Desert Dust to Sierra Mud: KETL Skidmark MTB Pants Long Term Review

When we set out to develop the KETL Skidmark MTB Pants, we wanted a pair that felt comfortable on the bike but could also handle the kind of crashes, mud, dust, and abuse real trail riding brings. With KETL being our own baby, we had the freedom to build exactly what we wanted, with no compromises. That also meant testing them in every condition imaginable to make sure they lived up to the hype.

The problem we kept running into was simple: many trail pants are either too heavy and hot for pedaling or too thin and fragile for aggressive riding. We wanted to fill that gap with a pant that felt purpose-built for mountain biking without feeling overbuilt everywhere else.

So I spent countless hours riding in prototypes and refining the details. From the Nevada desert to the Sierra Nevada mountains, lift laps to big pedal days, the Skidmarks were built and tested to mean serious business on the trail, with a bike-specific cut and a fabric that’s both tough and flexible.

The Mission

We aimed for a progressive cut that feels dialed on the bike. They’re not overly baggy and sloppy, but they’re not skin-tight either. The tapered legs, articulated knees, and 4-way stretch fabric make them feel natural whether you’re pedaling, descending, or moving around off the bike. We chose a Cordura® nylon ripstop blend that is lightweight, flexible, and impressively tough. It breathes well on mild days, doesn’t turn into a sweat suit when the sun comes out, and still gives you a bit of protection from wind and cooler temps. It’s a balance we’re really stoked on. 

The Skidmarks were built by riders, for riders, with features that actually matter: a raised rear waistband that stays put, well-placed zippered pockets, and laser-cut venting in all the right spots, including our not-so-patented “Arse Steam Release” vents under the waistband. Are they perfect for every single situation? Not quite. If you’re climbing in 85°+ summer heat, shorts are still going to win. And if you’re riding in true winter conditions, you may want a heavier base layer underneath. But for the vast majority of rides from early spring through late fall, plus shuttle and bike park days, the Skidmark Pants are pretty darn close to ideal.

Nitty Gritty

• Material: Cordura® ripstop fabric, 84% Nylon / 16% Spandex, 4-way stretch

• Fabric Weight: ~154 gsm

• Garment Weight: ~364 g (Size M)

• Fit: Progressive tailored cut with tapered legs, articulated knees, raised rear waistband, and room for knee pads. (Size ranging from S to XXL)

• Waist: Built-in internal belt with G-hook and snap closure, plus silicone gripper at inner waistband

• Pockets: Six total. Two front hand pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, two zippered rear pockets

• Vents:  Laser-cut venting at the upper rear waistband, crotch, and behind the knees

• Finish: PFAS-free DWR for water and stain resistance

• Color: Black (Henry Ford would approve: you can have any color you want, as long as it’s black.)

• MSRP: $124.95 USD.

• Warranty:  Lifetime repair/replacement guarantee, plus free U.S. shipping and returns.

Design & Features

At first glance, the Skidmark Pants have a clean, no-nonsense look. Every detail was designed around mountain biking. The legs taper down to avoid drivetrain or saddle snags, and the knees are pre-curved to work naturally with pads and pedaling movement. The ankle openings stay slim and tidy without feeling restrictive. We also raised and contoured the rear waistband, so when you’re in an aggressive riding position, you stay covered, no awkward gap, no muddy stripe up your lower back, no constant tugging mid-ride.

The Cordura nylon/spandex blend is a standout feature that we’re proud of. It hits a really nice middle ground between burly and breathable. It has a soft hand feel, enough stretch to move naturally, and none of that plasticky, swishy feel some riding pants have. Mine have been through thorny bushes, dusty berms, granite slides, and muddy rides without complaint.

Instead of using velcro side tabs, we built in a full-length internal belt with a stout G-hook and snap closure. It’s easy to adjust, stays put, and doesn’t get weird with dirt or wear over time. The silicone strip inside the waistband adds another layer of stability, helping the pants stay planted without needing to crank them down too tight. 

As a bonus for convenience, we included a couple of accessory loops on these pants, one up front and one in back. These loops are handy for quickly clipping on items like your gloves or whatever you choose to hang there. It’s the kind of small feature you might not use every ride, but when needed, we’re happy the loops are there.

Fit & Comfort

If there’s one thing that can make or break a bike pant, it’s the fit. We spent a lot of time dialing in the fit on the Skidmarks. For reference, I’m about 5'10" with an athletic build and typically wear a size Medium-Large in most bottoms (biker thigh issue). The size M Skidmark Pant fits true to size with a little room to spare (handy for when I inhale a massive post-ride burger and beer). I’ve logged some long 4-6-hour days with a loaded hip pack, and I've never felt the waist digging in or the pants creeping down. The wide waistband and that silicone gripper on the inside distribute pressure evenly and prevent any slip, so everything just stays comfortably in place.

Through the thighs and hips, the cut is relaxed but not billowy. There’s enough room to wear padded liner shorts and knee pads underneath and still move freely. I never noticed the pants bind or pull, even when I’m struggling up a technical climb or sending a jump line. The gusseted crotch and true 4-way stretch gave me full freedom of movement for pedaling, pumping, and those occasional hike-a-bike sections where you’re basically doing lunges up a hillside.

Crucially, the length and coverage are spot on. The pants cover my ankles when riding, and when standing, they’re just at the top of my shoes. They’re not so long that they snag. Even in a deep knee bend or railing through a berm, the cuffs stay down around the ankles and don’t ride up. I had no distraction or annoyance from the fit when you’re ripping a trail; they just do their job and let me focus on the ride, the way we want pants to be. 

Pockets & Trail Features

As riders ourselves, we know how particular mountain bikers can be about pockets and storage, so we made sure to nail the pocket layout on these pants. The Skidmark MTB Pants come with six pockets in total, and I have to say the layout is one of the best I’ve used in any pair of riding pants. We spent many hours debating and testing the placement of each pocket to get it just right.

Up front, you get two open mesh-lined hand pockets that are great for trailhead duty or casual storage off the bike. They’re deep enough for the basics and don’t feel flimsy. For ride storage, there are four zippered pockets. The two thigh pockets are low-profile, easy to access, and positioned to keep the contents out of the way while pedaling. They’re perfect for a phone, keys, or snacks, and because they’re mesh-lined, they also double as big vents when left open on a climb.

Two zippered rear pockets add useful storage without creating bulk or snagging on the saddle. I don’t use them as often mid-ride, but they’re great for lighter, less-frequently-needed items.

Performance on the Trail (All-Conditions Test)

Over the past half-year, we’ve thrown the Skidmark Pants into just about every type of riding we could think of, and they’ve taken it all in stride. Here’s how they fared in two very different scenarios:

On bike park and shuttle days, the durability has been excellent. I’ve had a few minor crashes on hardpack and rocky terrain, and the pants came away with little more than dust on them. On one slide-out in Tahoe moon dust, I expected at least some visible damage, but the fabric brushed off and kept going. That kind of toughness gives you a lot of confidence when the riding gets rowdy.

The fit also really shines in gravity riding. The waistband stays put, the pants don’t rotate or sag, and there’s no excess fabric flapping around at speed. They stay comfortable and quiet, and they keep your pads covered without interfering.

On bigger all-mountain pedal days, they proved just as impressive. I wore them on 15 to 20-mile rides with long climbs, hike-a-bike sections, and changing temperatures, and they stayed comfortable the whole time. The stretch and articulated fit made them move more like a good hiking pant than a stiff riding shell.

One ride outside of Reno really drove that home. I started in cold drizzle and finished in mild sunshine lower down in the valley. Early on, I appreciated the coverage and slight wind protection. Later, when things warmed up, opening the thigh vents helped dump heat fast enough that I never felt cooked. By the time we wrapped up the ride at a local brewery (priorities), I didn’t feel a desperate urge to peel off the Skidmarks. In fact, I felt pretty normal just hanging out in them. The versatile styling of these pants helps here too; they don’t scream “mountain bike specific gear” with crazy logos or neon colors.” The clean, neutral look could pass for any outdoor pant, which is a nice bonus for post-ride hangouts. I didn’t look or feel out of place grabbing a burger and a beer in full kit. If anything, I felt a weird sense of pride still wearing them, given how well they’d performed that day.

Durability & Long-Term Wear

After roughly six months of regular riding and washing, my Skidmark Pants are still in excellent shape. No split seams, no broken zippers, no loose threads, and no meaningful wear in the high-stress areas. The fabric has a couple of faint signs of use if I really look for them, but no cuts, holes, or anything concerning. Even the DWR is still hanging on reasonably well.

I also put them through a real-world crash test by slow-speed sliding on a rocky trail. Aside from dirt, they came out looking basically untouched. That was one of the moments when the durability stopped feeling like a product claim and started to feel proven. The smaller details have held up, too. The YKK zippers still run smoothly, the G-hook belt is solid, and the silicone waistband gripper still works after plenty of washes. Altogether, they feel like pants built for the long haul, not just the first few rides.

Final Thoughts

After months of testing through dust, mud, rain, rock, and plenty of rough riding, I’m more confident than ever that we nailed what we set out to build with the KETL Skidmark MTB Pants. We wanted a do-it-all riding pant that felt comfortable, durable, and purpose-built for real mountain biking. That’s exactly how these have turned out. They’ve become the pair I reach for whenever I want more coverage, more confidence, and zero fuss.

If you’re looking for one pair of mountain bike pants that can handle trail rides, shuttle laps, bike park days, and shoulder-season all-mountain missions, the Skidmarks deserve a serious look.

And yes, we might be a little biased since we dreamed them up ourselves, but I think anyone who rides in them will understand why we’re so pumped. The best part? No actual skidmarks in these Skidmarks. Just good times on two wheels.