There’s nothing worse than being on an outdoor adventure and realizing that your pants are completely soaked. So many people don’t realize that cotton pants are just not going to do it when you’re out hiking or adventuring. Therefore, we’ve put together the best waterproof pants so you can stay warm and dry while still being outdoors. If you’re looking for more of the best backcountry gear, check out our article on the Best Waterproof Backpack for 2022 and the Best 12 Person Tent for large families.
Best Overall – Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pant (Women’s/Men’s)
Lightest Rain Pants – Vertice Rain Pants (Women’s/Men’s)
Most Durable – The Outdoor Research Helium Pants (Women’s/Men’s)
Best for Light Packability – Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Pants (Women’s/Men’s)
The Best for Pockets – Marmot Precip Eco Pants (Women’s/Men’s)
Best for Comfort – Montane Minimus Waterproof Pants (Women’s/Men’s)
Best for All-Day Comfort – Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants (Women’s/Men’s)
Table of Contents
What are waterproof pants called?
Some people say waterproof pants while others refer to them as rain pants or rain trousers. Either way, they’re the best!
Do waterproof pants exist?
Yes – waterproof pants definitely exist. However, it isn’t as simple as it may seem. Different brands use different features and technologies to create their products.
What are the benefits of waterproof pants?
Firstly, there are so many different styles of waterproof pants! Whether you’re wanting a pair of rain pants or something even more durable, there are so many different designs. A breathable wide leg cut? Or a more slim fit? You’ve got it!
Secondly, sometimes the outdoors can get your clothes super dirty. Waterproof pants offer an easy to clean surface due to their protective coating.
Thirdly, most waterproof pants are super packable and lightweight. Therefore, you can easily stash them in a backpack if you’re on a hike/out biking and they aren’t quite needed yet.
Fourthly, they often have repellent properties which makes them more resistant to dirt and oils. Therefore, there isn’t a ton of dirt and grime sticking to your clothing.
Lastly, waterproof pants are surprisingly comfortable. I never wanted to purchase a pair because I thought they would be really heavy and not protect me from a downpour. Surprisingly, they offer amazing weather protection and are really comfortable/stretchy. Think waterproof-breathable clothing and you’ll be so comfortable when you finally purchase a pair.
Are waterproof pants worth it?
Yes, 1000 times…yes! If you know you’re going to be exploring out in the wilderness, then they are super necessary. You never know when heavy rain might start, so having a pair of waterproof pants is essential.
Plus, if you purchase a high-quality pair, they act as the best rain gear. Trust me, comfortable, well-made waterproof pants really ARE out there!
What material are waterproof pants made of?
To begin, it’s crucial that to know the difference between pants being waterproof and water-resistant. A lot of people think they’re the same thing, which isn’t actually the case.
When something is waterproof, it means that water is completely kept out and saturation only occurs at very high levels of moisture exposure. When something is water-resistant, it means that the clothing will withstand moisture better than regular clothing, but it will give in at some point.
Therefore, the most well-known waterproof material is Gore-Tex. However, this doesn’t mean that most big brands have their own variation of waterproof technology. For example, H2No is a waterproof material used by companies such as Patagonia. The North Face created their own spin on waterproof material called Hy-Vent technology.
Additionally, most of these products have a standard layer of rain jacket construction and then a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating.
So, on the best waterproof pants…
Whether you’re looking for a baggy fit or something more fitted, we’ve got our favorite waterproof pants below!
Best Overall – Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pant
Made with Dry Q Active technology, this pant is lightweight and high-performance. It features articulated knees for increased range of motion as well as an elastic waistband, perfect for a comfortable fit. Talk about the best rain pants!
Women’s
Men’s
Lightest Rain Pants – Vertice Rain Pants
These full-length hiking pants are great for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Pair these waterproof hiking pants with some stylish hiking shoes and you’ll be ready for the backcountry!
Women’s
Men’s
Most Durable – The Outdoor Research Helium Pants
These waterproof rain pants feature taped seams, a drawcord waist, and lower leg ankle zippers so you can take them off without ever taking your boots off. Plus, this waterproof fabric packs down into a small sack, perfect for lugging around with you!
Women’s
Men’s
Best for Light Packability – Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Pants
Talk about storm-stopping protection! This pant features compact, lightweight 2-layer GORE-TEX Paclite fabric. With a next-to-skin face fabric feel, these rain pants are perfect for wet weather.
Women’s
Men’s
Best for Pockets – Marmot Precip Eco Pants
These pants are made from Marmot’s NanoPro (recycled nylon ripstop) waterproof/breathable fabric. Trust us, they won’t disappoint! They feature zip front hand pockets with ankle side zips with snap tabs at the cuffs…perfect for keeping your hands warm and extra storage space! These are seriously the best for freedom of movement within outdoor gear!
Women’s
Men’s
Best for Comfort – Montane Minimus
Made from an extremely breathable material, Pertex Shield, these pants keep you both comfortable AND dry! They feature velcro calf tabs, which reduces wind resistance and the possibility of abrasion on the inner lower leg. Plus, these pants will fit right over your base layers – you won’t even notice they’re on!
Women’s
Men’s
Best for All-Day Comfort – Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants
If you’re looking for exceptional, breathable, all-day comfort in a rain pant – this is it! This product not only features side zippers for breathability and versatility, but pride themselves on all-day comfort and long-lasting waterproof durability.
Women’s
Men’s
In conclusion on the best waterproof pants…
So, did you find something that will meet your needs?! Because these are the best waterproof pants on the market, so don’t miss out!
Therefore, if you liked this article, check out these:
Firstly…
Hydroflask vs ThermoFlask: Which is Better?
Secondly…