Reviewed: Nikki Rohan's 4 Favorite Women's Riding Pants By Season

Oct 20, 2022
by Nikki Rohan  
Four seasons pants roundup.

Review: Nikki Rohan
Photos: Nikki Rohan & Colin Meagher


Each season brings a unique set of weather conditions to the table. In the PNW, the summers are dry and warm with minimal precipitation while spring is cold, unpredictable, and chock-full of mosquitos. Where we ride, when we ride, and what we decide to wear on our rides is directly connected to our individual geographic locations and the associated weather patterns.

Over the past couple years I have increasingly found myself choosing riding pants for the majority of my rides in an effort to stay—depending on the season—warm, dry, clean, and protected from the dreaded poison oak, ticks, and skeeters that blossom up in the spring. Below you will find four #rad women specific riding pants that are my ‘seasonal’ top picks.

Four seasons pants roundup. Photo Colin Meagher.

SPRING

Scott Trail Contessa Signature Pants ($160 USD)

Sizes: EU XS – EU XL (tested EU M)

Colors: Black


The Trail Contessa pants are an ultra-lightweight trail riding pant from Scott Sports that features Scott’s DUROxpand 4-way stretch CORDURA fabric, a PFC-free DWR, tapered ankles, laser cut ventilation at the knee and mid thigh, and two side zip pockets.

Four seasons pants roundup.

I opted for a size EU medium in these pants, and they offer a loose, comfortable fit on my frame. I have previously worn a size small in their riding shorts, but was after a less form-fitting, more relaxed fit. The alloy “Alu” hook closure system is a unique but secure way to tighten the waist up without worrying about snaps, belts, or velcro.

Four seasons pants roundup.

It feels simple yet functional and once I am out riding I pretty much forget it’s there. The pants are also cut to be compatible with knee guards, the zippered pockets comfortably fit my necessities, and the inseam length is sufficient to allow the ankle cuff to stretch over my winter style riding shoes– which I tend to wear deep into summer.

Four seasons pants roundup.

Typical spring weather can include unexpected rain showers or random sunshine blasts as a reminder that summer is right around the corner. These pants excel in both the heat, thanks to the ultra-lightweight design (249g) and laser ventilation; and in the rain showers with the Scott’s DRYOzone DWR coating.

Four seasons pants roundup.

As the lightest/thinnest fabric pants of the group, I wouldn’t want to take a hard crash in the rocks, but so far the CORDURA fabric has held up to multiple seasons of bushwhacking and wash cycles. If I could change anything about these pants I’d probably make the ankle cuff more adjustable so that they can be pulled on and off over my riding shoes… All in all, they are well worth the very reasonable $160 USD price tag. Just make sure to avoid monsoons.

Four seasons pants roundup.



Pros

+ Super Lightweight
+ Reasonable Price Tag

Cons

- Not designed for downpours (not fully waterproof)
- Hard to find in the USA



Four seasons pants roundup. Photo Colin Meagher.

SUMMER

Wild Rye Freyah Bike Pant ($189 USD)

Sizes: US 0 – US 14 (tested US 6)

Colors: Forest Fungi Sage, Mustard Poppy (tested)


The Freyah is a thoughtfully designed women’s riding pant that features ‘WRDuraStretch’—a 4-way stretch nylon, two zippered thigh pockets, tapered ankle cuffs, belt loops and a stylish adjustable cuff for dialing in/shortening up the stock 31.5” inseam length. It secures at the waist with two, genuine buttons vs. snaps.

Four seasons pants roundup.

I tested the Freyah pants towards the end of our 2021 never ending summer and was genuinely impressed with the comfort and the durability. The size US 6 was slightly loose on me, but a 4 would have been too tight. While there are no adjustable waist features, the belt loops offer an option for tightening things up and the high waist design tends to keep the pants from sliding down.

Four seasons pants roundup.

Even with the so-called slim leg design, knee guards easily fit under the pants. Thanks to the WRDuraStretch fabric, the pants stretch in all the right places to make pedaling feel easy, even with knee guards in place. The pockets are just large enough for a phone and are placed almost exactly where I like them: mid thigh and to the side vs the front or back where cargo can “rattle” distractingly.

Four seasons pants roundup.

Our summer trails are loose and mostly dry (even in the high alpine), the temperatures can be all over the place, and having that extra layer of fitted protection was a bonus. The WRDuraStretch fabric was giving, yet durable, and the unique patterns and bright accent colors really add a level of style that I feel most women will appreciate.

Four seasons pants roundup.

Compared with the Scott pants, these pants are significantly heavier in weight, and while they offer a panel of breathable fabric on the back leg, I probably wouldn’t choose to wear them on a 70 degree day. Wild Rye has also done an excellent job crafting a riding pant with a women’s specific fit and with perfect pockets!

Four seasons pants roundup.



Pros

+ Extended Sizes
+ Well placed & sized pockets

Cons

- Heavier weight riding pant



Four seasons pants roundup. Photo Colin Meagher.

FALL

POC Women's Ardour All-Weather Pants ($250 USD)

Sizes: XSM – XLG (tested M)

Colors: Uranium Black


The Ardour pants are POC’s first women’s specific riding pants designed for the changing seasons. They feature highly waterproof (150000mm) fabric below the knee, a different but durable waterproof CORDURA material in the seat, an exceptionally breathable fabric (30000gsm/24hr) above the knee, two secure zippered hand pockets, elasticated ankle cuffs, and velcro waist adjusters.

Four seasons pants roundup.

I tested these pants in a size medium and they offered a spot on fit in the waist, and a loose relaxed design from the hips down. The fabric is less stretchy than the Wild Rye or Scott pants, but still plenty loose enough that pedaling is unrestricted. A variety of knee guards easily fit under the pants, and the tapered leg design kept the excess material away from my drivetrain. The ankle cuff has a small elastic band in the back that allows me to pull the pants down over my high top winter riding shoes to keep water from draining into them.

Four seasons pants roundup.

For someone who wears low tops, this may or may not work; opting for a waterproof sock may be the way for low top users to go. Most wet weather specific riding pants that I have tested tend to have a wider, more adjustable cuff that easily fits over riding shoes. This particular design limits that function, and I will also note that the ankle cuff is fairly tight, and for someone with large bulky feet (like my 14-year old son), it can be a battle to pull the pants over the feet. The pockets were easily accessed but on the smaller side.

Four seasons pants roundup.

I tested these POC pants in a variety of conditions, including cold dry temperatures in Colorado, along with wet, muddy laps on my hometown trails. The Ardours excelled in the muddy and rainy fall weather, and did an excellent job at keeping me warm and dry. They are light and comfortable and are easily my top pick for boggy conditions.

Four seasons pants roundup.



Pros

+ Highly waterproof
+ Lightweight

Cons

- Expensive
- Phone barely fits in zippered pocket



Four seasons pants roundup. Photo Colin Meagher.

WINTER

Endura MT500 Baggy Spray Trouser II ($180 USD)

Sizes: XS – XXL (tested S)

Colors: Black


The Endura Women’s MT500 Spray Baggy Trousers II are a rugged, performance riding trouser designed for trail riding in the worst weather Scotland can throw at you, short of a highland blizzard. They feature four-way stretch front panels treated with a DWR coating and a waterproof rear panel with taped seams, double button/fly closure with Velcro side waist adjusters, two zippered hand pockets, two zippered thigh vents, and a gusseted/zippered ankle hem.

Four seasons pants roundup.

Per the Endura size chart, I am a size small in their “trousers”. Their apparel runs on the larger size, so make sure to try on or check the size chart before ordering. These pants are more fitted than the POC’s but still have a 4-way stretch front panel for comfort and a knee pad friendly cut that offers ample room for movement when pedaling. The generously zippered ankle cuff makes it ridiculously easy to pull the pants over riding shoes, and the wider style ankle cuff keeps water from dripping into shoes (unless you are of the “tall, one size all inseam doesn’t fit me” category).

Four seasons pants roundup.

These pants mix warmth and water repellency with performance brilliantly. While it’s easy to find off-brand rain shell style riding pants that will keep you ultra dry in a monsoon, they typically lack in the comfort and breathability arena—think trash bags for your legs. But the MT500’s hit both those marks and have the added bonus of zippered vents for extended climbs or warmer temps.

Four seasons pants roundup.

I’m on my third edition of the MT500 Spray Trousers, and they remain a staple in my winter riding locker. They continually win in the comfort and warmth category and are hands down my top pick for colder temperatures and unpredictable weather riding adventures.

Four seasons pants roundup.



Pros

+ Waterproof
+ Excellent for colder temperatures

Cons

- Less stretchy
- Heavier material




Author Info:
nkrohan avatar

Member since Apr 22, 2014
36 articles

61 Comments
  • 32 14
 $700ish for four season-specific pants. And assuming you ride three times per week, better make that $2100. Gotta have some mtb-specific shorts too at $100+ each, maybe 4 pairs. $2500. How about a mtb-specific rain jacket at $250, mtb-specific shirts (let's say 12 total, mix of short sleeve and long, to cover you year round, average $70). You're at $3590 now. If you wear bibs, add another $500 or so. $4090. For clothes.

How does anyone afford a bike? Also, maybe now people understand why articles like these have non-mtb-specific recommendations that are actually reasonably priced as the most upvoted comment?
  • 8 0
 Bike specific clothing is nice, but not required. My pants are from 2002 and I wear basic shells from Mountain Hardware or Helly Hanson for wet days on top. Less than $100. So, spend the money and the gear will probably last, but it's not necessary by any stretch.
  • 15 0
 Just cop that Aliexpress ROCKBROS drip my brother.
  • 26 0
 I hope the takeaway here isn't you need 4 pairs of riding pants, but that these are 4 pairs of riding pants that might be worth considering for your climate. Here in the PNW I've got winter pants and summer pants, and I think that's the case for most people.

Riding-specific clothes are often dumb and needlessly expensive, but I personally do spend $$ on pants and shorts. I don't spend on jerseys or anything like that usually. We covered where to spend and save in this piece: www.pinkbike.com/news/mtb-on-a-budget-where-to-spend-and-where-to-save-on-mountain-bike-clothing-part-1.html
  • 7 0
 My current favorite shorts are Gerry hiking shorts from Costco. Super durable, reasonably fitted, waist adjustment, long enough to cover the top part of kneepads. Wrangler also makes decent stretch non-cargo hiking shorts that are long enough for mtb. $20ish.

Favorite top is Target's Merino long sleeve. 25% merino, 75% poly. Perfect blend for durability, softness, and anti-odor control. $24ish. They don't reek after an hour on the bike like most poly mtb-specific tops do. And you won't cry if you rip them.

Favorite pants for riding, Wrangler slim trial joggers from Target. $25ish, fit kneepads, and spoken of highly on other mtb websites too. And you won't cry if you rip them.

As someone who's ridden for 12ish years, 5 days a week, and tried many different kinds of mtb-specific and non-mtb-specific clothing, I now prefer non-mtb-specific clothing except gloves and pads *shrug*. Editors and testers get this stuff for free. 95% of the readership doesn't.
  • 4 0
 @rickybobby18: yes to those Wrangler Slim Trail Joggers! At $25 a pair who cares if you hit the deck and rip them (though I have hit the deck in them and they held up just fine). Just warm enough for the cold days, breathes well enough. They look good, no frills, no complaints!
  • 1 0
 @dirt-mcgirt: Nice! Ya gotta give the Target merino tops a try. They're my fave and all my friends who've tried them say the same and bought a bunch too.
  • 2 1
 I literally wear Adidas athletic shorts while I ride. Fox riding shirts are pretty affordable (like $25) so I wear that, random shorts, and good socks and underwear with 5 10 shoes. Let the haters hate while I roll in comfort.
  • 1 0
 @rickybobby18: definitely! After I read your comment I immediately went to check it out on the target site. Thanks for the recommendations!
  • 5 1
 Imagine being an aboriginal australian MTBer who recognize 6 distinct seasons in the year. Lots of added costs for pants!
  • 2 0
 @rickybobby18: I like the Gerry pants, but have renamed the the Gary's and I pretend Jack Moir is telling me to "Give it the berries Gary" when I tear down the blues.
  • 2 0
 @dirt-mcgirt: I ordered a pair of the Wranglers in my normal size based on Pinkbike comments, the waist was ok albeit a cut little low, but the thighs and knees were too tight, no way I could get them over even slim pads. I’d stay away from them unless you have skinny legs for your waist size.
  • 1 0
 @bde1024: I've been using $80 Crye gen 3 combat pant clones by Emerson.

Works great, has built-in height adjustable kneepads, and I can fill the pockets with trash I find on trails.

Crashed in them once already and they held up.
  • 2 0
 @rickybobby18:

Vote with your wallet. As the kids have grown older I’ve moved away from rocking Full TLD kit to whenever the hell I don’t mind having to go to the hospital in. If I won’t wear gear to a restaurant then I don’t want it. Ive got a $20 sun hoody over my 661 chest and back protector over icebreaker merino long sleeve. Absolutely brilliant when it’s 50 in the shade and 65 on the lift.
  • 1 0
 @rickybobby18: +1 for those wranglers, they absolutely SLAP for the price. I got mine recently so still TBD on longevity but at that price hard to argue.
  • 1 0
 Soooo you wash your pants after every ride?
  • 2 0
 @bde1024: 100% agree. I like the idea of the Wranglers but most people can forget about wearing them with kneepads.
  • 2 0
 I think it's kind of funny that a whole bunch of folks, mostly guys, are commenting that it's way easier to just wear something from Target, or a T-shirt or whatever... As a female my choices for "normal" shorts are way too short or way too not durable for riding it. T-shirts are way too thin... For pants, it's pretty much impossible to find anything that has room for pads (skinny jeans) or doesn't get caught (all the new wide-leg garbage). Clothing for trail-building? That's funny... luckily we have a Carhartt store that happened to have my size so I could actually try something on. Work boots? Again, was able to find ONE pair of boots that works (Danner FTW). It sucks that we're a captive audience for clothes that actually work and fit well...
  • 1 0
 or, you buy a pair of pants that suit your local climate, put on a t shirt, and call it a day.. like a normal person? idk I have 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of pants, and that's it. yeah in the summer my shit stanks at the end of the week come at me life is hard lmao
  • 1 1
 @Sharess: You can just wear mens (or unisex) clothing. Womens clothing has impracticalities because women demand that it be that way.
  • 1 2
 @wburnes: buying men's clothes doesn't tell women's clothing manufacturers what women "demand", now does it?

Gotta leave those one-star reviews on any pair of pants that turns out to have fake pockets, or this shit will never change... And probably won't anyway, because I suspect most women's clothing is designed by men, for men('s viewing pleasure).
  • 1 3
 @ryetoast: "buying men's clothes doesn't tell women's clothing manufacturers what women "demand", now does it?"

Why wouldn't it? There is enough invasive consumer tracking to easily know when women buy mens clothing.

"I suspect most women's clothing is designed by men, for men('s viewing pleasure)."

Because that's what women actually want; revealed preference for aesthetics over function
  • 1 0
 @Sharess: fair enough. But there has to be non-mtb-specific alternatives in women's clothing just like there is with guys, no? Hiking stuff, mostly? Which is usually less than half the cost of mtb-specific stuff? Seems like most women's hiking pants are in that middle ground between tight and baggy (like men's hiking pants) which should fit kneepads.
  • 11 0
 Last summer i kitted myself with some new POC shorts and knee pads. Neither of them made it to the end of the summer. I can't Imagine spending 250USD on something that wont even alst 4 months...
  • 2 2
 That’s because they are POC.
Piece Of Cr@p
Measured by my two sets of knee pads anyway.
  • 1 0
 Better buy from brands with a repair service and more solid warranty instead. Patagonia or Norrona f.ex.
  • 3 0
 @ilovedust: Can't speak for the shorts, but my POC kneepads are bulletproof.
  • 1 0
 @ilovedust: I have POC knee, and elbow pads ( each about 60 CAD got on sale directly from POC), and they are very good quality, have correct sizing and actually work ( took some wipeouts in them). My next one will be RaceFace, probably, but those are rarely in stock and never on sale Big Grin

P.S. I am NEVER... repeat NEVER paying full price for any type of a sports gear as it is never needed immediately.
  • 5 1
 I've found that bike brand/specific baggy clothing to be sub-par compared to some of the higher quality general purpose clothes:

I've had 100% brand jerseys and gloves basically fall apart at the seams w/o any crashes after being laundered 4-6 times. Had similar experiences with POC shorts, Fox jerseys, and the one pair of Rapha shorts my wife gifted me. I've had Adidas synthetic shirts take more of a beating by being crashed-in countless times with nothing more than small run on the fabric. Same with the set of Prana shorts I've been wearing to the dirt jumps for years now.
  • 2 0
 Prana shorts for the MTB win!
  • 1 0
 my FOX downhill shorts took such beating that none of the regular shorts would survive and I am running them 6 seasons already. Also my RaceFace pants (the cheapest model they make) are the most comfortable pants I own ( including my all other work \ casual pants)
  • 3 0
 I just bought riding pants (on sale, duh) and I ain't going back to shorts until it's actually hot out. They're crucial for the bad-weather lunch ride - just take em off and you're clean! No more chipping mud off yer ankles in the ladies room sink! Plus they help my kneepads stay in place while I'm crashing. 10/10, would pant again.
  • 6 4
 I have never worn biking specific pants in my life. Do they provide any advantage over the stuff I currently wear? I wear skinny jeans for dirt jumping and cheap athletic pants, shorts or sweat pants for everything else. Honestly bonkers what people pay for mtb clothes. I have a jersey or 2 but most of the time I just ride in a T-shirt.
  • 1 0
 Similar story but I was given a pair of winter riding pants for Christmas two year ago. Still using them and I have grown to appreciate them immensely.
  • 2 0
 The main advantage is cut and materials.

When I really got into mountain biking over about 15 years ago, I went through so many pairs of shorts and pants due the cut and fit. The most common issue was having the shorts getting caught in the saddle either causing a hole, or a crash, or both. I bought some baggy mtb shorts afterwards and the cut was perfect with no saddles getting caught on the saddle. I still ride with those shorts even though they are a decade old.

In terms of materials, a decent pair of shorts and pants will be light and strong. I've had many crashes on the same pants with minimal tearing. Jeans look good and feel durable due to weight, but they tear and wear out due to abrasion quite easily.

When it comes to jerseys vs cotton t shirts it just comes down to how much sweat you like. I sometimes wear a cotton t and come back drenched since cotton just acts as a sponge. Jerseys don't need to be mtb specific in my experience.

TLDR: mtb specific pants aren't required but it's nice to have. Buy a good pair and they'll last a long time.
  • 3 0
 Great article with useful information but I’m confused by the choices made for Spring and Summer. Seems like those should be reversed with the warmer Wild Rye for Spring and the cooler Scott for Summer.
  • 2 0
 Are there “flat pedal pants” with protection from pins on the front/back of the lower leg? I’ve only been hit by my flats twice over five years, but I should have gotten stitches in both cases. I rode out the day instead, but now my legs aren’t exactly pretty…
  • 1 0
 I'm a big fan of the Norrona fjord flex pants for early/cold Spring -late Autumn/wet riding, sure they're expensive on their website, but wait until they are in the outlet. They last for years, wash (heavy mud) well, breathe, snap ankle closures, can fit knee pads under them, great pockets, adjustable waist, stand up to heavy crashes, repel water etc. Surprised they weren't on the "test" list.
  • 1 0
 plus they're good for backcountry and nordic skiing
  • 1 0
 These reviews, are they really telling us anything about the durability? I had some Endura MT500 Spray Trouser 2's.....after a few winter rides the seat wore through! Rest of the trousers looked like they had never been used. Endura not interested in warranty or doing a repair. I kept them going with goretex patches on the seat but can't help thinking that Endura's claims of tested in the worst riding conditions of Scotland etc. etc. blah blah blah are pretty well unfounded in my experience. Replaced them now with some Troy Lee Resist so we will see how they do this winter.
  • 10 7
 They're called 'trousers' gosh darn it. Now look what you've done, you made me swear. I'll have to calm down with a nice cup of tea and a crumpet.
  • 3 0
 ...Hey there Computer man, Fix My Pants
  • 4 1
 They are indeed. I chuckle every time I hear north americans saying they ride in pants, looool.
Also for people saying that they live in "the best country in the world", judging by the comments above seem to be exclusively made by north americans, it is weird that none of them can afford said "pants"
  • 1 0
 @gooral: Gondor has no pants, Gondor needs no pants
  • 3 0
 I never get the long pants on the MTB. Even it's cold cold, I would make myself a subtropical sweatfest in these things within 20 minutes.
  • 2 0
 This. I can barely tolerate pedaling with kneepads on. and apparently people wear pads under these pants? Insane.
  • 2 0
 I still don't understand why people wear pants in the middle of summer, especially with knee pads underneath. I find it far too warm. I read the reason about poison ivy and ticks, but then why wear short sleeves?
  • 2 0
 Excellent review. The Endura MT500s are wicked comfortable. Also shoutout to Revel Rider for making some of the best women's-specific riding pants!
  • 1 0
 Just don't buy waterproof stuff from them. Their seam tape doesn't last and their no-name membrane delaminates.
  • 7 3
 Who wears pants when riding?

+30: Shorts, -30: Shorts w/ Long Johns!
  • 1 0
 They're good for cold-ish weather park riding.
  • 1 0
 People who never want to wash or mend their long johns, obviously!
  • 4 0
 Why would anyone wear pants when riding in the summer?
  • 2 0
 Because the bike industry told them they will look cool. (If they spend enough money).
  • 2 0
 Ticks. Poison ivy. Mosquitoes. Overgrown branches. Plenty of reasons.
  • 1 0
 Did you see any DH pro guys in shorts this season?
  • 1 0
 I love both my Endura Spray pants and my Fox Flexair pants, don't see the point of anything else except something for riding in rain.
  • 1 1
 I've been using $80 Crye gen 3 combat pant clones by Emerson.

Works great, has built-in height adjustable kneepads, and I can fill the pockets with trash I find on trails
  • 1 0
 TLD Sprint pant. All 4 seasons! $120 OTD!
  • 1 0
 I've been using my Endura Humvee II's from winter till winter.







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