Beyond Riders Gear First Impressions: Fitment, Armor, and Real-World Ride Feel
April 18, 2026
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Beyond Riders has been popping up more and more in the EV scene, so we grabbed a few pieces and did the only test that really matters: put them on (with and without the pads), then go ride.
Read more: Protective SoftShell Camo Hoodie (use promo code RUNPLAYBACK for $10 off) and Black Solid Ultra Protective Hoodie (use promo code RUNPLAYBACK for $10 off)
My first impressions came down to fit, comfort, how the armor feels once you’re actually moving, and whether any of it gets in the way when you’re out doing normal EV nonsense.
The Gear We Tried
We tested four items from Beyond Riders:
Protective SoftShell Camo Hoodie (Snow Fox)
Black Solid Ultra Protective Hoodie
Loose Fit Cargo Pants (Extra Wide Gray)
Across the tops, Beyond Riders includes CE-certified armor pads (during my test, Level 1 pads) and the clothing is built around EV riding—more protection than a typical hoodie/shirt, while still aiming to be wearable day-to-day.
Fitment: Sizing and How It Wears
SoftShell Camo Hoodie (Snow Fox)
We went one size up from what we’d normally wear (we’re usually medium, got a large) based on Beyond Riders’ sizing guidance—and that ended up being the right call.
Without armor, it already looked like it had the right length in the sleeves and overall fit. With armor installed (back, chest, elbows, shoulders), it still didn’t come off as stiff or overly puffy. The back plate in particular was easy to forget about once it was on.
Notable details we liked right away:
Zippered outer pockets
Under-arm zips for ventilation
Zippered inner pockets
A built-in microfiber cloth for glasses/goggles
Black Solid Ultra Protective Hoodie
This one felt softer and stretchier than the camo hoodie. Same deal: we sized up to a large, and the sleeve length looked especially spot-on.
With armor installed, you can see the back plate a little more than on the camo hoodie—but it still wore clean and felt like it would be an easy “grab-and-go” protective layer for rides.
Also worth noting: the black fabric has a reflective-looking texture to it, which reads like it’s trying to add a bit of visibility without screaming “high-viz.”
Summer Mesh Shirt + Loose Fit Cargo Pants
For the Protective Summer Mesh Shirt, we went with a medium. It’s designed to breathe, and it includes the usual Beyond Riders quality-of-life features: inner zip pockets, microfiber cloth, and armor pockets. This shirt also includes straps meant to latch to your pants, which is a nice touch for riding—helps keep things from riding up.
The Loose Fit Cargo Pants were the extra-wide version (shown as 34 waist / 30 length). They fit over boots well, have cargo pockets, belt loops, and armor pockets for knee and hip pads.
With the armor in, the outfit looked “ready to ride” without turning into full moto-racing bulk.
Real-World Ride Impressions (The Part That Matters)
Mesh Shirt + Cargo Pants: Airy but Still Confidence-Inspiring
Once we hit the ride test, the biggest takeaway was that the setup felt protective without feeling hot or heavy.
The pants gave that extra peace of mind on hips and knees, and the mesh shirt stayed pretty airy while still doing its job with the pads. If you ride in warmer weather but still want something more substantial than a standard jersey or flannel, this combo makes a lot of sense.
SoftShell Camo Hoodie: Comfortable and Not Bulky at Speed
With the armor in, the camo hoodie still felt very comfortable. Importantly: it didn’t feel bulky once riding, and once you’re moving, it didn’t feel overly warm.
That “armor but not armor-y” feel is what a lot of EV riders want—especially if you’re hopping between casual cruising and the occasional sketchy moment where you’re glad you padded up.
Black Ultra Protective Hoodie: Easy Riding Layer, Great Mobility
We took the black ultra protective hoodie out while riding a small, nimble EV bike, and it stayed comfortable through normal riding and messing around.
No weird restriction, no feeling like you’re fighting the garment. The vibe here is: throw it on, zip it up, and you’ve got a much better safety baseline than a normal hoodie.
Pockets, Venting, and Little Details
Beyond Riders leans into practical features that actually matter on EV rides:
Venting zippers under the arms (both hoodies shown)
Zippered pockets inside and out
Microfiber cloth integrated inside for eyewear
Armor pockets that make pad placement straightforward
Top-to-pant attachment straps on the summer mesh shirt
These are the kinds of things you notice after a few rides—especially if you’re carrying keys/phone, or you’re constantly wiping dust off glasses.
What We Like
Protection without the “full moto suit” feel (especially once you’re moving)
Armor integration is clean and easy (back/elbow/shoulder/chest depending on the item)
Comfortable, rideable fit—didn’t feel overly restrictive
Good pocket/zipper setup for real riding use
Summer mesh shirt + cargo pants combo feels purpose-built for warm-weather EV riding
Things To Consider
Sizing matters: we sized up for the hoodies and were glad we did—use the sizing guide and don’t be afraid to go up a size
Armor visibility: on the black ultra protective hoodie, the back plate can show a bit more through the fabric
Protection level choices: this review features Level 1 pads, with an option to upgrade to Level 2 (if you want more impact protection)
Final Thoughts
If your normal EV riding kit is basically “whatever hoodie is clean,” Beyond Riders feels like a strong step up without turning your ride into a full motorcycle gear commitment.
The biggest win from this first-impressions test is how normal the gear feels once you’re actually riding—protective, but not bulky, and still comfortable enough to keep on for everyday cruising.