Foul Weather MTB Trousers on Test: The Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long

With the Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB trousers, mudproof specialist Dirtlej has carried over its half-and-half design from the shorts to a full-length variant: dry where you need it, light and airy where it matters less. But does the concept work on the trail and in everyday riding? We put the Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half through an intensive test for you.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1506 — **Dirtlej** Trailscout Half & Half Long | Sizes XS to XXL (straight/loose) | 480 g in size M | €169.90 Manufacturer’s website

The idea is not new for German mud specialists Dirtlej. They already offer a Half & Half version as a pair of MTB shorts. But for the colder months, you need more than just a dry backside. You need full-length MTB trousers that combine better weather protection with a bit of added comfort. Not too warm and clammy, but not too thin and breezy either. That’s exactly the balancing act the Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB trousers are designed to pull off. If you’re after even more weather protection, Dirtlej also offer the Trailscout in a Waterproof version with a fully waterproof front panel for €199.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1192

At least on paper, the trousers in stylish shades of grey, which Dirtlej call Dust Grey, look like they have plenty going for them. A 20,000 mm water column at the rear and across the front of the lower legs promises solid weather protection, even when conditions turn properly wet rather than just a bit damp. At the same time, the front of the thighs is designed to deliver breathability rated at 20,000 g/m²/24h, which means it can let up to 2 litres of water vapour pass through per square metre each day. That’s a respectable figure, even if it’s not exceptionally high. Then again, that’s always the challenge when you’re trying to balance opposing demands. Fully seal a pair of waterproof MTB trousers, and they’ll feel like a sauna in no time. Let moisture and sweat escape, and they can never be fully watertight. Our test shows how much compromise the Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB trousers really ask of you.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1258

Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB Trousers: How Do These Waterproof MTB Trousers Perform in Real-World Riding?

As with any piece of kit, trying on MTB trousers before you buy is essential, which is often tricky when shopping online. Dirtlej don’t make things especially straightforward at first glance either. There’s a wide size range from XS to XXL, but each size comes in a “Straight” and a “Loose” option, with the exception of XS and XXL. If you think Loose is simply the more relaxed version of Straight, you’re wrong, and you’ll notice the difference the moment you try them on. A size M Loose, for example, is around 30 cm wider at the waist than an M Straight. The reason is simple: at Dirtlej, sizes XS to XXL mainly refer to the length of the MTB trousers rather than the width. That said, the very detailed size chart makes it easy to find the right fit. In our test, Erik went for an XL Straight, while Patrick chose an M Straight. The Loose versions would have been far too wide for both of them.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1543 2

Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB Trousers: Clever Details and a Comfortable Fit

The Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB trousers make a strong first impression from the moment you pull them on. They’re clearly designed for real-world riding, and that’s exactly where they shine. One standout feature is the long leg zips. They let you pull the trousers on and off easily even with your shoes on and knee pads in place, which is something you quickly learn to appreciate on long rides and shuttle days. Despite the generous openings, the fit remains impressively tidy. There’s plenty of room for knee pads without the trousers looking baggy or losing their shape. Once the zips are closed, the Trailscout show their other side. The legs taper neatly towards the ankle in a slim, slightly carrot-shaped cut. That gives them a clean look and does a good job of keeping them away from the chain and cranks. Even the Straight version leaves enough room for pads underneath. If you want a little more space and airflow, go for the Loose version, but it’s best to size down.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1237 600x400 — Thanks to the adjustable waistband, the Dirtlej Trailscout MTB trousers still fit comfortably even after the festive season.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1220 600x400 — Generous ventilation openings on both legs help prevent overheating.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1230 600x400 — With a total of four pockets, two of them zipped, there is plenty of space for all your small essentials.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1203 600x398 — The long leg zips allow you to put on knee pads easily, even out on the trail.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1241 600x400 — Reinforced panels at the seat and ankles provide the durability you need on the trail.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1247 600x400 — The Velcro straps at the ankle tend to latch onto just about anything they come into contact with.

A quick heads-up about the Velcro straps on the ankle. They really do take their job seriously. If you leave them undone, they will latch onto pretty much any fabric they come across, from socks and laces to the gloves you’ve just dropped. It’s best to keep them closed at all times, especially in the wash. Otherwise, you’re in for a proper laundry tangle and likely a few damaged items. It would be a shame to ruin your favourite kit.

The material of the Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long waterproof MTB trousers feels pleasantly soft and supple, almost surprisingly comfortable for such a sturdy pair of trail pants. Against the skin, they feel great without compromising on durability. On colder days, there’s still enough room for a warm base layer underneath. The excellent fit is rounded off by a flexible waistband that can be fine-tuned using Velcro straps. Silicone grippers on the inside keep the trousers securely in place, even on long descents or when you are moving around a lot on the bike.

Storage is kept refreshingly simple. You get four pockets in total, two open ones at the rear and two at the front of the waistband. The front pockets come with zips. That is all you really need for day-to-day riding. Functional, unobtrusive and spot on for the trail.

dirtlej Trailscout half half long WEB 1250

There are also two long ventilation zips on the thighs that let a noticeable amount of air reach your legs on warmer days without undermining the protective character of the trousers. On our size M test pair, however, they occasionally worked themselves open, which isn’t likely to go down well in cold and wet conditions. We also liked the reinforced areas at the seat and ankles, which should cope well with rough use over time.

Side fact: like most technical clothing manufacturers, Dirtlej provide specific care instructions for their lightweight Trailscout Half & Half Long MTB trousers. Wash at 30°C, spin at no more than 400 rpm, leave to dry at room temperature, then put them in the tumble dryer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Anyone who follows that routine every time may end up spending more time caring for the trousers than wearing them, but it will probably help preserve the weather protection for as long as possible. We do like the fact that the trousers are made from recycled material and, according to the manufacturer, are 100 per cent PFC-free.

Conclusions about the Dirtlej Trailscout Half & Half Long Waterproof MTB Trousers

“Half and half” might sound like a bit of a compromise, but that’s not the case with these pants. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Trailscout Half & Half Long combines weather protection exactly where you need it with a feel that is comfortable and almost surprisingly airy. Even with a waterproof rear and lower legs, you are far less likely to overheat than you would be in a full-blown pair of waterproof MTB trousers. Add clever details such as long leg zips, plenty of pockets and reinforced panels at the seat and ankles, and these MTB trousers should keep you happy for a long time.