Full specification As published

Material600D Cordura textile

ArmorCE-approved knee and hip armor

LinerRemovable thermal liner

ClosureFull-length side zippers

VentilationAdjustable zippered vents

Coverships, knees

Bench rank69 of 200 on this site

Pants · Rank 69 of 200

Firstgear Kathmandu Pants

by Firstgear

Firstgear's Kathmandu pants combine 600D Cordura with CE-approved knee and hip armor and a zip-out thermal liner, built for adventure and touring riders facing changeable weather.

4.4 Rider rating 4.4 out of 5 Bench score 54/100

600D Cordura construction
CE knee and hip armor
Removable thermal liner

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Specs taken from the manufacturer No paid placement Bought at retail

Verdict

The Firstgear Kathmandu Pants are a dependable choice for adventure and touring riders who need serious weather protection without sacrificing armor quality. They are bulkier than summer gear and cost more than entry-level touring pants, but their versatility across seasons and rugged Cordura construction make them a solid investment for long-distance riding.

The Kathmandu pants are built from 600D Cordura textile, reinforced at the knees and seat, the kind of fabric Firstgear reaches for when adventure and touring riders need pants that survive repeated pavement contact across long trips. CE-approved armor sits at the knees and hips, giving genuine impact protection rather than just abrasion resistance, and a removable thermal liner lets the pants shift between a warm-weather shell and a cold-weather layer depending on the season. Full-length side zippers make it straightforward to get the pants on and off over riding boots, while adjustable zippered vents and waist and calf straps let the fit and airflow be tuned to the conditions.

On the road, the zippered vents open up useful airflow on warmer stretches, and the liner, once removed, leaves the pants breathable enough for most three-season riding. Weather resistance holds up well in light rain and wind, thanks to the membrane built into the shell, and the adjustable straps keep the fit secure over different boots and base layers without the pants sliding around. The CE-approved knee and hip armor stays positioned through normal riding, though shorter riders may find the hip protectors sit slightly off and need minor adjustment. The roomy cut that makes layering easy also means the pants feel bulkier than a slimmer touring pant. Riders moving between city traffic and open highway find the pants adapt well to both, without needing a change of gear partway through a longer day.

The Kathmandu pants suit adventure and touring riders who need dependable protection and weather resistance across multi-day trips rather than a slim, minimal daily pant. The Cordura shell and stitching hold up over repeated seasons of use, and the removable liner keeps the pants relevant through changing conditions on a longer ride. Riders wanting a lighter, more packable pant for pure summer riding will find bulkier gear here than they need, and those with a shorter inseam may want to check hip armor placement before relying on it fully. For long-distance and all-weather touring, though, the Kathmandu remains a solid, dependable choice. The multiple exterior and interior pockets add useful storage for a wallet, phone, or documents, a small but welcome touch on longer trips away from home.

What works

600D Cordura shell resists abrasion well over time
CE-approved armor gives solid knee and hip protection
Removable liner adapts the pants across seasons
Zippered vents help manage airflow on warmer days
Roomy cut accommodates layering underneath

What doesn't

Bulkier and heavier than mesh or summer-only pants
Sizing runs large, so check fit carefully before buying
Hip armor position may need adjusting for shorter riders
Sits at the pricier end versus entry-level touring pants

Bench scorecard

Protection58Weather35Airflow53Comfort62Value60

Derived from this product's own specification, key features and owner-reported pros and cons, then adjusted by its rider rating. Same rules for every piece.

Key features