Vaude Moab Pro pants review

Vaude’s Moab Pro riding pants are aimed at riders looking for top-tier comfort and functionality on the trails or at the bike park.

They come with impressive environmental claims and could be worth a look for riders wanting more sustainable kit.

There are plenty of well thought-out features to boost their performance, too. In fact, these are some of the most comfortable pants I’ve ridden in.

The Vaude pants are priced at £114 / €147.

I’ve been testing these mountain bike trousers on trail bike rides and eMTB laps in mild temperatures, with trail conditions ranging from mostly dry to brutally soggy.

Vaude Moab Pro pants details and specifications

The trousers are built from a stretchable polyamide, elastane blend designed to deliver a garment that’s tough, yet lightweight and comfortable for all-day adventures.

The waist features a high-rise elasticated rear panel to provide security and comfort. There’s a simple hook fastener helping to keep the waistband secure.

Vaude does away with a fly-zip or buckle to help maximise comfort. The cuffs are also elasticated at the rear to help make getting the pants on and off easier.

There are laser-cut perforations behind the knees to increase ventilation and the mesh-lined pockets can also be used as vents to help moderate heat build-up.

Vaude claims its pants are best used for riding in the summer and shoulder seasons.

There are two deep thigh pockets for stashing essentials. The articulated cut is generous around the knees and thighs for use with knee pads. However, they taper down around the ankles to minimise excess material.

Vaude Moab Pro pants performance

Top of the list for riding pants is their need to be comfortable and the Moab Pros score top marks here. The simple but secure waist hook and elasticated rear panel do a sterling job of helping the pants go unnoticed around the waist when sat down pedalling or standing up and attacking the trails.

Thanks to the stretch in the material, there’s no restriction when pedalling, or in any situation where I found myself moving energetically around the bike. Freedom of movement in the Vaude pants is great.

They’re easy to pull on and off too, which helps cut down on the hassle of some modern riding pants.

However, the cut, while allowing for unrestricted motion, isn't perfect. I found the thighs and knees too baggy to score top marks. This loose cut was exacerbated when riding with a phone in the deep pocket.

This would swing around freely and was noticeable on descents, which I found distracting.

The cut means there’s plenty of space for pads – even the bulkiest downhill pads fit without fuss.

However, with the impressive fabric stretch, a more tailored cut and subtler pocket size would help make these some of the best riding pants available.

The Vaude pants are quite long, with a 31in inseam that taller riders will appreciate.

While they were tested in milder late-winter weather, I never overheated or found myself cold in them, and ventilation and breathability seem competitive.

Fortunately, I haven’t had to test the fabric's scuff resistance, but the material feels tough and robust for its light 262g weight (size small).

The fabric’s DWR treatment helps fend off puddles well, without letting infrequent water splashes penetrate. However, these aren't waterproof mountain bike trousers and shouldn’t be treated as such.

The loose cut means the crotch sags when caked in mud, but the pants manage to remain comfortable. The light fabric dries out quickly and I was never the victim of any chaffing.

You may have to pay a little more for the Moab Pros than other popular pants, but their price is reasonable considering their construction methods.

How do the Vaude Moab Pro pants compare to the Specialized Trail pants?

Specialized’s Trail pants are some of BikeRadar's favourite riding pants, scoring 5 out of 5 stars in our review. Their lightweight, durable, yet stretchable material shares many of the same properties as the Vaude pants.

However, the elasticated waist and cuffs make the Vaude pants even more comfortable than their Specialized rival. Yet what swings it is the cut and shape. Specialized has nailed the fit for modern trail riding pants. If Vaude can take a few hints from the Big S, it could be onto a winner.

Vaude Moab Pro pants bottom line

Vaude has got plenty of things right with the Moab Pro pants. Comfort is top-notch and the environmentally conscious material and construction are intended to deliver a pair of tough and dependable riding pants.

They will suit riders wanting a more relaxed fit, rather than a sporty feel.

Tweaks to the cut, fit and pocket size would make the Moab Pro pants market leaders.