Review: Curious Creatures Sun Dog Pant

As somebody who wears mountain biking clothing most days of the week, I’m always on the lookout for gear that looks good AND doesn’t compromise on comfort or functionality. It’s a tough ask.

And yet, mountain bike apparel brand Curious Creatures answers. After several months of testing, their Sun Dog pants have quickly become a beloved piece in my riding wardrobe, and one of my favorite mountain bike pants.

Review In A Nutshell

Pros:

• Exceptionally comfortable and easy to move in
• Well-designed leg pockets that are actually functional while pedaling (fits phone easily)
• Wide range of sizing and fit accommodates athletic bodies
• Breathable and fit knee pads

Cons:

• Internal drawstring tends to pull out during washing
• Distinctive colorful accent on the leg may be too quirky for some

Price: $180

Unmatched Comfort for Trail Riding

Let me start with what sets these pants apart. They are, without exaggeration, the most comfortable mountain biking pants I’ve ever worn. Or just pants in general, for that matter. And yet, even though they are just as comfortable as sweat pants, they don’t look frumpy. In fact, I find these very flattering!

The fabric is soft, the fit is generous without being baggy, and the pants are stretchy enough to allow you to maneuver freely on the bike.

Additionally, the yoga-style waistband is next level. Unlike traditional pants that can dig in or create awkward gaps, the Sun Dog’s waistband provides seamless coverage and comfort whether you’re climbing technical singletrack or drinking a post-ride beer at the trailhead.

Unfortunately, there is one minor annoyance with the waistband design. The internal drawstring, similar to what you’d find in a hoodie, has a tendency to pull out completely. Anyone who’s ever had to re-thread a hoodie string knows this can be a frustrating experience. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of and begs for more patience and care than I have.

Thoughtful Storage Solutions

The Sun Dog pants feature well-thought-out storage options, with large zippered pockets on each leg that actually work while riding. As someone who always carries a phone on rides, I appreciate that these pockets are both spacious and positioned in a way that doesn’t interfere with pedaling motion.

There are also two additional snap-closure pockets on the rear, though I found these less practical and generally left them empty.

Ankle Closure

Each of the pant legs has a side opening and snap closure system at the ankles. This design serves two purposes: it makes it easy to put on or remove knee pads (yes, there’s space for those!), and it provides excellent ventilation during rides.

This ventilation is a double-edged sword, however – while it’s fantastic for temperature regulation during moderate weather, it can make the pants less suitable for cool-weather riding without an additional layer underneath. There are two snap positions, so you can tighten up the ankle, but you’ll still end up with some airflow.

The Quirky Aesthetic

The Sun Dog pants feature a distinctive colorful accent on the right leg that’s sure to generate conversation. During my testing, I had multiple riders ask about its purpose, assuming it served some functional role.

While some folks might appreciate this unique design element, I found it a bit quirky for my taste. This design choice might influence your decision about wearing these pants off the bike, especially if you prefer more neutral styling for casual wear. If that sounds like you, you might want to opt for the black pant; it’s accent piece is black as well.

Weather Versatility

Living and riding in wildly unpredictable Idaho, I’ve had the opportunity to test these pants across various weather conditions. They excel in warm-ish shoulder season riding – those perfect spring and fall days when temperatures are moderate.

The pants prove too warm for intense summer riding in Idaho heat, and without reinforcement, they’re not quite enough for winter riding unless paired with a base layer. I’ve successfully extended their use into cooler weather by wearing tights underneath, which works quite well.

Sizing And Colors

I’m always grateful when pants come in numerical sizes, so I don’t have to guess where I fall on the small, medium, large spectrum. The Sun Dog pant comes in a wide variety of sizes from 0 to 18.

I found that they fit true to size, and you won’t need to order up a size if you have more muscular glutes or thighs as I often find myself doing. These are cut to accommodate active female bodies, as you would expect all mountain bike clothing to do but they often don’t.

They also come in 4 different colors…a couple bright and a few that are more subdued. Photos below from Curious Creatures.

Riding Style Considerations

It’s important to note that while these pants excel for trail riding and general mountain biking, they’re not designed for more aggressive downhill or bike park riding. The lack of reinforced knees means they’re better suited for days where you don’t plan on crashing. The material is not as protective as that on the Wild Rye Freyah or Dharco Gravity pant, for example.

Supporting Women in the Industry

One aspect I particularly appreciate about Curious Creatures is that it’s a woman-owned company. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing founder Natasha Woodworth for the Femme Cyclist podcast, where we discussed the thoughtful design elements that went into creating these pants. It’s refreshing to see women-led companies creating products that truly understand and address the needs of female riders.

One of the concepts she kept mentioning during our interview was that she has tried to design pieces that can be worn on or off the bike. I definitely thing these pants fall into that category. I have been very happy wearing them for hiking, camping, and running errands. Although I think I’d prefer getting another pair in a more neutral color for every day, off-the-bike wear.

Final Thoughts

The Curious Creatures Sun Dog pants excel as a comfortable, versatile option for trail riding in moderate conditions. Their extreme comfort, practical storage solutions, and thoughtful design features make them a solid choice. While they may not be the perfect choice for extreme weather conditions or aggressive downhill riding, they’ve earned their place as a go-to option in my riding wardrobe.

These pants are ideal for riders who:

• Prioritize comfort during trail rides
• Need practical storage solutions while riding
• Want the flexibility to use knee pads
• Ride primarily in moderate weather conditions
• Value supporting women-owned businesses in the cycling industry

More Stuff You Might Like

• What To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!
• Best Women’s Mountain Bike Pants I Tested
• 7 Best Women’s MTB Clinics, Camps, & Events

About The Reviewer