They are great protection, but hotter than hell in higher temps (and when I get hot enough on long rides, it makes me sick, sleepy and miserable). And (any) leather in hours and hours of rain becomes waterlogged (you should mink oil them up for waterproofness, but nothing works for all day in the rain). And they don't dry overnight either.
The beauty of chaps is they are pretty easy on/off with jeans, so you don't have to seek privacy to change them out like most other gear. But for me, once cold weather is gone, I never use them again. I prefer textile gear more suited to the temps and weather. Rain gear does not breath and is also murder in heat, but can be a great warmer in dry weather should temps unexpectedly plummet (and my rain gear never leaves my bike). It is probably the least attractive, baggy, flapping gear you can wear, but it works.
A set of Kevlar or other armored jeans is pretty good crash protection, but still hot, but not as hot as jeans
and chaps.
I have a collection of about every kind of gear you can get. When I travel, I look at the weather projections, and take what I hope works out, I can't take it all. I almost never travel in leather of any kind (except boots/gloves). It's heavier, not waterproof, and takes up more room to pack than textile. Course, I don't travel in winter.
Finally, if you want a pair, know that the cheapest ones you often find in generic bike parts shops are thin, hard, shiny steer hide made in Pakistan. I would prefer a softer top gain cowhide. (they are often poorly marked as to what they are and where they're made) You need to get them big enough to go over the top of your warmest gear, and they are often in long inseams with unfinished hems, and can be cut off with scissors, and you want to err on too long (bent knees riding) not too short. Trying on is a good idea cause most is made in the Far East where their idea of large is a 33 short.
Most chaps come in two-piece fronts, but one-piece fronts look better (and cost more). I really see no need for pockets. Wearing chaps, your front pockets are covered, the rears are open.
While spendy, the best quality American made naked leather is from my own state of VA. And they pride themselves on a wide variety of exact sizes, not S, M, L, XL, and Jumbos. (Fox Creek) Check for sales and clearance.
https://www.foxcreekleather.com/mens_menschaps
