Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Cover-It-All Pants
An honest review of the Wild Rye Regan Pant: lightweight, hot-weather-friendly pants from a rider who usually swears off pants all summer.
From May through September in Tahoe, I’m firmly team shorts. I run hot, I ride hot, and pants have always been a hard pass once the temps climb. But when Wild Rye released the Regan, a lightweight, breathable pant made for biking, hiking, and whatever else you need a light pant for, I had to see if it could change my mind.
Spoiler: it did.
Why Even Consider Pants in Warm Weather?
If you’re like me, riding in pants on a warm day sounds…sweaty. But the Regan reminded me there are benefits:
Sun Protection – Skip the constant sunscreen reapplication.
Full Coverage – A little extra layer between shinners, low branches, bug bites, and that early morning chill.
Multi-Sport Versatility – Perfect for hiking, climbing, or camp hangs.
Post-Ride Friendly – Comfortable enough to wear straight into whatever’s next.
The Fit: My Experience
Here’s where I’ll be real: the Regan doesn’t fit me exactly like it does in the Wild Rye photos. I’ve got a bigger waist, athletic thighs, and smaller calves & ankles:
The lower legs are baggier than expected.
The mid-rise waistband hits right at my natural curves (not my favorite spot for all-day comfort).
The ankle/calf opening is a little looser than I’d prefer.
If you carry more through your hips or midsection, or you like a higher rise for coverage, you might notice the same thing.
What Won Me Over
The fabric is where the Regan shines. Made with lightweight, stretchy, recycled polyester, it’s breathable enough to handle warm days without feeling swampy. And that looser leg fit? It actually helps with airflow and movement.
I’ve worn these riding, hiking, and even on casual days around town. They’ve become the pants I toss in my bag “just in case” and more often than not, I end up wearing them.
Why I’m Rooting for Wild Rye
Fit aside, Wild Rye is a brand worth supporting, and I’ve been along for the ride since the beginning. I own multiple pairs of their shorts and chammies, and they’ve been staples in my riding rotation for years. They’re women-led, mountain-town based, and committed to making high-quality, inclusive gear.
While I’d love to see a few tweaks to make the Regan for an even better fit for more body types, I’m impressed with the design, the direction they’re going, and how they continue to create products that make women feel comfortable and confident on the bike (and beyond).
Final Take
If you’re on the fence about pants, especially for warm-weather riding, the Regan is worth a try. It’s light, comfortable, and versatile…and for someone who’s sworn off pants for years, that’s saying something.