Alpinestars Bryce Gore-Tex Pants

These pants are sold in US Alpha sizes and Alpinestars offers a chart to estimate the waist size for each size. The conversion estimates are about what you’d expect for each US alpha size and we verified the estimates on several pair and found them to be pretty accurate. (Note: Prior to 2018 product releases, Alpinestars standard size charts indicated waist sizes that were significantly larger than those listed here and we had to provide our own estimates on size. Now Alpinestar’s chart more accurately reflects actual size.)

To help you get the right size, we’ve condensed Alpinestars rather complicated chart to something more easily readable. Please note that we are listing a waist size range for each pant because the pants have adjustment tabs on the waist that allow you to snug them down if needed. Choose a size based on the measurement of your waist. You’ll want to measure yourself up a bit higher on your waist than ordinary jeans because protective pants like this are a little higher waisted. Take the link below if you need advice on how to measure. Due to the general trim “cut” of these pants, I’d advise you to choose larger if you find yourself between sizes.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

If you looked at the price of these pants first, you’ll be wanting to know what’s the big deal, right? Well, the Bryce pant uses bonded Gore-Tex as the waterproofing system. “Bonded” means the waterproof layer is not a separate layer between the garments inner and outer liner, but rather the Gore-Tex is bonded to main outer shell. This technology has recently worked its way into the premium glove and boot markets, and is now becoming more prevalent in the high end jacket/pant markets. The bonding allows for the Gore-Tex waterproofing and breath-ability in a pant that has a heavy duty shell, but with less weight.

The shell material of this pant feels noticeably more heavy duty than other pants in the Alpinestars linup. If you have ever handled Klim or Aerostich gear, you’ll have a good approximation of what the general level of ruggedness is offered here. So the Gore-Tex setup and the heavy duty nature of the materials is the big deal here and the explanation for the pricing. Basic features are VERY similar to the Yokoham Drystar pants, so please forgive a bit of copy/paste below in describing the basic functionality.

Like many other styles, these pants have short zippers and a Velcro adjuster on the pant leg ends to help you get them get them on easily and to allow for adjustment of the pant leg size to suit your choice of footwear. The side zippers only come up about half way up the leg so they aren’t a typical “overpant” design, so they’ll work best as your riding pants (over underwear) rather than using them over street clothes. If you oversize them, you can probably use them over street clothes, but you’ll have to take off your boots to get them on/off.

The waist of the pant is adjustable with side straps with a sliding buckle, so they are highly adjustable. They also have suspenders included. Suspenders allow you to wear the pants with a bit looser waist, which makes them really comfortable on long rides. And when you stand up on the pegs or stand up when off the bike, the suspenders will keep the pants up even with the added weight of the armor and whatever you pack along in the front pockets. Personally, I’m a big fan of suspenders but if you aren’t, they are removable.

You’ll see in our photo gallery, the front zip vents on these pants. Those zippers are waterproof which will keep water out when they are closed off. And since the pants feature the bonded GoreTex waterproofing, when the zippers are open, the air will flow right though. I also see that there is a small tab on the side of the zipper opening and when you snap the tab back, it holds the vent open to grab more air (see our photos). I’ve seen MANY arrangements like this, but this one looks effective and is super simple! For colder weather use, you close up those vents and use the removable full thermal liner which feel nice and should give lots of warmth. I’d say these pants are easily three season and with the improved venting and GoreTex performance would probably be comfortable in all but the hottest summer days.

For compatibility with Alpinestars jackets, the pants have a full around zip connection so you can have an integrated suit. These pants are definitely the cream of the crop in the Alpinestars textile pant lineup. :: Paul, 10-17-17

Upgraded hip armor: Alpinestars offers upgraded hip armor in two versions (see below). Take the link to either product page for an explanation of the difference between the two choices. I’d recommend the KR-H for this style pant. The pants have the “loop” Velcro in the hip area, ready for these upgraded armor pieces which have the mating Velcro. The pants are supplied as standard with thin foam hip pads.