Biking in autumn: 8 short rain trousers put to the test

Stefan Frey

· 21.09.2015

Photo: Ryan Creary

Biking in autumn: 8 short rain trousers put to the test

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Short rain trousers don't just make sense on warm rainy days. We tested eight models for their protective effect in the lab and in practice.

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After ten metres, the fun comes to an end. A huge puddle, directly behind the first bend. Four metres wide and three metres long - impossible to avoid. The water seeps through the bike shorts like a burst pipe, then creeps through the bib shorts and smears into the seat pad. I wish I hadn't left my rain shorts in the locker. But it's too late for that now. My short rain trousers don't just end up in my day pack as an emergency cover. They are always used when the trails are wet and the temperatures are cool or the weather is changeable and foggy.

You can buy a large selection of MTB rain trousers from these online shops at favourable prices:

Numerous manufacturers are now tailoring a bike baggy with a waterproof membrane. We have subjected eight models to a detailed test. The price differences are huge. Whilst Protective offers a standard rain cover for just 50 euros, Triple2 will set you back a whole 225 euros for an environmentally friendly, high-tech product. Both had to pass our critical laboratory test in equal measure. The Suter test clarifies how waterproof the rain trousers actually are. The membrane has to withstand a pressure of 0.2 bar for two minutes. Not only the membrane is tested, but also the seams in the seat area. This is where the water exerts particularly high pressure on the material. Disappointing: Only Gore and Vaude have really tightly sealed seams. All other models allow more or less moisture to seep through.

Spray test: Which rain trousers are waterproof?

During the spray test, the outer material is sprinkled with a defined amount of water. If the trousers are properly impregnated, the water simply rolls off. If the trousers become saturated, it can quickly become uncomfortably cold for the wearer. There is sometimes a clear difference between new and washed products.

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Most trousers absorb significantly more water after just three washes. Mavic impregnates best, but Vaude and Gore also repel a lot of water after washing. Protective and Triple2 absorb a lot of liquid even when new.

The abrasion test shows how long the rain trousers, especially in the seat area, can withstand abrasion from mud and sand. Fine-grained 600 grit sandpaper grinds across the outer material and is particularly hard on the thin materials from Mavic, Protective and Scott. Endura, Löffler, Triple2 and Vaude withstand the abrasion torture best.

You can find everything about the test of the eight short rain trousers as a PDF download below: