MTB pants need to be comfortable, stay out of the way and take whatever you throw at them. But how does a newcomer fare when the trail gets properly rough? Can the €100 Volcom Ripper pants deliver just as convincingly on short casual rides as they do on full-on enduro tracks? We put the Volcom Ripper pants through their paces!

Skating, surfing and snowboarding have been part of Volcom’s DNA since 1991. So taking their apparel from the halfpipe to the trail seems like a natural progression, especially as the board sports and MTB scenes have become increasingly intertwined in recent years. With an RRP of €100, the Rippers are fairly priced too, bringing Volcom style to the trail without breaking the bank. Compared with other trail pants, such as the 7mesh Flightpath model we tested, the Rippers are considerably more affordable.

Volcom Ripper Pants | Sizes 26–38 (10 sizes) | Weight 316 g (size 34) I Price €100 | Testers Benedikt, Sarah | Test Duration: 1.5 months | Manufacturer’s Website

The Volcom Ripper Pants in Detail

Volcom offer an impressive 10 sizes, ranging from 26 to 38, so there should be an option to suit just about every rider. At 316 g in size 34, the pants sit unobtrusively in the middle of the pack when it comes to weight. Volcom also keep things understated with the design. In Squadron Green, the Rippers look clean and low-key on the trail. If you want something even more discreet, there’s a black version, while the bolder khaki colourway adds a little more flair. Subtle details bring the Volcom vibe to the trails, including the iconic Stone logo on the left knee, subtle Volcom lettering, and understated V.Co-Tech badges. Flexible stretch fabrics and an ergonomic cut are intended to provide a comfortable fit. According to Volcom, the lightweight fabric is also abrasion-resistant, wicks sweat away quickly and dries extremely fast. On top of that, a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment is designed to repel water.

A zip and button closure, along with Velcro waist adjusters on either side, should make sure the pants stay firmly in place even when things get rowdy. When temperatures start to make you sweat, Volcom rely on a thin, lightweight fabric combined with laser-perforated ventilation holes to keep you cool without letting dirt inside. Two zipped side pockets and a key pocket provide plenty of room for your phone and cash, as well as keys or a mini-tool.

The Volcom Ripper Pants on the Trail

The first time you pull on the Volcom Ripper pants, it’s immediately clear that Volcom have got a lot right with the cut. The fabric sits comfortably close around the thighs, while there’s enough room at the knees for protectors without anything feeling tight as you pedal. The legs taper towards the ankles, which means there’s little chance of the pants getting caught in the chain or chainring. The length is spot on too, so even tall riders won’t be left with chilly ankles. If you’re shorter, or simply want a little more airflow around your lower legs, you can easily roll them up. There’s also enough room to wear bib shorts underneath without feeling restricted. The only drawback when it comes to fit is the waistband: it has very little stretch and comes up surprisingly large, so our testers had to tighten the Velcro adjusters on both sides as far as they would go to keep the pants where they belonged. Sizing down wasn’t an option because the leg length was otherwise perfect. A long-term test will have to show how well the heavily loaded Velcro adjusters hold up over time, though they worked flawlessly during our test period.

On the climbs, the flexible material really comes into its own. Nothing rubs as you pedal, and the fabric feels comfortable against your skin. Point the bike downhill and the Rippers stay rock solid. However, the lightweight fabric makes them better suited to hot summer laps than chilly autumn rides. The Volcom pants passed their toughest test with flying colours in sweltering 36 °C heat. Even when we were sweating heavily, nothing stuck or chafed. Another well-thought-out feature is the slightly angled zips on the two pockets. They’re easy to open and close while riding, without forcing you to twist your wrist into an awkward position.

And because life isn’t all about riding trails, sooner or later the Rippers have to go in the washing machine. They wash without issue at 30 °C, and even chain oil carelessly wiped after fitting a wheel disappears without a trace. Just remember to refresh the DWR treatment after a few washes to maintain the pants’ water-repellent properties.

Conclusion on the Volcom Ripper Pants

The Rippers impress with their high-quality construction, comfort and excellent ventilation on hot days. The cut leaves plenty of room for knee pads, fits comfortably close around the calves, and includes plenty of practical details. Thanks to the DWR treatment, they also shrug off light spray and brief showers. The only real weakness is the generously sized waistband, which may require a little more adjustment depending on your body shape. Considering the price, and their solid performance on the trail, the Ripper pants are a strong choice for long, hot trail and enduro rides.

For more information, visit Volcom.com

• Testers: Bene/ Sarah
• Test duration: 1,5 Monate

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Words: Sarah Baumert Photos: Benedikt Schmidt