I am planning my first road trip this summer- from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. This ride will consist of many highway miles and riding through the mountains at elevation.
What pants do you suggest for such a ride?

 

Depending on where my trip is taking me, I’ll wear the cliché jeans and chaps with rainproof bibs for backup or else just wear my BMW riding pants (preferred for cooler/wetter weather)

 

I guess it depends on what your concerns are: Color coordination, water proof, warmth, road rash ...

In winter I wear Gerbing's heated pants. In warmer months I will be wearing the Klim riding pants I just purchased. Since they are Goretex I don't need to stop and put on rain gear should it start to rain

 

Chaps, or leather overpants.

 

 

I always just wear jeans. Regardless of where my trip takes me, I’ll always remember to bring my leather chaps, and put them on anytime it seems the temperature is going to fall below 60. Elevations can get cold quicker than you think. Says the guy who didn’t bring his chaps or heavy jacket this past weekend trip to Death Valley...and nearly froze my nutz off.

 

I wear sliders brand, a kevlar butt and knees lined jean or chino.
In cooler weather, kevlar jeans and cold weather, leather overpants.
In warm or hot weather, the tan chino kevlar pants. It is much cooler, lighter color and breaths better than denim.

What I like about Sliders is their fit on me, and that the kevlar is lined. With my Draggin Jeans, I needed to wear shorts to keep the kevlar away from my skin, especially on warm days. If you chose kevlar jeans, read the reviews regarding sizing. For example, if you choose to try Sliders, buy one size smaller than your normal jeans. They are cut large. Draggin was closer to normal jean sizing.
Rain pants pull over both. For long trips, April-Sept I don't take the leather pants, the rain pants offer enough wind protection to make the kevlar jeans warm enough.
They are available with knee armor, I have worn them both ways, now no armor, just riding for the slide with kevlar.

For me, one pair, kevlar jeans and rain pants. For backup, chino kevlar pants. I'd leave the leather overpants and chaps at home if you bring rain gear.

Good leather jacket with adequate venting and a rain jacket and your good to go.

added:
Maureen wears Cycle Gear Bilt jeans, but she is still looking for a pair of great looking women's kevlar jeans. She is not so worried about the kevlar as she figures she'll just stay on top of me until we stop if we ever go down. She wears jeans that look good... Safety is not her major concern. I did not want to sound like an ad for one brand over another, what my point was that all day, all week fit is important. Prior to the kevlar days, I used to like Cortech Brazilian leather lined jeans, because they fit, looked good and were comfortable to ride all day. Kevlar killed that category so they are no longer available.

 

Every trip that I've ever taken, including Sturgis, I wore jeans.

 

Prison Blues Jeans. Made on the inside for life on the outside!

http://www.prisonblues.net/

 

who wears pants )