Best Budget MTB Pants I’ve Found (Andean Trails Review)

Best Budget MTB Pants I’ve Found (Andean Trails Review)

Living in Southern California, I ride in MTB shorts most of the year. But when it gets colder in the mornings — or when I head up into the mountains for a ride trip — I usually end up throwing on jeans.

The problem is: jeans aren’t great for riding.

They’re stiff, they don’t breathe well, and they can even get caught on the chainring if the legs are loose (especially on an XC bike). I’ve worn downhill pants before too, but I didn’t want anything bulky or heavy. I just wanted something affordable, comfortable, and fitted enough to ride in without feeling restricted.

After searching around Amazon for a while, I came across the Andean Trails Mountain Bike Pants — and after my first ride, I was honestly impressed.

They’re comfortable, lightweight, tapered at the bottom, and they’ve got zipper pockets. Plus they leave enough room underneath to wear knee pads or protection gear if you want.

In this post, I’ll break down what I like, what I don’t like, and who I recommend them for.

Quick Answer: Are These MTB Pants Worth It?

✅ Yes — if you want budget MTB pants that work well for riding, filming, and trail days, without paying premium downhill pant prices.

These pants are:

• comfortable for pedaling

• tapered so they don’t snag the drivetrain

• stretchy and easy to move in

• roomy enough for pads underneath

• good for cool mornings and mountain trips

The Pants I Use (Budget MTB Pants Pick)

Andean Trails Mountain Bike Pants (Enduro / Downhill, Water Repellent)

They’re made from:

• 96% Polyester / 4% Spandex
  which gives them a lightweight feel, plus stretch.

Key features I like:

• stretchy fabric

• tapered fit (no loose pant legs)

• water repellent

• quick drying

• adjustable waistband

• zipper pockets

✅ Affiliate link: Andean Trails MTB Pants – Check price on Amazon

What I Like About These Pants

1) Super Comfortable (Even If You’re Used to Shorts)

The first thing I noticed is comfort. Since I’m used to wearing shorts most of the year, I don’t like pants that feel stiff or bulky. These don’t feel like that at all.

They feel more like lightweight athletic pants but with MTB-friendly design.

2) Stretchy Enough for Real Riding (Not Just Standing Around)

A lot of cheap pants feel restrictive when you actually ride — especially when:

• pumping terrain

• riding jumps

• moving around aggressively on the bike

These have enough stretch that you can actually ride properly without feeling limited.

3) Room for Pads Underneath (Big Win)

This is huge.

A lot of pants look good until you try to wear gear underneath — then they feel tight and annoying.

These have enough room for knee pads underneath, which makes them great for trail riding and bike park days too.

4) Tapered Legs (No More Chainring Snags)

If you’ve ever ridden in jeans, you know what I’m talking about.

Loose pant legs + chainring = bad time.

The tapered fit at the bottom is a major upgrade because it keeps the fabric out of:

• chainring

• cranks

• pedals

This alone makes them worth it if you’re used to riding in regular pants or jeans.

5) Zipper Pockets (Actually Useful)

I really like the zipper pockets. When I’m filming, riding, or working on a trail feature, I don’t want stuff falling out of my pockets.

Zippers keep everything secure.

What I DON’T Like (Honest Downsides)

❌ No cargo pocket / no back pocket

This is my biggest complaint.

I wish they had:

• a cargo pocket

• or even a rear pocket

Not a deal breaker, but it would make them perfect.

Who I Recommend These Pants For

These are great if you’re:
✅ a beginner looking for affordable MTB pants
✅ riding trails in cooler weather
✅ doing enduro style rides
✅ filming content (they look clean and fit well)
✅ sick of jeans snagging on the bike

Who Might Want Something Different

You may want a higher-end pant if you:

• crash a lot on rocky downhill trails

• need heavier abrasion resistance

• want premium DH features

But for most riders — especially beginners and budget riders — these pants are a solid pick.

Do You Need MTB Pants? (Or Can You Just Wear Jeans?)

You can wear jeans.

I did for a long time.

But MTB pants are worth it because they:
✅ pedal easier
✅ don’t snag drivetrains
✅ handle sweat better
✅ fit pads underneath
✅ look cleaner for filming

Budget MTB Pants FAQ

Are MTB pants worth it?

Yes — especially if you ride in cooler weather or the mountains. Even budget MTB pants usually ride better than jeans.

Can you wear knee pads under these pants?

Yes — I’ve found there’s enough room to wear knee pads underneath comfortably.

Are these pants waterproof?

They’re water repellent, not fully waterproof. They help in light wet conditions and dry quickly, but they aren’t rain pants.

Should MTB pants be tight or loose?

You want them tapered so they don’t snag. They should still allow movement in the hips and knees, especially if you wear pads.

Final Thoughts

If you want a pair of affordable MTB pants that work for riding trails, filming content, or heading up into the mountains, the Andean Trails MTB pants are a solid budget pick.

They’re comfortable, stretchy, tapered so they don’t snag your drivetrain, and they fit protection gear underneath.

✅ Andean Trails MTB Pants — Check price on Amazon

Disclosure

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.