Introduction
Last year I reviewed the Gryphon Moto Vancouver Jacket and Indy Pants and liked them. So when I saw that they were introducing the new Blue Ridge jacket and Copper Canyon pants, I reached out to Gryphon Moto to see if I could do a review. They immediately agreed.
The Copper Canyon pants and the matching Blue Ridge jacket make a complete technical touring suit for under $650. Each part features waterproofing, ventilation, CE Level 2 knee protection, and an insulated liner. This is excellent value for money.
I tested the pants on two different bikes. The first was a touring/cruiser (Yamaha Stratoliner), and the second was a standard/naked (Kawasaki ZRX) bike.
During the review, I was able to get plenty of opportunities to test the Copper Canyon pants in combination with the Blue Ridge jacket. Read on to see my thoughts.
About Gryphon Moto
I first came across Gryphon Moto a year ago through social media advertising in late 2020. After exchanging a few emails with them, I determined that they were a relatively new business located in central Ontario, not far from where I live. So a plan was set in motion to meet at the Gryphon Moto warehouse and pick up some gear for my first reviews.
Fast forward to this spring, when a friend and I again rode up to Orillia to meet with Gary and Jenny Cuzner, Gryphon Moto’s owners. We chatted, tried on a bunch of gear, and picked up the Blue Ridge jacket and Copper Canyon pants for reviewing.
Gary has been in the Powersports industry for over 40 years, working mainly at the distribution and warehousing level. His experience and industry contacts influenced the design, production, and distribution of the Gryphon Moto product line.
“Gryphon is the culmination of these experiences,” says Gary, “allowing for the creation of a product line based on sound fundamentals of quality and design. We look to develop an unbeatable riding experience that will provide you the peace of mind to enjoy the ride.”
I would like to sincerely thank Jenny and Gary for the opportunity to review the Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants.
Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pant Features
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants come loaded with features for both weather and abrasion protection.
Key features for me include:
- Waterproof Outer shell made of 500 Denier ballistic nylon
- REISSA Breathable/Waterproof membrane
- CE Level 2 protection at the knee
- 3M Scotchlite 360 Reflective safety elements
- Removable thermal liner
For a complete list of features, visit Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants.
Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pant First Impressions
My first impression was that the pants appeared to be well built. In addition, I liked the subtle black styling and subtle branding. I usually wear XL, but following my previous visit to Gryphon Moto, I went directly to size 2XL.
I immediately noticed the lightweight feel and lower-cut waistline. In addition, the pants had more of a jean fit than typical riding pants.
Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pant Construction
Outer Shell
The 500 Denier Ballistic Nylon makes for a stylish outer shell.
The Copper Canyon pants felt light compared to some more rugged lines of pants with heavier grade nylon or reinforced material on the knees.
Both the Outer Shell and Liner are 100% Polyester.
Interior
Nylon mesh lines the interior throughout for increased airflow and comfort.
Waistband
The waistband features both a snap and hook closure as well as elastic in the waistband. In addition, the closure is zippered and covered by a small flap. All this adds comfort and weather protection.
Pockets
There are three pockets in total:
- Two front zippered slash pockets
- One rear zippered pocket
Hi-Viz
Hi-visibility is more a feature of textile motorcycle jackets rather than textile motorcycle riding pants. So any reflective elements are a bonus.
The reflective bands are very subtle in daylight. Reflection areas use 3M Scotchlite 360 Reflective elements. The Gryphon branding is also reflective. The reflective strips are more visible when off the bike. When seated on the bike, they are directed upward.
Like most pants, the Copper Canyon is not a high visibility pant, but in this case, every bit helps.
Branding
Branding is silver on black but remains subtle, which I like. The Gryphon name appears on the left hip. The Gryphon logo is on the rear pocket. The Gryphon name and logo appear on the zipper pulls and snaps.
I would say the branding here is tasteful.
Zippers
All the exterior zippers are YKK and operate smoothly.
The main zipper also has an additional rain/wind flap with a dome snap and hook closure.
There is also a zipper to connect the Copper Canyon Pants to a matching Blue Ridge jacket or other Gryphon Moto jackets.
Colorways
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants are only available in black.
Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pant Overall Build Quality
Sizing
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon pants come in 7 sizes; S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL.
My size at the time of the order was 6’3” in height, and I typically wear 38 W jeans, which usually puts me into an XL. However, the XL was tight during my previous visit to the Gryphon Moto warehouse, so I went 2XL. I often have an issue with the short inseam, but in this case, I did not.
I suggest using the Chat feature on the website if you have fitment questions.
Comfort
I found the pants very comfortable with or without the insulated liner. The Indy pants I reviewed previously had a rugged feel, with a higher back and accordion panels. The Copper Canyon pants have a lighter and sleeker styling. The fit at the waist is more like that of a pair of jeans.
There is no height adjustment on the knee protectors, although I did not find it an issue.
Adjustability
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants allowed for fitment in several ways:
- Elastic waistband with belt loops
- Zippers at the hem for getting boots on
These adjustments allow a minimum of fine-tuning. In addition, the hem adjustment opens wide enough to slide over a pair of riding boots. I do feel, however, that a velcro closure to tighten around the boots would be nice.
Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pant Functionality
Waterproof
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon pants use Gryphon’s Waterproof 2 Layer System, a REISSA Power-Skin Breathable/Waterproof membrane.
According to the textile manufacturer website, the REISSA Power-Skin includes the following properties.
- Highly Waterproof
- Highly Breathable
- Resistance to rain, water, wind, snow, cold
- Provide warmth and comfort
- High flexibility and drapability
- Comfortable soft touch
If possible, I always try to do a water test on gear with the claim of being waterproof. This test could be either riding in the rain (preferred) or spraying the garment with water from a hose.
In this case, I rode about 40 km in what I would call a steady rain with intermittent heavy rain. After that, I am happy to say that I stayed dry. In addition, during this initial test, the pants did a good job of shedding water.
I conclude that you should stay dry on your travels with the Copper Canyon pants and Blue Ridge jacket, combined with waterproof motorcycle gloves and boots.
Ventilation
The Copper Canyon Pants contain ventilation on the thighs via the six-inch zippered opening. Ventilation is minimal.
I was able to use the Copper Canyon Pants in many weather conditions—from 5 °C (41 °F) in combination with the provided insulated liner/jacket to heavy rain to 34 °C (93 F) (thanks to a couple of sweltering June days) with a humidex of 38 °C (100 °F).
On many spring rides, the days started cool, so I kept the vents closed. By lunch, the temperature became moderate, so I opened the vents completely. I run hot, so I only used the insulated liner on very cold mornings.
Overall, I thought the Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants ventilation was adequate—although there is room for improvement.
Protection
The Copper Canyon pants offer several layers of protection:
- Outer shell made of 500 Denier ballistic nylon
- CE Level 2 protection in the knees
- Hip pockets for added armor (CE Level armor not included)
Many pants in this price level use the lower CE Level 1 armor. Well done, Gryphon Moto.
EN17092-4:2020 is a standards document specifying general requirements for CE certification. The standard includes but is not limited to impaction, abrasion resistance, tear strength, seam strength, and dimensional stability.
These pants do not contain an EN 17092 label. Understand that this is a European standard that is not applicable in North America. Many garment manufacturers are European-based, and this labeling is an excellent way to compare garments.
Note: the lack of a label does not necessarily imply the pants would not meet one of the levels of EN 17092. Based on having level 2 armor and ballistic nylon fabric, I would guess they would—but I cannot be sure.
EN1621-1 is the Certification Standard typically used for the bony parts of the body—and the Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants make good use of the protection.
In the protection formula, Protector Style S = Shoulder, E = Elbow, and K = Knee.
Type A, in this instance, means that the Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants have smaller dimensions than Type B, etc.
Level 2 Protection armor is better than the alternative (Level 1).
With that all said, the armor used in these pants features:
- Knee Certified (EN 1621-1:2012; S+E+K TYPE A; Protection level: 2)
- Hip Armor has a foam placeholder (CE Level Hip Protection is not included)
Care Instructions
I found the best way to keep the pants looking good was to wipe them down with a damp cloth. Then, let it drip dry if you get caught in the rain.
Here are the attached instructions on the pants.
For details, please visit Gryphon Moto Care and Warranty.
Insulated Liner
The Copper Canyon pants include a full-length insulated liner to keep you warm on those cold days.
The insulated pants zip around the waist and have small loops near the hem to attach to the outer shell.
Warranty
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants carry a one-year guarantee on materials and workmanship. One year is the minimum standard, and many manufacturers offer two or more years.
For details, please visit Gryphon Moto Care and Warranty.
Final Thoughts on the Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants
I picked up the Gryphon Moto Pants in mid-May. It is now the end of June, and I have used them often in combination with the Blue Ridge jacket.
I can’t help but make the comparison to the Indy pants I reviewed last year. The Copper Canyon pants are not as rugged in their design. Perhaps they are more suited to touring and commuting, as opposed to adventure riding.
Still, if I were on a long trip where I would be walking around sites often, I would give the nod to the Copper Canyon pants.
The Copper Canyon pants are great for all-around use and are a good value at $260. These are versatile riding pants with laminated waterproof fabric, CE Level 2 armor, and an included thermal liner.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Gryphon Moto
- Price: (When Tested) $260 USD
- Made In: Pakistan
- Colors: Black
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
- Review Period: May–June 2022
Important Links / Where to Buy
- Direct from Manufacturer: Gryphon Moto
The Gryphon Moto Copper Canyon Pants can be purchased directly from the manufacturer and many retailers across North America.