The Paclite trousers kept us dry, not wetting through for the entire test period, but ventilation is an issue. Ian Linton / Immediate Media True to Gore’s claims, the C5 Paclite trousers kept us dry during testing and didn’t wet through or leak during the post-ride hose-down.

Keep your hands warm without resulting to bulky boxing glove alternatives. The Defend Pro Fire gloves are constructed from three-later softshell fabric and are DWR treated (Durable Water Repellent) with slim, fleece, waterproof palms. The cuffs are tailored long for both a secure fit and to weather sealing. Finger and thumbs feature conductive thread for smartphone/touchscreen device usability. Wind Fox Ranger Wind Pullover

In the past, waterproof trousers/pants looked awful and were rustley, crinkly and boil-in-the-bag as soon as you got moving. But advances in fabric technology mean that the latest options a soft and comfortable, stretch as you pedal, keep you warm and dry when the spray is flying, and even look good off the bike. Here’s our round-up of the best options on the market. This suggests the DWR coating can’t cope with the abrasion and rubbing of bike use. When we hosed them down at the end of a ride, the seams leaked, letting water in.

In terms of waterproof resistance, we found Ridge is very effective against both splashes and sustained rain and keeps you bone dry inside, but the dull soft-shell fabric doesn’t quite bead water or shrug off muddy splashes as readily as a more traditional waterproof trouser, such as the 100% Hydromatic or Troy Lee Designs Resist, and can get heavier than some fabrics as a result. If you wish to return your bike to us please keep it in the box it arrived in and call us on 01772 644340 and we will arrange a collection.The durable water repellant (DWR) is a surface treatment to the fabric that helps water run off rather than soak in How do brands test for waterproofness and breathability? And what do the figures mean? pants feature a DWR finish to shed moisture, dirt, and trail debris. When you're flying down the trail, the They’re not rustly and the fabric is a little warmer than some on cold rides, while zipped thigh vents help on warmer rides. Waterproof trousers will make wet-weather riding a much more pleasant experience. Ian Linton / Immediate Media

The fabric is think with four-way stretch plus a DWR coating to ward off drizzle and splashes. Inside, a soft facing feels good against bare skin. Sizing is true to size with a generous cut but without being baggy, and waist adjusters allow you to customise the fit, plus belt loops mean you can add a belt if you want.. A tapered leg plus elasticated hems makes getting them on and off easy. We’re big fans of Endura’s MT500 Burner Pant, it looks good and offers great durability and protection. This new Lite version is arguably better for trail riders though, because it’s incredibly light at 268g, or nearly half the weight of the downhill pant.Seams are an obvious weak point in any waterproof fabric, so they are often sealed and taped internally to try to stop water getting in. The first striking thing you’re likely to notice with the Rangers is their heavily tapered, figure-hugging cut. This isn’t to ensure you’re as aero as possible while sauntering down the trail, but simply adds an element of practicality on the bike – baggy trousers are likely to flap about as you pedal, especially when caked in mud, which is very annoying. layer main body fabric that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. To bump up the moisture protection, these