Patagonia has taken the humble waterproof MTB pant, (usually baggy, designed to be pulled over another layer and worn for the shortest possible time) and given it a sexy and very covetable kit makeover.
Intended to keep you dry in the worst weather, these pants have been designed to also be breathable and comfortable enough that you will be happy to wear it all day, raining or not. The downside is that once tried there will be no going back, and your bank balance will take a sizeable hit.
Design and Specifications
The Dirt Roamer Storm Pant is made from Patagonia’s own H2No fabric. It has fully-sealed seams for full waterproof protection and to protect your valuable investment it has abrasion-resistant reinforcement at knees, seat, crotch and hem. The inner surface is a softer knit that helps wick moisture and reduce clamminess against the skin.
It has a ride-specific cut with a high-back waist and is shaped through the hip and knee to mimic the position on the bike. Long zips on the legs make it easy to put on over boots and the pants feature two waterproof zipped thigh pockets. The waist can be dialed to fit using the simple OppoSet adjustment.
Performance
The fit of this pant is excellent – I’ve worn it over a liner short, over thermal tights and even over jeans, and it has never been uncomfortable. The slightly stiffened back waist sits high so that it never pulls down, while the band itself is curved meaning that it sits lower at the front and doesn’t dig in when you’re riding. The OppoSet waist adjustment is deceptively simple, but you do need to hold the front of the waistband as you pull on the tab to make it work. Once you get the hang of it, the elegance of the solution will cover you forever.
The waterproof fabric beads well and the DWR (durable water repellent) is still effective after several washes. The fit aside, the quality of the fabric is what gives this Dirt Roamer Storm such a regular pant feel. It really is comfortable enough to wear next to the skin and that extends its use into the warmer months and makes it easy to layer up or down as the mercury dictates.
A cut that is shaped for the bike position means that the pant does not have to be baggy to allow for movement, it goes with you and never feels like it’s pulling over the knees as you pedal. The cuff drops neatly over a boot to prevent water running into the ankle but is narrow enough not to rub the cranks too. The fabric is also quiet, which might seem like a small point but when you’re out all day it makes a difference to your overall ride experience.
If you like to carry everything but the kitchen sink with you, the two small side pockets might disappoint. I’m not a fan of loading my legs down so didn’t find it a problem. The fact that the pockets angle backwards means that the contents you do keep there won’t get in the way as you pedal.
It is a combination of the performance and comfort of the fabric, and the excellent fit and ride-specific, non-binding fit that means I have found myself happy to wear this pant whether it’s raining or not. It’s also served me well hiking in freezing conditions in Scotland, a versatility that would make me feel a little better about the high investment. Indeed, if you want to go all in, I’d recommend pairing the pant with its Patagonia partner, the Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket.
Verdict
A great waterproof bike pant with the comfort and versatility to make it worth the sizeable investment.
Tech specs: Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Pant
- Price: $299.00 / £270.00 / €290.00
- Weight: 295g
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors: Black, Basin Green
