The Best Adventure Motorcycle Pants For 2024
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on boots that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Zach Poole.
About Our Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
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Best Entry Level Adventure Pants
Priced under $300.
Klim Dakar Pants
Price: Up to $270
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
This lightweight and breathable all-season adventure pant is budget priced but not short on features. Comfort and versatility are key features for this pant.
Key Specs
• 630D Cordura and water resistant coating
• YKK zippers
• Vented around knees
• Stretch material in flex zones
• 2 zippered cargo pockets
• Moisture wicking liner
Protection & Safety
• Abrasion-resistant upgraded 630D Cordura
•Heavy-duty 840D Cordura knee and seat
•3M Scotchlite reflective material on back of leg
•D3O compatible hip and knee armor pockets (armor sold separately)
Sedici Avventura Waterproof Pants
Price: $199
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
An affordable pant with some upscale features. This waterproof pant has a thermal and a breathable and removable inner liner making it a versatile choice for any riding adventure.
Key Specs
• Remove waterproof and thermal liners.
• Cargo pockets
• Waist adjusters
• Knee stretch panels
• Moisture wicking liner
Protection & Safety
• CE Level 2 approved knee armor
• 3-layer construction
• 450D Oxford fabric shell
• Reflective strips for increased visibility
Scorpion EXO Seattle WP Pants
Price: Up to $245
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
These fully waterproof pants are ready for any adventure. From full length zippers to the removable liner, you will arrive comfortable and dry and enjoy easy adjustments along the way.
Key Specs
• Fully waterproof
• Full length YKK zippers
• Removable liner
• Waist adjustment tabs
• Zips to jackets
Protection & Safety
• 600D Polyester with 1680D Nylon abrasion zones
• Vertically adjustable Sas-Tec CE Level 2 armor at knees
• Hip Pockets with foam. Sas-Tec armor fits for additional cost
• NightViz reflective material
Best Mid-Range Adventure Pants
Priced $300 - $500.
Alpinestars Ardent 3-in-1 Adventure Touring
Price: $330
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
When it comes to bike gear, Alpinestars is renowned for its quality, value, and ingenuity - the Ardent 3In1 pants mirror all 3 of those values. Some readers may be familiar with the Ardent 3In1 jacket, which has become popular for its unique “3 in 1” modular design - the same features come with the pant version.
Alpinestars refers to the Ardent pants as “a modular masterpiece tailored for the larger rider's conquest of all climates and terrains.” We feel like this description is well-suited. The 3 in 1 name stems from the fact that the pants include removable Drystar waterproof and thermal liners which can be worn together, or separately, providing multiple ways to wear the pants.
Key Specs
• 300D Ripstop Polyfabric shell with textured 1000D poly and heavy-duty dobbie.
• Removable Drystar waterproof and thermal liners
• Waist belt with a magnetic buckle
Protection & Safety
• Nucleon Flex Pro CE Level 2 knee armor
• Bioflex CE Level 1 hip armor
• CE certified to EN 17092-3:2020 as a Class AA garment
Firstgear Kathmandu 2.0 Pants
Price: $400
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The versatility of this overpant allows you to customize it for your ride and walk around in normal clothes when you get to your destination. Waterproof seams and zippers make sure you stay dry along the way while large vents allow it to be used even in summer. Integration with First Gear heated gear makes it usable no matter how cold.
Key Specs
• Waterproof seams and zippers
• Adjustable armor pockets
• Plenty of vents
• Adjustable waist, cuffs and calves
• Stretch knee panels
• Waterproof pockets
• Intake and exhaust vents
• 2 Cargo pockets and pass through waist pockets
Protection & Safety
• SAS-TEC CE Level 2 knees and hips
• YKK zipper
• Reflective material on front and sides
REV'IT! Cayenne 2 Pants
Price: $469
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If you’re looking for a dedicated, dry-weather adventure pant then you’ve found a rugged and ventilated option with the REV'IT! Cayenne 2 Pants. Meant for hot temps but still made of strong material and included knee and hip protection.
Key Specs
• Strong mesh panels front and rear of upper legs
• Armor in hips and knees
• Stretch Panels above the knees and on the lower back
• Adjustments on knee, calves, waist and ankle
• Slit pockets on hip. Stash pockets on upper legs
Protection & Safety
• SEEFLEX CE-level 2 Knee Protection
• SEESMART CE-level 1 Hip Protectors
• 750D shell
• Laminated reflection at calves
Best High-End Adventure Pants
Priced over $500+.
Key Specs
• Gore Tex throughout
• YKK zippers
• 500D ripstop to back up the “Superfabric” in various locations
• 2 Zippered cargo pockets
• Jacket to pant zipper system
• Internal moisture wicking mesh
• 6 Total vents
Protection & Safety
• 630D Ripstop panels in key impact areas
• 400D and 200D in the main panels
• 500D ripstop to back up the “Superfabric” in various locations
• D3O CE Level 2 vented hip and knee armor
Key Specs
• Gore tex shell
• Highly Vented and flexible
• Leather inner knees for wear and heat resistance
• YKK zippers
• 2 Thigh intake and exhaust vents
• Adjustable cuff for boot and knee guard adjustments
• Moisture wicking antimicrobial liner
Protection & Safety
• D3O CE Level 2 adjustable hip and knee armor
• CE AA certified overall
• Scotchlite reflective material
• 630D Cordura in abrasion areas
• FPL400 main garment
Firstgear Rogue XC Pro
Price: Up to $600
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
These waterproof pants with unique magnetic thigh intake vents keep you protected not only from the rain but with level 2 knee an hip protection. Convenient pockets keep your important items handy and dry.
Key Specs
• Waterproof materials and sealed seams
• Removable mesh bib
• YKK zipper fly
• Hook and loop adjustments
• 2 Waist pockets
• Leather knee panels with stretch panel for comfort
• Intake and exhaust zip vents
Protection & Safety
• SAS-TEC CE Level 2 knee and hip protection
• Ballistic nylon construction
Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Motorcycle Pants
What makes adventure motorcycle pants different from other types of riding pants?
Adventure pants are designed to handle the rougher conditions found off-road and off-trail. They are almost exclusively made of very durable textiles that have anti-perforation properties in case of a fall on sharp rocks, have either a built in waterproofing membrane or a zip-out liner, and always come with CE Level I or better armor included.
What is the difference between adventure pants and overpants?
Adventure pants are designed to handle the elements and conditions faced by dual sport and adventure riders, and often fit semi-snug to your legs. Overpants, while looking very similar to ADV pants, are designed to be worn over regular pants, such as khakis or jeans, and as such fit quite loosely around the leg. There are some ADV pants that qualify as overpants, but those are meant to be used with an armored base layer for extra protection.
What are the most common types of textiles used in adventure motorcycle pants?
By far and above, polyester or polyester blends are the most common material. Ballistic nylon, Cordura, spandura, and other materials can be included or form the chassis of the pants. On impact surfaces, most ADV pants are at least 600D abrasion resistance and double layered for extra perforation protection, while stretch panels and mesh ventilation panels are generally 400D or better.
Which is better, a waterproof membrane or a waterproof liner if I’m going on a multi-day trip?
In the case of multiple days out pathfinding, or even just going on an on-road adventure tour, the preferred waterproofing is via membranes such as Gore-Tex, DryStar, and the like. The reasoning for this is that these membranes are breathable, are “Always on,” and give you peace of mind without needing to pull over to insert a liner. A zip-out liner is acceptable as well, but in the case of a sudden rainshower, you might get stuck without it in, as well as it can get lost or buried in your cargo or bags.
Are adventure motorcycle pants strictly for adventure riding?
Not at all. Quite often, during the colder months of the motorcycle season in the Spring or the Fall, you will see sportbike riders, cruiser riders, even neo-retro and cafe racer riders wearing adventure pants. This is due to their ability to handle almost all weather, and almost every one comes with a zip-out thermal liner.
Can I use my adventure motorcycle pants for motocross & enduro riding?
Adventure pants are, by their design and intended purpose, excellent for enduro riding, especially cross-country and during pathfinding rides through grasses and forests. However, motocross is its own beast entirely, and have their own specific type of pants. ADV pants will work, but are not the best option by far.
Why do some of the adventure motorcycle pants have suspenders?
Most adventure pants are part of a matched set by the same manufacturer that will zip together to form an ADV suit, like the Alpinestars Andes V3 jacket and pants. In case you have mismatched brands, such as a Dainese top and First Gear pants, the suspenders are there to provide the same type of tension a zip-together suit would give the ADV pants.
Do adventure motorcycle pants have adequate ventilation for very hot weather?
Almost every pair of adventure pants has at least one vent per leg, often on the thigh area where it will receive air if you stand on the pegs. Some ADV pants also include airflow mesh areas around the groin and inner thigh, most often on ADV pants with zip-out waterproof liners. These pants are designed to be worn in everything from 23 F to over 100 F, and most pants allow you to adjust ventilation on the fly.
What To Look For In Adventure Motorcycle Pants
Adventure bikes and all things ADV have become one of the leading segments in the world of motorcycling. It makes complete sense with the miles riders are logging, that at some point you will want to get off the mountain highway and see what things are like from the top of the mountain.
The ability to ride both on road and off road makes for some unique requirements in your riding pants. The leathers you have been wearing on your liter bike, or the kevlar riding jeans that look badass in the saddle of your V-Twin, will make you miserable crossing a stream aboard a KTM 890 Adventure.
Considerations When Buying Adventure Pants
When purchasing adv pants, start with the big three: fit, comfort, and protection.
Fit - ADV pants need to fit well when you are in the saddle and when you are standing up on the pegs. If they are too loose, the armor can sit strangely and become annoying or less effective. A size too big can lead to excess material that flaps in the wind at highway speeds and drive you nuts, and a size too small can just make everything pull and bind awkwardly with all the moving about you will be doing on the bike.
Comfort - A bad fit will certainly make things uncomfortable, but each body is unique so comfort will mean different things to each of us. ADV pants have many different points of protection, and those can feel fine when standing in front of the fitting room mirror admiring your butt, versus once you are in the saddle. Sit, stand, and move, these pants will be covering your butt for many miles.
Protection - It is just a fact if you ride ADV, you will fall. Heck, most of your post-ride laughs will be about those falls. ADV pants should have armor or padding in key impact areas such as the hips, knees, and thighs. Look for pants that are CE certified to ensure they meet regulated safety standards. Look for pants that are made of high-quality materials and have reinforced stitching to ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of riding.
The next aspects are subjective but need consideration.
Weather resistance: - ADV riding often involves changing weather conditions, so it's important to choose pants that can handle rain, wind, and cold temperatures. Look for pants that are waterproof and breathable. If you just ride close to home your local weather may be all that matters, but if a trip from the Baja to Alaska is on your bucket list you may need something else.
Style - It’s okay that you want to look nice. No, it isn’t weird that you want to match the colors on your new Triumph Tiger 1200. Black does go with everything and doesn’t make you a basic biker.
Price - ADV pants can vary greatly in price, so set a budget and look for pants that offer the best combination of features and value within your budget. Read reviews, like the ones here on wBW. Our testers will happily show you that the most expensive does not always equal the best.
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