RAPHA TRAIL PANTS

£140

Weight: 395g • Sizes: XS-XXL • Women’s version: Yes • Contact: rapha.cc

Rapha’s Trail Pants use a fairly thick fabric that mixes nylon and elastane to give a dextrous four-way stretch. To ward off splashes, it’s been treated with a DWR coating that still works after numerous washes – just don’t expect it to keep you dry in really wet conditions. Inside there’s a lovely brushed inner face to the fabric that feels really soft against bare skin.

Sizing is good, and the cut is relatively generous without being baggy – they are not ultra-tight drainpipes like the

Fox Flexair Race pants. At the end of the tapered legs are elasticated hems – which makes them easier to pull on and off, even when wet and muddy – and there are reinforced inner ankles to add protection from the drivetrain. Waist adjusters help customise the fit, and the fly is fastened with a keyhole stud – press and slide the popper to lock. It’s simple and secure.

The two ‘handwarmer’ pockets are deep enough to be able to use for a phone or car key without worrying about losing them. But, if you’re really paranoid, there are also two zip pockets lower down the thigh, both of which incorporate a further internal phone sleeve. To round out the features there’s a hanging loop at the rear of the waist – useful for drying.

Performance is impressive – they are really comfortable and offer great freedom of movement, even when wearing pads.

Being on the warmer side, they’re more at home in spring and autumn than a scorching summer day, especially given the lack of any ventilation.

Offsetting the price premium is the included repair kit and free crash repair service. This is a quality pant that fits great, feels comfortable and works in a wide range of conditions.