NVR Lost was created to challenge the status quo in women’s mountain bike apparel. While some brands focused on bold colours and patterns, this often came at the expense of comfort and fit. On the flip side, well-fitting gear frequently fell short on technical performance. So Stef and her partner Laine launched NVR Lost with a clear goal: to deliver a range of women’s riding gear that combines premium comfort and fit with high-performance features – designed for riders who don’t need leopard print to prove they can shred.
From here, NVR Lost developed a full range for men and women. We were stoked to receive a range of their clothing for testing and we put them to the test on a range of rides, from daycare commutes and coffee runs to the gnarliest trails our local area has to offer.
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Women’s LV Technical Pants
RRP: $229.96 AUD
Sizes available: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Colours available: Jet Black and Ocean Cavern
NVR Lost’s Light Version (LV) technical pants are deceptive. It’s only after I had headed out on my first ride with them that I was a convert, realising just how jam-packed with features these aesthetically understated pants are.
Featuring a mid-rise fit with waist adjustment, lift pass pocket, rear-thigh phone pocket, long calf zips for knee pad access (genius), laser cut ventilation and hip and knee stretch panels, it’s clear that NVR Lost have thought of everything when designing these pants.
I tested a size 8 in the pants, which are a perfect fit for me at 168cm and 63kg. I used these pants without needing to use the waist adjustment, though for riders with a more hourglass figure this feature gives four levels of waist adjustment with a sturdy hook system.
Fit wise, they are all the things I have wanted in technical pants without knowing I needed them. The stretch panels make them supremely comfortable when pedalling and sending, and the range of pockets available means you can carry pretty much everything on you – handy for those of us without frame storage.
The under-thigh phone pocket is a huge win as well, meaning you can carry your phone on you without even knowing it’s there. It’s difficult to describe how much better it is having your phone located behind – instead of on top of – your thigh.
Overall, these are perhaps the best pair of trail pants I have pulled on. NVR Lost have hit the nail on the head with these, with both an enduring classic style and oodles of technical features.
Women’s Technical Riding Tee (Short Sleeve)
RRP: $99.95
Sizes: XS–XXL
Colours available: Jet Black, Ocean Cavern and Bright White
NVR Lost describe their Women’s Technical Riding Tee as their go-to summer companion. With ultra-lightweight mesh fabric on the rear paired with the drirelease lyocell makes for a stylish, breathable and comfortable jersey. I tested a size small which was true to size, with a relaxed fit.
A mesh back maximises airflow, while the drirelease fabric wicks away moisture and dries quickly, while a women’s-specific fit with a tapered waist and droptail design means you’re comfortable at all times, no matter how rowdy the trail gets.
The drirelease lyocell fabric on the Technical Riding tee is not only moisture wicking and quick drying, it’s also incredibly soft, to the point where you completely forget about the jersey while riding.
The subdued, classic styling of the Technical Riding Tee transitions seamlessly from the trails to the cafe, making it a front runner in my technical tee wardrobe.
Women’s Cropped Riding Tee
RRP: $99.95
Colours available: Ocean Cavern and Bright White
Sizes: XS–2XL
NVR Lost’s Women’s Cropped Riding Tee is an item of clothing I didn’t foresee entering my regular rotation, but here we are. NVR Lost’s super soft drirelease lyocell fabric is lightweight and breathable, while the fit is true to size with a cropped hem – making it perfect to pair up with their mid-rise LV Technical Pants. Overall, the Cropped Riding Tee was flattering and comfortable.
This shirt really excels in the ‘trails to the pub’ pipeline, though I had some reservations about how I would manage to keep this one white. For the grubby among us, NVR Lost also features the Women’s Cropped Riding Tee in navy blue.
Women’s High Impact Sports Bra
RRP: $89.95
Colours available: Ocean Cavern and Bright White
Sizes: XS–XXL
NVR Lost sent a Women’s High Impact Sports Bra for me to test in a size small. It’s a firm-fitting bra with optional padding, and elasticised cross-back straps. I love a comfortable sports bra, so I was all-in. The material is soft and double lined for modesty, while the soft elasticised cross-back straps meant you were supported without material digging into your shoulders.
While the sports bra is advertised as a high impact option, those with larger chests would likely struggle with the available support if undertaking higher impact activities like running or team sports – though appropriate for smaller chested women to wear during activities. For mountain biking though, it featured enough support for the jankiest of rides.
Men’s LV Technical Pants
RRP: $229.96
Colours available: Jet Black and Ocean Cavern
Sizes: XS–XXL
I have been loving wearing long pants for some of my riding, particularly if the weather is cool (can’t really say it gets cold in Brisbane) or if it’s a lift assisted ride. I was excited to receive the NVR Lost pants and was impressed by the lightweight material, but most of all the use of stretch panels and reinforced fabric in the waist and knees – crucial parts of the pants. The sizing is accurate, something a lot brands seem to miss – a size 32 actually fits like a size 32.
The men’s LV Technical Pants not only feature front hip pockets, but they’re also deep and have a zip. The phone pocket on the back of the leg looked like a gimmick at first, until you pop your phone in there and then forget you even have a phone – zen.
The other stand out feature for me, as mentioned by Anna, is the long zip to get to your pads easily which means you can make a change of shoes and pad removal before the pub a breeze, without having to take your pants off. These pants are a definite winner from NVR Lost.
Men’s Elevated Shorts
RRP: $139.95
Colours available: Jet Black and Ocean Cavern
Sizes: XS-XXL
The NVR Lost Elevated shorts, much like the pants, are packed with features that highlight just how much thought the brand has put into product development. They feature deep pockets with zips, great stretch around the back of the waist, plenty of adjustability within the size and a nice wide leg opening that will not interfere with most knee pads. The side cut outs look funky at first but add a good range of movement that I found very welcoming, even though the fabric is quite stretchy while still being durable.
Men’s Casual Riding Tee
RRP: $99.95
Colours available: Jet Black and Ocean Cavern, Formal Green
Sizes: XS–XXL
NVR Lost is clearly paying attention to what the market wants when it comes to riding jerseys. More than just a riding jersey, the Causal Riding Tee is exactly that – a perfect everyday top that is just at home on the trails or at the cafe or even on a hike.
Made from a merino wool blend, it offers all the technical adventures that the natural fabric delivers, it’s extremely soft to the touch and doesn’t stink. Combine that with the synthetic fabrics to add strength and stretch and we’re onto a winner that I probably have now worn more off the bike than on the bike. The fit is relaxed without being baggy, the branding on the Casual Riding Tee is subtle and well executed. A versatile option worth adding to your riding wardrobe.
Men’s Technical Riding Tee (Long Sleeve)
RRP: $120
Colours available: Jet Black and Ocean Cavern, Bright White
Sizes: XS-XXL
The NVR Lost Technical Riding Tee is another product packed full of technical features that are rarely seen in mountain biking tops. Like Anna, I was a little concerned about the white top – I’m renowned for my ability to hit the dirt.
How well will it clean up once you do take an unplanned dirt nap? Is it see through? I can safely say the lyocell fabric surprised me as after a sudden encounter with an embankment, the shirt looked as good as new after a wash. Is it see through? Well, the photos should answer that for you.
Features of the Men’s Technical Riding Tee include the reinforced elbow and forearm panels to prevent premature wear and ripping after a bad line choice, as well as forearm zips that allow easy access to your elbow pads. Just like the pants, this long zip screams versatility however I didn’t find it to be as beneficial here. While they’re a good idea, they’re perhaps not as useful as on the pants – it’s a lot easier to remove your top for elbow pads than it is to take your pants off.
The fit is relaxed without being oversized and the sleeve cuffs were the perfect length. Although this is a long sleeve design, I would see myself wearing it in the heat of summer for the extra sun and skin protection as the fabric is light enough to feel comfortable.
Women’s and Men’s Sherpa Lined Beanie
RRP: $44.95
Colours: Black
As Queenslanders, our experience with beanies is limited. One beanie lasts you approximately 85 years. That being said – the NVR Lost Sherpa Lined beanie is an extremely luxurious option. Lined with super soft and warm Sherpa fleece with a knit pattern on the exterior, this has been the go-to option for cold, windy morning hikes and nights around the campfire. If you’re like us and only need one beanie in your life, I can thoroughly recommend treating yourself to the NVR Lost Sherpa Lined beanie.
Check out NVR LOST’s full range on their website.
