Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner

Cold weather vented pants, NOT WATERPROOF

3649 Views 26 Replies 23 Participants Last post by  Danhikeski
I am looking for some cool/cold temp shell pants to wear over tights or shorts. I have wasted lots of money buying pants that were also "WATERPROOF" i.e. sauna pants that sucked and only made me sweat like hell. I don't ride in the rain!. Would love something that has side zipper vents, or vented mesh pockets that will allow the heat out when needed. And really they don't need to be bike specific, maybe there are some good climbing/hiking/running pants that would work well for riding.

Thank you!
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
Wear a base layer/yoga pants under your shorts. Pull up the leggings to your knees when you get hot.

Anything over your entire leg as a shell is going to get pretty hot and sweaty IME unless it's pretty cold, waterproof or not. You need a base layer that is form-fitting to transport sweat from the skin, otherwise it'll just stay on the surface and get cold/soggy/wet. If it's even colder, consider XC ski pants, they have a windproof front and mesh back and breathe really well, as well as wick moisture really well.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
XC ski pants is the way to go.

Or ultra expensive proper thermal roadie tights.
XC ski pants. Unless you are riding somewhere where you need tougher clothing.
I'd recommend Stio Pinedale pants. I really like mine. Not bike-specific; but that doesn't matter.

(I actually don't bike in them because when it's that cold I have a pair of pants from Ibex that are no longer available.)
Wind front and vented or Lycra back works great for me in almost every temperature.
Endura makes a few different ones. I have the ”Singletrack Trouser II” in black and love them. Best cold weather riding pants I’ve ever had. BIG zippered vents down the legs.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
4ucycling

super cheap...very effective
Endura makes a few different ones. I have the ”Singletrack Trouser II” in black and love them. Best cold weather riding pants I’ve ever had. BIG zippered vents down the legs.
Been thinking of those-did you find the sizing true to form? The Endura shorts that I've had in the past always ran a size small....
I've been really happy with the 7Mesh Glidepath pants. Wearing just liner shorts underneath I've been fine up to the mid 60s. With a thin long baselayer I've ridden down to around freezing temps and been perfectly comfortable. No problems geting sweaty. It cuts the wind and rain, but still breathes well. Looks like casual jogger pants until you get up close and see the bike specific cut and seams.
Been thinking of those-did you find the sizing true to form? The Endura shorts that I've had in the past always ran a size small....
Their sizing guide is crazy TBH. Originally ordered a “Medium”, but they were way too tight. The Large is perfect on me. (I’m 5’11” 165-170 lbs). I have a bunch of Endura stuff and you should always go up. Much like most European companies.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Not ventilated, but I prefer my hiking/climbing softshell pants over various tights. My lightweight OR Ferrosi softshells have been the most comfortable in a wide range of cool temps.

I fatbike and ride a bunch in subfreezing to sub-zero temps with wide temperature swings, the other combo I like is my Norrona Flex shorts with full height gaiters over thermals. the shorts are long and ventilate while the gaiters are quick to remove and easy to pack when things get warm. The gaiters also keep my legs dry when things get slushy or muddy.
What temperature range are you trying to dress for?
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I have a pair of the Specialized pants that are perfect for cool weather and can be worn in colder temps with a pair of knee warmers or knickers. Knee pads also can help take you to colder temps. Longer ski socks work too. Below the 40s I have a pair of Endura MT500 pants.
Endura SingleTrack Trouser 2 sounds like what you are after. Love mine.
Been thinking of those-did you find the sizing true to form? The Endura shorts that I've had in the past always ran a size small....
Yep, always size up with ENDURA. Good stuff though...
Gore Windstopper Tights. Windstopper panels were you need it the most.
I will throw this into the mix…

These are the best winter pants I own. I have drawers full of options. Nothing comes close (in price 😬, functionality 🙂 or enjoyment on the trail 👊). I use them from minus 20 C (with a base layer) to plus 20 C (on their own - according to my Garmin, I hit a high of plus 20 C on Monday). Beautiful sunny days, to Fernie rain. On Monday the Chinook winds were stronger than I have ever ridden in. Towering trees that had been blown down, littered the trails. They just work in whatever conditions are thrown at them.

Among numerous features, they have thigh vents and a pocket for my massive phone that makes it disappear while riding, while keeping it handy for pics and the odd TrailForks check.

I can list other options too but these are the gold standard for me.

Sleeve Grey Collar Blazer Dress shirt
Triangle Sleeve Rectangle Tints and shades Font
Neck Sleeve Grey Sportswear Collar
Automotive design Sleeve Collar Dress shirt Sportswear
See less See more
4
What temperature range are you trying to dress for?
I think a sunny 20 degree day here in Colorado might be my threshold but who knows I have certainly found myself outside on the mountain in -20 but that is a sufferfest.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top