Best Rain Pants for Hiking of 2021

 

Best all-around

#1 Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant

Pros:

• Superlight (weight-focused) and very packable/compressible: can be used in variable environments and conditions – either on you or in the bottom of your backpack
• Streamlined minimalist design without unnecessary components; can be used as an emergency shell for hiking
• Great fit and freedom of movement make it suitable for technical trails; made for unrestricted lightweight mobility
• Top-notch wind and water-resistance for all-day weather protection; for day trips as well as for multi-day excursions

Cons:

• Expensive, though it might be justified if you have the money to spend on top-quality rain pants
• No pockets (keep in mind that it can be e plus in certain situations for rain pants)

Best for: Three-season hiking and backpacking

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon | REI | Backcountry

Amazon | REI | Backcountry

 

Best ultralight

#2 Outdoor Research Helium Pants

 

Best for cold weather

#3 Helly Hansen Vanir Lom Pant

 

Best budget buy

#4 Helly Hansen Moss Pant

 

Best of the rest

#5 Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip Pants

 

#6 Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants

 

#7 Columbia Rebel Roamer

 

#8 Marmot Minimalist Pants

 

#9 Outdoor Research Foray GORE-TEX Pants

 

#10 Berghaus PACLITE GORE-TEX Overtrousers

 

#11 The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants

 

#12 Arc’teryx Beta SL Pant

 

#13 Helly Hansen Dubliner Pant

 

#14 Montane Atomic Pants

 

#15 Montane Minimus Pants

 

Table 1: Best rain pants for hiking – comparison table

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	PROS	CONS
Arc'teryx Zeta SL Pant	#1 Best all-around rain pants Side zipper -> 3/4 length WaterTight Weight -> 245 g (8.6 oz) Price -> $249 Waterproof technology -> 2L GORE-TEX with PACLITE PLUS	-> Superlight and very compressible -> Streamlined minimalist design without unnecessary components -> Great fit and freedom of movement make it suitable for technical trails -> Top-notch wind and water-resistance	-> Expensive -> No pockets
Outdoor Research Helium Pants	#2 Best ultralight Side zipper -> Ankle Weight -> 156 g (5.5 oz) Price -> $119 Waterproof technology -> 2.5L Pertex Shield+	-> Ultralight, extremely packable, and reliable; fully seam-taped -> Functional and versatile -> Very comfortable in various environments and conditions -> Breathable and quick-drying	-> Too fragile -> No pockets for access to small items -> Hard to put on over full-size boots
Helly Hansen Vanir Lom Pant	#3 Best for cold weather Side zipper -> Knee length with storm flap Weight -> 430 g (15.2 oz) Price -> $200 Waterproof technology -> 3L HELLY TECH Professional	-> Suitable for extremely harsh conditions: fully waterproof and extremely breathable -> High-quality solid, durable, and versatile construction -> Soft, smooth, and flexible, tight/good fit and extremely comfortable to wear; moves easily over layers -> Inner back waist with reflective strip	-> No belt loops -> A bit noisy -> 2/3 of the pocket zippers have snaps instead of being taped
Helly Hansen Moss Pant	#4 Best budget buy Side zipper -> No Weight -> 410 g (14.5 oz) Price -> $40 Waterproof technology -> Helox+ Technology	-> Affordable -> Fully waterproof and windproof, it is very efficient against rain -> Simple design without extraneous features, it fits nicely and is easy to layer up -> Soft, nice, and durable fabric	-> Not breathable -> Neither very light nor compact
Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip	#5 Side zipper -> Full-length with storm flap Weight -> 340 g (12 oz) Price -> $100 Waterproof technology -> 2.5L NanoPro Eco	-> Full-length side zippers -> Extremely breathable -> Easy to layer up and pack well -> High-quality practical trousers with three zippered pockets	-> The zippers aren't water-resistant -> Hard zipper tops -> You must zip up to completely unzip otherwise, you can't unzip it as the zipper stops at the ankle
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants	#6 Side zipper -> Full-length with snap tabs at ankle Weight -> 289 g (10.2 oz) Price -> $150 Waterproof technology -> 2.5L Dry.Q Active Stretch	-> Built to battle the elements -> Unmatched breathability makes it ideal for high-intensity activities -> Stretchy and comfortable fabric ensures outstanding mobility -> Versatility: works equally well in the mountain as well as in the city	-> Not very durable or abrasion-resistant -> No pockets except for the zippered thigh pocket
Columbia Rebel Roamer	#7 Side zipper -> No Weight -> 354 g (12.5 oz) Price -> $50 Waterproof technology -> Omni-Tech Waterproof/Breathable	-> Simple, offer great protection from wind and water -> Impressive price/quality ratio -> Engineered for easy layering -> Fast and easy to get them on and off over hiking boots	-> Poor breathability -> No pockets, no side zippers
Marmot Minimalist Pants	#8 Side zipper -> Ankle with snap closure Weight -> 292 g (10.3 oz) Price -> $165 Waterproof technology -> 2L GORE-TEX with PACLITE	-> Waterproof, windproof, and superbly seam-sealed -> Lightweight and compact -> Nice style with good/simple design (more features than other minimalist pants but still without fancy features) -> Versatile; thin so they can be worn without another layer in warmer temperatures	-> No belt loops -> Not the most silent pants (make swooshing noise) -> Fit tight/quite snug around the hips and back -> Straight leg cuffs so you might need a gaiter to fend off water and mud
Outdoor Research Foray GORE-TEX Pants	#9 Side zipper -> 3/4 lengthWeight -> 302 g (10.7 oz) Price -> $175 Waterproof technology -> 2L GORE-TEX with PACLITE	-> Top-quality waterproof breathable pants made with soft high-quality fabric -> Full with technical features -> Extremely compact design: could be packed in its own rear pocket -> Durable construction	-> One pocket only -> No zip fly
Berghaus PACLITE GORE-TEX Overtrousers	#10 Side zipper -> 3/4 length Weight -> 228 g (8 oz) Price -> $165 Waterproof technology -> 2L GORE-TEX with PACLITE	-> Fully waterproof construction with sturdy water-resistant zippers and 3/4 length side zippers -> Super lightweight and easy to pack, they come with a convenient mesh sac -> Well-made with nice design; offer a comfy fit -> Breathable enough for year-round trekking	-> Unreliable zippers that stick sometimes allow water penetration in heavy rain -> Not cheap -> No pockets
The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants	#11 Side zipper -> knee length with Velcro adjustable ankle cuffs Weight -> 230 g (8.1 oz) Price -> $80 Waterproof technology -> 2.5L DryVent	-> Versatile: they can be used for backpacking, hiking, camping, travel -> Lightweight and compact design without unnecessary bulk; its own hand pocket can work as a stuff sack -> Tough construction that can meet the challenges of the trail -> Easy to layer up	-> A bit long -> No insulation
Arc'teryx Beta SL Pants	#12 Side zipper -> Full-length with bottom hem lace hooks Weight -> 355 g (12.5 oz) Price -> $299 Waterproof technology -> 2L GORE-TEX with PACLITE PLUS	-> Superlight and easy to pack -> Versatile, they ensure high performance for diverse activities and conditions -> Simple but effective design -> Excellent weather-resistance: fully waterproof construction	-> Durability issues as the design favors low weight and packability over durability -> The adjustable waist strap isn't with a very simple design, which might be trouble especially when you need to use the bathroom in the cold
Helly Hansen Dubliner Pant	#13 Side zipper -> No Weight -> 380 g (13.4 oz) Price -> $75 Waterproof technology -> 2L HELLY TECH Protection	-> Great protection in rain, wind, dirt, snow; suitable for both warm and cold weather ->Budget-friendly, simple and functional design -> Versatile for all kinds of outdoor activities -> The Dubliner trousers are very comfy and easy to pull over regular pants	-> Not very breathable -> The material isn't that good; noisy -> Come in black only
Montane Atomic Pants	#14 Side zipper -> 3/4 length with storm flap Weight -> 195 g (6.9 oz) Price -> $120 Waterproof technology -> 2.5L PERTEX Shield	-> Lightweight and functional rain pants for use in mountain areas -> Great design and good craftmanship -> Enough room for another layer underneath -> 3/4 length side zippers for easy on and off and for added ventilation when needed	-> No pockets -> Run small, check the sizing of the manufacturer
Montane Minimus Pants	#15 Side zipper -> 1/4 length Weight -> 147 g (5.2 oz) Price -> $140 Waterproof technology -> 2.5L PERTEX Shield	-> Ultralight and extremely compact pants that come with mesh pouch for easy storage -> Simple, streamlined, minimalist design -> Exceptional breathability for high-intensity activities in the mountain -> Reflective elements	-> Not the most durable waterproof pants -> The side zippers are difficult to accommodate solid boots -> No pockets

 

Materials

Generally, rain pants are made with woven, knitted or nonwoven face fabric such as nylon (sometimes polyester) and waterproof breathable fabric. The face fabric can be tough, durable, and abrasion-resistant as lighter designs are often more fragile. Various coatings and finishing treatments (durable water repellents or DWR) applied to the shell surface are used to complement the waterproof fabric.  A waterproof breathable material (often a membrane) is bonded to the face fabric. Its role is to carry out water vapor transmission from the body to the environment. The addition of lining can help a lot to protect the membrane from abrasion, body oils, and other pore-clogging contaminants.

Water-resistance

Rain pants need to shield off rain, sleet, and snow to keep the user dry from the outside and from the inside. It doesn’t matter if he/she is backpacking, climbing, working, walking the dog or doing anything else. Water-resistance is what keeps the wearer dry from the outside. There are various degrees of water-resistance. Basically, wearing rain pants with a waterproof rating of 10 000 mm or above is enough to keep the wearer protected sufficiently most of the time (the waterproofness rating of the Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip with 2.5 layer NanoPro Eco technology is 10 000 mm, for instance).

For harsh conditions, look for something with at least 15 000-20 000 mm water column. Helly Hansen Vanir Lom utilizing 3 layer HELLY TECH Professional (Helly Hansen’s most advanced waterproof breathable membrane) comes at 20 000mm and works great even in the most extreme conditions. Hardshell pants with 2L GORE-TEX PACLITE deliver similar performance. Designed for ease of movement, they are lightweight and very packable. Marmot Minimalist and Outdoor Research Foray are excellent examples of minimalist constructions that use the GORE-TEX PACLITE membrane. Arc’teryx Zeta SL and Arc’teryx Beta SL come with 2L GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS. It is very similar to the PACLITE PLUS but it’s more abrasion-resistant.

On our site, you can find some excellent articles dedicated to waterproof breathable fabrics, clothing, and gear. For those interested in the types of waterproof breathable textiles, their properties, and various applications, we recommend seeing our in-depth post on the topic. We have also a great article about rain clothes where we go through different constructions, ratings, and types of waterproofs and their features. In our post about the differences between waterproof, water-repellent, and water-resistant textiles and gear, we draw a comparison between the main features of each of them. We believe that reading one or more of the aforementioned articles will be of great benefit to every outdoor lover.

A wide range of waterproof fabrics offer 100% waterproof protection but it is worth nothing if the fabric has poor breathability and average longevity.

Breathability and ventilation

Breathability

Every seasoned outdoorsman knows that staying dry from the outside is a must but staying dry from the inside is equally important. Water vapor permeability or breathability is the ability of a fabric to allow moisture vapor to pass through it. Rain pants with great moisture vapor permeability work like a charm in high-intensity activities. The higher the breathability rating, the more effective a membrane is at passing moisture vapor from the body to the environment where it could evaporate. In other words, the ability of the fabric to breathe is essential for the comfort of the wearer.

Below, you see a comparison table with information about different activities and the corresponding perspiration rates. While perspiration depends on a range of factors and is strictly individual, the table below is included for easy reference:

Table 2: Heat energy produced by various activities and corresponding perspiration rates

Source: Waterproof and Water Repellent Textiles**, p.32

Table 3 shows that active walking or backpacking requires rain pants with at least 15 000 gm moisture vapor permeability. Active walking with a heavy pack and mountain walking with a heavy pack require even higher breathability (at least 19 000 and 23 000 gm respectively).

Ventilation

Ventilation is also very important for the transportation of moisture to the environment as air circulation moves moisture directly from the skin to the environment. Full-length and 3/4 length zippers can help shed excess body heat in warm temperatures and light drizzle as they can be unzipped for extra ventilation to help you avoid sweating. However, they don’t work that well in heavy rain, cold, and stormy conditions because you can’t just open the side zippers in such conditions. Actually, doing that is probably the best way to soak your legs and boots. Thus, breathability is much more important for rain pants than ventilation to keep the wearer dry.

Overall, models such as Mountain Hardwear Ozonic, Outdoor Research Foray, Arc’teryx Zeta SL, Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip, and Marmot Minimalist are more breathable. Unsurprisingly, more inexpensive models such as Helly Hansen Moss, Columbia Rebel Roamer, and The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip offer less breathability.

Features

There are many technical features of rain pants that can be of use. Main features of rain pants include but are not limited to:

• Side zippers – from no zippers and ankle-length to 3/4 length and full-length zippers with storm flap, side zippers are one of the most sought after features of hardshell pants. Their main function is to ensure easy on and off of the pants over footwear, crampons, snowshoes, etc. In addition, side zippers can be used for added ventilation.
• Elastic waistband – keeps trousers from falling down and guarantees individual fit. Not all designs come with a stretchy waistband but most of them have either elasticized adjustable waist or back elastic.
• Adjustable drawcords and cord locks – similarly to the elastic waist, their main role is to ensure an individual fit. Some models come with internal webbing cinch straps, built-in belts or Velcro fasteners with side closures for a comfortable fit. Various leg cuff closures such as Velcro straps and interior adjustments of cuffs are used to cinch them tight.
• Reinforced instep, seat, and knees – add wear and abrasion-resistance as well as durability, and make useful life longer.
• Pockets – a variety of small and big pocket options for storing small personal items, maps, documents, money, and whatever else one might need exist. Pockets often have waterproof or water-resistant zips that provide secure storage.
• Waist loops – if the trousers don’t fit perfectly, belt loops give the user an opportunity to buckle a belt around the waist.
• Taped seams – most quality hardshell pants are fully seam-sealed constructions to eliminate the chance of wetting from the outside for complete protection from the elements. Cheaper designs are not necessarily seam taped, which increases the chance of failure of the seams. This makes such trousers unreliable in heavy and/or driving rain.
• Compressibility – packed size is an important feature of waterproof pants for hiking. Since they spend a lot of time at the bottom of the backpack, many hikers find it really important to have rain pants that pack well and can fit inside the backpack without taking up too much space. Outdoor Research Helium and Outdoor Research Foray are among the most compressible pants on our list.

Regardless of how many interesting, attractive or distinguishing features certain waterproof pants may have, they are worth nothing if these features aren’t utilized properly. So try to make good use of the features.

Fit, functionality, and comfort

Stretchy or loose-fitting rain pants are preferable because they could fit comfortably over other pants. Wearing additional layers underneath is more of a rule than an exception, which makes good fit essential for all kinds of rain gear from jackets and gloves to trousers.

Overall functionality is much more than the sum of different features, materials, and other technical characteristics of a construction. It’s a combination of mobility, features, and other material and non-material characteristics of a garment. Comfort and freedom of movement are among the most important things to consider when looking for rain pants. Articulated patterns – knee articulation, gusseted crotch, etc. give an exceptional fit and increase mobility. Comfort is strictly individual as it depends on everything associated with the overall experience. Arc’teryx Zeta SL and Helly Hansen Vanir Lom are among the best performers regarding functionality and comfort. Outdoor Research Foray and Marmot PreCip Eco Full Zip also perform very well when it comes to fit, comfort, and functionality.

Functional hardshell pants should provide enough comfort during sports and pursuits in various conditions

Price

The prices of waterproof pants vary a lot. You can find high-quality rain pants for $300 or more as well as for less than $100 (the majority on our list cost between $100 and $175). Of course, there are also less expensive options that perform exceptionally well given the price. Models such as the Helly Hansen Moss and Columbia Rebel Roamer are a great example of a balance between price and functionality for less than $50. It is no coincidence that both of them are in our top 7 despite the fact that these are basically the cheapest trousers among all 15 on our list. They are there because the ratio between price and value is high.

Price differences depend on several factors such as:

• Technical features and overall functionality of the trousers – functional pants with more technical features usually cost more.
• Waterproof rating of the fabric, its breathability, quality of the materials, and high standards of craftsmanship will translate into higher prices – garments using more advanced waterproof technologies such as GORE-TEX with PACLITE Plus, PERTEX Shield, Dry.Q Active, and HELLY TECH Professional cost more.
• Brand popularity and brand loyalty – popular brands famous for making top-notch quality products normally charge more. There are two reasons for this: 1) loyal fans are willing to pay more and 2) many people are prepared to pay premium prices for renowned brands such as Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, Marmot, Outdoor Research, and Berghaus.

Weight and packability

Depend on both design and fabric. All other things being equal, lightweight waterproof pants that pack well (the best overall trousers – Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant are a good example) will cost more than heavier pants. One of the reasons is that in most cases lighter pants are more versatile and compressible than heavyweight trousers. There’s one exception though – solid constructions engineered to excel in cold temperatures and harsh conditions (Helly Hansen Vanir Lom Pant). They are relatively expensive (good models start at $150) and sometimes even have a lining.

Durability

Lighter products often sacrifice durability for low weight. Emergency and minimalist shells such as the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants, Outdoor Research Helium Pants, and Montane Minimus are very comfortable, have great design, and offer excellent wind, water-resistance, and breathability but they are far from being the most durable constructions. Unlike them, more affordable models like The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip are solid and sturdy. Outdoor Research Foray is another robust model that can withstand more unpleasant environments and conditions including some bushwhacking.

Need and individual preferences

The objective conditions (climate, environment, expected weather conditions, type of trip) are a critical factor as regards the necessity for bringing rain pants with you on the trail. However, individual preferences are no less important.

Obviously, hiking in warm temperatures makes the use of more breathable and lighter pants such as the Outdoor Research Helium (they come in at a bit more than 150 g or 5.5 ounces) and Montane Minimus (a bit lighter at 147 g or 5.2 ounces) preferable to using heavier and more solid hardshell pants that are not breathable enough like the Helly Hansen Moss (410 g or 14.5 ounces).

In cold temperatures and worsening weather conditions, you’ll need waterproof pants that ensure reliable all-day protection from wind, cold, and water. They should also breathe reasonably well to lessen the chance of wetting from the inside. Such trousers often weigh a bit more (Helly Hansen Vanir Lom – 430 g or 15.2 oz; 15 000 gm moisture vapor permeability).

Having reliable all-day protection from the elements is essential for cold environments and conditions

Storage

Use waterproof pants only when it is really needed. Meanwhile, store them properly so that they could retain their special characteristics. Proper storage can increase the useful life of all kinds of waterproofs for hiking and backpacking. Stuff sacks are convenient for short-term storage. If prolonged storage is needed, fold them neatly or let them hang freely on a coat hanger in a cool and dry storage area to avoid wrinkles and damage of the cloth. Meanwhile, follow as many as possible of the best practices before storing a garment – it should be cleaned and dry, with fastenings closed, no belts in the loops, and sprayed to prevent prospective insect attacks.

Washing

Keeping rain pants clean is of critical importance to maintain sufficient levels of breathability. Keep in mind that waterproof breathable membranes are quite easy to get clogged up with dirt, sweat or detergent residues. They are also very fragile making proper washing even more important for maintaining the fabric’s breathability. Apparel utilizing GORE-TEX membrane should be cleaned in accordance with its instructions for safe cleaning and drying. Yet, machine washing at 40°C using a detergent without bleach or softener is ideal for cleaning. Rinse well to remove any traces of detergent residue.

Generally, avoid commercial dry cleaning for a GORE-TEX membrane to prevent any damage. Theoretically, dry cleaning can be used. However, the dry cleaner needs to do it with great care.

It’s quite easy to remove the DWR finish or impair its ability to repel water, especially after using your rain garment in bad weather and after multiple cleaning. Hence, you have to reapply the DWR finish (Nikwax offers some really good water-repellents) regularly, i.e. every few months to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Conclusion

The maintenance of user comfort on the trail is heavily dependent on using rain gear in bad weather. Yes, waterproofs have some limitations and won’t work in all conditions. However, knowing more about them and their use will, hopefully, make your adventures more comfortable.

This guide discussed some of the best designs available on the market and everything that could be of use to help you choose the right pair of waterproof pants for your needs.

If you have comments, suggestions or remarks, do not hesitate to drop us a line in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.

 

*  We classified the prices in $-$$$ scale in the following manner:

• usual price is between 0 and $100 -> $
• the usual price is between $100.01 and $200 -> $$
• usual price is above $200 -> $$$

** In J. Williams (Ed.), Waterproof and Water Repellent Textiles and Clothing, 2018, Elsevier Ltd.

 

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