Leatt MTB HydraDri 5.0 Pants

More trousers? I have reviewed a slew of waterproof pants this year, including new ones from Pearl Izumi, Rapha and 7mesh. The good news is that each of them has been better than anything I've tried previously. This latest entry, from Leatt, ticks a lot of boxes with plentiful pockets and solid construction. They even look pretty good.

On The Trail

Normally we'd be gearing down on serious mountain biking outerwear but winter came late this year and we've had several rides mixing snow and rain, which was a perfect testing ground for these pants. They have done a great job keeping water out and the venting properties are solid but perhaps not best in class.

I would describe the HydraDri 5.0 as the sturdiest pants of the quartet I have tested. Constructed from 3 layer fabric, which Leatt calls HydraDri Max, these are said to have 30,000 mm of waterproofing and the same number in the venting category. The waterproofing has been very good but these are a little heavier than the Pearl Izumi Summit 3L and 7mesh Grits, and I'd say those two vent a little better. In my experience these release vapour similarly to the Rapha Trail Goretex and do a similar job keeping the elements out as well which is solid praise.

There is a little bit of stretch but I think it's compromised some by the number of panels and all the taped seams. These have more give than the Raphas, considering Gore-Tex doesn't stretch (at least not the version used in Rapha's pants) but the Raphas close the gap with a very good cut for pads and long legs. The Pearl Izumis and 7mesh have the most stretch of the four.

The Fit

I generally wear size medium or 32 pants which was the case here. These were a little short for my 33" inseam but not egregiously so. Still, with waterproof pants, half the battle is keeping your socks dry so those splashes don't leech into your shoes. I also found the waist a little long but wearing them a little low solves two problems. I don't want to overstate this, because they fit me fine, but not as well as the others I have tested recently by some measures.

These do a good job handling kneepads underneath however and don't restrict my mobility at all. The hook and loop waist cinches are easily adjusted and they stayed where I put them.

Getting out of these pants with the elasticated and velcroed cuffs can be a bit of a hassle. What tends to happen is that I'll reach down and undo the hook and loop strap to push the pants over my ankles, one at a time. Unfortunately the strap regularly falls back into place, with hook meeting loop, leaving my heel trapped inside. Obviously if I lean down and hold the velcro open this is prevented but it's still a minor pita. I do like being able to cinch the cuffs down however.

Details

The 5.0s really shine with their attention to detail. From the dedicated rear phone pocket to the comfortable lined waist, with the addition of a fleece panel between your skin and your phone, to the thigh vents and key pocket, utility was prioritized. Now that more and more riders are trying to get out without a pack, pockets have become increasing important, and four is a great number. Every zipper has an easily gripped rubber pull attached to the one supplied by YKK, which means if the rubber one gets pulled off, you'll still have something to yank.

Features (as outlined by Leatt)

• HydraDri MAX 30.000mm waterproof / 30.000g/m2 breathable
• 4 way stretch HydraDri MAX seamless seat and back panels
• Pre-curved riding fit with space for knee pads
• Ankle adjustment
• Dirt, water and stain resistant fabric coating
• Multi-row reinforced stitching
• Inner thigh zipper vents for great ventilation
• Fully tape seam sealed
• Hip pockets with Key loop (left)
• Rear waist pocket
• Thigh cargo pocket with silicone gripper
• Reflective details.
• YKK – Japan. Top Quality Zippers
• Regular fit
• Size: XS-3XL (28-40’’)
• Plastic Free Packaging

Results

I've enjoyed riding in these pants and they have performed admirably. The fit isn't a home run for me. That could be more my problem than Leatt's, of the quartet I have recently tested these are not the most ideal for my proportions; I wish the legs were a little longer and the waist a little shorter. The may be Goldilocks for you though.

The waterproofing is excellent and the venting solid as well, but the two thigh vents are welcome. I love pockets and these have four very usable ones, including a dedicated rear phone pocket with a waterproof zipper and a key loop in another. The Canadian price is close to 7mesh (370) and less than Rapha (440) and quite a bit pricier than Pearl Izumi (250).

Leatt MTB HydraDri 5.0 Pants

239 USD / 355 CAD / 219.99 GBP / 249.99 Euro