So Jay found a pair of “Sliders” Kevlar reinforced abrasion resistant cargo pants on sale in one of his catalogs… I didn’t even know such a thing existed! What a great idea I thought, then went to find some for myself. Herein lies the problem – Sliders pants are only made for men. Now I could get away with wearing a unisex tee-shirt, but pants? No way!
Jay always says “If it exists, Diana can find it online,” and that I did. I actually found 3-4 different companies that make Kevlar riding pants for women in all different styles from sexy low-rise jeans to hot pink camo pants. I’m not sure what is “camo” about hot pink, and the pants ranged in price from $175-250 a pair. Ouch!
Solution: Brosh.
Brosh Tech Ltd. was established in 1990 by Chaim Sokonik, and is a leader in the field of motorcycle clothing and accessories in Israel. Israel? Hmm, do Israelis know anything about riding motorcycles? Well, apparently they do… and living in the desert, they definitely have an edge on keeping cool while riding!
One of the innovative products in Brosh’s line is a pair of Women’s Cargo Pants with Kevlar and Cool Max. They retail for only $78. Way less expensive than anything else I had found, and with the added benefit of Cool Max panels to help me beat the heat!
I had never worn Kevlar reinforced pants before (just weeks before I had never even heard of them!), but from my research I found that many people complain of them being really hot. These pants are not. I have worn them in 80+ degree temps so far, and they fare much better than my husband’s Sliders. On the other hand, I found a product review of one of Brosh’s Cool Max jackets where the author claimed it was actually too cool in temps below 70. Well, I wore my Women’s Cargos to work the other morning. It was 39 degrees when I left at 6:15 am. I can’t say that it was a toasty ride, but truthfully the only thing that was cold enough to bother me was my fingers. The pants were great.
I think the best part of all is that these pants are stylin’ enough that I can wear them to work. We have a “business casual” dress code, and are only permitted to wear jeans on Fridays. So I can wear these pants for my commute, and I don’t have to bring another set of clothes to change into when I get to work.
Alright, you want some details… Brosh Tech Women’s Cargo Pants have a Kevlar lining in the knee areas that also serves as a pocket for optional ventilated knee armor (an additional $22). There are also removable panels for each hip that wrap pretty much all the way around your rear end as well. These panels come out for easy laundering, and reattach with Velcro strips. I strongly suggest making sure you have a shirt tucked into the waistband because the Velcro can be scratchy against your bare skin. I hope I don’t ever personally have the opportunity to give the Kevlar a true test of its strength and durability, but I have seen numerous tests done dragging people and crash dummies for several yards along the asphalt. The jeans get torn through in a matter of seconds, but the Kevlar stays intact. In my book that will go a long way to preventing some serious road rash. Besides, I figure if it can stop a bullet then it needs no further testing.
The pants are made of a 35/65 poly/cotton blend with cool Max fabric planted behind the knees. This material is super-ventilated, wicks away moisture, and dries very quickly. I believe they come in black, grey, and olive green (but you might want to email the company to verify what is available). I only wish the Cool Max panels came in a coordinating color. My green pants have black panels, and although no one has ever commented about it I am a little self-conscious about the color contrast when I am walking around in a non-motorcycle environment like the grocery store.
My favorite feature of these pants is the cargo pockets. Besides the standard front hip pockets (which I have always found to be uncomfortable to put anything in), these pants have not one but two cargo pockets on the outside of each leg. They are great to put my cell phone, cash, keys, feminine supplies, etc in a nice convenient place. I don’t have to pack these things in bags on my bike and then go rummaging for them at every rest stop. I can just hop off my bike and run in to the convenience store for a beverage or to use the rest room. Velcro flaps on the pockets assure that everything stays secure while riding.
Finally, the fit. Brosh suggests that if you are between sizes you should order a size larger because these pants are slim-fitting. Also, the Kevlar panels take up a little room inside the pants as well. They are not kidding! I actually had to return my original pair and get 2 sizes larger in order to fit over my hips. They measure in European sizes, so I was pretty much at a loss as far as what size to order (I really don’t get the measuring flat across the front of your waistband thing). Customer service was friendly and efficient in dealing with the exchange. Now that I got the right size, they do fit great. My pants are very comfortable, and just the right length. They have a slightly wide-leg cut so there is a little extra material around your calves when trying to tuck it all inside rain pants or chaps.
I definitely have to give this product a positive rating. As soon as I recover financially from buying my son’s graduation present, I plan to get another pair…or two! At these prices, you can’t go wrong. Safety, style, comfort – a quality product at half the price of the competition.
Brosh Tech also carries a wide range of Cool K jackets, Men’s Cargo Pants, Power Jeans, and much more! They will even affix Kevlar panels into your own jeans for a very reasonable price.
Tags: Mrs Road Captain, Product Reviews by Diana Green
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