Review Summary
If you’re looking for the main takeaways from this review, here’s my summary of the Pando Moto Desert Cargo Motorcycle Pants:
Build & Materials
- Made from 12oz CE AA-rated Cordura® stretch denim with built-in Coolmax® fibers for breathability
- Slim cargo styling with eight pockets, sitting flat and not bulky
- Low-profile external armor access for easy removal and adjustment
- Reflective tape hidden inside cuffs for added night visibility
- Durable triple-stitched seams and reinforced stress points
- Matte black snaps and sturdy zippers show attention to detail
- Design & Quality Rating: 100%
Size & Fit
- True to size with a slim but not skinny fit
- Snug waist with no need for a belt, legs are fitted yet allow natural movement
- Knee protectors have two height positions for precise placement
- Slim where it counts, roomy where needed, with zero restriction
- Size & Fit Rating: 100%
Comfort
- Cordura® stretch fabric offers excellent flexibility and breathability
- Comfortable for all-day wear with no chafing, stiffness, or sore spots
- Coolmax® wicks moisture and helps regulate temperature on warm rides
- Soft seat area makes long rides feel effortless
- Comfort Rating: 100%
Protection
- Equipped with SAS-TEC TripleFlex CE Level 1 armor in hips and knees
- Slim, flexible armor barely noticeable during movement
- 12oz Cordura® denim balances abrasion resistance and comfort
- Lacks tailbone armor pocket (minor drawback)
- Suitable for urban, daily commuting, and casual weekend rides
- Reflective cuffs enhance low-light visibility
- Protection Rating: 80%
Value for Money
- Priced at $318 USD, a premium option with strong features for urban riders
- Great balance of style, comfort, and protection for daily use
- Not the best choice for riders seeking maximum armor or the highest protection level
- Value & Features Rating: 80%
Pando Moto Desert Cargo Motorcycle Pants
When it comes to motorcycle gear, I’ve always believed pants are the hardest thing to get right. You want them to look normal off the bike, feel comfortable enough for daily wear, and still offer real protection if things go sideways. Earlier this season, I got the chance to ride in the Klim K Forty 3 jeans, which nailed the balance of subtle styling and CE-rated safety. I wanted to see what else was out there, especially for days when I’d rather have more pockets and a slightly more rugged look.
That’s what led me to the Pando Moto Desert Cargo pants. They promise CE AA-rated single-layer Cordura® stretch denim, built-in Coolmax® for breathability on warm rides, and a slim cargo cut that works whether you’re in the city or headed out on the backroads for a longer ride through nature.
Curious if they’d replace my go-to jeans, I took them on daily commutes, errands, and longer weekend rides to see how they perform when you actually live in them.
If you’re on the hunt for a beginner bike, check out our list of Motorcycle Newbies: Check Out These 10 Beginner Bikes for 2025 too.
Build & Materials: Rugged, Modern, and Thoughtful
Unboxing the Pando Moto Desert Cargo pants, the first thing I noticed was how they don’t look like typical motorcycle gear. Instead of the stiff, armored feel you get from other riding jeans, the 12oz Cordura® stretch denim feels soft in the hand and practically unnoticeable while wearing. The added Coolmax® fibers woven into the fabric hint that these pants are made for riders who don’t just head out once a week but actually live in their gear.
The cargo styling isn’t bulky or overly tactical. Pockets sit flat against the legs, and triple-stitched seams add durability without adding extra visual weight. Which was a relief since I was concerned they might look awkward when worn, but that’s not the case at all. Matte black snaps, sturdy zippers, and chain-stitched reinforcements around stress points show that Pando really paid attention to the details.
One standout feature is the external knee armor zip pocket. It’s surprisingly low profile but makes removing or adjusting the armor effortless, something I never thought I’d care about until I tried it. Before this, I always had to turn my pants inside out to take the knee armor out before washing, which was a hassle. Here, it’s genuinely easy. Even the hip armor slides in and out smoothly and is simple to access.
Flip up the cuffs and you’ll find reflective tape neatly tucked away, adding a touch of visibility for night rides without loudly announcing “motorcycle gear” during the day. Branding is tastefully minimal, with just a small black leather patch on the back, nothing flashy.
In total, there are eight pockets: two standard front pockets, one large button pocket on the left leg, one large zipper pocket with two small button pockets on the right leg, and two pockets on the back. There’s definitely no shortage of storage here. Lastly, there’s a handy key loop, perfect for riders like me who tend to misplace their keys off the bike.
Overall, the Desert Cargo pants feel thoughtfully built: rugged enough for real riding, modern enough for daily wear, and with a design that quietly blends function and style without shouting about it.
Design & Quality: 100%
Finding the Right Fit and Size
Ordering riding pants online can be a bit of a gamble. I’ve had to return pairs that didn’t fit right, size up or down depending on the brand, and even had my fiancée hem a few that were just way too long out of the box. Whether it’s oversized cuts or armor placement throwing things off, it’s rarely a smooth process.
This time around, I decided to go with my true size, 32×32, even though the product page mentioned a slim fit. I was honestly a little nervous. I hate when “slim fit” turns out to mean “skinny jeans,” especially for riding gear. But to my surprise, that wasn’t the case at all.
The fit is spot on. The waist feels snug but not tight, I can even wear them without a belt, and the legs strike that sweet spot between fitted and relaxed. They’ve got a slim cut, but it still manages to feel slightly loose and baggy in a good way. There’s zero restriction when I move around, and the Cordura® stretch denim helps everything flex naturally on and off the bike.
The knee protectors have two height positions, so you can adjust them to sit exactly where they should. Since the pockets are accessed externally, making changes is quick and painless.
If you’ve had sizing issues with riding pants in the past, this pair might surprise you. They’re slim where it counts, roomy where you need it, and genuinely comfortable from the first wear.
If cargo pants aren’t your cup of tea, check out a review on Klims Straight Leg Fit Riding Jean KLIM K Fifty 2 Jeans “Legs In” Review
Size & Fit: 100%
Comfort that Lasts All Day
I’ve ridden in a lot of different pants over the years, and comfort is usually where many of them fall short. Whether it’s stiff fabric, awkward seams, or armor that digs in, something always seems to get in the way. That’s not the case with the Pando Moto Desert Cargo pants.
These are genuinely some of the most comfortable riding pants I’ve worn. The Cordura® stretch denim makes a huge difference. They move with you, not against you, whether you’re crouching, throwing a leg over the bike, or walking around at a stop. There’s no pinching, no stiffness, and nothing that restricts your motion.
They’re also surprisingly breathable. I’ve worn them on longer rides and during warmer days, and they manage to stay cool without feeling thin or flimsy. The addition of Coolmax® clearly does its job, helping to wick away moisture and regulate temperature. I never felt overly hot or like I was suffocating in heavy gear.
Even after countless hours in the saddle, I’ve had zero issues with discomfort. No chafing, no sore spots, and no need to constantly adjust things on the bike. The seat area is soft enough that you forget you’re even wearing riding pants, which says a lot.
What I like most is that they don’t feel like a compromise. You get solid protection, real-world durability, and all-day comfort wrapped into one package. These are the kind of pants you can ride in, hang out in, and keep on all day without rushing to change out of them.
Comfort: 100%
Protection Without the Bulk
For a pair of pants that feel this comfortable and breathable, the Desert Cargo pants offer impressive protection. They come with SAS-TEC TripleFlex CE Level 1 armor in both the hips and knees, and right away I noticed how slim and flexible the pads are. They’re barely noticeable when walking around or moving on the bike, which is exactly what you want from everyday riding gear.
The pants themselves are made from 12oz Cordura® stretch denim, and while that’s a touch lighter than what you’d find in more heavy-duty riding jeans, they’re still CE AA-rated under EN 17092-3. That puts them in a solid middle ground for protection, offering real-world abrasion resistance without feeling like you’re wearing stiff, tactical gear.
One thoughtful detail I really appreciate is the reflective material hidden inside the cuffs. You won’t notice it unless you flip the hem up, but it adds an extra bit of visibility for night rides or low-light situations, something that’s easy to overlook in casual-looking gear.
If I had one nitpick, it would be the lack of a tailbone armor pocket. It’s not a deal-breaker, but considering how well everything else is integrated, having that extra option would’ve been a welcome addition.
No, these won’t give you the same armored tank-like feel as heavyweight pants loaded with CE Level 2 pads and reinforced panels, but that’s not really what they’re going for. These are built for urban riding, daily commutes, and casual weekend rides where comfort and style matter just as much as protection. And in that category, they do a great job.
Protection: 80%
Feature-Rich, But at a Cost
There’s no question the Pando Moto Desert Cargo pants are a feature-rich, thoughtfully designed pair of riding pants. From the CE AA-rated Cordura® stretch denim to the included SAS-TEC armor, external armor access, reflective detailing, and functional cargo pocket layout, there’s a lot packed into one pair.
They’re also extremely versatile. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out for a casual ride, these pants fit right in without looking out of place. The comfort is excellent, and the styling is low profile enough that you could easily wear them all day without feeling like you’re in full-on moto gear.
At $318 USD, they’re definitely on the expensive side. And while they do offer real-world protection, they aren’t the most heavy-duty pants out there. There’s no tailbone armor, and CE Level 1 is fine for daily riding but won’t offer the same peace of mind as more aggressive, reinforced options.
So is it worth the price? If your riding style leans more toward urban commutes, daily wear, and lightweight weekend use, then yes, they’re a great investment for gear that looks good, feels great, and still keeps you protected. But if you’re shopping with protection-to-price ratio in mind, there may be better value options out there.
Value for Money: 80%
Final Score – 92%
Pros:
- Durable 12oz Cordura® stretch denim with CE AA-rated protection
- Breathable Coolmax® fibers help regulate temperature
- Slim cargo design with eight functional pockets
- Easy external access to knee and hip armor for quick removal/adjustment
- Comfortable fit true to size with good flexibility and no restriction
- Reflective tape discreetly integrated for better night visibility
- Thoughtful construction with reinforced seams and quality hardware
- Comfortable for all-day wear with no chafing or stiffness
Cons:
- No tailbone armor pocket, limiting full impact protection
- CE Level 1 armor offers good but not maximum protection
- Slightly pricey at $318 USD, may not fit all budgets
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Pando Moto
- Price: $318
- Colors: Black, Khaki
- Sizes Available: 30 x 30, 30 x 32, 31 x 30, 31 x 32, 32 x 30, 32 x 32, 32 x 34, 33 x 30, 33 x 32, 33 x 34, 34 x 30, 34 x 32, 34 x 34, 36 x 32, 36 x 34, 38 x 32
- Review Period: June-August 2025