Mountain bike apparel will never be more important than the bike or components it's dressed with. But there's no denying what you wear can enhance (or screw up) your ride. This summer, we filled the Mtbr apparel closet with outfits from a host of kit makers, ranging from the ultra high-end (Kitsbow) to more budget friendly (Pactimo), to a lot of in between.

In part 2 of this three part series, we take a look at some (but certainly not all) of the offerings from Endura, Voler, and Garneau. In every case, we logged at least a half dozen rides in the garment, allowing us to weigh in on function, fit, and fashion. Here are some of our favorites - and a few that were not so hot. Go here to read part 1, which includes Qloom, Pearl Izumi, and Pactimo. And check back to Mtbr soon for the final installment, which will include clothing from Gore, Kitsbow, and Mavic. All photos are by Dave Kozlowski.

Endura MT500 Collection

Endura

Though not super well known on this side of the Atlantic, Scotland-based Endura has a huge line of cycling gear and apparel, ranging from aero-tight road kit (it's the clothing sponsor of the Movistar WorldTour team), to top-flight MTB kit worn by the likes of Danny MacAskill among others. The company also makes helmets, sunglasses, and even luggage.

Endura MT500 Collection

With the Evolution Bike Park just 20 minutes from our Crested Butte, Colorado, test headquarters, the company's MT500 collection has earned a regular place in our rotation. Its design philosophy is based on the ethos that sooner or later you'll hit the ground, thus it's geared toward riders that embrace this reality - and require their clothing to be durable and tough.

Endura Protective Liner Short

A little extra protection is also a good thing, which is exactly what the MT500 Protective Liner Short offers ($80, more info at www.endurasport.com). Besides a reasonably comfortable multi-density chamois and compressive Lycra fabric, these shorts have raised honeycomb shaped padding on the hips, outer thigh, and lumbar area. It won't save your ass if you crash into a tree. But the impact panels could certainly prevent shedding skin on the trail. This liner also has Endura's click-fast snaps that are compatible with various Endura baggy shorts.

Endura MT500 Burner Ratchet Short

That includes the MT500 Burner Ratchet Short ($129, more info here), which are a great choice for the bike park or serious shuttling sessions, but not XC adventures. The rugged oxford canvas material can easily handle the occasional hard get-off, and the secure ratcheting waist buckle means you never have to worry about these shorts unexpectedly coming undone. A pair of zipper hand pockets provide storage for a lift pass, gel, or cash and credit card, and the generous leg length interfaces well with even large hard-shell knee pads. The inside is lined with mess to enhance wicking, and the seat panel is reinforced for those abrasive, muddy days in the saddle. Our lone knock is the somewhat heavy handed graphics.

Endura MT500 Collection

For those who like the full matchy-matchy look, you can add the Endura MT500 Print Long Sleeve Jersey to the mix. The one pictured here is no longer available (it was a limited edition). But the company recently launched the MT500 Print II Long Sleeve Jersey ($68, more info at www.endurasport.com), which is made of the same lightweight, rapid wicking fabric. The fit is roomy enough to slip over a set of elbow pads, and breathes well enough to wear on warmer summer days.

Continue to page 2 to see top MTB apparel offerings from Voler »

Voler Switchback Enduro ¾ Sleeve Jersey and Trail Shorts

Voler

Donald Trump continually blathers on about making America great again. But it's companies such as Voler who are actually walking the walk. Founded in San Luis Obispo, California, in 1986, the cycling apparel maker's No. 1 claim to fame is that nearly all its products are actually made in the USA.

Voler is probably best known for its road kit (both custom and in-line), but it also has a solid mountain bike collection that skews to the casual side.

Voler Switchback Enduro ¾ Sleeve Jersey

Our favorite piece is the $59 Switchback Enduro ¾ Sleeve Jersey. There are not a lot of bells and whistles. No pockets. No sunglasses wipe. It's just a breathable top that's roomy enough to fit over pads, but not so baggy that you can't wear it on its own. The ¾ length sleeves add a tiny extra bit of protection, but don't cause you to overheat on hot days. And we love the look, which is subtle but not boring. More info at www.voler.com.

Voler Switchback XC Jersey and Trail Shorts

If you're a little more endurance minded, but don't want to go full-on skin tight jersey, check out the Switchback XC Jersey ($65, more info here). It fits like a tech tee, but has an 8" front zipper, and four rear pockets (three standard size, plus a hidden stash pocket that's a little more secure for a smartphone or other valuables). Again styling is basic without being bland, and there is no elastic in the arms or waist to keep the look casual.

Voler Switchback XC Jersey and Trail Shorts

Completing the outfit are the Voler Trail Short ($89, more info at www.voler.com). These are actually made in Canada, not the U.S., but maintain the theme of quality without being overly expensive.

The fabric is durable, but not too heavy, and they've come completely clean even after a multi-day, muddy-riding adventure in Switzerland. The 13" inseam is plenty long for kneepads, and the waist is held in place by a zipper and two snaps, while adjustability is handled by a unique strap-and-buckle system that wont deteriorate over time like some Velcro set-ups. The shorts have four pockets, two open hand, one open rear, and a zipped stash pocket that's on the left hip. All three open pockets are mesh lined to improve ventilation.

Most important of all is the gusset, which sits snug against the body, lessening the chance of catching your saddle. Bottom line, there is nothing fancy about these shorts, they just work well. And if a summer's worth of riding is any indication, they'll likely outlast many of the components on your bike. We've yet to spy a single frayed thread.

Continue to page 3 to check out goodies from Garneau »

Garneau Maple Lane Jersey

Garneau

Here's a silly piece of trivia. Aside from his fame as a pro cyclist and namesake for a massive cycling apparel and gear company, Louis Garneau is arguably most famous for putting his arm around Queen Elizabeth II during a photo op. Turns out touching a U.K. royal is a major breach of protocol. Fortunately for him, Garneau's business was unharmed, and today it has a sprawling product line that includes road bikes, shoes, helmets, and apparel for every type of cycling discipline. Though small compared to its road line, Garneau's MTB apparel offers solid value and function.

Garneau Maple Lane Jersey

The Maple Lane Jersey ($80, more info at garneau.com) is made of the same lightweight material you find in a typical road jersey. That's great news for hot summer rides, but not so hot if you crash a lot. We took a small tumble on one ride in this jersey and tore a sizable hole in the shoulder.

But as long as you can keep it upright, this is a great top for balmy days in the saddle. The lightweight material breathes exceptionally well, and it has a full zip front so you can open up on long climbs. There's also a zippered rear pocket that's big enough to stash a smartphone, some cash, and a snack.

Garneau Kitchell Cycling Jersey and Derby Cycling Shorts

The loose fitting Kitchell Cycling Jersey ($70, more info here) fills a similar hot day void. The lightweight top uses Icefil technology, where the fabric is claimed to convert your body's sweat into a cooling agent.

Garneau Kitchell Cycling Jersey

We can't say with any real certainty whether it actually works, but this airy jersey with mesh fabric in the middle of the back is certainly a great hot day option. It also has a full length zipper, plus three open pockets and one zipped stash pocket in the rear. But again, it's not the kind of jersey you want if hitting the deck is even a semi-regular occurrence.

Garneau Derby Cycling Shorts

Garneau also makes an array of MTB shorts, including the Derby Cycling Shorts with detachable inner short ($120, garneau.com). The faux denim look and lace waist closure conspire to make these shorts wearable off the bike (they kind of look like board shorts). But the stretchy, abrasion resistant fabric stands up to a beating on the bike. Storage includes two Velcro closure rear pockets, plus one open hand pocket, one zipped hand pocket, and third front pocket with a flap. It's overkill for riding, but nice for carrying cash and keys before or after your ride. The seamless inner leg helps reduce bunching and saddle snags, and there are even a pair of rearward reflective accents to help keep you safe if you end up riding on the road.

Garneau Raid MIPS Cycling Helmet

Speaking of safety, Garneau has partnered with MIPS to up the protection factor of the Raid Cycling Helmet. At 352 grams for a size medium, it's not the lightest helmet out there. But with a $100 price tag, it's a solid value for XC or trail riders who will appreciate the extra coverage around the back of the head. Adjustable straps lie flat on the cheeks, and there are 14 vents to help keep you cool. The small'ish visor slides up and down to make room for goggles.

Garneau Raid MIPS Cycling Helmet

Our only issue is that the fit adjustment dial sits inside the back of the helmet, which can make it hard to manipulate on the fly. More info at garneau.com.

Garneau Graphite MTB Shoes

Last from Garneau is the Graphite MTB shoes, which normally retail for $300 but were recently spotted marked down to $150 on the company's website (garneau.com). Weight is 343 grams per shoe size 44, and they have a 100-percent carbon outsole, making them a good choice for XC or even cyclocross racing. Closure is a traditional three-strap Velcro set-up, and they have a flexible toe section that's designed to make them easier to run or walk in, something we tested first hand during a few long hike-a-bikes in the high country around Crested Butte. At $300 these shoes felt over-priced (no BOA dial, not super light). But the recent markdown makes the Graphite a very inviting proposition.