The Madison DTE Men’s 4-Season DWR Trouser is a multi-season trail riding trouser. Engineered to offer high levels of ventilation and comfort, with a fully waterproof rear panel to protect you from trail spray in wet conditions. The tailored cut is well-considered – pre-curved at the knees to accommodate pads, with a high waistband for comfort. These pants boast many great design features, especially at a good price, and have quickly become a go-to for mixed weather and muddy riding conditions.
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Madison DTE Men’s 4-Season DWR Trouser - Technical details
The main body of these trousers is constructed from a blend of 90 per cent recycled Polyester, 10 per cent Elastane, and a DWR treatment. This creates a lightweight four-way stretch material that’s breathable, water-resistant, windproof, and comfortable. These trousers feel like regular trail trousers, but that's where the similarity ends. The whole rear seat panel is fully waterproof, with taped seams internally to fend off the worst the trail can throw at you.
The cut is tailored, tapering in a loose but not figure-hugging silhouette that is more classic than skinny. The pre-curved knees are a nice feature and easily accommodate knee pads. The gusseted crotch panel looks a little like you’re wearing a codpiece and is supposed to aid movement on the bike. The waistband sits pretty high with a closed fly style design using a ratchet waist closure and two small elasticated side panels to aid comfort. Silicone print inside the waistband should help keep them in place.
The black colourway has three leg length options: short 30-inch, regular 32-inch and long 34-inch, which is great if you struggle with leg length. Weirdly, the Midnight Green (tested) only gets a regular 32-inch length.
Two zippered and mesh-lined pockets at the side of the upper thighs will easily accommodate snacks or the largest phones out there and can be used to regulate airflow. The trousers are finished with subtle reflective print graphics to aid visibility in low light or night rides. Available S to XXL
Madison DTE Men’s 4-Season DWR Trouser - Performance
Choosing the right riding trousers for changeable or wet and muddy conditions can be challenging. I usually only wear waterproof trousers if I know it will be biblically wet, muddy, or raining. I’ll sacrifice some flexibility and comfort, accepting that I’ll probably be sweat-drenched by the end of the ride. If the trail conditions are puddle-strewn and muddy, I opt for comfort and breathability, taking a hit on water resistance. But is there a middle ground?
Madison’s DTE acronym stands for 'defy the elements’, and that’s certainly something it delivers on – these trousers are a bit of a game-changer.
The fit is on the loose side. I opted for a size small for my 30-inch waist in the green colourway, not realising the black option offers three leg lengths – doh! The waist fitted true to size, and I like the high waist that offers added protection and warmth to the lower back, but the leg length is a bit too long for my usual 30-inch inseam, piling up a bit at the hem. There was ample room for my knee pads and it fitted well with protective padded shorts. I found the ratchet closure strap took some getting used to as it's pretty stiff, but it certainly cinches the trousers in place.
The four-way stretch material of the main body allows for unrestricted pedalling, feeling just like a regular summer trouser, and breathability is excellent with the DWR treatment shrugging off trail spray. The waterproof seat area did a sterling job of keeping me 100 per cent dry, smashing through puddles. On warmer rides, however, there was moisture build-up, dampening my undershorts. This could be regulated by opening the large mesh-lined zip pockets. Carrying my phone in these pockets felt too flappy because of the loose fit, and I’d prefer the pockets to be further forward around the thigh as, in a crash, my phone felt like it would be in a very vulnerable position.
In proper prolonged downpours, the front legs took a surprisingly long time to wet through, while the rear kept my bum dry. The high waistband did start to creep down a little, especially when caked in mud, but it wasn’t enough to warrant stopping to readjust. Wearing a hip pack wasn’t an issue, either.
In the wind – even when wet through, the windproofing is excellent, I only felt a bit cold at the shins where the material pressed tight when wet. I can appreciate the longer leg length now as it covers the top of my winter boots, keeping them drier. After washing, they dry out very quickly, ready for their next battering.
Madison DTE Men’s 4-Season DWR Trouser - Verdict
Priced at £99.99, the Madison DTE Men’s 4-Season DWR Trouser is a bargain. Factoring in their multi-season capabilities, high performance and comfort levels, they are well worth considering adding to your riding wardrobe.
Going a bit lighter on your wallet and weather protection, the Madison Zenith 4-Season trousers (£90) are a good option and scored highly on our testing. If you want to go full-waterproof, try the Endura GV500 Waterproof Trousers (£150) for increased protection.
The looser fit may not be for everyone, but it does aid movement of the more rigid waterproof panels and, depending on your body shape, you may fill them better than me. The fact that only the black model offers multi-leg lengths is annoying, but I’d happily reach for these for any mucky rides, any time of the year.