Some people seek the solace of shelter, mounting their indoor trainers or Pelotons once the colder months breeze in. Others take to emptier roads with a renewed sense of joy. Cold weather doesn’t have to keep you off your bike. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable gear. That’s where winter cycling pants come in.
When you wear the best winter cycling pants, biting wind, frigid temps, and inclement weather won’t factor in to whether or not you ride. Until recently, there weren’t a lot of options for winter cycling pants.
You could don skin-tight bibs under a pair of rain pants for extra weather protection; wear softshell pants made for hiking or backcountry skiing; or layer moto or DH pants over shorts or fleece tights.
Now, nearly every great bike apparel brand makes winter cycling pants for road, gravel, trail, and commuting. From stretchy and light softshells best suited to dirt roads to rip-resistant, moto-inspired pants with space for knee pads and armor, there’s a pair out there with your name on it.
Winter Cycling Pants to Keep You Riding Through Wind, Rain, and Freezing Temps
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1. Yeti Cycles Renegade Ride Pant
One of the lightest pairs of pants for mountain biking, pack these for trips when you’re unsure of weather or terrain. Made from four-way stretch nylon with abrasion-resistant stretch Cordura nylon at the knees, these pants repel rocky scraps and snagging thorns without feeling hot, clammy, or restrictive. The seamless, gusseted crotch and vented panels prevent chafing and saddle hot spots, while letting you move freely—even if you need to hike your bike through unridable terrain. The waist ratchet dials in the fit without digging, and ankle cuffs are easy to get in and out of but block debris. The race fit is trim, but stopped short of skintight. Last but not least, a single pocket keeps a phone and snacks on hand.
Made for winter fat biking, the OMW isn’t for all-season use, it’s for frigid temps. The heaviest and warmest pant we tested, the water- and wind-resistant softshell has a removable internal boot gaiter to keep snow out when the powder’s deep. Zippered and snapped ankles accommodate winter riding footwear with or without a gaiter. Five zippered hand, leg, and hip pockets hold everything you need: fuel, phone, extra batteries, and handwarmers. Should you work up a sweat despite the cold, zippered leg vents keep things from getting swampy. The double snap front also has a sewn-in adjustable belt that keeps the pants in place with whatever layers worn underneath. The gray colorway has a bright, contrasting red belt; minimalists should go for the all-black colorway.
Polartec Alpha insulation is shockingly warm for its weight. Boasting optimal breathability in motion, it won’t trap sweat during high-output activities in the cold, like winter biking, but it will keep you warm. The pants feature Alpha panels along the belly, front of thighs, and low back under a water-repelling, wicking softshell fabric. While there’s an elastic waistband, there’s a ratchet closure system to dial in the fit. We’ve tested these on fall days that started brisk but warmed, and in the thick of winter layered over fleece tights. In both scenarios, the Flexair Pro Fire moderates temperature so all-day comfort. Zippered hand pockets double as vents, while semi-elastic cuffs seal in body heat. Bonus: There’s room for knee pads.
Gravelleurs, commuters, and roadies love these pants as much as the mountain bikers among us. Tailored and stretchy, they don’t get baggy during hours on the bike, and post-ride they look good enough to wear out to dinner. In fact, some days we commuted to work, then kept these on all day. The slide-lock button stays closed even when cranking up hills, reflective highlights on the ankles shine bright when worn around town, and we love the fabric: buttery Italian-milled, 4-way stretch nylon-elastane that’s biodegradable.
We love the Trail Pant’s deep front pockets and ratcheting waist buckle. They’re burly enough to handle trails, but trim as not to look moto. They’re light, stretchy, and soft—warmer than they look, but breathable thanks to laser-cut inner thigh vents. The pockets comfortably hold a phone, as does a spacious side pocket. Elasticized cuffs are tight to slip on and off (we had to turn the pants inside out to get them off), but are exceptional at keeping out mud and debris. While the pants stretch at the knees and seat, the waistband doesn’t, so these won’t slip down even after days of wear.
If baggies aren’t your thing, Gorewear’s C5 bibs may be your winter ace. They look like any other pair of winter tights, but there’s more to these than meets the eye. A Windstopper cup and spray-repelling fabric along the inner thighs significantly enhance cold-weather comfort when donned alone for a road mission, or under any of the other pants in this review. Reflective, slim, and made for roadies or for layering, the thermal material is toasty and the shorts-height front minimizes exposure when taking a leak. Perforations in the back prevent sweat buildup. Layer these under Gorewear’s Gore-Tex Paclite Pants ($200) in a full rainstorm.
Cut loose and highly adjustable, with four-way stretch and a DWR treatment, these feel like a hiking pant for multi-disciplinary use. There are adjustable straps at the waist and oversized front and thigh pockets. The fit through the waist and thighs is looser, tapering down to the lower leg to keep the pant from snagging. If you’re gonna bring one pair of pants bikepacking, these are it. Bonus: Every pair comes with a crash replacement.
Adjustable on the fly, the gravel/MTB/commuter Launch Trail Pant is all-season appropriate and pleasantly protective against nettles, thorns, bugs, and poison ivy. Made from four-way stretch Cordura that’s been treated with DWR, water beads right off. Dual-zippered thigh pockets keep gear close but out of the way, and Velcro waist adjustments let you fine-tune the fit on the road or trail, even when riding.
Made for crisp fall days on the trail and on the lift, Dakine’s Thrillium is made from a low-impact, heavy-duty fabric, with perforations across the belly and low back. Some favorite specs: A ribbed band above the knee lends plenty of give when worn with knee pads; the fabric is soft on the skin, but won’t tear in a tumble; and a built-in belt backs up the button waist. Spacious handwarmer pockets are also deep enough to hold a phone comfortably, as well as snacks. There’s an additional large pocket on the low thigh.
Tasco’s Scout MTB Pant is cut from eco-conscious Repreve softshell, a four-way stretch polyester spandex blend made from recycled plastic bottles. The softshell fabric is protective and warm enough for winter months, but not too hot for spring and fall liftserve shredding (the pant even has a park pass loop). Our recommendation: Wear chamois shorts underneath on chilly fall rides and full-length tights when winter rages. An internal waist adjustment allows for extra space when wearing the pants over pads or extra winter layers. Two oversized thigh pockets double as vents. Just double check your phone isn’t in there before you ride with them open.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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