I have used a variety of riding pants, and a couple of months ago, the Raida Rover caught my attention. My routine consists of riding many different two wheelers, and the relaxed fit and cargo-style pockets seemed like something that would add more practicality to my everyday life.
The pants are available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, and as with most brands, I opted for a size S. The fit was relaxed and breathable, and the Velcro adjustment straps at the waist, above the calf and at the ankles allowed me to fine-tune the fit according to my liking. The Raida Rover riding pants get CE Level 2 protection at the knees and hips. A thoughtful addition is a soft foam pad for the tailbone as well. While it isn’t a proper CE protector, it is nice to get at this price point.
Additionally, at no extra cost, the pants come with a base thermal liner and a rain liner for different riding scenarios. Constructed from a 600D polyurethane-coated polyester chassis with mesh panels running down the thighs and shins, these pants ensured good airflow during the gruelling, humid summer of Mumbai.
From a practical perspective, the pants punch well above their weight class with a really comfortable fit, featuring expandable accordion stretch panels above the knees and across the lower back. In my time spent with these pants, I have used them on sporty bikes, ADVs, cruisers, and even scooters, making them quite a versatile pair. The storage layout is also smart, pairing zippered waterproof pockets with very easily accessible thigh cargo pockets that allowed me to store my phone, wallet, or keys. I have used the pants in the city, out on the highway, and even while riding off-road. They felt rugged in all situations, held up really well, and I also appreciate the quality of zippers used.
Of course, with this aggressive price point, there are a few minor trade-offs, most notably in the overall coverage area of the knee armor inserts, which tend to be slightly narrower and less wrap-around than protectors found in some other brands. And because it has a relaxed fit, you have to make sure to adjust the velcro straps properly or the knee inserts will keep moving around.
Additionally, while the 600D textile fabric is adequate for touring, it misses out on materials with higher abrasion-resistance in high-impact areas, and that might be something that riders are looking for. That said, these minor gripes do little to diminish an otherwise outstanding package.
Priced at Rs 7,450, they are one of the most affordable touring pants in the Indian market, and as mentioned earlier, this price includes a thermal and rain liner as well. For anyone searching for reliable and practical riding pants that can be used in many different types of riding scenarios, the Raida Rover pants stand out with the value and real-world usability they offer.
Where: raidagears.com
Price: Rs 7,450
Autocar India Team 
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
