We've tried to recreate the recycled polyester / merino wool blend in the MONS ROYALE Virage Pants, but it's been impossible. Throwing an old sweater on a pile of 2-liter bottles sounded like a good idea, but it really just looks like garbage. These pants are unbelievable, they're cut exactly how you want for trail riding - enough room for pads, but slim to stay out of harm's way. With that merino wool in there, they fight odor and insulate really well for their thin appearances. Now, what to do about that pile of garbage...