Mountain Bike Trail Pants

When riding in cooler weather, mountain bike trousers are a must-have item since they completely cover your legs, offer warmth, and shield you from the elements. Over time, cycling pants’ designs have changed, moving away from the motocross-style pants that were first popular but often lacked breathability.
Modern mountain bike pants or trousers, for our readers in the United State shave cycling-specific cuts, are frequently constructed of cozy, breathable stretch materials, and have enough room for knee pads to be worn below.

Best Mountain Bike Trail Pants Cycling Pants

1.) Dedicated Trail Pant
The Trail Pants from Specialized have a great fit and a nice amount of elasticity thanks to their evaporated fabric. They have a ratchet buckle that can be adjusted to fit precisely, three conveniently placed zipped pockets, etc. They also have a water-repellent coating for splashes from puddles or mild rain. They rank among the most comfortable pants we’ve tested, and their premium price is justified by their longevity, making them one of the finest all-around.

2.) Decathlon Rockrider All-Mountain Bottoms
Our tester was really pleased with Decathlon’s Rockrider All-Mountain bottoms, which are by far the least expensive pants we have tried.
They achieve the ideal balance between cost and performance. In order to provide a perfect fit, the Rockriders also have a DWR water-repellent coating and elastic fabric. Two thigh zip pockets and an elasticized waist let you customize the fit.
Blackline Nukeproof Pants

3.) The Blackline pants from Nukeproof, which were first introduced in 2019, are still outstanding in their most recent incarnation. Their rather thin four-way stretch fabric, which almost delivers an unmatched fit among the competition, impressed our tester. With two zipped pockets that offer enough storage and won’t flap around while riding, Nukeproof takes attention to the little things. They also include a DWR covering to shield them from light showers and splashes from puddles.

4.) Trailfinder Stealth Pants by O’Neal
The Trailfinder Stealths are a more affordable option that nevertheless provides excellent quality and performance. They are closer-fitting and don’t flap around when riding through muck or rain.
They have a fitted design and fit, and their simple but effective semi-elastic waistband and ratchet buckle closing impressed us.
They include two zipped hip pockets and are compatible with knee protection. The seat panel on the pair that was tested began to discolor, which is the sole drawback.

5.) Poc Resistance Rhythm Pants
These trousers had a great fit around the waist and hips despite the absence of a waist adjustment that would have allowed you to size up or down based on your preferred leg length. The cloth used is rather lightweight with a little elasticity, and the ankle cuffs are elasticized. There are two zipped pockets and a DWR coating without fluorocarbons.

6.) Glidepath 7mesh Pant
The 7mesh pants performed admirably, especially on extended rides. Along with two hip pockets, they have two rear-facing zipped pockets for holding necessities. Given how thin the material is, we advise against overfilling the pockets.
The fit and cut appear less fitted when worn off the bike but not when worn on it. Knee pads are easily tucked underneath and have a lockable clip and strap for adjusting their fit. When taking off and putt on the trousers, the ankle cuffs might use a little more elasticity. They are also fairly expensive.

7.) Fox Ranger Pants
Fox’s Ranger Pants delivered excellent performance despite having a minimal design and few features. They fit pretty snugly and won’t likely fly around when riding.
They have two hand hip pockets, and one essentials-only zipped pocket positioned halfway down the left leg, and you get into them via a strap and double loop method. While they have held up well during the year of testing, they are difficult to put on and take off, and doing so has caused the hems to loosen and start to drop down.

8.) Review of Rapha Trail Pants
Rapha made a splash when it joined the mountain bike kit market in 2021, and we’ve been really happy with everything we’ve tested so far.
The company’s Trail Pants are no different, with just their high price preventing them from receiving a higher rating.

Mountain Bike Trail Pants With Full Coverage For Warmth And Protection

1.) 7Mesh Thunder Pants
The only waterproof riding trousers we’ve ever tried that truly kept us properly dry, regardless of the conditions or ride duration, are hidden beneath the coolest mountain bike clothing label ever. The best part about 7Mesh’s Thunder Pant is that, because of its amazing cut and extraordinary breathing capabilities, you may use them even in dreadful conditions.

2.) 100% Airmatic Pants
100% The best choice for fending off the worst dirt and weather is Airmatic clothing. Due to the lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, it is simple to forget you are wearing full-length trousers even after spending a long day in the saddle.
The 18 cloth panels that make up the curved cut are good since they allowed us to test wearing pretty hefty knee protectors without feeling any pull while pedaling. A broad metal hook and eyelet closing mechanism that is inspired by mountaineering works effectively to keep the waist in place, and a rough silicone area inside the waistband helps prevent apparent slippage, even when wet and covered in mud.

3.) Women’s Lightweight Pants by Rapha
The Women’s Lightweight Trail pant is one of the stunning boutique-like products featured in Rapha’s relatively new mountain bike range, which is perhaps better known for its upscale road clothing.
The Lightweight Trail pant from Rapha is made from an incredibly light, four-way stretchy, and abrasion-resistant fabric and sewed into many panels for a narrow, unrestrictive fit. The waistband is trimmed high at the back to give extra comfort and protection, and the inside ankle is strengthened where the cranks might rub.

4.) Leatt MTB 4.0 Pants
Given that Leatt has a history in neck braces, it is not surprising that its 4.0 pants have enough capacity for armor below. They still have a tapered fit, pre-bent knees, and a mesh inside to assist in wicking sweat away from your skin.
The seat is seamless, and the knees have 500D fabric to prevent premature wear up the inner legs and seat panel. If you don’t use padded shorts, the seamless design is especially appreciated. They still feel warm for race pants despite having tiny laser perforations below them and on the inside thigh. However, they have strategically placed rubberized features and a DWR splash/shower-proofing coating that effectively repels a significant amount of water, so that’s obviously not a problem in colder climates.

5.) Sprint by Troy Lee Designs
The Troy Lee Designs Sprint trousers can withstand a protracted slide through the brush without pinching the back of your knee as you pedal since they are made of a blend of tough 600D polyester that has received Bluesign approval and spandex. A mesh lining on the inside acts as a crude slip layer and also helps to wick moisture. The knee and outside of the thigh are composed of an even harder fabric to resist crash damage.

Ridden And Rated Best New Mountain Bike Trail Pants

There are now a variety of alternatives available made for everything from marathon pedal fests to rainy laps in the bike park, making the days of wearing heavy-duty, repurposed moto pants for mountain biking a thing of the past. I’ve been testing seven of the newest mountain bike trousers over the past four months, putting them through the rigors of spring in the Pacific Northwest. That means they experienced more muck than they should have, a lot of puddles, and some sunny weather.

1.) NF DP4 Pants
one of the reasons you see, so lots riders on the Shore sporting NF gear is that all of their clothing is made in Vancouver, British Columbia. Furthermore, the fact that they are sturdy and comfy is a plus.

The DP4 is the most recent iteration of their all-purpose riding trousers, made of a nylon/spandex fabric combined with a DWR coating to help fend off showers of rain and puddle splashes. The pocket configuration is where the most significant modification from the previous edition has occurred. The right side still has the highly functional zipped phone pocket, but the left side has an arm-swallowing pocket with a smaller pocket inside it for a credit card or bike park permit. The right hip has a regular-sized pocket, and the rear of the waistband has additional storage space that’s perfect for gloves.

2.) Yeti Ridgway Pants
The Ridgway pants are a brand-new addition to Yeti’s range for 2022, and Yeti claims that the cut was motivated by contemporary joggers. They are essentially sweatpants that allow you to ride without getting too hot. They successfully complete that task, and they are a contender for this test’s most comfortable choice.

There is ample room for kneepads and a taper around the ankles to prevent them from getting caught in the chain. The fit is more relaxed than some of the race-oriented choices available. When you’re attempting to change out of wet and muddy clothes at the end of a ride, and the last thing you feel like doing is fighting with a pair of difficult pants, the ankles have a zippered closure that makes them really easy to pull on and off.

3.) Particularly Made Gravity Pants
One of the first options on the market to be moderately light and pedal-friendly, Specialized’s Demo pants were the main reason I ultimately stopped wearing shorts all year round. Specialized still offers the Demo pants, but they’ve also expanded their selection to include the Gravity pants you see above, as well as the Trail Pant, which is lighter in weight. The Gravity model is a more race-oriented alternative; it is simplified to the essentials and has a more form-fitting cut than nearly all of the other choices in this round-up. Not everyone will enjoy the snug fit, but it does make it nearly hard for the cuff to catch on a chain or the crotch to catch on a seat.

4.) Gravity pants by DHaRCO
There’s a high chance that if you watched any of the DH World Cup events this season, you saw a number of quick riders wearing DHaRCO’s flamboyant Gravity Pants (yes, they share the same name as Specialized’s pants). Yes, it is inevitable that someone will make a moderately amusing comment about lawsuits. Particularly the options in leopard print or vivid purple are difficult to miss. The forest green hue I tested is likewise very subdued; think more park ranger and less raver. Thankfully, there is a plain black version.

5.) Sombrio Vanquish Pants
The Vanquish pants from Sombrio differ from many other mountain bike pants’ narrow jean-like fit. The cut around the thighs and knees is fairly loose; you could fit some seriously big pads under these pants despite the fact that they are tapered enough to avoid getting caught in your chain. Given that both options use a 90/10 nylon/spandex blend, the fabric feels a lot like the one NF uses on their DP4 trousers. There are little vent holes on the thighs and in the lower back, which I’m sure to do some good but not nearly as much as the vents on the Specialized Gravity trousers.

Mountain Bike Trail Pants Are Normal And Waterproof

In recent years, riding pants and trousers have grown in popularity among mountain bikers. Summer alternatives are now lighter, more breathable, and less constricting, while waterproof winter pants make a lot of sense for keeping you warm and dry in muddy situations.

Pants Fox Flexair
Everything else, including the four-way stretch fabric and the zip pockets, are the same as the previous Fox Indicator pant that has been given a new moniker. Winter pants with a sturdy, water-repellent covering can withstand wet days with persistent drizzle and frequent splashing, even though they are not completely waterproof. The elastic fabric allows you to move freely around the bike, and the tapered fit prevents tangles. Additionally, the Flexair is still breathable enough to make you both comfortable and fashionable, even if riding pants are currently all the rage.

Men’s Rapha Trail Pants
Although Rapha is more frequently associated with road cycling, their selection of trail mountain bikes is remarkable, and in our testing, we discovered that these delivered similar performance to the Troy Lee Skyline pants.
The fabric has a DWR coating to repel rain and splashes and is thick with a four-way stretch. A silky inside surface feels nice on bare skin. With a spacious shape that isn’t baggy and true-to-size sizing, you may tailor the fit, and belt loops make it possible to add a belt if you choose. They are simple to put on and take off, thanks to the elasticized hems and tapered legs.

MTB Enduro Pants 3.0 V22 by Leatt
The MTB Enduro Pants 3.0 V22, with its creative moniker, is a superb creation by Leatt. They are quite affordable, have a slim, tapered design that isn’t skin-tight or constricting, and include a few helpful features, like several ventilation holes and five storage pockets. A waterproof covering and reinforced backside provide protection from the occasional puddle.

Speedy Lee Designs by Troy Lee
The Sprint Ultra is also lighter than the older Sprint because Troy Lee removed the mesh lining, but it is the only pair of pants with this feature. To maintain durability, the Sprint Ultra has an abrasion-resistant material in the seating area and a cowhide leather patch on the ankle to prevent chain wear. The Sprint Ultra is a wonderful trail trouser that is also sturdy enough for downhill use thanks to its excellent ventilation and superb fit – a jack of all crafts and master of some. We had a lot of trouble affording it because it cost £175, but because it was by far the best in our tests, it was worth it.

MT500 Burner Pant II by Endura
The cut of these pants was somewhat gravity-focused, and they have more space at the knees for padding because they were created with assistance from the Athertons. You also receive a small amount of 3D molded knee protection along the outside edge; it’s a bit of a symbolic gesture, especially considering that a full pad is underneath, but it’s still preferable to having raw flesh. However, the 500 Burner Pant II is also a wonderful pair of pants for simply riding trails because it fits well, breathes well, and has a fabric that will last longer than the competing Specialized Demo Pro pant. It is also more affordable.

Trigger Pants by IXS
The fabric feels fantastic against the skin, dries really fast, and is lightweight. However, it’s not the most robust, and there isn’t much reinforcement in the knee, seat, or driver-side ankle area, so if you hit the gravel with enough force, you may go through it. Despite extensive riding through thorny underbrush and brambles, The Trigger has remained intact. There are two Velcro adjusters and some silicone print on the inside of the waist to keep the trouser stable. The Trigger is perhaps the most comfortable pair of pants we tested, despite the added volume in the back. In warmer weather, the Trigger is very enjoyable to ride in.

Mountain Bike Trail Pants For All Weather

Pants from Madison Zenith 4-Season DWR
All-weather pants made for year-round use are the Madison Zenith 4-Season DWR pants. These are a lightweight option with stretch fabric, a DWR waterproof coating, seam sealing, and three-layer waterproof panels for dangerous areas that provide year-round protection. These trousers contain three pockets, and the waterproof zips help protect the contents from the weather.

Tahoe Pants from Alpinestars
The Tahoe Pants from Alpinestars are basic, durable, and waterproof. If you’re from the UK, you might say trousers. They more than makeup for any lack of frills with cozy ride protection during the cold months. The Tahoe trousers are ideal for all but the warmest late spring and summer rides since they provide efficient ventilation and are comfortable up to about 10 degrees.

Blackline Cube Rain Pants
The Blackline Rain Pants from Cube are well-made and waterproof. Mud and water will be kept at bay by the 2.5 layers, strong rip-stop fabric, and taped seams. A well-fitting pair should prevent the wind from grabbing them, but it will only allow you to wear the most minimal knee protection. The Blackline rain pants roll down beautifully to be easily packable despite the sturdy material, so you can throw them in your suitcase just in case the weather turns muddy while you are out. These pants come with pockets and reflective patches, as well as velcro adjustments at the waist and ankles. They are also reasonably priced. Expect reasonably priced trousers that will protect you from the severe winter without breaking the bank.

Pants by Royal Racing Apex
Royal Racing’s Apex Race pants are made of water- and dirt-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric that offers four-way stretch. It is a premium-level design that has a ratchet system closing and two zipped pockets that are positioned high on the thigh. You can be sure you won’t overheat in these pants because they have several vent holes that were laser-cut into the fabric. The ventilation behind the knee is especially beneficial because the majority of riders choose to wear protective gear when riding. These are some of the best race day clothing available, but for the same price, you might want to consider Royal Racing’s Trail pants for a softer, lighter, more versatile option.

Optimal Mountain Bike Pants

The British refer to them as trousers, and mountain bike pants have long been a staple of riding attire. But historically, downhill racers and free-riders have tended to use them the most. They weren’t comfortable enough for pedaling or all-day riding because they were big, hefty clothes that were patterned like motocross jeans. Thankfully, that has been changing over the past few years. With their riding trousers, more companies are experimenting with lighter materials, leaner fits, and clever features. As a result, the market is overflowing with fantastic options for everyone, from recreational trail riders to dedicated enduro racers. For wet rides or overgrown tracks, the best mountain bike trousers offer a little bit more protection and coverage than shorts. However, they are made to move fluidly when you bike and breathe easily while you perspire. We’ve compiled this list to aid in your decision-making because each pair of pants on the market has a somewhat different set of advantages and disadvantages. Looking for incredibly light-riding pants? We have that. Looking for waterproof items? On this list, you are, quite literally, covered. Your knees and calf muscles will thank you if you try wearing riding trousers.

Commonly Asked Questions

How about your choice of jeans for mountain biking?

Generally speaking, trail riders and downhill riders choose baggy kits that include loose-fitting shorts with a pair of padded Lycra shorts below and a loose-fitting jersey, whereas cross-country riders who are more focused on racing may frequently go full Lycra.

Do I require mountain bike clothing?

When the weather gets colder, and the trails are muddy and puddle-filled, mountain bike pants are a must. They offer much-needed warmth and weather protection.

Can your mountain bike while wearing tights?

On chilly days, bike tights, the majority of which are padded, can be worn in place of your liner shorts. If you plan to ride when the weather becomes gloomy, you’ll also need a pair of waterproof/breathable pants comparable to bike jackets.