Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
The new TECHTREAD pattern was actually designed based on the study of human movements in the saddle, with additional inspiration being drawn from shoe tread technology - Photo by Lorraine Peachey
Over time I’ve turned into a bit of a breeches junkie. I think that the size of my collection of breeches is quickly approaching that of my collection of jeans. And if you know me at all, you’ll already know how I feel about jeans, as in I’d-live-in-them-each-and-every-day-if-I-could-get-away-with-it.
So since my breeches are starting to fight my jeans for drawer space, I know it’s time to admit to my slight breeches obsession.
I’ve got 3 main requirements that I try to meet with a pair of breeches and those are fit, fabric and function. The ideal fabric is, of course, something that can change with the seasons. My preference tends to favor a fabric that is seasonally appropriate, that also has some compression properties, so that it combats muscle fatigue.
Fit and function preferences are something that can vary greatly from rider to rider. My preference in terms of fit is to find breeches that fit my curves AND my waistline, because breeches that fit my hips but gap at the waistline are not flattering.
I also tend to prefer full seat breeches, as grip is important. And I generally like to have a large pocket to stash my phone or lip gloss in.
The stretchy waistband of the TECHTREADS hugged my waistline without gaping, yet the cut through the hips combined with the stretchiness of the fabric helped the breeches to fit my curves nicely – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
One of the pairs of breeches that I’ve really enjoyed riding in this summer season are the TECHTREAD Full Seat Pull On breeches. So I was already pretty excited to ride in the TECHTREAD breeches, because I’ve had great experiences riding in both FITS Free Flex breeches and Kimberly Knee Patch breeches earlier this year.
If I only could use one word to describe my experience with FITS breeches thus far, that word would most certainly have to be comfortable. The TECHTREADS are a Full Seat Pull On breech, made out of FITS All Season Lite fabric, which is designed to help riders stay cool in the summer heat. The fabric contains 14% Lycra, which helps it to offer compression properties.
Since I’ve ridden in TREADS Wind Pro breeches in the past, I was also pretty interested to see how the new TECHTREADS differ. The original TREADS design featured strategically placed ink dots in various concentrations order to provide a full seat grip, which I found to provide a good amount of grip for me, even during those my-horse-is-feeling-extra-forward-today-in-the-brisk-winter-weather days.
The new TECHTREAD pattern was actually designed based on the study of human movements in the saddle, with additional inspiration being drawn from shoe tread technology.
So what does that actually mean in everyday speak? It means that the resulting design gives riders maximum grip where they need it, minimizes it where they don’t, and in between the two you get a nice balance of ‘moveable grip’.
I also enjoy the awesomely large pocket on the right leg that is even big enough to tuck my smartphone in, where it is held snugly against my leg – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
The printing of the TECHTREAD breeches also is different from that of the original TREADS. The TECHTREADS use a new ink that was selected in order to provide the rider with the best grip possible when used with a printed fabric, plus, it is even environmentally friendly! I also find the design of the printing is stylishly attractive and eye catching; it is something that I enjoy wearing.
When I pulled on the TECHTREAD breeches, I was very happy with how the fit worked for my curvy body type. The fabric felt light enough for warm weather riding, and it was nice and stretchy.
While the fabric on the outer side of the breeches is super smooth, I found the inside to be a little softer and comfortable feeling against the skin. Plus, the slight compression of the fabric felt like it offers that extra bit of support without feeling like it is squeezing my legs.
Upon looking in the mirror, I found the updated styling of the breeches to work for me. The stretchy waistband hugged my waistline without gaping, yet the cut through the hips combined with the stretchiness of the fabric helped the breeches to fit my curves nicely. I even liked the fact that the fabric that makes up the belt loops is even a bit stretchy!
Riding in the TECHTREAD breeches helped me to really see and feel the difference from the original TREADS design.
The new TECHTREAD pattern was actually designed based on the study of human movements in the saddle, with additional inspiration being drawn from shoe tread technology – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
Whether I’m trotting or cantering, or I’m sitting, posting or in two-point, I’ve definitely noticed that the TECHTREAD breeches give me MORE grip. Where I needed it. When I needed it.
I find the All Season Lite fabric feels breathable, so I don’t overheat, even when the day is hot and my ride goes long because my horse is being opinionated. The compression definitely does help my leg muscles from tiring too quickly.
Plus, I also enjoy the awesomely large pocket on the right leg that is even big enough to tuck my smartphone in, where it is held snugly against my leg.
The TECHTREAD Full Seat Pull On Breeches from FITS are available in Lead, Saharah, Coffee (pictured), and Black. The breeches retail for an affordable $128.00, and you can find them here.
Go Grippy Breeches (that help you stay COOL). Go FITS. Go Eventing.
