YT TRAIL CORDURA PANTS REVIEW

Words & Photos by Max Rhulen

Often when looking to purchase new riding apparel, the bike brands themselves are not the most obvious choice. However, in recent years many brands have entered into the space and are making high quality threads. Consumer-direct brand YT Industries have put together a small line of riding shorts, pants, and jerseys. In this review, I am putting their Trail Cordura Pants to the test. Read below to find out how they held up.

ABOUT THE YT TRAIL CORDURA PANTS

In recent years, riding pants have become commonplace, especially in gravity-oriented riding. YT Industries manufactures two pants: the Gravity Cordura Pants and the Trail Cordura Pants. The Trail pants, like it sounds, are the lighter weight offering, designed for Trail to Enduro mountain biking. The pants are 86% Cordura nylon and 14% spandex. This blend offers a good mix of abrasion resistance and stretch for movement on the bike. There are three zipped pockets: two on the front of the pants and one on the left leg. All the seams are triple stitched, and the knees are reinforced for extra durability. The sizing ranges from a 28 to 38-inch waist, and the pants feature a ratchet closure with a Velcro waist adjustment system for dialing in the right fit. The YT Industries Trail pants are finished with a DWR C6 water repellent coating, and are available in two colors: Black and Stone Grey. Coming in at a price point of $99.99, this is a strong offer from YT.

THE DIRT

During this test I wore the Trail Cordura Pant in a 32” waist. For me at 6’ (183cm) and 155lbs (70kg) these fit me well and are true-to-size. Since I am on the thinner side for my height, I had the ratchet closure tight, but not completely maxed out. With all of the adjustments that can be made in the waist of these pants it certainly seems like there is some overlap between sizes, which could be helpful if you find yourself somewhere in-between. The fit is athletic, but not skin tight. I find them to have the perfect amount of “bagginess” to allow for movement and pads, while not having excess material flapping around. The zippered pockets are hassle-free and can fit my phone, wallet, and keys on my way to the trail.

Other than my days in the bike park, it is around 55°f (13°c) when I make the shift from shorts to pants. All my time in the YT Trail Cordura Pants was after the bike parks closed this fall and winter, so testing consisted of these cooler temperatures and earned turns. During the climbs, the pants move freely without any binding and don’t lock in heat. The Cordura and Spandex blended fabric breathes well making long pedals quite enjoyable. On the descents, the stretch allows unrestricted movement around the bike, working with the good fit. The DWR finish kept wind and light moisture out fairly well, and lasted for quite a few washes without issues. Of course, they are not waterproof and so did allow the wet in. When it comes to durability, without having crashed in them I can’t speak to how they will hold up. But, the Cordura seems strong having withstood riding, shuttling, and many washes. There are no real negative attributes to these pants, however, when seated the pants hike up a little bit and my ankle would occasionally be without coverage. This meant that on windy or wet days my socks were exposed to the elements on the climbs. When descending or standing the pants drooped down a bit more offering more protection. On sloppier days paring the pants with shoe covers or a shoe that offers ankle coverage may be wise. This being a problem with many pants, it is merely something to note.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Looking for a light and durable trail pant with minimal branding? Look no further. The YT Trail Cordura Pant has quickly become my favorite pant for cooler weather trail rides. It allows for my knee pads to fit underneath and has great zippered pockets that come in handy while enroute to the trailhead. The Cordura fabric helps with abrasion and keeps the pants looking new all at a competitive price point!

Price: $99.99
Website: YT-Industries.com