Armored Shorts & Pants
About Armored Shorts & Pants
Armored shorts and pants are slim padded layers worn under riding pants or on their own, with protection around the hips and upper legs built in or added in pockets. Off-road riders use them to add protection without extra bulk, and riders who already have good outer gear use them to fill in the lower body.
Check where the padding sits and how it is held in place. Shorts like the Fly Racing Warpath, Radium and Pilot shorts and the Moose Offroad XC1 Guard Shorts are listed by waist size, with sizes such as 28 and 30 in the listings, and fit is what keeps the padding over the right spot. The ICON Field Armor Compression Pants are a longer, close-fitting alternative. Pick the size from the maker's chart, since armored garments should be snug but still let you bend and sit on the machine. Make sure your outer pants have room for the extra layer.
Brands here are ICON, Fly Racing and Moose Offroad. If you prefer separate pads, see Hip Protectors and Knee Protectors, or browse the rest of Protective Gear.
FAQs on armored shorts and pants
Do armored shorts replace hip protectors?
Not exactly. Armored shorts hold the padding in a garment, with it built in or added in pockets. Hip protectors are separate guards that go into pants or a similar layer. Check the listing to see how much padding the shorts include and where it sits.
What size armored shorts should I get?
Use your waist measurement and the maker's size chart. Armored shorts should be close-fitting so the padding stays in place, but not so tight that they restrict your movement. Listings here use waist sizes, so compare your measurement with the size on the listing.
Can I wear armored shorts under my riding pants?
Usually, yes. They are made as a slim layer, but your outer pants need room for them, especially at the hips. Try them together before a ride, and check that the combination does not bind when you sit on the machine.
How do I wash armored shorts?
Follow the care label. Many makers advise removing any removable padding, washing the garment gently and letting it air dry. Heat and harsh detergents can damage padding and elastic, so check the label for your model.
Are compression pants the same as armored shorts?
They are similar. Compression pants are a longer, close-fitting version, and the ICON Field Armor Compression Pants in this category are one example. Both hold padding against the body, so compare the listing for which areas of the body each one covers.
