MO Tested: Aerostich Protekt Jeans Review

Like me, you probably know Aerostich as the company making funky one-piece motorcycle oversuits that go over your regular clothing. Well, that suit is called the Roadcrafter, there are many derivations of it, and it’s basically the class uniform for veteran moto-journalists. However, many people don’t know Aerostich also makes much, much more. Like this, the Protekt jeans.

Sure motorcycle riding jeans are a dime a dozen, but I like supporting the home team, and like so many of Aerostich’s products, the Protekt is made right here in the US of A. Styled after your normal pair of denim – Levi 501’s to be exact – the Protekt then goes a little further to provide a little more abrasion protection for moto use. First, the Protekt features triple-layer construction, with the outer layer (the one visible to the world) constructed from unwashed 14 oz. denim instead of the 10-12 oz. variety typically found in normal jeans. Underneath the outer layer lies 500D Cordura – the same material used in the standard Roadcrafter suits – around the knees and butt areas for optimum abrasion protection. Lastly, the layer making contact with the rider’s skin is 100% cotton.

What makes the Protekt stand out is its hidden exterior pocket at the knees, allowing the rider to insert the (optional) TF3 knee protectors in seconds without having to take off the pants and/or turn them inside-out to access the knee pockets. This is cool for commuters, as they have the option to wear the protectors while they ride, then take them out once they get to work or school.

The whole point of the Protekt is not to stand out from normal, everyday jeans, so extra features are deliberately subtle. Apart from the hidden knee armor pockets, the Protekt resembles your average pair of jeans. There are five pockets, five belt loops, and a metal zip. Double and triple stitching in impact zones is standard, and there’s a gusset in the crotch area for easier movement downstairs. Speaking of “downstairs,” one hidden benefit of the breathable and waterproof 500D layer in the seat of the pants is being able to sit on a wet or damp motorcycle without getting SBS – Soggy Butt Syndrome.

Aerostich is straightforward about these riding jeans not being the preferred choice if sporty riding is your thing, stating the Protekt is far superior than regular denim when it comes to abrasion resistance, but is still lacking compared to, say, the Roadcrafter for overall protection. Basically, these are great jeans for commuting and cruising around.

Lately they’ve been my go-to riding jeans for one simple reason: comfort. The Protekt jeans were stiff when I got them, but the more I wore them and the more washes they went through, the more comfortable they became – just like my normal jeans. I opted for the TF knee armor and, as advertised, putting them in and out of the jeans is easy-peezy via the external zipper. The soft armor itself gets more pliable with heat and is virtually unnoticeable when riding.

Granted, the loose nature of riding jeans means the armor won’t stay locked in place during a fall, but that’s the risk we take with all riding denim. Also, the combination of thicker denim and triple-layer construction means the Protekt jeans, like any piece of reputable riding denim, is heavier and thus hotter when riding on warmer days. Airflow isn’t completely blocked off, but don’t expect a breezy pair of pants – again, these are the tradeoffs we accept.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with the Protekt jeans. They’re comfortable, look like my normal pair of jeans, and provide some peace of mind when I’m riding around. Thankfully I haven’t had to put them through the ultimate test, and I hope to keep it that way!

They’re available in waist sizes starting at 32 inches, on up to 40 inches, and in a variety of inseams per waist size. If I had it to do over again, I’d opt for a longer inseam as jeans will move up when in the riding position. I picked a 30-inch inseam, copying what I usually get for normal denim, and now my ankles are exposed if I wear riding shoes. Obviously this isn’t Aerostich’s fault, and for $117 (without the $30 knee armor), the Protekt jeans are a no-brainer in my opinion. And if khakis are more your style, Aerostich also makes the Protekt khaki.