The Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight with Flexi Panel earns a best-in-class spot for padded riding breeches thanks to its cooling Ice Fil fabric and flexible paneling that combine sun protection, moisture-wicking and a contoured fit ideal for hot-weather schooling and trail rides. It delivers technical comfort and targeted padding at a mid-range price, offering better seasonal breathability than Ariat and more modern stretch than the budget TuffRider, while providing a more affordable cooling performance alternative to the premium Pikeur options.
Rapid cooling — ice-kissed
Sun-protecting UPF
Rapid cooling — ice-kissed
Sun-protecting UPF
Review Summary
"Users praise the Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight for its cooling, breathable fabric and comfortable Flexi Panel that stays flattering after repeated rides, though some note limited padding and occasional sizing variability. Long-term reviewers say the material holds up well with regular use and retains its cooling properties."
Flexi-panel freedom
Ice Fil fabric offers strong cooling and UV protection for long rides in heat.
Flexi-panel freedom
Ice Fil fabric offers strong cooling and UV protection for long rides in heat.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
The Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tight with Flexi Panel earns a best-in-class spot for padded riding breeches thanks to its cooling Ice Fil fabric and flexible paneling that combine sun protection, moisture-wicking and a contoured fit ideal for hot-weather schooling and trail rides. It delivers technical comfort and targeted padding at a mid-range price, offering better seasonal breathability than Ariat and more modern stretch than the budget TuffRider, while providing a more affordable cooling performance alternative to the premium Pikeur options.
Rapid cooling — ice-kissed
Sun-protecting UPF
Flexi-panel freedom
Ice Fil fabric offers strong cooling and UV protection for long rides in heat.
Flexi panel provides a high-rise, flattering fit with four-way stretch for mobility.
Rapid cooling — ice-kissed
Sun-protecting UPF
Flexi-panel freedom
Ice Fil fabric offers strong cooling and UV protection for long rides in heat.
Flexi panel provides a high-rise, flattering fit with four-way stretch for mobility.
$120-170 USD
A market leader for accessible, flexible protection, the Pro‑X3 uses Reactive Protection Technology that remains soft in motion and hardens on impact while being machine-washable and competitively priced. Versus D3O and premium POC offerings, G‑Form delivers a cost-effective, low-maintenance option that trades a little raw impact performance for everyday comfort and convenience.
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Review Summary
"The G-Form Pro-X3 bike shorts are widely loved for their near-invisible, flexible protection, excellent comfort and freedom of movement, with many riders using them daily; some users note pad longevity issues after heavy, prolonged use. Most reviewers highlight the excellent balance of protection vs. comfort for aggressive riding and commuting alike."
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
A market leader for accessible, flexible protection, the Pro‑X3 uses Reactive Protection Technology that remains soft in motion and hardens on impact while being machine-washable and competitively priced. Versus D3O and premium POC offerings, G‑Form delivers a cost-effective, low-maintenance option that trades a little raw impact performance for everyday comfort and convenience.
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Ergonomic panels and compression fit support unrestricted pedaling.
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Ergonomic panels and compression fit support unrestricted pedaling.
$150-200 USD
Ariat Scout Half Chaps are the market-leading choice for reinforced riding chaps thanks to their premium full-grain leather, strong reinforced panels, and precision fit that riders trust for both competition and everyday use. They command a higher price than the synthetics and Cordura options on this list, but deliver superior longevity and a refined look that justifies the investment compared with budget-friendly Tough 1 or mid-priced Saxon alternatives.
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
Review Summary
"Users praise the Ariat Scout for durable construction, a comfortable close fit, and consistent long-term performance; a minority mention the higher price but few durability complaints."
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Ariat Scout Half Chaps are the market-leading choice for reinforced riding chaps thanks to their premium full-grain leather, strong reinforced panels, and precision fit that riders trust for both competition and everyday use. They command a higher price than the synthetics and Cordura options on this list, but deliver superior longevity and a refined look that justifies the investment compared with budget-friendly Tough 1 or mid-priced Saxon alternatives.
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
Elastic back panel and zipper closure provide a snug, comfortable everyday fit.
Elastic-gore hug
Suede grip control
All-day comfort
Reinforced suede patches at the knee and inner calf for added grip and durability.
Elastic back panel and zipper closure provide a snug, comfortable everyday fit.
$100-160 USD
Irideon Issential Riding Tights are a market-leading choice for balanced performance and value, featuring four-way stretch, flattering fit, and a grippy full seat that suits everyday training while still offering protective coverage. Compared with high-tech cooling models such as Kerrits, Irideon hits a more affordable mid-range price point while providing superior fit and all-day comfort versus schooling-focused, lower-cost options like TuffRider.
Contoured hug
Stretch-for-anything
Contoured hug
Stretch-for-anything
Review Summary
"Riders appreciate the stretchy, supportive fit, flattering cut and good value; some long-term users note knee-patch wear and that sizing can run small."
Silicone-knee grip
Silicone full-seat grip enhances saddle security for everyday riding.
Silicone-knee grip
Silicone full-seat grip enhances saddle security for everyday riding.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Irideon Issential Riding Tights are a market-leading choice for balanced performance and value, featuring four-way stretch, flattering fit, and a grippy full seat that suits everyday training while still offering protective coverage. Compared with high-tech cooling models such as Kerrits, Irideon hits a more affordable mid-range price point while providing superior fit and all-day comfort versus schooling-focused, lower-cost options like TuffRider.
Contoured hug
Stretch-for-anything
Silicone-knee grip
Silicone full-seat grip enhances saddle security for everyday riding.
Breathable, moisture-wicking performance fabric keeps you comfortable all day.
Contoured hug
Stretch-for-anything
Silicone-knee grip
Silicone full-seat grip enhances saddle security for everyday riding.
Breathable, moisture-wicking performance fabric keeps you comfortable all day.
$100-140 USD
Mountain Horse Protective Shell Pants earn a best-in-class spot for riders who need high-end, durable protection with technical fabrics that resist wind and abrasions while still allowing mobility—making them a strong choice for padded riding overpants when durability matters. Compared with the more budget-friendly Horze or the heavily insulated WeatherBeeta, Mountain Horse strikes a middle ground of technical performance and long-term value, offering a higher cost-per-wear advantage for frequent riders.
Armor padding — fortress feel
Weatherproof shell — stormproof grin
Armor padding — fortress feel
Weatherproof shell — stormproof grin
Review Summary
"Users say the Mountain Horse Protective Shell Pants deliver very reliable waterproofing, windproofing and durable construction with good freedom of movement; some mention the fit runs a bit small and the price is higher than budget options."
Vent zips — secret breeze
Waterproof, windproof and breathable shell built for riding in variable conditions
Vent zips — secret breeze
Waterproof, windproof and breathable shell built for riding in variable conditions
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Mountain Horse Protective Shell Pants earn a best-in-class spot for riders who need high-end, durable protection with technical fabrics that resist wind and abrasions while still allowing mobility—making them a strong choice for padded riding overpants when durability matters. Compared with the more budget-friendly Horze or the heavily insulated WeatherBeeta, Mountain Horse strikes a middle ground of technical performance and long-term value, offering a higher cost-per-wear advantage for frequent riders.
Armor padding — fortress feel
Weatherproof shell — stormproof grin
Vent zips — secret breeze
Waterproof, windproof and breathable shell built for riding in variable conditions
Reinforced seat and knee panels for extra durability when mounted
Armor padding — fortress feel
Weatherproof shell — stormproof grin
Vent zips — secret breeze
Waterproof, windproof and breathable shell built for riding in variable conditions
Reinforced seat and knee panels for extra durability when mounted
$180-260 USD