Bowtex – Belgian, locally designed and European manufactured – grew from a need that motorcyclists themselves experienced, after which they decided to produce what they needed. Not a bad principle for decent motorcycle clothing, just like these Essential Ultralight motorcycle trousers by Bowtex.
Did we say that before somewhere? Almost: Bowtex now also has – besides these Essential Ultralight – ‘regular’ Essential and an Elite version with AAA-certification (!), each with their own specific properties and features.
These Essential Ultralight CE Level AA can be found – far away from any alternative – at the lightest end of the spectrum. This unisex base layer literally consists of one layer of Dyneema®/Spandex, which you wear underneath your jeans, pyjamas or swimming trunks, providing the same protection as many full-blown motorcycle trousers thanks to their CE level AA classification.
Dyneema® is what makes the biggest difference in the Essential Ultralight, due to the thermal conductive properties that keep you cool and comfortable during the ride, despite the two layers you’re incidentally wearing. Also due to the low weight and mainly the light, fresh and breathable sense that you will forever associate with Dyneema® after only five minutes of wearing it. The absence of Kevlar in this Bowtex gives it its (non-yellow) colour.
This is still underwear. Technical underwear designed by and for motorcyclists to simplify life. You can transform any trousers you want into CE-certified motorcycle clothing by simply wearing the Essential Ultralight underneath. And without sacrificing any comfort. The X-Panel 3D-construction warrants freedom of movement, the reinforced flat seams provide comfort and the adjustable waist band with drawstring – a new element – provides the perfect fit. Altogether, it is stretchy, light and exceptionally comfortable.
In first instance, it takes a little getting used to – that, we’ll admit. We are used to wearing our safety motorcycle gear over our ‘regular’ clothing and this is the other way around. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it pretty fast. Especially because with the Essential Ultralight, you don’t really exude ‘motorcycle’ and that’s something we don’t always want to exude. You can step into any place with these underneath your (dress) pants. The SAS-TEC® TRIPLEFLEX impact protection on knees and hips is very flexible and ultralight.
You can easily wear these all day. Oh and two layers (Bowtex + regular trousers) on a hot day? Wearing two mesh items on top of each other will still be mesh.
