionality, and quality that can be felt in the field.
And in fact, the new Sequence line doesn't try to reinvent mountain biking. It does something much smarter: it takes what really works in the mountains and transfers it to everyday trail rides. The real ones. The long, dusty, sweaty ones. Where comfort becomes fundamental and where the details truly make the difference.
During these spring weeks I had the opportunity to use the set consisting of Trail Shorts, Bib Liner, Free Jersey LS and the Hip Pack 3 pouch. And the feeling, outing after outing, was clear: these are not just technical clothing, but products designed with a precise logic.
Ortovox: From Mountain Safety to MTB
Before going into the details of the test, it's worth understanding where Ortovox comes from.
The German company has been a leading name in mountain safety for years, especially in the world of ski mountaineering and freeriding. From avalanche transceivers and airbag backpacks to avalanche emergency research, the brand's entire philosophy revolves around a precise concept: intelligent protection.
And it is probably precisely this approach that makes their entry into the MTB sector interesting.
Today, mountain biking, especially trail and enduro, is undergoing enormous technical evolution, but there's still considerable room for improvement when it comes to safety and emergency management. Not just in terms of protection, but also in terms of communication, smart gear transportation, and ride management.
The Sequence line was born precisely in this context: products designed to be worn for many hours, without becoming a bother.
Ortovox Sequence Test: Comfort First
The thing that immediately emerges when using the entire line is one: everything is designed to disappear while you pedal.
No unnecessary constraints. No details thrown in just for marketing purposes. Everything has a concrete purpose.
And this is precisely what distinguishes a well-designed product from an ordinary one.
Sequence Trail Shorts: Smart Details That Make the Difference
The Trail Shorts are probably the item that surprised me the most during the test.
At first glance, they seem like very clean, almost minimalist MTB shorts. But then you start using them and you discover a series of truly clever details.
The first concerns the waist adjustment system. Normally, we find side Velcro straps, but here Ortovox has chosen a hook-and-loop system. While you lose something in micrometric adjustment, it's true, but you gain a lot in stability. Once you find the right position, you just clip them in and forget about them completely.
And on a long day in the saddle, that counts for a lot.
The internal leg vents and ventilation openings are also very useful, which really help dissipate heat on long, slow climbs.
The 4-way stretch material does exactly what it's supposed to do: it moves with you without ever pulling, while still maintaining a very convincingly sturdy feel.
The fit is also spot on. It's clear to see that it was designed with the actual riding position in mind: slightly higher at the back, complete leg freedom, and excellent compatibility with kneepads.
Bib Liner: the chamois you don't feel
Under the Trail Shorts I used the Sequence Bib Liner with SQ-Pad 11 seat pad.
And here we enter a very personal topic: comfort in the saddle.
Ortovox and SQlab opted for a compact padding that's not excessively thick, but very stable. This is a solution I personally prefer over overly soft pads, which, on long rides, often tend to move and create friction.
The beauty of the SQ-Pad 11 is precisely this: it stays put.
Forces are distributed well, chafing is reduced and above all the shorts never move, thanks also to the wide elastic bands with silicone inserts.
Also noteworthy is the excellent breathability. The mesh inserts work well, and on hot days the liner stays dry much longer than many competing products.
Free Jersey LS: soft, technical and also beautiful to look at
The Free Jersey LS is one of those jerseys that you risk using even off the bike.
The Merino and TENCEL™ mix works really well: the feeling on the skin is very soft, almost imperceptible, but at the same time the sweat management is excellent.
During spring outings it proved to be extremely versatile, especially in situations where the temperature changes continuously between ascent and descent.
The construction of the mesh is also very intelligent:
- longer back;
- pre-shaped arms;
- additional ventilation under the armpits and on the back.
Small details, but they make a difference on a bike.
And then there's the aesthetic aspect. The tone-on-tone logo with its fuchsia accent is one of those almost invisible details that conveys meticulous design. And today, there's no denying it, style also plays a role in choosing a technical garment.
Hip Pack 3: the real star of the test
However, if I had to choose the product that convinced me the most from the entire line, I would probably choose the Sequence Hip Pack 3.
Because reducing it to a “fanny pack” is almost unfair.
In terms of capacity, space organization and fit, we are much closer to a small technical trail backpack riding.
And this is where Ortovox has done a remarkable job.
The ability to adjust the pack not only from the front but also via the internal system that brings the side pockets closer together completely changes the product's stability. Once worn, it literally stays close to the body, even on the most technical sections.
This season, I've rediscovered the practicality of MTB waist packs, especially for fast rides or light cycle mountaineering. Those situations where you want to start minimally:
- windproof;
- canteen;
- telephone;
- emergency kit;
- something to eat.
And yet the Hip Pack 3 can do much more.
During the test I loaded it with:
- two video cameras;
- extendable stick;
- windproof;
- gel;
- first aid kit;
- smartphone.
All this without ever really feeling the weight on your body.
The part in contact with the back is also very convincing. The structure is clearly reminiscent of Ortovox technical backpacks and guarantees excellent ventilation even on the hottest days.
For those who want it, there is also provision for a hydration bladder, but honestly I still prefer using the two integrated water bottle pockets, leaving all the internal space available for the equipment.
The final feeling after weeks of use
The Sequence line does not focus on special effects.
Focus on real functionality.
And this is perhaps the most convincing aspect: every single product seems to have been designed by those who actually ride.
No extreme solutions. No exaggerated pursuit of futuristic design. Just carefully selected materials, excellent ergonomics, and thoughtful details that, ride after ride, significantly improve the cycling experience.
For those looking for a technical, lightweight and very versatile setup for trail riding riding, all mountain and light cycle mountaineering, the new MTB proposal from Ortovox absolutely deserves attention.
And considering the brand's DNA, this seems like just the beginning.
