The Best Textile Motorcycle Pants For 2024
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on pants that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Devan Martel.
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.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
A Brief Textile Pants Buyer’s Guide
The cut and style of the textile pants riders choose should be based on the type of riding and the environment in which they ride most often. Riders should also consider how much versatility that they expect from the pants.
For example: are you planning on riding the Dempster highway to Tuktoyaktuk, or are you keeping it to the tarmac inner-city style?
Fortunately, gear manufacturers offer a wide variety of textile pants that meet the many different use cases of all riders. Both men and women can now find a good selection of textile riding pants.
Our recommendations below are focused on providing riders with some quality choices that offer durability and safety as well as a range of riding styles and uses. This information, along with riders personal preferences and intended use, will help take the guesswork out of selecting a great pair of textile pants.
A note about availability (updated December 28, 2021):
Some of the gear we recommend in this list may be, at the time you are reading it and clicking the links, out of stock at all retailers. This has been an ongoing issue due to the global pandemic throughout the past 18 or so months with motorcycle gear in general. The only time an item is removed or replaced is if it is discontinued, so if it’s on this list, it might be out of stock but is expected to return to stock at retailers at some point in Q1 or Q2 2022
Best Entry Level Textile Motorcycle Pants
Priced under $300.
Bilt Storm 2 WP Overpants
Price: Up to $160
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
For riders looking for waterproof pants without the frills, BILT has got you covered. The Storm 2 Waterproof Overpants are exactly that - over pants that will keep you dry. The pants are made out of a 600D Oxford abrasion-resistant construction with 1200D reinforcement where it counts. Included in your purchase is CE level 1 knee armor and a removable thermal liner.
Key Specs
• Waterproof lining
• Removable insulated liner with full circumference zipper at waist
• 100% waterproof lining with taped seams
• Elasticated waist with adjustable hook and loop side belts
• 2 zippered hand warmer pockets
• 6" YKK Vislon connection zipper to connect to matching BILT Storm 2 jacket
• Full length side zipper
• YKK zippers throughout
Protection & Safety
• Reinforced 1200D Oxford material at seat, knees and hips
• CE Level 1 knee armor
• Pockets for optional hip armor (sold separately)
Scorpion EXO Seattle WP
Price: Up to $245
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Rain or shine Scorpion knows you want to ride. That’s why they’ve developed the EXO Seattle WP Pants. These pants are fully waterproof with a full length side zipper and removable thermal liner. The side zippers allow you to put these pants overtop of your riding gear without the need to remove your boots!
A two-way zipper provides ventilation while the waterproof layer keeps you dry. 1680D Nylon abrasion zones and Sas-Tec CE level 2 armor at the knees adds an extra layer of protection to your already reinforced gear (because you are wearing gear, right?)
Key Specs
• Full length YKK urethane coated zippers
• Internal zipper gusset for added waterproof protection
• Removable Ever-Heat liner with full length zippers
• Dual waist adjustment tabs
• Stretch rib gussets above knees
• Two external cargo pockets
• Large areas of NightViz reflective for added nighttime visibility
• Shockcord adjusters at bottom hem the help seal out elements
• 8” Jacket to Pant zipper
• Bottom hem can be raised 2”
Protection & Safety
• Durable 600D Polyester main body fabric and extra heavy duty 1680D Nylon knees
• Vertically adjustable Sas-Tec CE Level 2 armor at knees
• Pockets at hips have PE foam, but can accommodate optional Sas-Tec armor if extra protection is desired
Klim Switchback Cargo Pants
Why?
With a look that seems inspired by outdoor clothing, the Klim Switchback Cargo pants provide riders with a huge amount of cargo space and a relaxed, casual look that transitions beautifully off the bike. These are the ideal pants to wear if your journey extends beyond two wheels to include hiking a trail and/or pitching a tent.
The ability to easily remove the armor makes the pants even more versatile and a great selection for many riders who want a casual look but great function and protection when riding.
Key Specs
• Karbonite Micromesh and nylon chassis
• DWR treatment
• D3O LP1 hip and knee armor (level 1)
• Armor can be removed while wearing pants
• Two zippered outer thigh vents
• 2 calf entry assist dual zippers
• Two front hand pockets
• Two rear pockets
• One zippered front thigh cargo pocket
• One double snap front thigh cargo pocket
• Adjustable bottom hem fastens down around ankle revealing 3M Scotchlite reflective material
Protection & Safety
• D3O LP1 armor, level 1, is located at the hip and the knee
The biggest bonus for this armor is that it can be removed while still wearing the Switchbacks, making them even more comfortable when not on your bike.
Best Mid-Range Textile Motorcycle Pants
Priced $300 - $500.
Alpinestars AMT-10 Drystar XF Pants
Why?
These pants are the latest and most innovative all-weather protective apparel from Alpinestars.
Equipped with laminated 2L DrystarXF waterproof and highly breathable membrane they provide superior comfort in any weather conditions, wet or dry. Drystar XF membrane incorporates hydrophilic technology where water vapor is absorbed from the body and desorbed on the outside to provide 100% waterproof performance.
Key Specs
• Modular construction for optimal versatility
• Laminated DrystarXF membrane provides superior breathability and waterproofing
• MATRYX panel for enhanced airflow and mechanical performance
• Rideknit panel for comfort and stretch zones for an optimized fit
• Elasticated back waist accordion incorporating waist volume adjusters for an optimized fit
• Ergonomically designed zippered front pockets for ease of use.
• Lower leg stretch accordion construction for the best fit and optimized comfort, regardless of the type of boot or shoe the rider is wearing
• Designed with a tailored, ergonomic fit to accommodate all riding movements
• Can wear in or out of boots
Protection & Safety
• Nucleon Flex Pro Knee Level 2 armor and Bio-Flex Hip armor included
• Reflective detail on the lower leg
• Aramid fiber Flynet leather panels for high abrasion resistance
• CE approved to pr-EN17092 as a Class AA garmentapered PE comfort foam for superior riding comfort.
Klim Induction Pants
Price: Up to $400
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Klim Induction Pants were designed to prioritize comfort. Exceptional airflow guarantees a cool ride, even during the hottest of summer days. Klim utilizes a Karbonite Mesh for unmatched flexibility and comfort, and while offering no compromises in terms of strength and protection.
D30 CE level 1 vented hip and knee armor is included in your purchase, giving these pants a certified CE AA EN 17092-3 rating. What’s more? All this can be yours for under $400!
Key Specs
• 500D Cordura bottom hem, inner boot panel, knees and seat
• Breathable stretch material upper seat, above knee, crotch gusset for mobility
• Perforated goat leather on inner knees for grip/protection
• 3M Scotchlite carbon black reflective material
• Entire pant is highly vented
• Karbonite mesh is open for exceptional airflow
• Moisture-wicking breathable mesh liner
• Zipper/snap adjustable cuff
Protection & Safety
• Industrial grade high-strength Karbonite mesh
• CE AA rated garment certified to EN 17092-3
• D3O CE Level 1 vented hip & knee armor
REV'IT! Sand 4 H2O
Price: $400
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
After the highly successful Sand 3 pants, Rev’It found a way to refine that pant into one of the finest adventure pants on the market today. A full 1000D ripstop polyester outer shell, backed by two detachable liners, one for thermals, one for waterproofing with Hydratex membrane, and a comfortable fit, means that these pants are meant to be ridden all day, all night, and in all seasons.
Adding to the protection is Seeflex CE II armor in the knees, and SeeSmart CE I type B at the hips. Wide opening ventilation zips allow for cooling air to flow through, as well. The ultimate ADV pant from Rev’It!
Key Specs
Protection Features:
• Outer shell: polyester ripstop | PWR|shell 1000D | PWR|shell stretch
• Insulation: detachable thermal liner
• Waterproofing: detachable Hydratex®|G-liner
• Breathability: detachable Hydratex®|G-liner
• Composition: 98% Polyester, 2% Polyamide
• Lining: 100% polyester
• Thermal liner: 100% polyester (insulation 100% polyester)
• Membrane: 100% polyurethane (tricot 100% polyamide)
• Protection: Seeflex CE Level 2 protection at knees, SeeSmart CE Level 1 type B hip protection (RV33)
• Visibility: laminated reflection on the calves
Ergonomic Features:
• Fit: tour fit
• Adjustability: adjustment strap at waist, adjustment tab at ankles, 3 position adjustable knee armor
• Ventilation: VCS I zippers at upper legs
• Features: B-lock button closure | calf zippers | grip panel at seat | short and long connection zipper | stretch
• Pockets: slit pocket | waterproof stash pocket
Protection & Safety
• 1000D ripstop polyester shell allows for maximum abrasion resistance possible
• Seeflex and SeeSmart armor is flexible for comfort, yet will take an impact without transferring the shock to the rider
• Ventilation is on the top inside of the thighs, so that there are no weak points on the outside of the legs where abrasion is most likely to occur
Best High-End Textile Motorcycle Pants
Priced over $500+.
REV'IT! Valve H2O Pants
Price: Up to $860
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
When it comes to waterproof textiles pants, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better pair than the REV’IT! Valve H2O Pants. A combination of waterproof leather at the hips, knees, and rear, and the breathable hydratex waterproof laminate on the body of the pants, you’re guaranteed to stay protected from the elements.
For warmer weather riding, a detachable thermal liner can be removed and ventilation zippers can be opened to allow warm air inside the pants to escape. The seamless design by REV’IT! allows you to make these alterations while riding!
Key Specs
• Outer Shell: PWRshell stretch, PWRshell ripstop stretch, cowhide
• Insulation: Detachable thermal liner
• Waterproofing & Breathability: Waterproof
• Composition: 45% Leather, 45% Polyester, 8% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
• Lining: Mesh
• Fit: Touring, regular
• Adjustability: Adjustment strap, adjustment tab
• Ventilation: Air outlet, VCS aquadefence, ventilation panels
• Features: Safety stitching, adjustable protector pockets, cuff zipper, detachable storm collar, short and long connection zipper, soft edge collar, stretch, v-flap at cuff
• Pockets: Internal pocket within thermal liner, inner pockets, slit pockets
Protection & Safety
• Protection:
Seeflex CE level 2 protection at knee
Seesmart CE level 1 hip protection
Safety seams
• Visibility: Laminated reflection
Klim Badlands Pro Pants
Price: Up to $770
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Klim is rather legendary in the world of ADV gear, and the best of their tech can be found in the Badlands Pro pants.
The Gore-Tex 3 Layer Pro shell is 100% waterproof and still very breathable. D3O Aero Pro armor at the knees, hips and tailbone provide excellent impact protection, and 500D Karbonite ripstop panels in key impact and wear areas provide high levels of abrasion resistance.
Key Specs
• Gore-Tex 3-layer Pro Laminate technology Guaranteed To Keep You Dry
Optimized 400D and 200D fabric layouts in main body and medium abrasion areas
• Custom-engineered variable-density Superfabric on knees
• 630D Karbonite ripstop on pocket and seat
• Leather on inner knees for grip and protection
• 3M Scotchlite reflective material
• Adjustable waist, knee, bottom hem
Leather on inner knees for grip and protection
• 6 vents total
• Internal moisture-wicking mesh Polygiene odor fighting for long trips
• 2 zippered cargo pockets
• External MOLLE-compatible thigh utility panel
Protection & Safety
• 3M Scotchlite reflective material on panels
• CE level 2 Klim D3O Aero Pro armor at hips, knees and tailbone
• Adjustable armor pockets
Klim Carlsbad Pants
Price: Up to $620
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
We’re sure you’ve noticed by now that we’ve highlighted quite a few Klim products in our list. The reason is simple - Klim makes tried and tested high-quality products that have earned their spot.
If you’re looking for top performance at a competitive price point, the Klim Carlsbad Pants may be the best choice for you. These feature-packed textile pants conform to Klim’s highest abrasion resistance and durability standards.
The main chassis of these pants is constructed of the same super tough FPL 400 fabric and 500D Karbonite Ripstop that’s used in the Badlands Pro line noted above.
Please Note: Riders have found that these pants run large and have a wide leg. If you’re in between sizes, we recommend ordering the smaller size.
Key Specs
• Gore-Tex performance shell
• 630D Cordora twisted yarn overlays in abrasion zones
• FPL400 main chassis fabric
• Leather inner knees with DWR treatment, overlaid on inner leg panels for wear and heat resistance
• Black 3M Scotchlite industrial grade reflective materials for increased low-light visibility
• YKK zippers
• Glove-friendly zipper pulls
• 2 thigh intake vents
• 2 thigh exhaust vents
• Mapped mesh wicking liner with Cordura at inner knee and cuff for wear resistance
• Adjustable cuff design allows for boot and knee brace / guard access
• Jacket-to-pant zipper integration system
• 2 water-resistant storage pockets on thigh
• VELCRO® brand waist adjusters
• Articulated fit
Protection & Safety
• D3O CE Level 2 adjustable hip and knee armor included
• Klimatek™ cooling mesh liners at armor pockets
• CE AA certified to prEN 17092-3 garment certification
Frequently Asked Questions About Textile Motorcycle Pants
What are the advantages of textile motorcycle pants?
The biggest advantage of textile pants over other types is that they are very versatile and not particularly heavy. They can be used for cruiser riding to sport touring, and everything in between. They are also, depending on the material, more breathable and provide better ventilation than leather motorcycle pants.
What are some disadvantages of textile motorcycle pants?
Textile pants, due to the fact that the seat of the pants is in almost contact with your motorcycle and is rubbed around against the saddle, can wear down faster than a textile jacket. Many will last many years if well maintained, but over time they will not retain their shape as well as leather does. Textile pants are also a “modern” thing, and riders looking for a classic aesthetic might prefer riding jeans or an armored base layer instead.
How safe are textile motorcycle pants?
Textile pants are generally considered the second safest type of motorcycle pants, behind leather. This is because of modern innovations in textile materials allowing similar abrasion ratings as leather, and every pair of textile motorcycle pants comes with at least CE Level I kee armor and pockets for hip armor.
Are textile motorcycle pants the primary type of “Overpants?”
In general, yes, because mesh pants are designed to maximize airflow directly to the legs, and leather pants often fit a little snug. Overpants are motorcycle pants designed to be worn over regular pants, and because textile pants are often waterproof with a membrane, they will keep your normal clothes dry if it suddenly rains.
Are textile motorcycle pants suitable for commuting?
Very much so. Many can be worn over your regular work clothes, especially ones designed to be overpants. As well, with many ventilation options from zip-open or velcro-open vents, and often having breathable material along the inner thigh, they do not get overly hot, especially if you’re in crawling or stopped traffic.
What materials are textile motorcycle pants made of?
The three most common materials are polyester, ballistic nylon, and Cordura. These materials provide excellent abrasion resistance, often over 600D, with Cordura sometimes offering up to and over 1,000D. Stretch panels are either made from spandura or some type of polyester blend to provide abrasion resistance even in those areas.
What To Think About When Shopping For Textile Motorcycle Pants
Textile bike gear is no longer just a cheap substitute for high-quality leather gear. Modern technology and the desire to create a more comfortable alternative to heavyweight leather safety gear have combined to create durable fabrics. In addition, processes have been created which allow these materials to be combined to form a finished fabric with all of the same benefits and values of leather. And these new textiles can be thinner and offer better contouring capabilities than leather.
Many of these textiles were created with drastically different applications in mind, but have been adapted into the world of motorcycle gear. Kevlar was invented in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek for use in the structure of bulletproof vests and other body armor. Cordura was formulated in 1966 and the intended application was for military tires.
Gear manufacturers were challenged by riders to create ultra safe but also ultra comfortable gear, and their quest led them to explore the use of some of the strongest textiles ever created. The outcome of their efforts is an entire line of textile gear that offers riders a safe, comfortable and in most cases more affordable alternative to the leather gear that was embraced by past generations of riders.
Be sure to check back regularly with us here at wBW to read about our latest hands-on reviews.
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