Best Rain Pants for Hiking of 2023

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 also have a great article about rain clothes where we cover different constructions, ratings, and types of waterproof materials, along with 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 if the fabric lacks breathability and has average longevity, its value diminishes significantly.

Breathability and ventilation

Breathability

Every experienced outdoorsman knows the importance of staying dry from the outside, but staying dry from the inside is equally crucial. 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 allowing moisture vapor to pass from the body to the environment for evaporation. 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 2 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 the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell, Marmot Minimalist, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, Outdoor Research Foray, Arc’teryx Beta AR, and Mountain Hardwear Ozonic are known for their excellent ventilation. The Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell and Marmot Minimalist, in particular, offer exceptional ventilation with their full-length side zippers, allowing for maximum airflow. The remaining models, including the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, Outdoor Research Foray, Arc’teryx Beta AR, and Mountain Hardwear Ozonic, provide effective ventilation through their 3/4-length zippers, ensuring a good balance between airiness and protection. These designs prioritize breathability, making them suitable choices for activities in warmer climates or high-intensity pursuits where heat and moisture management are crucial.

Unsurprisingly, inexpensive models such as the Columbia Rebel Roamer and Helly Hansen Dubliner offer limited ventilation compared to their higher-priced counterparts. These models do not feature side zippers, which restrict the direct airflow and ventilation they can provide. As a result, they are not as effective in managing body heat and moisture during warm or high-intensity activities. Nevertheless, these models still offer basic protection from the elements and work sufficiently well for less demanding outdoor activities.

Features

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

• Side zippers: Ranging from ankle-length to full-length with a storm flap, side zippers are a highly sought-after feature in rain pants. They allow for easy on and off over footwear and can also provide additional ventilation.
• Elastic waistband: Helps keep the pants securely in place and offers a customizable fit. While not all designs include a stretchy waistband, most of them feature either an elasticized adjustable waist or a back elastic.
• Adjustable drawcords and cord locks: Serve a similar purpose to the elastic waistband by ensuring a personalized fit. Some models offer internal webbing cinch straps, built-in belts, or Velcro fasteners with side closures for added comfort. Various leg cuff closures, such as Velcro straps and interior adjustments, help cinch the cuffs tightly.
• Reinforced instep, seat, knees, and cuffs: Enhance wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and durability, resulting in a longer lifespan for the pants.
• Pockets: Rain pants often come with a variety of pocket options for storing personal items such as maps, documents, and money. These pockets typically feature waterproof or water-resistant zippers for secure storage.
• Waist loops: If the trousers don’t fit perfectly, belt loops allow the user to buckle a belt around the waist.
• Taped seams: Most high-quality hardshell pants have fully seam-sealed constructions to ensure complete protection from the elements. Cheaper designs may lack seam taping, increasing the risk of seam failure and making them less reliable in heavy or driving rain.
• Compressibility: The packed size of waterproof pants is an important consideration for hikers. Being able to pack rain pants efficiently and have them fit inside a backpack without taking up excessive space is highly valued. Pants like the Outdoor Research Helium and Outdoor Research Foray are known for their excellent compressibility.

Regardless of the number of interesting, attractive, or distinguishing features that waterproof pants may have, their value is diminished if these features are not 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. Rain pants often feature elastic or partially elasticized waists, drawcords, built-in belts, and waist loops to provide a personalized fit. These features allow users to adjust the waist size for a snug and comfortable fit. Elastic waists and partially elasticized waists offer flexibility and accommodate various body shapes and sizes. Drawcords, built-in belts, and waist loops add extra adjustability, allowing users to fine-tune the fit and securely fasten the pants around the waist.

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. For active outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking, it’s important to have rain pants that allow you to move freely. That’s why rain pants often have special design features like articulated patterns, knee articulation, and a gusseted crotch. These features ensure a comfortable and flexible fit, enabling easy movement during your adventures. Articulated patterns give your knees more room to bend, while a gusseted crotch provides greater flexibility in the hip area. These enhancements greatly improve your mobility.

Comfort is strictly individual as it depends on everything associated with the overall experience. The comfort of rain pants can be influenced by several factors, including the design of the waistband, the presence of padding, the use of soft fabrics in specific areas, and the overall cut of the pants. The waistband design contributes to how comfortable the pants feel around your waist, while padding provides extra cushioning and support. The use of soft fabrics in certain areas adds a touch of comfort against your skin. Additionally, the overall cut of the pants determines how well they fit and allow for ease of movement. If you prioritize comfort, you may wish to consider these factors. Arc’teryx Beta AR and Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity are top performers in terms of 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

Weight and packability

Weight and packability are influenced by both the design and fabric of waterproof pants. Generally, lightweight pants that pack well tend to be more expensive compared to heavier options due to their versatility and compressibility. However, solid constructions specifically engineered for cold temperatures and harsh conditions, like the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity pants, can be an exception. Such pants are relatively expensive (good models start at $150-$200) and sometimes even have a lining.

Lightweight rain pants provide several notable advantages, with excellent packability being a standout feature. Their compact size makes them convenient to store and carry taking up minimal space in a backpack. Additionally, these pants tend to offer versatility by providing enough room for an additional layer underneath. This feature makes them well-suited for year-round wear in varying weather conditions. However, it’s important to consider the trade-off between weight and durability. Lightweight rain pants are more susceptible to durability issues compared to heavier options.

We have assessed a range of rain pants with weights varying from 190 g (6.7 oz) to 550 g (19.4 oz), with an average weight of 332 g (11.7 oz). Please consult Graph 1 for a comparison of the weight of each model on our list in grams, and Graph 2 for the comparison in ounces.

Graph 1: Weight comparison between men’s zip-off hiking pant designs (in grams)

Graph 2: Weight comparison between men’s zip-off hiking pant designs (in ounces) 

Durability

Lighter products often sacrifice durability for low weight. Emergency and minimalist shells such as the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants, and Outdoor Research Helium Pants 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 Helly Hansen Dubliner are solid and sturdy. Outdoor Research Foray is another robust model that can withstand more unpleasant environments and conditions including some bushwhacking. Needless to say, designs created for cold weather and harsh conditions, such as the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds and Arc’teryx Beta AR, are typically among the most durable and abrasion-resistant options.

Need and individual preferences

The objective conditions, such as climate, environment, expected weather conditions, and the type of trip, are critical factors in determining the necessity of bringing rain pants on the trail. However, individual preferences are equally important in making this decision.

Undoubtedly, hiking in warm temperatures calls for the use of highly breathable and lightweight pants like the Outdoor Research Helium (weighing in at 190 g or 6.7 ounces) and REI Co-op Trailmade (slightly heavier at 218 g or 7.7 ounces), as they are preferable to heavier and less breathable hardshell pants such as the Helly Hansen Dubliner (weighing 450 g or 15.9 ounces).

In cold temperatures and worsening weather conditions, reliable all-day protection from wind, cold, and water is essential. Waterproof pants that offer reasonable breathability to minimize the chance of moisture buildup from the inside are necessary. It’s worth noting that such trousers often have a slightly higher weight, like the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity pants weighing 550 g or 1 lb 3.4 oz. (their moisture vapor permeability is above 20 000 gm).

Price

The prices of waterproof pants can vary significantly. There are high-quality options available for $400 or more, as well as options for less than $100. Most designs on our list fall within the $100 to $185 range. It’s important to note that there are also affordable options that offer exceptional performance relative to their price. For example, the Helly Hansen Dubliner, REI Co-op Trailmade, and Columbia Rebel Roamer are great examples of a balance between price and functionality, priced at $75 or less. They have been included in our list due to their high ratio of price to value.

The most expensive rain pants listed here are the Arc’teryx Beta AR and Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell, priced at $500 and $425 respectively. These models are specifically designed for cold-weather adventures in mountain environments. Premium rain pants like these prioritize durability for harsh conditions, while also ensuring complete waterproofness and breathability. Notably, they have a heavier weight and a tighter fit, particularly in the leg cuff.

The average price of the reviewed rain pants is approximately $179, with the top-ranked OR Foray being closest to that price at $180. However, this average is influenced by the higher-priced Arc’teryx Beta AR and Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell, which increase the average by approximately $50. Excluding these outliers, the average price of rain pants is around $131 (Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and OR Helium are priced at $129 and $130 respectively). This average price is slightly above the median price of $140. We often say it, but it’s never too prudent to emphasize the fact that a higher price tag can often imply better quality; however, it’s not always a guarantee.

Graph 3: Men’s rain pants price comparison (US dollars)

Why do prices vary within a wide range? Price differences depend on several factors such as:

• Technical features and overall functionality of the trousers as pants with more advanced technical features tend to be priced higher.
• The waterproof rating of the fabric, its breathability, the quality of materials, and the high standards of craftsmanship all contribute to higher prices. Garments utilizing advanced waterproof technologies such as GORE-TEX with PACLITE Plus, GORE-TEX PRO, PERTEX Shield, Dry.Q Active, and HELLY TECH Professional tend to cost more.
• Brand popularity and brand loyalty play a role in pricing, as popular brands renowned for producing top-notch quality products often charge more. This can be attributed to two main reasons: first, loyal fans who value the brand are willing to pay higher prices, and second, many individuals are willing to pay a premium for well-known brands such as Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, Fjallraven, Marmot, and Outdoor Research.

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 extend the lifespan of all types of waterproof pants for hiking and backpacking. For short-term storage, stuff sacks are convenient. If you need to store them for a longer duration, fold them neatly or hang them freely on a coat hanger in a cool and dry storage area to prevent wrinkles and damage to the fabric. Meanwhile, before storing a garment, follow as many as possible of the best practices such as cleaning and drying it, closing any fastenings, removing belts from loops, and spraying it to prevent potential insect infestations.

Washing

Keeping rain pants clean is crucial for maintaining their optimal breathability. It’s important to note that waterproof breathable membranes can easily become clogged with dirt, sweat, or detergent residues, and they are also quite delicate, emphasizing the need for proper washing to preserve the fabric’s breathability. If your apparel utilizes a GORE-TEX membrane, it should be cleaned following the instructions provided for safe cleaning and drying. In general, machine washing at 40°C with a detergent that does not contain bleach or softener is recommended. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove any traces of detergent residue.

Generally, avoid commercial dry cleaning for GORE-TEX membranes to prevent any potential damage. While theoretically, dry cleaning is an option, it should only be done by a professional dry cleaner who understands the delicate nature of the fabric and can handle it with utmost care.

It is important to note that the DWR finish on rain garments can be easily compromised or worn off, particularly after exposure to harsh weather conditions and multiple cleanings. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically reapply the DWR finish using products such as Nikwax water repellents. This maintenance should be performed regularly, i.e. every few months to ensure continued water repellency and avoid any unpleasant surprises.