Background information
A visit to Dirtlej, home of the legendary dirtsuit
by Patrick Bardelli
"Trailscout light long": These high-quality MTB trousers from Dirtlej solve my dilemma
2.9.2025
Translation: machine translated
I recently travelled across the border and visited an interesting company in Eimeldingen in southern Baden. Dirtlej develops high-quality, weatherproof bike clothing. This includes lightweight, breathable trousers.
Long or rather short? This question arises sooner or later on a mountain bike in summer. The answer is not an easy one, because It's hot, which favours short. After all, I don't want to work up an unnecessary sweat. But: The trails are often overgrown with thorny bushes, which speaks in favour of long. After all, I don't want my legs to bleed. So do I have to choose the lesser of two evils? I don't have to.
From the German brand Dirtlej comes a pair of long MTB trousers that solves the dilemma for me. I recently visited Jan Rühl and his team in Eimeldingen in southern Baden. I've linked my impressions here:
My impression of the Dirtlej «Trailscout light long trousers»
Now I'm testing the «Trailscout Light Long trousers», which are made from 92 per cent recycled polyester and eight per cent spandex. What's more, the durable water repellent finish, or DWR for short, is completely PFC-free, which is the case with around three quarters of Dirtlej products.
Further specifications
- Lightweight, breathable and quick-drying 4-way stretch material
- good fit with enough space for knee pads
- long leg zips allow access to knee pads
- few seams for more wearing comfort
- Stretch for more freedom of movement
- adjustable waistband with two press studs and silicone inserts for a better fit
- Air inlets for temperature regulation
- Two back pockets and two zipped pockets for essentials
Thanks to the stretch material, freedom of movement on the bike is good, while the temperature-regulating properties ensure a comfortable fit. The question of short or long is therefore superfluous. Respectively, the answer is: long. After the heat in mid-August, the conditions over the last two weeks were ideal for these trousers. Not too hot and no painful scratches on the legs.
An adjustable waistband with silicone inserts ensures a good fit, while air intakes at the sides provide additional ventilation.
The trousers are available in other versions: waterproof and half-half. I will be testing the half-half version with a waterproof back and a breathable front over the next few weeks. My report will follow.
In a nutshell
Dirtlej "Trailscout light long trousers" impresses when tested
After the dirtsuit, the rain jacket and a waistcoat, the "Trailscout light long trousers" are the fourth product from Dirtlej that I have taken with me on the trail. And as before, I was not disappointed. On the contrary.
The trousers have solved the short-or-long dilemma for me.
Pro
- Lightweight, breathable and quick-drying
- good fit with enough space for knee pads, long leg zips allow access to them
- Air inlets for temperature regulation
- two zipped pockets for essentials and two back pockets
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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