Overpants buying advice

[Tony]

For those who want to buy overpants, my advice would be to buy pants designed to be overpants rather than buying a larger size of a standard fit pant. Learn from my mistake.

My pant size is 30 inch waist and 30 inch inseam. I bought Fieldsheer Highland riding pants. According to the Fieldsheer sizing chart, I would fit a size small (30in waist/31.5 in inseam). Since I wanted to use them as overpants, I bought a medium (32in waist/32.5 in inseam). The fit was not ideal. The waist is too large so the pants sag and force the knee pads to sit a little too low. While sitting on my bike, I find myself pulling up my pant legs to get the knee pads in to a comfortable position. The legs taper and can be difficult to snap close over my boots. After nearly three months of use, I have had enough.

For Xmas, I bought myself some Aerostich Darien pants. They're expensive for textiles but appear to be of very high quality; goretex; taped seams and stitching. While researching the Dariens, I did not come across one negative comment. I love the full zip sides. I won't have to struggle to squeeze my boots through the pant legs. Since they fit right, they look more like regular pants. The Dariens are plain looking which I like. Hopefully the Power Ranger comments by children will stop.

[rider66]

The sizing charts seems to be little help.  I bought a Joe Rocket Ballistic 4.0 and while the chartsaid it would fit, it was huge when I tried it on.  Bought over EBay and returned it.

I need to get in and try some on prior to purchase.  I never heard of Darien.  Where bought and how much?

[JC]

Firstgear HT Air = A+++++
So do the Frank Thomas Edge Pants, which can be purchased at Cyclegear.  

[Tony]

Firstgear HT Air = A+++++

I've heard good things about the Firstgear product too. I also had an opportunity to see them first hand. The FG product was very similar to my Fieldsheer pants.I think the biggest downfall of the Firstgear pants are their weight.

Darien pants are offered through www.aerostich.com. People are probably more familiar with the Aerostich Roadcrafter suit. The Darien pants were $297 + shipping. More expensive than other options but after a few days riding in the rain, I think they're worth it; lighter in weight; goretex so they're waterproof and breath well; full zips make them easy to get in and out of.

[badnoodle]

I just bought a new pair of pants today.

I ended up going with the JR Phoenix pants, for a couple of reasons.

1.) I am one of perhaps 15 people in the US whose legs are the right length for the knee armor.
2.) Zips to my jacket.
3.) Still flexible with jeans and water/windproof liner.
4.) Leg zippers come up very high on the leg.

I just feel like leather, even perforated leather, is too restrictive for SoCal urban riding.