The best MTB pants have gone from motocross-styled trousers reserved for downhill racers into something you reach for when heading out on a trail ride. Thanks to advancements in fabric technology and tailoring, MTB pants have become a popular choice all-year round, rather than just for foul weather.
Gone are the days of bulky and thick mountain biking pants that didn't breathe, now the best MTB pants are made from the same materials as you'd find on the best mountain bike shorts, with stretchy fabrics and vents to help keep things cooler. Brands have realized that a slimmer fit is less obtrusive, and can help to keep the best knee pads in place, too.
Our experts have tested a wide range of pants in all kinds of riding conditions, so you can be sure there's a pair of MTB trousers to suit your needs.
Keep reading for our pick of the best MTB pants or jump to the bottom to find out what to look for when buying a pair. And if you're in the market for some riding trousers for the worst of the weather, you might be interested in our guide to the best waterproof MTB pants.
The best MTB pants
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The quick list
Best MTB pants overall
Stretch materials and a well-designed cut give a suberbly comfortable, trail-friendly fit.
Best MTB pants for mixed conditions
Excellent fit and form, and breathability that works extremely well in a range of weathers.
Best winter pants
The MT500 Spray Trousers give total comfort in cold or challenging riding conditions.
Best women's fit MTB pants
Excellent female-orientated pants, proportioned well, and with a waterproof and breathable laminated seat lining.
Best lightweight MTB pants
Outstanding pants with a flawless cut, supreme comfort and top-tier on-trail performance.
Best waterproof MTB pants
Next-level weather protection and comfort in grim conditions, excellent breathability and a brilliant fit.
See the next 4 pants ↓
Best women's lightweight MTB pants
Extremely comfortable, breathable and fast drying, premium quality trail pants.
Best all-day MTB pants
Excellent all-round performance pants for long days in the saddle.
Best casual look MTB pants
Comfortable and versatile riding pants with a stylish casual look that's great for off the bike too.
Best eco-friendly MTB pants
Great-fitting, high-end trail pants made with Merino wool and recycled polyester.
1. Best overall
Rapha has properly nailed the design of its Men's Trail Pants. They are the most comfortable MTB pants we've ridden in but are still hardy enough to take the knocks.
The comfort comes from the dialed-in fit and a weather-resistant fabric that's more breathable than it looks. We've tested them over fall/autumn and winter, and they have performed brilliantly in all temperatures. With no venting and mid-weight materials, the pants would likely run fairly warm in the summer – and there are lighter-weight options (not least from Rapha) that are more suitable.
Fit-wise, the Trail Pants are fairly narrow and nicely cut from fabric panels with plenty of two-way stretch, so there's plenty of room to maneuver with no excess flapping as you ride. They combine well with knee pads up to mid-size and use a tougher fabric at the knees and inside the slightly elasticated ankles.
The padded waistband uses an internal belt system with clip-down buckles on each side of the zip fly. There are also belt loops but we've never felt the need to use them. Like Rapha's Trail Shorts, a slide-together waist stud keeps the pants securely in place. The Pants also use the same close-fitting, zipped pocket design as the shorts which are ideal for stashing your phone and wallet as you ride.
In short, a brilliant pair of MTB pants.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Shrugs off dirt and splashes | ★★★★ |
| Breathability | More so than they first appear | ★★★ |
| Durability | Well-constructed with reinforced areas | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Not cheap but worth it | ★★★★★ |
2. Best for mixed conditions
Gorewear says its Fernflow pants are designed to be your constant companion on technical trails in cool and changeable conditions and in our tests we found they more than live up to this. They are a great fit, have enough stretch comfort and warmth for cooler days, offer spray and water protection, and look good for casual use too.
The Fernflow is made using Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper which is both windproof and water resistant, with fully taped seams adding more protection through the vulnerable seat area. Freedom of movement comes from a mix of four-way stretch in the fabric and a cut that articulates the knees in a riding shape.
The back waist is cut high to prevent it pulling down as you move around on the bike, and tabs at the side waist allow you to dial the fit. Long off-set zips at the hem are designed to make it easier to pull on over shoes. Two hip pockets are also zipped and side vents allow the legs to be opened right up. The overall cut is slim but not tight and the legs are long.
We tested them in a range of temperatures from a mild 14 C, down to a shade above zero, and found them comfortable in all conditions. On warmer days we opened up the leg zips. The water resistance of the Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper was enough to keep spray off from the trail and the odd shower off from above.
Available in Black or Utility Green, they are excellent trail pants and ones you’ll be living in on and off the bike.
Check out our Gorewear Fernflow pants review for more details.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Windproof and water resistant | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | Not ideal for warmer rides | ★★★ |
| Durability | Rugged enough to handle crashes | ★★★★ |
| Value | High end price but worth it | ★★★ |
3. Best for winter
If you're looking for some mid-weight pants to wear throughout the winter, Endura's MT500 Spray Trousers are our recommended option. BikePerfect editor, Rich Owen, tested the pants over several months in seriously wet and cold conditions and they kept him comfortable and dry in all but the worst weathers.
Constructed from a medium-weight Nylon and Elastane fabric, the material has been treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) chemical and given Endura's decent eco-credentials, the treatment is non-toxic and doesn't contain harmful PFCs.
The seat panel uses a fully waterproof fabric, which runs from the bottom of the inner thighs to the tailbone and has internally taped seams. Lots of brands use a similar design on foul-weather legwear, but Rich found that the panel on the MT500s gave better protection than most.
Each leg gets three zips. Inside the top one is a hand-sized pocket, then a vent on the thigh/knee area, and finally a wider ankle opening to help make putting on socks and shoes easier while minimizing excess ankle flappage. On the inside of each ankle is a thicker layer of fabric to guard against chain snags or cranks chafing the material.
During the testing period, the DWR treatment has become less effective, but the trousers still do a decent good job of keeping splashes away – even when caked in wet mud. Rich says, "only when it's been hammering it down with rain or I've been riding non-porous trails with lots of wheel spray has the fabric soaked up water. Even then, the waterproof seat section has helped keep the areas that count drier (aka my rear end and nether regions) which keeps things more comfortable."
For more detail, see our full Endura MT500 Spray Trouser review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Excellent splash and wind protection | ★★★★ |
| Breathability | Thigh vents help to dump heat | ★★ |
| Durability | Tough and well made | ★★★★ |
| Value | Well priced and will last for years | ★★★★ |
4. Best waterproof
Beyond the best mountain bike garment name ever lies the only waterproof riding pants we’ve ever tried that actually kept us properly dry, regardless of the conditions or ride duration. And the best part about 7Mesh’s Thunder Pants is it doesn’t even need to be horrendous weather to use them, thanks to their exceptional cut and incredible breathing properties.
At first, the fit felt strange due to their peculiar fly-less arrangement and less-conventional front fastening, but it’s obvious that everything has been done with foul-weather protection being the first and foremost priority.
The Thunder Pant doesn’t feel like old-school waterproof pants of the past either, as the state of the art Gore-Tex Pro 3L fabric is smooth and brilliantly tailored. Their lengthy Vislon zips up each leg allow you to slide them over shoes, kneepads, and even other pants, too. 7Mesh offers the Thunderpants in XS – XXL and there are even pre-marked cut guides on the neoprene cuffs so they can be cut to any rider's ideal length. Oh and there’s room for proper knee pads without a compromise in fit or comfort.
Yes, the price tag is high enough to make your eyes water, but it’s one of the few products that over-delivers when it comes to fit, function, and elite performance. If you’re frequently riding in wet weather climates the 7Mesh Thunder Pant is a genuinely game-changing product.
Find out more in our full 7Mesh Thunder Pant review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Supremely waterproof | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability | More breathable than you'd imagine | ★★ |
| Durability | Properly tough | ★★★★ |
| Value | Very expensive, but worth the investment | ★★★ |
5. Best women's
Leatt launched women’s specific clothing some years back and it’s great to see a wider and well-thought-out range, including the Women’s MTB Gravity 4.0 pant.
Made from polyester and spandex, the Gravity 4.0 pants are comfortable and flexible, with a pre-curved fit around the knee which gives room for knee guards. The inside of the knee area is lined with the three-layer waterproof laminate fabric and the shin brush guards give added reinforcement. There’s a Moto-style buckle for adjustable fastening, two zipped hip pockets and a phone pocket on the rear waistband.
The pants have a MoistureCool mesh lining to help retain warmth in colder conditions and wick away sweat in the heat. Lazer cut ventilation holes also provide breathability around the base of the back and the areas of the thigh most likely to sweat.
In our tests, we found these pants were a great fit for the female shape and they withstood everything we threw at them. They are windproof and kept us warm enough, and the water resistance is enough to keep you dry in fairly rainy conditions. They wash really well after being put through their riding paces and the waterproof lining has so far not been affected.
They are on the pricier side but these pants are a great investment, with the fit and attention to detail spot on.
Check out our full Leatt Women's MTB Gravity 4.0 review for more details.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Waterproofing and reinforced areas | ★★★★ |
| Breathability | Run warm but ventilation holes help | ★★ |
| Durability | Sturdy enough to take the knocks | ★★★ |
| Value | Well made but not cheap | ★★ |
6. Best lightweight
Subtle to the eye, the Trail pants from the big red S strike a perfect balance of all-day usability, style, and protection.
Constructed using Specialized’s in-house VaporRize fabric, our tester, Jim Bland, found they have a featherweight feel and an ultra-breathable function on the trail. Adding to the Trail pant's breezy operating temperature are a series of well-positioned laser perforated vents. It does mean the Trail Pants aren’t the best option for the colder months, but they're a great option when things are mild.
The shape of the pants themselves is more tapered than most which results in a racier fit, but elasticated ankle cuffs are in place to make sure they’re a cinch to get on and off and additional material around the knees means they’re knee pad ready.
A buckle waist keeps them in place and secure, and the three zipped pockets ensure your ride essentials are stowed with confidence. They're offered in a gigantic size range and either Black or Charcoal colorways.
Jim summed the pants. "As riding trousers go the Specialized Trail Pants are stand out – I can't recommend them enough, along as you're not put off by the slim aesthetic."
For more info, read our full Specialized Trail Pant review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Only splash resistant but quick drying | ★★★ |
| Breathability | Lazer cut vents and lightweight fabric | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | Snag resistant | ★★★ |
| Value | A great option for the outlay | ★★★★ |
7. Best women's lightweight
While Rapha may be better known for its high-end road attire, the brand's relatively fresh mountain bike range has included some impressive boutique-like items too, and the Women’s Lightweight Trail pant is one of them.
Rapha’s Lightweight Trail pant is constructed from a uber-lightweight, four-way stretching and abrasion-resistant material which is then sewn in a multi-panel formation to provide a slim, unrestrictive cut. The inner ankle gets reinforced where the cranks may rub, and the waistband is cut high at the rear to provide additional comfort and protection.
While the lightweight pant is designed for mild and mostly dry weather conditions, its DWR (Durable Water Repellant) coating does an excellent job of shrugging off puddle splashes and random rain showers, all while drying notably quickly.
Due to their killer fit, exceptional craftsmanship and great looks, Rapha's Lightweight Trail pants are a solid three-season investment. Another huge bonus is Rapha’s repair service, which will get you back up and running should you encounter a rip or stray stitching.
Our tester, Shim Slade, summed up the Lightweight Trails. "Totally unrestrictive, well-designed and premium quality trail pants to see you comfortably through the shoulder seasons."
Make sure to hit up our in-depth Rapha Women's Trail Lightweight pant review for more information. We've also reviewed the Men's Rapha Trail Lightweight Pants which share the same versatile performance but are tailored for chaps.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Shower-resistant and quick drying | ★★★ |
| Breathability | Lazer cut vents and lightweight fabric | ★★★★ |
| Durability | Can handle the knocks | ★★★ |
| Value | Higher priced but worth the extra | ★★★ |
8. Best all-day
100%'s Airmatic Pants are a top option for keeping the worst of the dirt and the elements at bay. Even on long days in the saddle it's easy to forget you're in full-length trousers as the lightweight, four-way stretch fabric is barely noticeable as you ride.
The shaped cut made with 18 fabric panels is excellent and allowed us to wear fairly bulky knee pads in testing without any noticeable pull while pedaling. A 'mountaineering inspired' wide metal hook and multiple eyelet closure system works well to secure the waist, while a textured silicone section inside the waistband helps prevent noticeable slippage, even when wet and coated with mud.
The nylon, spandex, polyester mixed fabric doesn't get too heavy when wet and dries quickly. It's treated with a DWR coating that shrugs off showers initially, but as usual, doesn't last more than a few machine washes. The fabric is definitely snag resistant and has come out on top despite catching on many hanging brambles at speed during testing.
The Airmatic pants come in two funereal colors – black and charcoal – which is pretty sensible as they're designed to get hammered in winter. Sizing starts with a 28in waist and goes up to 38 at two inch intervals. Our 30in test sample seemed pretty bang on size-wise, but there's not a huge amount of waistline adjustment available from the closure system, so we'd advise double-checking the size chart before you buy. The pants are also available in a women-specific model.
For more, head over to our 100% Airmatic Pant review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Shower and wind resistant | ★★★★ |
| Breathability | Heavier cut with no vents | ★★ |
| Durability | Tough and snag resistant | ★★★ |
| Value | Good value for money | ★★★★ |
9. Best casual look
The Shredder pants are aimed to be an ‘everyday riding pant’. That means lighter materials, a more casual cut, and a few other less riding-focused features.
They use a four-way stretch material which has a slim fit and articulated knee panels to give them a slightly better fit on the bike. The material is DWR-treated to help ward off splashes and drizzle too. Waist closure is handled by a single button and zipped fly and the waist has some Velcro adjusters for fine-tuning fit. The pants are available in men's (28-38in) and women's (W0, W2, W4, W6, W8, W10) versions. We found they fitted as expected, with our tester opting for his normal size of 32in waist and using the adjusters to bring them in a touch.
There are two standard pant hand pockets and a deep zippered side pocket on the hip to secure items when riding. Fasthouse has added a small loop above the left hand pocket should you want to secure keys or tools to your pants with a karabiner or lanyard. Tester, Graham Cottingham, described the pants. "Casual looks hide impressive and versatile riding performance and a comfortable fit."
For more details, see our full Fasthouse Shredder Pant review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Lighter cloth but DWR treated | ★★★ |
| Breathability | All-condition comfort | ★★★★ |
| Durability | Brushes off snags | ★★★ |
| Value | Great price for what you get | ★★★★ |
10. Best eco-friendly
Mons Royale specializes in high-end, sustainable outdoor sports clothing. The Virage Pant is a lightweight trail trouser made with Merino wool and recycled polyester that's created from PET plastic bottles, with added elastane for stretch. A Merino power knit back panel is also used to help with fit.
They are a standard, tapered fit, so not DH racer tight or walking trouser baggy, and have articulated knees with enough room for knee pads. The waistband uses a double-press button fitting with a handy Velcro area around the poppers to ensure secure closure. There are two hand pockets and a zipped phone pocket.
We were impressed with the material – it felt tactile and thin, but had a good amount of stretch and a robust feeling. The fit was great but we would have liked some form of adjustment in the waist area to fine-tune mid-ride. Throughout testing, despite plenty of mud, grit and occasional crashes, we found them faultless with no signs of damage in high-wear areas like the crotch and knees.
Tester, Neal Hunt, summed up the Virages. "Great-fitting high-end trail pants with true eco credentials, although slightly let down by the lack of waist adjustment. Overall, a fantastically well-made product with a luxurious feel and a great cut for use in all but the most extreme hot or cold conditions."
Check out our Mons Royale Virage Pants review for more details.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Warm and weather resistant | ★★★ |
| Breathability | Merino climate control | ★★★★ |
| Durability | Brushes off snags | ★★★ |
| Value | High price but a top pair of pants | ★★ |
How to choose the best MTB pants
Can you wear pants mountain biking?
It only takes one or two rides in cold temperatures trying to ride in MTB shorts with knee pads to realize they far from the best solution. Not only do they provide a bit of extra warmth, but MTB trousers also serve as the first line of defense from the muddy projectiles being flung off your mountain bike wheels and attacks from trailside vegetation. When you arrive at the trailhead after a mucky ride, you can just peel off the muddy clothes rather than trying to scrub the lower portion of your legs before you get into the car.
Trousers also offer a first line of defense from gravel rash, fern burn and your pedals when you slip one over a techy feature or in a G-out.
Waterproof or non-waterproof MTB pants?
Just like jackets, there are distinct differences between waterproof and non-waterproof garments. While truly waterproof fabrics will keep the wet weather on the outside, the moisture-proof membranes are at a disadvantage in terms of breathability, feel 'crunchy' and usually don't have much in-built stretch.
If you live in a place where winter riding also requires a snorkel, the best waterproof MTB trousers will be your best choice. Otherwise, we'd recommend their softshell cousins — they are considerably more comfortable and often have a DWR treatment to help light rain and splashes roll off the fabric.
How to pick the right fabric?
Yes, we know we've just alluded to fabrics, but using the right textile in the right place can make or break a set of trousers. Look for lots of stretch fabric used throughout because if the materials aren't moving with you, they will bunch, bind, pinch and chafe.
How to find the right fit?
While skinny jeans may not appeal to your fashion sense in the real world, you want riding trousers to be form-fitting as this will help keep your knee pads in place and prevent the trousers from flapping in the wind and catching on your saddle. We are not talking painted-on, but form-fitting. Also, look for articulated knees that will help the pants fit you better in the riding position.
Everybody is built differently, so adjustability is key to a good fit. Look for hook and loop adjustment at the waist as well as Velcro, snaps or zips around the ankle to make sure the lower cuff is snug around your leg.
What extras should you look for?
Some riding trousers feature extra padding or abrasion-resistant materials around the knees, hips and shins, while others have a mesh liner that runs part of the way down the leg to create a slip plane. We are big fans of additional features like these that create a point of difference, but make sure they don't come at the cost of fit or comfort.
How we test MTB pants
Our expert testers have thrown all kinds of abuse at these MTB pants, putting them through extremes of temperatures and weathers, over several months of intense riding. They have been assessing a range of criteria, including their fit, comfort, ease of putting on and off, stretch, breathability, waist closure, storage, weight, durability, and looks.
Meet the testers
Rich has been riding mountain bikes for more than 30 years and testing bikes and kit for over a decade. A jack of many trades, he has competed in cross-country, enduro and long distance MTB races.
Guy's been testing and writing about mountain bikes since the 90s. He’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear.
Graham is all about riding bikes off-road with almost 20 years of riding experience covering downhill, enduro, and gravel. Based in Edinburgh, he has mountain biking and gravel riding right on his doorstep.
Shim first discovered MTB in the mid-nineties. She started working as a bike journalist nearly 20 years ago and has written for many bike-related magazines and websites since then.
Neal has been riding bikes of all persuasions for over 20 years and has had a go at racing most of them to a pretty average level across the board. From town center criteriums, to the Megavalanche and pretty much everything in between.
