Winter is coming (already here for some of us). It’s time to start thinking about what kit you need for the coming slop, so you can keep the stoke high and ride through regardless. We are taking a look at some winter MTB pants from top brands including 7Mesh, Giro, NF and Endura – some we’ve tried, some we haven’t – all look worthy of consideration.
7Mesh Thunder Pant
Newest to the market is the 7Mesh Thunder Pant. This winter MTB pant looks to be one of the more weatherproof options of today’s round up. It features two different weights of GORE-TEX PRO fabric which combine to offer claimed impregnable water protection. 7Mesh also claim best-in-class breathability and exceedingly high levels of durability in repeat friction areas like the seat and upper legs.
What’s also cool about the Thunder Pant is the fact that you can cut the leg cuff down by up to 3″ to a length that fits you perfectly. 7Mesh recommend riding in the uncut pant before cutting, to make sure you get a good idea of what length you need, taking into account how the pant fits at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
It’s built to put on while wearing shoes – even over other pants – thanks to the velcro-secured stretch fabric at the end of the legs, and watertight zippers. A fly-free front gives way to stretch panels and straightforward side buckles at the waist to help dial in a perfect fit.
The 7Mesh Thunder Pant is available in both a men’s (XS-XXL) and women’s cut (XS-XL), each priced at £279.99.
Giro Havoc MTB Pant
These one’s I’ve tried and liked. These are composed of a thin 4-Way stretch DWR coated Durablend material. A velcro adjustable waist with poppers lets you find a good fit. One zippered pocket on the right leg is big enough to fit your phone and a small bunch of keys.
The fabric stretches nicely and there’s plenty of room to accommodate the Bluegrass Solid D3O knee pads I wear.
They aren’t super waterproof, nor do they claim to be. They are more “weatherproof”. They’ll keep you dry in a light drizzle but if it pours down, you’re in for a soaking. They are liable to get baggy when wet, unfortunately. I’d recommend these for cold, dry winter rides.
The Giro Havoc MTB Pant is available in men’s (30-38) and women’s cuts (S-XL). It will set you back £119.99.
Endura MT500 Waterproof Trouser II
Pushed by none other than the Atherton siblings, the Endura MT500 Waterproof MTB Trouser is now in its second iteration. Composed of a new, more durable ExoShell40DR 3-layer fabric, Endura claim these are fully waterproof with good breathability. The fit is “pre-shaped” for an optimised on-bike articulated fit with stretch panels for unrestricted movement.
It features water resistant hand pockets and an extra durable seat and inner ankle panel. It’s also compatible with Endura’s click fast bib shorts.
The Endura MT500 Waterproof Trouser II is available in a men’s (S-XXL) cut only. It will set you back £179.99. Check out our previous coverage of Endura’s winter kit to see the entire updated MT500 range including fully waterproof winter onesie.
NF Berzerker & DP3
These winter MTB pants from NF are likely to sell out pretty quickly. They are all on pre-order only. The DP3 is their flagship product, made in Canada. It is made of a soft, light weight, breathable, DWR coated fabric with 10% stretch. It features two zipper pockets with YKK semi-lock pullers. It is said to be quick wicking and drying.
$218 (CAD) will get you a set, available in sizes XS-XXL.
The NF Berzerker V2 winter MTB Pant is for colder, wetter riding conditions. These are slim fitting, made with a 3-layer recycled WPB stretch woven poly, DWR coated 290g soft shell fabric. They feature two flat top-loading cargo pockets and one phone pocket with YKK No.3 semi-locking zips. They have a tapered lower leg for a great fit top to bottom. Get a set for $228 (CAD).
