Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
"Best" biking trousers? "Best" biking trousers?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
depends on where/when you're travelling, but seems to me like anything windproof/waterproof could be awfully hot in warm climates, both on the bike and as shorts.

Why do you need bike pants that convert into shorts anyway? Shorts take up about zero space.

If you really wanna go with this concept, BMW also makes a lighter, non-camo version:
Apparel - Pant - BMW Summer 2 Pants - - A&S BMW Motorcycle Parts and Accessories
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
I'm a hood jeans fan.

Products

They look like ordinary jeans, because they are, but with the added protection of a kevlar inner. I find the kevlar keeps the heat out in the sun and is wind proof so keeps you warm when the weather isn't.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
depends on where/when you're travelling, but seems to me like anything windproof/waterproof could be awfully hot in warm climates, both on the bike and as shorts.

Why do you need bike pants that convert into shorts anyway? Shorts take up about zero space.

If you really wanna go with this concept, BMW also makes a lighter, non-camo version:
Apparel - Pant - BMW Summer 2 Pants - - A&S BMW Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

Thanks for the link - a better colour option. With the Triumph ones, the inner lining (which is the waterproof bit) zips in and out, so you can wear them without the waterproofing making them lighter and cooler in summer.

I see your point that it is a bit gimmicky as a pair of shorts doesn't take up much room. I'm just thinking that when I arrive at a tourist spot and want to walk around, all I have to do is unzip my trousers and I've got shorts. I know, realistically, this may not happen all that often... I still think it's cool though!
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 24
jeans
I have been thinking the same. I'd like a light colour for riding through the countries on the equator. Who makes the best and most reasonably priced light coloured jeans?

I'm going to go to A&S to try on their beige Kevlar jeans in a cargo pant style. They retail on ebay at £49.

Other than that I was thinking that I could put my thermal liner from my current jeans into whatever I'm able to get that is a more sensible lighter colour if I need extra warmth.

Any other ideas?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Apr 2010
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,063
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonesome George View Post
......

I see your point that it is a bit gimmicky as a pair of shorts doesn't take up much room. I'm just thinking that when I arrive at a tourist spot and want to walk around, all I have to do is unzip my trousers and I've got shorts. I know, realistically, this may not happen all that often... I still think it's cool though!

That's just the point. After sweating (& swearing) for years I found similar bike pants in light grey at a Hein Gericke shop. On long trips I do take a normal pair of shorts along, because the material of the bike pants is quite stiff. But when travelling in summer I enjoy zipping off the legs, get rid of the boots and relax with a cappucino
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NORTERN SWEDEN
Posts: 15
For hot & sunny climate i choose my FLY Racing Patrol pant in sand/tan/beige color. (seems to be available in black only at the moment)
So I would get the KLIM Dakar Pants in light gray color if I needed a new pair of pants now.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Apr 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
I have some Klim Dakar in blue and love them. So easy to get on over knee braces, and the back of the lower legs opens all the way to the knee, so getting boots on is simple. (Decent velcro holds them together again). And the zips do a great job of letting the air in and out!

Personally I think one piece of clothing to do all things is always going to be a compromise, and for me I prefer to seperate the functions: Protection, waterproofing, warmth.

Decent body armour, whatever jacket / trouser the climate dictates, then a seperate 'puffa' jacket and waterproof for sticking on top if it all gets too wet or cold. Waterproofs take up next to no space, and you find you can wear a North face (or whatever) padded jacket off the bike in the evening when the teperatures drop.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 46
Comphy riding pants
Have a look at these, i have a couple of pair, very comphy with extra protection.

Men's Fire Hose Loggers - Duluth Trading Company
__________________
What ever, lets go...
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 May 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
I would not go with Jeans of any kind. Too hot and sticky, too heavy. A hassle to wash, take forever to dry. Have you toured much in hot and humid environs? Living off the bike you'll need stuff that is low maintenance, easy to wash, quick dry clothing.

Honestly, I'd rather take my leather pants than jeans.

But for travel I really like the Triumph pants, but seem too expensive. I love the KLIM and FLY pants. These make the most sense as a versatile travel pant. Light colors are the way to go. In cold climes you will have to wear something thin under (Silk or Wool ?) and put on Rain pants OVER to stay warm and dry. Rain pants use little space, cut wind, keep you much warmer. Easy on/off.

The Klim pants have vents that open and are pretty well made. I have been using several dirt based pants like these for years in hot climates.
I wear padded riding shorts under (hip, thigh, tail pads) and my own custom knee/shin pads. The shorts help with comfort and extend your riding day out a few hours as well. They wash up quick and dry in just a few hours.

BMW stuff is quite good but IMO, overpriced. A lot of the Asian stuff is just as good at 1/3 the price.


I am reviewing these First Gear TPG Escape pants at the moment. Not bad. $224 USD


First Gear Kathmandu pants! Great! $179 USD
Last edited by Mickey D; 8 May 2010 at 18:23. Reason: pics
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Starter "slips" then makes loud clanking and grinding noise, KLE lonelybiker Kawasaki Tech 2 31 May 2011 13:34
"Motogreek", "Hunts" motorcycle rentals Mark96 Bike Swap or Rent 0 5 Jan 2010 03:40
"Algeria-Niger" or "Maro-Maure-Mali-Niger" dloubak Route Planning 4 6 Oct 2009 15:17
KO2 .. Biking with a "kick" Alison Lowndes Make a Difference 0 9 Nov 2008 15:31
"Two Wheels to Adventure" 1st edition signed First ride from the artic to Argentina! Solo Lobo TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 13 Jan 2007 16:42

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top