Best Budget Mountain Bike Pants: Are Wrangler ATG Pants a Trail-Ready Bargain?

Mountain biking gear can quickly become expensive, but finding affordable alternatives doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. When the question “Nice pants, who makes those?” started echoing among our riding group, the answer was surprising: Wrangler. Yes, the brand known for jeans also makes mountain bike pants, specifically the Wrangler ATG Synthetic pants, available at surprisingly low prices at stores like Target and online. Intrigued by the hype and the budget-friendly price tag (around $27), we put these pants to the test to see if they could truly be considered among the Best Budget Mountain Bike pants on the market.

Wrangler ATG Synthetic Pants: Budget-Friendly Trail Wear

MSRP: $26.99 – $29.99
Availability: Target and Online

The Wrangler ATG (All Terrain Gear) line offers a range of apparel, but the synthetic pants stand out as particularly suitable for mountain biking. Among the options, the Slim Fit Taper Trail Joggers caught our attention due to features like the integrated belt. While friends have found other styles in the ATG line equally impressive, we focused on the Joggers to delve into their specific mountain biking capabilities.

Cyclist wearing Wrangler ATG pants, highlighting the fit and style while standing next to a mountain bike

Starting with the waistband, the Joggers incorporate a sewn-in nylon web belt with a plastic buckle. This belt, while not encircling the entire waist, effectively tightens the fit, a welcome feature when sizing can be slightly off. For instance, finding only size 34 at the local store when a 32 would be ideal wasn’t a problem, thanks to the adjustable belt. Cinching it to the maximum provided a secure fit, albeit with a slight frontal bulge. For those preferring a different belt, external loops are also included. Notably, the integrated nylon belt appears to be exclusive to the ATG Joggers, making this style a preferred choice for many seeking secure and adjustable budget mountain bike pants.

Pocket configuration is always a consideration for mountain bikers. The Wrangler ATG pants offer five pockets in total, none of which are zippered. The rear pockets prove largely impractical while riding, and the front pockets, lacking zippers, are only marginally more useful on the bike. While pocket security during rides is limited, they serve well as hand warmers off the bike and for temporarily holding small items pre- or post-ride.

Moving down the leg, a crucial feature for mountain biking is articulated or “pre-bent” knees, which the Wrangler ATG pants deliver effectively. This design element contributes significantly to freedom of movement and comfort while pedaling and navigating varied trail terrain, enhancing their suitability as functional budget mountain bike pants.

Close-up of articulated knees on Wrangler ATG pants, showcasing flexibility and design for mountain biking

At the ankle cuffs, elastic cinchers are included, a feature considered almost essential for dedicated mountain bike pants. While some bike-specific pants omit hem cinchers, the drawcord hem on the Wrangler ATG is a significant advantage. Cinching the ankle hem on the drive-side leg prevents unwanted chainring contact, a practical detail often overlooked in more expensive options. For pants lacking this feature, external Velcro straps are a workaround, but the integrated cinchers on these budget mountain bike pants add convenience and eliminate the need for extra accessories.

Close-up of ankle cuff with elastic cinchers on Wrangler ATG pants, demonstrating the adjustable hem for chainring clearance

Materials, Fit, and On-Trail Performance

The Wrangler ATG Slim Fit Taper Joggers are constructed from a blend of 95% nylon and 5% spandex, a common material composition in many mountain bike pants. The fabric has a slightly rougher texture and tends to attract lint and hair, unlike some softer, more premium materials. However, this doesn’t compromise comfort. A 50-mile ride in these pants proved their comfort over extended use.

One notable difference from many MTB-specific pants is the apparent lack of a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the Wrangler ATG pants. Light rain showers quickly permeate the fabric, indicating limited water resistance. This might be a drawback for riders frequently encountering wet conditions, but for drier climates, it might be less of a concern for budget mountain bike pants.

In terms of temperature range, the Joggers performed optimally between 40°F and 65°F. This range makes them well-suited for winter and shoulder seasons in many regions. They are neither exceptionally breathable nor heavily insulated, positioning them as a mid-weight option. With no dedicated vents, their performance is straightforward and reliable within their intended temperature range.

Durability is a key consideration for mountain bike apparel, and while crash testing wasn’t conducted, the Wrangler ATG pants feel robust and capable of withstanding trail abrasion. Marketed as workwear and outdoor wear, the ATG series emphasizes toughness. The material thickness inspires confidence in their ability to hold up to regular trail use, adding to their value as durable budget mountain bike pants.

Full body shot of a mountain biker wearing Wrangler ATG pants, showcasing the overall fit and style in a trail environment

The fit of the Wrangler ATG pants is a major highlight, even with a slightly oversized waist in our test pair. Despite opting for a 32-inch inseam when a 34-inch is usually preferred (in Levi’s jeans, a 36-inch inseam is standard), the length proved to be surprisingly adequate, only missing a few millimeters. Waist sizing appears to be true to size.

Beyond price, the aesthetic appeal of these budget mountain bike pants contributes significantly to their popularity. The color options (black, gray) align with current men’s MTB apparel trends, and the fit is streamlined, avoiding the boxy, wind-flapping silhouettes of some cheaper pants. Unfortunately, Wrangler currently does not offer women’s sizes or styles in the ATG line.

Despite this limitation, the Wrangler ATG pants are available in various styles, three colors, waist sizes from 30-40, and lengths of 30, 32, and 34, offering a reasonable range of options for men seeking affordable mountain bike pants.

Pros and Cons of Wrangler ATG Pants for Mountain Biking

Pros

Affordable mountain bike pants: Exceptional value for the price point.
In-store availability: Easily purchased at Target stores.
Size and style variety: Multiple sizes and styles within the ATG line.
Good bike performance: Functional and comfortable for trail riding.

Cons

No DWR coating: Limited water resistance.
Open pockets: Contents can easily fall out during rides.
Partial nylon belt: Belt doesn’t fully encircle the waist.

Bottom Line: Are Wrangler ATG Pants Worth It?

It’s no surprise that mountain bikers are embracing the Wrangler ATG pants. They deliver on the essentials: affordability, availability, and solid on-trail performance. For riders seeking functional and budget-conscious mountain bike pants, the Wrangler ATG line, particularly the Joggers, presents a compelling option that punches well above its weight class. They might just be the best budget mountain bike pants for riders prioritizing value and practicality.

As a final testament, even after rigorous testing and detailed evaluation, the question resurfaced during a ride break: “Hey man, who makes those?” The answer, still surprising, still Wrangler, underscores the unexpected appeal of these budget-friendly trail pants.