CASCADE ARMORY HOT DUST PANTS
AND SENDER ¾ JERSEY REVIEW
Review by Drew Rohde | Photos by Dusten Ryen
Hailing from the same town as The Loam Wolf HQ, Cascade Armory is a Bend, OR mountain bike brand with a style all their own. They offer ride wear for mountain bikers wanting to make a statement while remaining true to their own style and experience in the Cascade Mountains. We picked what is most likely the most muted, and understated option Cascade Armory makes, but if you love to dress loud and have fun with your kits, they’ve got you covered.
THE LAB
Taking styling and graphics cues from the rock and metal scene gives the Cascade Armory gear range a distinct look that grabs your attention. Within this range are a series of jerseys, tees, shorts, and pants, as well as goggles and glasses to provide nearly the full set of gear needed to hit the trails in style.
We were sent their Hot Dust riding pants and Sender ¾ jersey to put through the ringer on our shared testing grounds.
Hot Dust pants
The Hot Dust pant has been designed to offer protective coverage in the key areas without reducing the flexibility required to pedal in the saddle. A durable stretch fabric is used, with a cut that allows for full leg articulation. There is also a DWR coating added to fend off the elements. A further stretch panel is placed on the back to give ultimate mobility and resist sagging when tilted forwards in the saddle. Laser vents are placed in the key heat zones to aid ventilation and reduce heat buildup inside the legs when pedaling. The crotch features a zipper and dual button poppers to fasten, with the waist aided by adjustable Velcro straps to tailor the fit and keep them firmly in place. A weather sealed, zipped pocket is present on both thighs to store the essentials safely on the trails. The Hot Dust pant retails for $145 and is available in waist sizes from 28” to 36”, with 4 color options to suit most rider preferences.
Sender ¾ Jersey
The Sender ¾ sleeve jersey provides a halfway house between a short and long sleeve jersey, giving a unique style and feel. A coolmax lined polyester fabric with a dimple mesh pattern wicks sweat and dries fast to keep you cool and comfortable on the trails. The stitches are hidden to give a clean aesthetic to its athletic cut, with sublimated graphics to keep it looking fly for ride after ride. The neck features a 1×1 rib to keep its shape through repeated use. The Sender ¾ jersey is available in sizes S-XXL in Gray/Black or White/Black, with a retail of $55.
THE DIRT
I’ve spent the last few weeks of bike park season wearing the Cascade Armory Hot Dust pants and Sender jersey. Temperatures ranged from 40’s up to 80 degrees and felt that the items were up to the task with more of less layering in the large temperature swings. I chose the all black pants so that I could wear them with a bunch of different jerseys and because, I’m not a fan of super bright riding gear. It’s nice that a brand offers a subdued option since most rider’s entire wardrobe isn’t lined with one brand and we’re sure we aren’t the only ones that hate mixing logos.
The pants are very comfortable and I like the phone pocket quite a bit. Most of my time was spend in the bike park but there were several long eMTB rides with plenty of pedaling and I would say they’re competitive with any other pant on the market right now.
Up top the Sender jersey was comfortable and stealthy, two important things for me. I would say the fit is definitely on the baggy side, with the body being wider than most larges I’ve ridden in. This could mean they’re a great option for bigger riders and those who like to wear body armor.
The Wolf’s Last Word
If you’re looking for a new kit from a cool, rider-owned brand, check out Cascade Armory’s website. They’ve got plenty more options that are as loud as a Twisted Sister music video and a few stealthier options too. While the jersey isn’t necessarily anything special in terms of materials or ventilation, it’s a simple product that does what it’s supposed to do at a reasonable price. The Hot Dust pants are definitely near the top of my gear bag, and I’ll be wearing them plenty more as the temperatures drop here on the high desert of Central Oregon. They’re comfortable, lightweight and stay put nicely.
Price:
Hot Dust Pant – $145
Sender ¾ Jersey – $55
Website: Cascadearmory.com
We Dig
Subtle styling (on these items)
Pants are comfy and stay in place
Reasonable price (jersey)
We Don’t
Not more stealthy long sleeve options
Pants are a bit spendy
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