The best mountain bike trousers, or pants for our US friends, are not only trendy, they are hugely practical as well. Whether to protect your skin from grazes in a crash, or to keep them clean when it’s wet, a pair of good riding trousers can work all year round. We’ve tested stacks of both waterproof winter options and lightweight summer models, and here are our top picks.

Looking for women-specific riding pants/trousers? Check out our guide to the best women’s mountain bike pants.

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Best MTB trail pants – quick list

• Best overall MTB trail pants – Rapha Trail Lightweight
• Best budget MTB Trail pants – Fox Flexair Race
• Best waterproof MTB trail pants – Rab Cinder Kinetic

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The best trail trousers/pants

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1. Rapha Trail Lightweight Pants

Best summer riding pants

Weight: 269g | Sizes: XS – XXL (28 – 40in) | Rating: 10/10

Reasons to buy:

• Superlight
• Comfortable, soft fabric
• Stretchy
• Good temperature regulation

Reasons to avoid:

• Two zip pockets, but you can’t rest your hands in them
• Lighter fabric isn’t as durable as the regular Trail Pant

Rapha’s lighter, summer-orientated trail pant is exceptionally light at under 270g in size medium. It’s also stretchy, so doesn’t impede your pedalling action, and the fabric is both beautifully soft and remarkably breathable, regulating your temperature on warmer days.

To make that headline weight, Rapha has ditched a few features from the burlier Trail Pant, but there are still two useful pockets that keep your phone stable, a secure fly, and ankle reinforcement on the driveside leg. With the added peace-of-mind that comes with a patch kit and excellent aftercare service, we think it’s worth the small premium at the checkout.

Read our full review of the Rapha Trail Lightweight Pants

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2. Endura MT500 Burner Lite Pant

Best budget summer pants

Weight: 268g | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Rating: 10/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight and airy
• Great fit and comfort
• Well priced considering the quality, fit and performance
• Women’s version also available

Reasons to avoid:

• Potentially less durable than the DH-orientated MT500 Burner pant

Endura makes two versions of the MT500 Burner pant, a heavyweight version that emphasises durability and protection, and the Lite model, where breathability in summer and freedom of movement for pedalling are prioritised. And while a riding pant is always going to be warmer than shorts, these Enduras come closer than most to that bare-legged breeziness. The reason for this is the excellent, lightweight fabric and the copious laser-cut holes perforating areas such as the inner thigh.

Great value considering the build quality, and available in loads of colourful hues, these pants are a great budget buy.

Read our full review of the Endura MT500 Burner Lite Pant

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3. Rapha Men’s Trail Pants

Best three-season riding pants

Weight: 389g | Sizes: XS – XXL (28 – 40in) | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Quality fabric
• Comfortable, relaxed fit
• Nice range of features
• Excellent pockets

Reasons to avoid:

• Might not be tight enough for some riders
• More expensive than some options

While Rapha might be a brand more often associated with road cycling, its trail mountain bike range is impressive, and we couldn’t get enough of its Trail Pants, finding them brilliantly comfortable. The fabric is relatively thick, with four-way stretch and a DWR coating to ward off drizzle and splashes. Inside, a soft facing sits nicely against bare skin.

Sizing is true-to-size, with a generous cut that’s not too baggy. Waist adjusters allow you to customise the fit, while there are two deep, open hip pockets and two zip thigh pockets so you can separate valuables without them rattling around. The price is higher than most, but this is partly offset by an included repair kit and free crash repair service. Excellent, high-quality riding pants that are comfortable and practical.

Read our full review of the Rapha Men’s Trail Pants

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4. YT Trail Cordura Pants

Best pants for all-day comfort

Weight: 319g | Sizes: 28-38in  | Rating: 10/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight
• Keep you cool on a hot summer day
• Unrestricted movement
• DWR finish offers some shower protection
• Perfectly placed pockets

Reasons to avoid:

• Ratchet waist closure is secure, but adds weight

YT has hit the bullseye with its first shot at a pair of riding pants – these Trail Cordura models managing to be comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and practical. All for a price that undercuts most options from established clothing brands. Choosing a Cordura fabric was a wise move on YT’s part, as this forms the backbone of the garment and ensures it ticks all the boxes for performance, fit, and comfort.

There’s a secure ratchet fly, three zip pockets for valuables, and a DWR coating that wards off spray and light summer showers. YT might not be the first brand you think of when shopping for riding pants, but these Trail Cordura models are worth seeking out.

Read our full test review of the YT Trail Cordura Pants

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5. Gore Passion pants

Best lightweight pants for taller riders

Weight: 290g | Sizes: S-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight and breathable
• Durable fabric
• Slim cut with long legs
• Simple but effective waist retention

Reasons to avoid:

• Another zipped pocket would be useful
• There are cooler pants out there

The Gore passion pants were tested by Jamie D, and at 6ft 1in with long legs, he found them to be a perfect fit. These pants, with low-key looks and minimal branding, are ideal for spring and summer days. They’re stretchy enough without feeling baggy or loose, and breathe well enough in warm weather for e-biking. Although the fabric is lightweight, it proved durable over the test period – it’s a very similar material to that used on the Rapha Trail Lightweight pants.

You get two proper size pockets for your hands on the Passion Pants, a zipped pocket on your right thigh that’s ideal for your phone, but sadly no matching one on the left for a car key – an additional one would be ideal.

The Passion pants do come up a size too big, so our tester had to cinch up the waist strap. With that in mind and taking care with sizing, these are perfect for riders with long legs and short bodies, who often struggle to find pants that are long enough. With a slim, but unrestrictive fit these Gore pants really hit the spot.

Read our full review of the Gorewear Passion Pants.

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6. 7Mesh Flightpath pants

Best lightweight pants for longevity and aftercare

Weight: 275g | Sizes: XS-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Reason to buy:

• Lightweight and very breathable fabric
• Comfortable on hot days
• Durable
• Excellent warranty

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive
• Not as stretchy as some options
• Zip pull tags can fall off

With a price tag of £200, the 7Mesh Flightpaths are a price pair of riding trousers. But, from our experience 7Mesh garments are built to last and there’s also a generous warranty and a crash replacement/repair facility built into the price.

The Flightpath pants are impressively lightweight, with an airy feel and breathable eco-friendly fabric that does a good job of temperature control, even on hot days. The nylon fabric has a 14% elastane content, but they’re one of the least stretchy pants we reviewed in our group test. There are two open hand pockets at the waist, supplemented by two zipped hip pockets for valuables, with a phone sleeve integrated into the one on the right – a neat touch.

Overall, we were impressed with these 7Mesh pants. They have an effective DWR coating, perfect pocket placement, low weight, and impressive after sales care. The Flightpath pants are superb and well worth the investment.

Read our full review of the 7Mesh Flightpath pants

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7. DHaRCO Gravity Pants

Best pants for bright colours and designs

Weight: 415g | Sizes: S-XXL | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• Bold designs and colours
• Soft, velvety inner face fabric
• Eco-friendly ‘Bluesign’ nylon fabric
• Women’s version available

Reasons to avoid:

• Rear pocket is not that useful
• Individuality and style comes with high price tag

DHaRCO is an Australian brand, born on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With a shift from sand to dirt, its mountain bike clothing range is packed with pattern and colour  – and there’s plenty of choice, from mild to wild. There are women’s options too.

The Gravity Pants are one of the tighter models on test but there’s plenty of stretch and in no way is your pedalling or freedom of movement restricted, even though the eco-friendly ‘Bluesign’ nylon fabric has only 5% Spandex in the mix. A DWR finish has been added to the fabric, helping water and mud to roll off. These aren’t waterproof pants though.

Overall we found the DHaRCO Gravity Pants very comfortable, both in terms of fit and temperature regulation. Although we did question the pocket layout, there’s enough secure storage for big enduro rides or laps of the bike park. If you want to get noticed, no other pants come close for sheer flamboyance or style.

Read our full review of the DHaRCO Gravity Pants

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8. Fox Flexair Race pants

Best pants for a streamlined, aero look

Weight: 311g | Sizes: 28-38in waist | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• Streamlined look and feel
• Effective DWR coating shrugs off water

Reasons to avoid:

• TruDri material is not that breathable
• Tight cuffs make them difficult to remove
• Expensive

Fox has an extensive range of mountain bike pants in its lineup but the Flexair Race pants are a popular choice – they’re seen on the legs of World Cup and privateer racers. Bike park shredders seem to love them too…

The Flexair Race cut is one of the most tailored and fitted pants on test, giving a streamlined, aero style. You’ll look and feel race-focused wearing these, for sure. The polyester/nylon fabric has a 7% elastane content and a four-way stretch, although our tester noted that other pants here have more give. The lining is soft and feels great on bare skin but the outer face (treated with a DWR coating to repel water) is shiny, so it feels slippery against the saddle.

Functionally the Fox Flexair Race pants are good, with a performance fit and focus. The compromises we found were the breathability – which our tester noted was noticeable in hot conditions – and the high price tag.

Read our full review of the Fox Flexair Race pants

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9. Scott Trail Tuned pants

Best Lightweight pants for slimmer riders

Weight: 281g | Sizes: S-XXL | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• Premium Cordura fabric
• Excellent ventilation
• Long-lasting DWR coating
• Lightweight

Reasons to avoid:

• Fit is skewed towards slimmer, taller riders
• No fly
• Pockets could use an inner phone sleeve

Scott makes three pants designed for mountain biking, including the cheaper Trail Vertic and Explorair Fast versions. The Trail Tuned pants are its premium model and one of the lighter options on test, just a few grams heavier than the Rapha Lightweight model and comfortably lighter than Scott claims on its website.

The Trail Tuned pants use a four-way stretch Cordura fabric, and it was one of the nicest on test – smooth and stretchy with a soft, brushed interior finish. Laser cut vent holes on the inner thigh are effective at channelling air, and the fabric itself does a decent job of keeping you cool on hot days. The DWR coating proved long lasting too, giving excellent water shedding after numerous washes. Our tester did remark that the leg’s inseam is much longer than any of the other medium pants on test.

Our review notes suggested the pockets and waist could do with a tweak, and the cut is definitely better suited to tall, skinny riders. Otherwise, these Scott pants boast an impressively low weight, a premium fabric and excellent ventilation.

Read our full review of the Scott Trail Tuned pants

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10. Troy Lee Designs Skyline pants

Best pants blending durability and value

Weight: 394g | Sizes: 28-38in waist | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• A comfortable fit
• Not too tight
• Durable fabric and construction

Reasons to avoid:

• Can get a bit stuffy in hot weather

The Skyline pants are an established product in Troy Lee Designs’ MTB range and one of the brand’s best sellers. TLD had just updated the Skyline pants when we last tested a pair, with a new four-way stretch fabric that helps with freedom of movement. The new fabric is Bluesign approved and is made from recycled materials.

Other upgrades over the previous version include a reinforced waist area with improved adjuster straps, and a DWR surface coating to repel water splashes and mud. There are two zipped hip pockets, mesh lined to help prevent sweat build-up, although our tester noted that the contents did shift about within them when heavily loaded.

The Skyline has a more casual, loose fit than some of the racier designs here, with a relatively long inseam and excess fabric around the upper and lower legs. There’s plenty of room for knee pads though. They’re not the tightest or stretchiest pants, and they get a bit stuffy in the heat, but from our experience we know they’re a durable garment that ticks a lot of boxes.

Read our full review of the Troy Lee Designs Skyline pants

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11. Dainese HGL pants

Best pants for a wide range of riding conditions

Weight: 289g | Sizes: XS-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Great fit, with space for knee pads
• Wide range of sizes
• Effective DWR treatment

Reasons to avoid:

• Glove hanging feature is a gimmick
• More expensive than some options

Italian brand Dainese is well regarded for its arm and knee pads, but it also has a range of mountain bike clothing, including this new HGL Pant. Built from a lightweight Nylon fabric that has a little bit of stretch, these Dainese pants also use multiple interlocking panels to create a contoured fit, especially round the knee. The material is windproof and also gets a full DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. Water did bead nicely on the surface, but with no taped seams, it’s not fully shielded from the elements.

The fit is sorted too, with custom waist adjusters, plenty of room for knee pads, and tapered legs. There are lengthy ankle zips allowing easy removal, elasticated cuffs and zipped pockets that are well placed, the right size and are lined with a soft material.

The HGL really hit the riding sweet spot – a trouser that’s light enough for summer use but has enough protection for those early season rides where it’s a little bit colder, or the trails haven’t fully dried out. A really good all-rounder, from a brand you may have overlooked.

Read our full review of the Dainese HGL pants

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12. Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 pants

Best value mountain bike pants

Weight: 399g | Sizes: S-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Great value
• Fit isn’t too tight
• Decent ventilation
• Sturdy waistband adjustment
• DWR surface treatment

Reasons to avoid:

• Stitching isn’t the tidiest
• Pockets are a touch deep

The Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 pants may have an understated look but they are packed with neat design details and a cut that pleased our tester. These pants use a flexible fabric that stretches in all directions, with a tapered cut that’s roomier in thighs and knees, allowing freedom of movement and making space for knee pads. Although they’re cut thinner at the shin, the cuff isn’t as skinny as some, which may align with your style preferences, or work better for your leg shape. The 3.0 also gets a backside that’s reinforced with a more durable and waterproof fabric, which makes sense as this is where dirt and moisture gets ground in by the saddle and the fabric is treated with a DWR surface coating.

Our tester was impressed with the rear waistband details, and the forward-fastening waist tabs, using stiff Velcro elastic to increase tension, were effective. The sturdy waistband fastening system works great too. With five generous pockets, including both hips and thighs and a usable stash pocket at the back of the waistband.

These Leatt pants have a comprehensive list of well thought out features and this is matched by the fit and performance in real world use. Top notch riding pants with a loose cut and a very reasonable price tag.

Read our full review of the Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 pants

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13. Alpkit Floe Trousers

Best mountain bike pants for leg length options

Weight: 348g (M) | Sizes: 28-38in waist (in 3 leg lengths) | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Multiple leg length options that aren’t tied into waist sizes
• One of the cheapest, quality MTB pants available
• Comfortable, stretchy fabric
• Modern fit and style
• Women’s version available

Reasons to avoid:

• Dated waist closure
• Not the coolest or warmest option

UK outdoor brand Alpkit has a range of well-considered mountain biking clothing that’s certainly worth your attention. These Floe trousers may well be the highlight, with sizing options to suit almost all rider heights and builds.

Alpkit describes the four-way stretch fabric as ‘softshell’, claiming it to be windproof, water resistant and highly breathable. Available in black or bright blue, these pants are offered in six waist sizes and three leg length options, so you’re almost guaranteed to get a great fit. With a modern, slim fit, these pants got approval from our tall and leggy reviewer, but he felt the waist fastening and adjusters were dated and could use a rethink.

The fabric feels comfortable and stretchy on your skin, it breathes well and is fairly mid-pack in terms of warmth. The Floe pants sport two well-placed zipped side pockets and a long vent below each of them (also zipped). There’s plenty of room for knee pads too. Overall, these are excellent mid-weight riding pants, with sizing options that very few brands can match.

Read our full review of the Alpkit Floe Trousers

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14. Madison Flux Trousers

Best value lightweight, breathable trail pants

Weight: N/A | Sizes: S-XL | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Effective DWR coating
• Good leg fit
• Room for knee pads

Reasons to avoid:

• Better waist adjustment would be useful
• Silicone grip on rear hem not effective
• Pockets too shallow to fit phone easily
• Not tough enough for downhill use

Madison is claiming its Flux trousers can handle DH and trail riding, which sort of makes sense if you assume downhill pants are the same as regular ones. These pants use a lightweight fabric with a four-way stretch and a DWR surface coating to help shed water. They’re well made, with tough, triple-stitched seams and a simple DH-style ratchet waist adjuster/fastening but if you’re looking for something with a bit of scuff protection, there are tougher pants available.

The Flux pants are cut to accept knee pads and there’s a slight taper in the leg, so nothing is going to flap into the chain. Our test notes mentioned that the discrete side pockets will easily swallow your keys but a modern phone is a bit of a squeeze. They may not be as tough as some, but the Madison Flux are excellent trousers for trail riding and great value too.

*Note: Since our test of these pants in June 2022, this model has been updated and is now named the Madison Flux Men’s DWR Trail Trouser. This revised model is offered in 3 leg lengths (in the black colourway only) but the price has increased to £99.99.

Read our full review of the Madison Flux trousers

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The best waterproof mountain bike trousers/pants:

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1. Fox Ranger 3L Water Pant

Best balance of performance and value

Weight: 365g | Sizes: 28-40in | Waterproof rating: 10k | Breathability rating: 10k |Rating: 10/10

Reasons to buy:

• Great on-bike comfort
• Decent waterproofing
• Stylish

Reasons to avoid:

• Slightly short in the leg

You might not be able to tell from the pictures but the Fox Ranger 3L Water Pant doesn’t have that typical nylon trouser construction; it’s more of a soft shell. The face fabric contains a high percentage of Spandex, which means it has a four-way stretch, and this cuts down on noise and increases flexibility and comfort.

Performance in the wet is still effective though, thanks to the 3-layer fabric and DWR outer coating. Pockets add a degree of practicality, and the ratchet fly is tough and secure. A favourite waterproof pant of many mbr testers.

Read our full review of the Fox Ranger 3L Waterproof pant

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2. Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Pants

Best for waterproofing and breathability

Weight: 314g | Sizes: XS-XL | Waterproof rating: 10k/20K | Breathability rating: 35k |Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Proflex fabric has class leading waterproofing and breathability
• Saddle panel is effective at reinforcing the bum area for longevity
• Thicker, tougher material where you need it, lighter elsewhere for breathability
• Not too crinkly and softer to the touch than Gore-Tex
• Two leg lengths available

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive: for £200 you could outfit a small school
• Could be tighter below the knee to prevent minor sagging

Rab has a long history in making outdoor gear, but only got into mountain biking wear recently. And what an entrance it has made, with these remarkable Cinder Kinetic Waterproof pants blowing us away with their performance in the worst winter conditions. Built from Proflex three-layer fabric, the lofty lab-testing figures for waterproofness and breathability are completely believable from the saddle. By using more impermeable fabric in high soak areas, the Cinders manage to keep out heavy rain and bow wave puddle crossings, while managing heat better than almost every waterproof pant we’ve tested.

While the cut is mostly good, there’s a bit too much room around the knee to be perfect. It’s also a stack of dosh, which will leave it out of reach for most pockets. But if yours are deep enough, then dive in; you won’t be disappointed.

Read our full review of the Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof pant

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3. Troy Lee Designs Resist Pant

Most stylish waterproof pants

Weight: 373g | Sizes: 30-40in | Waterproof rating: 10k | Breathability rating: 10k |Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Nice stretchy fabric
• Good cut
• Useful pockets

Reasons to avoid:

• Premium brand means a premium price
• Ankle cuffs can be quite tight when removing over wet socks

For a brand based in sun-kissed southern California, Troy Lee has nailed the winter trouser brief with its Resist pant. It fits well with plenty of mobility, so it doesn’t actually feel like you are wearing a waterproof pant. In fact we’d happily wear these on cool spring and autumn days, even when it wasn’t raining – there are zip thigh vents you can open if you get too warm. Zipped hip pockets and well-placed reinforced panels add to the practicality. Only the price washes a little of the lustre away.

Read our full test review of the Troy Lee Resist pant

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4. 100% Hydromatic Pants

Best waterproof pants for a trim fit and subtle style

Weight: 360g | Sizes: 28-38in waist | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent waterproofing
• Goldilocks fit – neither too tight nor too baggy
• Decent breathability

Reasons to avoid:

• Waistband is too loose

The 100% Hydromatic waterproof pants use a 2.5-layer fabric with a little bit of stretch and a rated 10k rating for both breathability and waterproofness – which is comparable with the highly recommended Troy Lee Designs Resist pants.

These are proper waterproof riding pants, with fully taped seams and an additional water-resistant DWR surface coating to further minimise liquid penetration from puddles or rain. 100% has increased the durability too, with Cordura reinforced panels on the seat and knee zones and, as you’d expect from modern riding pants, the cut is close fitting and streamlined, so there’s no surplus fabric to flap about. One area Hydromatic differs from most rivals is the use of a Boa dial fastener on the waist band. This is lightweight and effective, being easy to tune in small increments and quick to release.

The cut and subtle styling here looks great; it’s close fitting without being too tight and the fabric isn’t overly stiff or crinkly, so there’s good freedom of movement while riding. However, even with the Boa dial cinched fully tight, the waistband was too baggy for our tester – the waist could easily be an inch or so smaller. Aside from that, the Hydromatics are well sorted winter riding pants.

Read our full review of the 100% Hydromatic Pants

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5. Scott Trail Storm Waterproof Pants

Best pants blending fit, waterproofing and value-for-money

Weight: N/A | Sizes: S-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Good waterproofing and breathability
• Well-tailored fit
• Great for taller riders
• Fairly priced for the performance and quality
• Women’s version available

Reasons to avoid:

• The straighter cut leg shape may not suit everyone

Scott’s Storm pants are made from the brand’s own DRYOsphere three-layer fabric, with a waterproof membrane sandwiched between an outer layer of recycled polyester, and an inner polyester lining. All the seams are taped internally, to stop water penetrating the joins, and on the outer surface there’s a PFC-free DWR coating. A YKK Vislon Aquaguard zip baffle completes the waterproofing package.

With 10k rating for both breathability and waterproofing, the Storm is a match for any of the best waterproof trousers we’ve tested, keeping out wind and rain in equal measure. Our tester noted that the DWR coating lasted well too – and is rejuvenated with a quick spin in the tumble dryer on a low setting.

Scott trousers have always come up on the long side, and the Storm is no exception, which makes these a great option for taller riders who don’t get full ankle coverage from Fox or TLD. The cut is nicely tailored but it’s more of a straight-leg skinny fit than the tapered design that’s now popular. Scott has done a decent job with its Trail Storm Waterproof pants – the fit is well thought out and the rain protection excellent. There’s also a women’s version, which is great to see.

Read our full review of the Scott Trail Storm pants.

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6. Altura Ridge Thermal Waterproof Trousers

Best riding pants for cold weather

Weight: 350g | Sizes: S-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Warm on the coldest days
• Reasonable water/splash protection
• Premium Polartec Powergrid lining material

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be sweaty in temps above 10°C
• Legs are a bit baggy

The Altura Ridge is this UK-based brand’s latest thermal waterproof trouser, which aims to keep you cosy in wet and cold conditions. The warm, technical layer (made from Polartec Powergrid) is essentially a fleecy short liner stitched in that reaches down to just above the knee. Over this, a waterproof softshell material with fully taped internal seams keeps out rain and splashes, and there are also two longer thigh vent zips to manage heat and cooling/ventilation. The two hip pockets have waterproof zips too.

Although the cut is baggier than a lot of modern ‘drainpipe’ riding trousers ,it does taper in enough at the (elasticated) ankle cuff to keep well out of the way of the drivetrain and chain. A simple elasticated pull-on waistband design stops the Ridge trousers from falling down, and there’s a thread-through lace that can be cinched tighter if needed. Our tester has a 34in waist with big thighs, and found plenty of room in the size large; both at the waist and around the buttocks where riding pants can sometimes be a bit tight.

These are a seriously warm bit of kit, and any suspicions our tester had about the lack of warmth below the knee proved unfounded. He commented that the extra warmth was really welcome on the coldest of days.

Read our full review of the Altura Ridge Thermal trousers.

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Other mountain bike trousers/pants to consider

Just like with YT Industries, the Canyon MTB Pants are another example of a bike brand expanding its offering with a clothing range. Canyon’s products are direct-to-consumer, so good value for money is usually in the mix with performance, however its MTB Pants are up there with Rapha pricing, whereas YT has kept its top-scoring trail pants below the £100 mark. Bucking the current trend with an additional mesh lining, Canyon’s MTB Pant weighed in at 544g – heavier than many waterproof riding trousers. Our tester felt that they are an odd product that is too hot for summer use, and not waterproof enough for the winter, possibly suiting a crisp autumn day, but little else.

The Specialized Demo Pro Pants are a long-established garment in Specialized’s apparel range and have remained unchanged over the last few seasons. When tested against a range of newer options, we felt the design is now starting to show its age – while the price is reasonable, the Demo Pro needs an update to bring it up to the performance level of its rivals. Our test notes revealed compromised pocket design and placement, as well as issues with the fastening and adjustment of the waist. Plus points were the good breathability, durable fabric and an effective DWR surface treatment.

Although the Madison Zenith 4-Season Trousers were only tested in July 2023 this model has since been replaced with a new model wearing the DTE 4-Season DWR Trousers name. The 4-Season tag refers to the mix of fabric panels used to create a pair of riding pants that, although not waterproof, will keep key areas dry and protected. There’s a four-way stretch fabric, but it gets a water-repellent coating and extra waterproof panels and seam taping in the seat. Our tester noted that the waist adjusters were ineffective and the pockets were too small. Putting our criticisms aside, if you can find a pair at a discounted price these could make a decent all-rounder for mixed UK riding conditions.

Altura scored well with its winter-focused Ridge Thermal Waterproof Trousers but we found compromises in the lighter-duty Esker Trail Trousers. Keenly priced at £75, with a slim, tapered cut, the Esker trousers have a clean, uncluttered modern look and are great value too. There’s plenty of elasticity to the Eskar; with decent freedom of movement and no restriction to your pedalling, even wearing knee pads. Our tester’s issues were with lack of waist adjustment and the single pocket that’s poorly placed.

The Dainese HGR Pants are the priciest trail-riding legwear in the brand’s lineup. We rated the cheaper HGL Pants highly, scoring them 9/10, so we were keen to see what (if any) performance the flagship model could add. The HGR is made from 90% polyamide and 10% elastane, which means it’s stretchy and moves with you when riding – but also incredibly tough, hard wearing. The HGR are really comfortable trail trousers and a good year-round option –  not the coolest running, but really nice to wear, and they don’t feel restrictive when wearing armour. Although we had a zip fail on our test pants (which appeared to be a production error on our sample), the overall quality is high. The price however is also high, making them harder to justify when compared to cheaper, top-scoring options.

When we reviewed the Fox Ranger Pants in the spring of 2022, this model was selling at £90 but has since had a price hike of £20 and a slight revamp by the look of it. We rated the Fox Flexair Race Pants highly, scoring them 8/10, but the slim-fitting Ranger Pants didn’t do as well. The design is clean-looking, but the fit is very snug and the nylon/polyester/elastane blend fabric doesn’t offer much stretch, restricting freedom of movement slightly. This also places more importance on the cut and sizing to provide adequate mobility. And while water does bead on the surface at first, it quickly gets absorbed, making the Ranger Pants more of a dry weather garment.

With a reputation for well-built technical clothing using premium fabrics, it’s no surprise that the 7Mesh Thunderpant was the most expensive waterproof riding pant on test. As you’d hope for the £280 asking price, the Thunder Pant uses premium Gore-Tex Pro three-layer fabric throughout. Waterproofing and breathability are first rate, and the Thunder Pant’s light weight is noticeable when pedaling for long periods, especially in heavy rain when other pants might start to wet out. A unique ‘trimmable’ cuff, allowing you to tailor the leg length, is the way the brand can ensure everyone gets the perfect length and the ultimate water seal. Our tester wasn’t keen on the lack of fly and the single pocket, also noting that the fabric could use some more stretch.

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Know your mountain bike trousers:

We’ve tested a whole load of mountain bike pants, and all of the ones we’ve selected above have scored highly enough to make our list of the very best out there. They’ll all get the job done, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the more expensive options will be a bit more durable and comfortable to wear.

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Waist Adjusters

These are just simple Velcro tags that allow you to fine tune the fit. They are often supplemented by some belt loops and some trousers also have an adjustable fly, which is often a ratchet buckle borrowed from motocross pants.

DWR

This stands for Durable Water Repellent and it’s a coating that’s sprayed onto the fabric surface to boost pooling, so water runs off rather than being absorbed. None of the trousers here are fully waterproof, but this coating helps ward off trail splatter and also makes the trouser easier to clean.

Pockets

They add bulk and complexity but they’re a must have for keys, phone, cash and multi-tool. A zipped security pocket on the rear is a feature on some trousers, but it’s often tiny and hard to get to.

Fly

This is either a full regulation zip or it can be a simple flap – the advantage with the latter is it can’t break. A waterproof zip, extra press studs (if one fails you’ve got a back-up) and Velcro tabs are a bonus.

Driveside Reinforcement

Often on the bottom of the right ankle area on some trousers there is a reinforced piece of leather or Cordura, the purpose of which is to stop the chain/chainrings cutting the trouser when you’re laying it over in a corner or pedalling.

Breathability

Like shorts, full trousers have perforations in the crotch area and extra mesh panels at the back of the knees for breathability. We’ve seen zipped vents, but another zip is just something else to go wrong.

Knee Articulation

Some trousers are cut roomier in the knee, so they don’t tighten up as you pedal and also allow you to wear knee pads underneath. A few trousers even have reinforced material over the knee, so if you do skin your knees you’re less likely to put a hole in the material.

Waterproofness and breathability ratings

Most quality waterproof trousers are built from a laminate fabric, which consists of a waterproof/breathable membrane which is either sandwiched between two nylon layers or stuck to the inside of one. The membrane is the bit that keeps you dry and Gore-Tex is the most common brand.

All waterproof fabrics are rated for waterproofness and anything over 10,000mm is pretty watertight in normal conditions. Breathability is also rated – look for the MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) figure. Above 20,000g/m²/24hr means good breathability.

Fabric construction

Manufacturers describe their garments as having three two or layers but what does this mean? A two-layer fabric is made up of an outer face fabric bonded to the waterproof membrane, usually with a mesh liner hanging inside. On a 2.5 layer, the mesh liner is replaced with a micro (or half) layer, which is either bonded or printed onto the membrane. A three-layer garment has the membrane sandwiched between two Nylon layers.

Vents

To be honest, on legs, vents are generally unnecessary but some of the pants here do have them.

Adjustment

Adjustable cuffs and hems stop water getting in but also help regulate airflow the inside of the garment. To reduce weight, Velcro cuffs and ankles are often replaced with simple elasticated band.

Pockets

Pockets are handy on trousers but a waterproof zip is a must if you intend stashing a phone down low.

Zip

On waterproof trousers look for a baffle gutter behind the fly to stop water ingress.