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My 4 Favorite Pairs of Women’s Mountain Bike Pants

ByBecky Timbers
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  • Female mountain bike coach holding handlebars of student
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To be honest, I didn’t start wearing women’s mountain bike pants until a few years into my mountain biking journey. I’ve always been a baggy shorts girl with a chamois layered underneath. But after testing out a few pairs of women’s mtb pants, I’m a convert! They’re awesome for cool or cold weather pedaling and now I only wear pants on downhill bike park days – mostly because they make me feel a little more protected if I go OTB (even if that’s probably just in my head…).

Anyway, if you’re in the market for some new riding pants, I’ve tried and tested a bunch of options and in this post, I share my favorites!

Got a go-to pair you love? Drop it in the comments – I’d love to hear!

Want to get your women’s mountain bike pants featured? Get in touch!

Black and white photo of female mountain biker dressed in downhill gear
Female mountain biker riding off rock drop wearing Revel Rider women's mountain bike pants

1. Revel Rider Flow 2.0 Pants

I love the fit and material of these pants. They’re designed by a female mountain biker, so you know they’re thoughtfully crafted with strategic pockets and women’s athletic body in mind

Favorite features
  • Awesome fit
  • Durable material
  • Woman-owned and designed
  • Clever hook and loop waist adjustment
What could be better
  • Cuffs not as tapered as I’d like
  • Ankle zipper can be felt when pedaling
  • Expensive
When I wear them

At the bike park or on shuttled rides

Get your pair
Woman posing for photo on mountain bike at scenic mountain overlook
Female mountain biker powering up steep rocky feature on trail

2. Pearl iZUMi Summit Pants

These are my ‘every day’ mountain biking pants. They’re lightweight and breathable, so they’re not great for cold days or rowdy riding, but if you want full leg coverage without sweating buckets, they’re awesome!

Favorite features
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Elastic cuffs prevent fabric around ankles from flapping or getting caught
  • Side pocket is large enough for phone
What could be better
  • I’m usually a solid size 6 and these fit a bit big
  • No leg zippers so you have to remove your shoes to pull them on (but I actually like the elastic cuffs instead)
When I wear them

Cool weather pedaling

Get your pair
Freya womens mountain bike pants
Mountain bike coach watching student ride over rock feature

3. Wild Rye Freya Pants

I coach for Ladies AllRide and one of our clothing sponsors is Wild Rye. I’ve fallen in love with their women’s mountain bike pants! They’re super fun and colorful and comfortable and functional.

Favorite features
  • Thoughtful design features
  • Great colors and look
  • Relaxed fit
  • Long inseam
What could be better
  • The belt loops (who wears a belt mountain biking???)
  • Waist isn’t adjustable
  • Expensive
When I wear them

Downhill days and cooler weather rides

Get your pair
Model wearing Outdoor Research women’s mountain bike pants

4. Outdoor Research Freewheel Pants

I’m a big fan of Outdoor Research stuff. I think they make quality gear at a good price and their stuff lasts. So I was super excited to see them dive into the world of mountain bike apparel. Their Freewheel pants are lightweight, comfortable, and fit great.

Favorite features
  • Long leg zippers to access knee pads
  • Really nice material that is a good combo of lightweight, water resistant, and durable
  • No ‘girly’ colors!
What could be better
  • They run a little big
When I wear them

Any type of riding!

Get your pair

Quick tips for choosing a pair of mountain biking pants

  • Fit matters – I like a slim (but not tight) fit that won’t snag on my saddle or restrict movement when I’m navigating tricky rock gardens. Some brands run roomier or longer than others, so check sizing charts and reviews.
  • Fabric is key – Go for lightweight, stretchy, and durable materials. Bonus points if they’re water-resistant or quick-drying for muddy rides!
  • Weather-wise – For cold-weather rides, I look for pants with a bit of insulation or wind protection. For warmer days, breathability is a must. A lot of pants will come with perforations for airflow.
  • Pockets & features – Pants should have pockets! I like zippered pockets because they keep my phone secure. Other features I look for are articulated knees and a comfy waistband.
  • Try before you commit – If possible, test them out on a ride (or at least wear them around the house and move around a bit) to see how they might feel on the bike.

I hope this roundup helps you find a pair of women’s mtb pants that you love! These four are my go-to’s whether I’m pedaling during the chilly shoulder season or sending it at the bike park. Each pair comes out on top for comfort, protection, and a little bit of style. If you already have a favorite pair that didn’t make my list, let me know in the comments – I’m always down to try something new!

What’s your favorite pair of women’s mountain bike pants? What features are most important to you? What lack of features drives you nuts? Leave a comment!

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Becky is the creator and founder of the bike blog Two Wheeled Wanderer. She's been riding bikes and traveling the world since she was a kid and likes nothing more than enjoying some flowy singletrack or embarking on a multi-day bikepacking adventure. When she's not blogging, Becky is a Level 1 PMBIA-certified mountain bike coach and coaches with Ladies AllRide.

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