The Fox Ranger 2.5L waterproof riding trousers prove to be an excellent companion when the heavens open, they’re waterproofing is impressive but it does come at the cost of breathability. The ratcheted waistband adjustment and leg gusset are great features however the sizing is a little odd so try before you buy. At a sensible price these are certainly worth considering for cold and wet winter rides.
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Fox Ranger 2.5-Layer water pants – Technical details
As the name suggests, these waterproof trousers are built around a 100% polyester 2.5 layer fabric which has a 5000mm waterproof rating and 5000g breathability rating. All seams are fully sealed to keep the weather out whilst a DWR coating aids the shedding of dirt, moisture and debris. Some environmental kudos are due to the shell material using recycled materials in its construction.
The trouser legs taper towards the ankle thanks to a lower leg gusset which is secured with two poppers. This makes the trousers easier to remove whilst maintaining a close-fitting ankle for keeping the weather out and tangle-free. The waistband features a soft inner material on the hem and utilises a ratcheted band for secure closure and adjustment. Two zipped hip pockets round out the features.
The Fox Ranger 2.5L waterproof trousers come in sizes ranging from 28 – 40 (in even increments) and are available in three colourways (black, grey and brown) so there should be a size and style to suit most.
Fox Ranger 2.5-Layer water pants – Performance
Let’s start with the sizing on these trousers, having looked at Fox’s size guide the sizing is a little odd. As an example, the size 34 trousers are said to suit a 36” waist however I found the size 34 to fit my 32” waist just right.
The 2.5-layer material has no stretch in it and proportionally these trousers do come up a little on the slim side so this is worth bearing in mind when you try them. I am happy to report they are cut well to not cause any restriction and have enough room to fit a set of reasonably sized (although not bulky) knee pads. The ratcheted waistband adjuster was effective however I found I needed to adjust it a little tighter than usual to keep the trousers in place against slippery bib shorts.
Leg length is a little on the short side for a waterproof trouser where I’d expect them to be able to comfortably cover the raised cuff of a waterproof riding shoe. The zipped pockets are a great size which can easily swallow a phone however the non-stretchy material means bulky items do compromise comfort a little so be selective on what you put in them.
Moving onto the waterproof abilities of these trousers, I found them to shine in this department. Even after multiple hours of persistent rain, the wet was kept at bay which is very impressive. The DWR coating didn’t last long and I found the material to wet out very quickly but this didn’t affect the performance of the trousers.
Breathability isn’t great on these trousers, they are ideal for a winter e-bike hack but when you’re working hard on an analogue bike things can get sweaty when the temperatures are around six degrees and above. The inner surface of the 2.5L material has a rubbery feeling to it which isn’t nice against the skin so I recommend wearing bib-shorts, knee pads and long socks in defence of this.
Fox Ranger 2.5-Layer water pants – Verdict
Retailing at £110, these trousers are a well-priced pair of simple yet effective waterproof trousers.
Another option worth considering at the Endura MT500 waterproof trousers which have several useful features above and beyond the Fox trousers however they come in more expensive at £180. Check out my full review on them here.
If you fancy a bit of thermal protection, the Altura Ridge waterproof trousers could be worth a look. They aren’t without their problems but I enjoyed staying dry and warm in these and at £125 they’re sensible money. Here are my full thoughts on them here.
The Fox Ranger 2.5L water pants are a dependable set of waterproof riding trousers which do a great job of keeping persistent weather at bay. Their sizing is a little odd and breathability isn’t a strong suit however for cold, wet winter rides these trousers are a great option at a sensible price.
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