When it comes to weather, is there a type that varies as much as rain? Light drizzle, scattered showers, steady downpour, downright deluge... Along with waterproof jackets, the best rain pants have to cope with all the above and more, while still remaining lightweight and breathable so your legs don't overheat and let you down.
We tested these rain pants in a variety of conditions, to check how well they stood up to a proper downpour, how likely we were to get sweaty in them, and how easy they were to get on and off without getting mucky in the process.
Some of the best rain pants are over-trousers, designed to fit over your normal hiking pants, while others are fully featured trousers that can be worn alone. They feature the same waterproof membranes as premium hard shell jackets, designed to keep the wind, rain, sleet and hail at bay.
Over-trousers usually feature zips and/or buttons up their length, to enable you to fit them quickly while still wearing your hiking boots. Some are light and extremely packable, while others feature thicker, robust fabrics designed for truly biblical conditions.
One disadvantage of some over-trousers is that, unlike the best hiking pants, they don't have pockets for stashing valuables. This is something to look out for when making your choice. For more on how to choose rain pants, see our guide at the bottom of the page.
The quick list
High-performing, super-reliable waterproof over-trousers for serious adventures in the wet zone. We liked the large thigh pockets, which are perfect for sheet maps
With the waterproof membrane on the outside, these pants repel rain efficiently while still allowing your legs to breathe. They are a sturdy shield against bad weather, but the look won't be for everyone
This new version of the Patagonia Triolet Pants adds planet-friendly materials to an already-premium design, offering full waterproofing and plenty of pro features such as two-way zippers and built-in snow gaiters
Perfect to pull on in a sudden shower, these medium weight trousers offer plenty of protection from the wind and rain. We were impressed by the wide range of sizes and lengths available
A pair of pants as rugged and robust as any waterproof jacket that you’d rely on to protect you from the elements. We liked the choice between fastening them with poppers or waterproof zips, depending on the conditions
We quickly forgot we were wearing these thanks to the slim fit, which happily stops them from billowing in the wind. These are made from Berghaus's own two-layer Hydroshell fabric, which helps keep the price down compared to Gore-Tex alternatives.
These roll into a small pouch that make them convenient to pack away easily you don't need them, but are still loaded with plenty of great features. We approve of the Velcro-style tape at the hems and the zipped waterproof pockets to keep your phone and wallet safe
We liked the 40-denier polyester face fabric, finished with a protective PFC-free DWR treatment and bonded to a Gore-Tex membrane. The combination gives these a solid waterproof performance and reasonable breathability
These are a long time favourite of many hikers, with a swathe of great features including an elastic waist, gusseted crotch and ankle zippers. We recommend these for 3-season hiking, trekking and backpacking in all weathers
Storm-deflecting trousers that will last for years, thank to their rugged durability. We like the mesh inner that extends through the whole garment, providing comfort and breathability
We love the eco credentials of these trousers, which are made with 100% recycled polyester, with PFC-free impregnation. The reflective features help with safety in poor conditions or low light
The best rain pants comparison table
Pants | List price | Weight | Materials |
Haglöfs L.I.M ZT Shell GTX Pro Pants | £440 (UK) | Men’s 510g / 18oz; Women’s: 480g / | Gore-Tex Pro stretch |
Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers | $180/ £180 | 300g / 10.5oz | 100% recycled polyester |
Patagonia Triolet Pants (2023) | $399 / £360 | 530g / 18.6oz (women’s small) | Recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR, GORE-TEX membrane |
Keela Rainlife 5000 waterproof trousers | £59.95 (UK) | 340g / 12oz | 100% nylon with polyurethane coating |
Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants | $320 / £240 | 435g / 15oz | 70D three-layer Gore-Tex |
Berghaus Deluge 2.0 | £75 (UK) | 374g / 13oz | Hydroshell |
Craghoppers Ascent Overpants | £70 (UK) | 275g / 9.7oz | Polyamide / polyester |
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pant | $130 (US) | 190g / 6.7oz (men) : 173g / 6.1 oz (women) | Pertex Shield |
Sprayway Nakuru / Berbak Rainpants | £140 (UK) | 335g / 11.8oz | 2L Gore-Tex |
Helly Hansen HP Foil Sailing Pants | $180 / £175 | 650g / 23oz | Polyamide with Helly Tech outer membrane and mesh inner |
Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers | £230 (UK) | 298g / 10.5oz | Recycled polyester with a PU membrane and PFC-free impregnation |
The best rain pants overall
These tough, weatherproof pants are constructed from Gore-Tex Pro stretch, the toughest type of Gore-Tex available. They are reliably water- and windproof, keeping you warm and dry in wild weather, while remaining nice and breathable. The full-length side zips mean you can quickly and easily pull them on over the top of thermals and boots on stormy days.
The cuffs fasten tightly around boots while the trousers also synchronize with jackets in the L.I.M. ZT range using a storm lock that connects to the back hem. The material gives good stretch and the excellent design also includes a seam-free gusset and articulated knees and seat. Impressively, they are also quiet to walk in.
Generous thigh pockets on both legs accommodate sheet maps and much more besides, and they both close with weatherproof zips. As with the rest of the design, these pockets are carefully placed to avoid getting in the way of a climbing harness.
These waterproof pants may be a hefty investment, but the fabrics employed are robust and technical, and reinforced panels in high abrasion areas will vastly improve their lifespan.
Read our full Haglöfs' LIM ZT Shell GTX Pro Pants review
The best rain pants for downpours
Here’s a pair of rain pants with a twist. Columbia's innovative OutDry Extreme technology has the waterproof membrane on the outside, and while this means these pants look a little different to others you regularly see on the trails, it actually makes them highly waterproof. The taped seams and zipped pockets go further to help keep you warm and dry on your hike.
Interestingly, though the fabric looks as though it would be anything but breathable, on test, our expert hiker Julia Clarke found it did a great job of keeping her from getting clammy. In fact, she found it a refreshing change to have the softer fabric part of the waterproofing system next to her skin, rather than the membrane.
The pants are flexible and easy to move in, and the amount of storage they boast is a real boon, with deep pockets protected by zips and flaps for gear and accessories. And while our tester wasn’t sold on the cream colorway, she was impressed by how easily they wiped down, and how small they packed away when the deluge finally passed.
Read the full Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers review
The best rain pants for snow
The hardy Patagonia Triolet Pants (2023) are a new, more sustainable version of the original trousers, featuring a three-layer construction with GORE-TEX membrane in between the recycled polyester inner and face fabric, which is treated with PFC-free DWR to repel moisture.
All that waterproofing makes them ideal for rainy day hikes, but if you're out in the freezing cold you'll also be grateful for the built-in snow gaiters that are concealed under the zipper at the outside ankles. There's also a RECCO reflector in case things get hairy and you're caught in an avalanche.
Our expert tester Julia Clarke found them to be slightly on the large side, but this does make them easier to pull on over other clothing and even over hiking boots – the full-length two-way zippers also help there. These are also useful for letting a little air circulate around your ankles on warmer days.
They're quite heavy for a pair of unlined pants, but not too bulky, so they should still roll up nicely in your backpack.
Read our full Patagonia Triolet Pants (2023) review
The best rain pants for quick changes
The Rainlife 5000 pants are a great option to pull on quickly when the skies darken without warning.
The cut is roomy, leaving plenty of space to wear them over your hiking trousers, without sacrificing comfort. Helpfully, the lower leg unzips to the knee, meaning you should still be able to get them on when wearing the chunkiest of hiking boots.
Taped seams offer good protection from the rain and wind, and the waist is elasticated with a simple drawcord plus belt loops, so you can tailor these to fit.
These trousers are lined, medium-weight and pretty packable, meaning you can stow them in your backpack and just whip them on (and off) as needed). Once you’re walking in them, two access side pockets allow you to reach any gear that’s in your pants pockets, although a little wind and rain can of course get in here. There's a wide range of sizes and three leg lengths too, meaning almost any hiker can find a pair to suit.
Read our full Keela Rainlife 5000 waterproof trousers review
The best rain pants for durability
While some rain pants on test here are designed to pull on in a pinch, the Rab Kangri are an altogether different beast, with a price to match.
Made from three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, with an outer fabric constructed from recycled material, these pants are designed to be super durable for all day wear. They combine the Holy Grail of full-length waterproof size zips - making them quick and easy to get on over walking boots, with poppers that allow you to leave the zips, err, unzipped, for ventilation when conditions allow. Storm flaps sit behind the zips, aimed at keeping out even the heaviest downpour.
The waistband is elasticated, with a Velcro-style adjustment, and there are loops to attach an under boot cord for even more weather proofing. With fabric this robust and such a wealth of features it's no wonder they don't come cheap, but we think they're well-specced for how much they cost.
Read our full Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants review
The best slim fit rain pants
If you prefer your rain pants to be cut on the slim side then the Berghaus Deluge 2.0 may be just what you're looking for. This design also features a deep waist band and draw cord, allowing you to tighten the fit even further if you need to.
They're made from Berghaus’s own two-layer Hydroshell fabric, which keeps the price in check compared to Gore-Tex alternatives, without sacrificing rain protection or breathability.
Three-quarter length zips make them easy to pull on over mucky hiking boots, and there are also press-stud closures along the length of the generous opening, allowing you to leave the zips open for extra breathability when walking through mist and fog rather than rain.
Read our full Berghaus Deluge 2.0 review
The best rain pants for occasional use
We might not pack these for a multi-day hike, but if you're looking for a pair of very packable light rain pants to stow away in your backpack then the Craghoppers Ascent tick the right box.
And despite their bargain price they have plenty of useful features to recommend them; an elasticated waist with draw cord, Velcro-style tape at the hem top keep them snug around your boots, and two zipped pockets to keep your phone and wallet unsoaked.
Unlike some of the pricier versions on test, the side zips only go as far as the knee, so they are not as easy to pull on as some other pairs we tested, but they will still slip on over a pair of boots. If you treat them as more of an emergency pair of waterproof pants rather than an all-day downpour pair, you should be happy with your purchase.
Read our full Craghoppers Ascent Overtrousers review
The best two layer rain pants
The Nakuru (men’s) / Berbak (women’s) Rainpants from well-established British outdoor brand Sprayway are classic hillwalkers’ over-trousers made from a soft and supple but reasonably robust 40-denier polyester face fabric. They’re finished with a protective PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatment and utilise a two-layer construction, which means the fabric is bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane, in this case Gore-Tex.
That ensures solid waterproof performance and reasonable breathability, putting them a cut above cheaper rainpants that use own-brand, PU-based membranes. Inside, they have a taffeta and mesh drop liner to protect the Gore-Tex membrane and wearer aid comfort. As a result, they rarely get clammy, though they might get a little warm.
The semi-elasticated waist has a simple but effective draw cord adjustment, while half length leg side zips ensure easy on and off over all but the chunkiest walking boots. Velcro ankle adjustment ensures a secure seal around your footwear.
Read our full Sprayway Nakuru Rainpants review
The best rain pants for mobility
A long-time favorite of many hikers, OR’s updated Helium pants are constructed from a 2.5 layer, tear resistant ripstop fabric with Bluesign approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse. Fully seam-taped, windproof and breathable – with a HH (hydrostatic head) rating of 3,000mm, and an MVTR (Moisture vapor transmission rate) of 20,000 – the pants will keep you comfortable and dry when the skies open and the rain pours down.
Details like an elastic waist and draw cord, gusseted crotch and ankle zippers help tailor the fit to suit your body. Lightweight doesn’t mean fragile, though. In fact, these pants will stand up to a hard day on the trail. When the weather improves, the back pocket serves as a stuff sack. Everyone who loves the outdoors needs rain protection in their gear collection. Matched with a companion Helium jacket, this is a great way to stay dry.
The best rain pants for sailing
More than merely rainproof, Helly Hansen’s HP Foil Sailing Pants are storm-deflecting trousers that will repel almost anything the elements choose to lob at you, wherever you are. They are designed for sailors – clue in the name – and work best on boats, but you can wear them anywhere. The solidly water- and wind-proof outer has been reinforced with hardwearing panels in all the areas where people on boats put their garments under severe pressure (the knees and backside primarily), which makes these pants extra robust, and not only will they provide protection, but they should last for years. There is a mesh inner that extends right through the garment, providing comfort and breathability. Both pockets have waterproof zips, the waist is fully adjustable, and you can tighten the bottoms around your ankles with Velcro to keep drafts and water out.
The best eco rain pants
Lightweight and easy to pack and carry, these are reliably weatherproof shell pants that easily slide over the top of your hiking trousers to provide protection in challenging conditions. With a hydrostatic head / water column rating of 10,000mm, they’re comfortably waterproof enough to deal with heavy downpours, but also have plenty of stretch and, importantly, they’re quiet when you’re walking in them. The High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers also feature Velcro straps with reflective features on the knees and at the ankles, so you can pull them tight to your legs and around your boots and be seen too.
There's a draw cord waist and a full-length zip on each leg, with a double zipper, which makes them extremely easy and quick to put on over the top of your hiking pants without the need to stop and remove your boots first. The double zip means you can also take them off just as quickly, or simply open the zips up slightly when you need to let some air in, or access trouser pockets below. Although the zip itself doesn’t appear to be waterproof, there’s a leg-long fold of material that covers each one, held in place by the aforementioned Velcro straps.
These are premium quality pants, which perform well and are well constructed with good robust materials to last a long time, but you do pay a premium price for them. Impressively, though, they are made with 100% recycled polyester, with a PU membrane and PFC-free impregnation.
How we test rain pants
We put each pair of rain pants to the test in real world conditions, usually facing severe weather in the UK. We look for pants with secure seams that won't leak even in strong winds or at the joints, and which will keep your socks dry in a storm. We also time how long it takes to take them off and put them on in a sudden downpour, so you know you won't get soaked if the weather suddenly turns.
For more details, see how Advnture tests products
How to choose the best rain pants
Whether you’re looking for a pair of the best rain pants for hiking in monsoon conditions, or lightweight over-trousers that you can slide on over the top of your trekking trousers in showery weather, there are various considerations that need to be factored in before you make a purchase.
Fabric
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The material from which rain pants are made is the business end of their performance. While all fabrics should keep you dry in a downpour, ultra-lightweight fabrics are ideal for packing away in your best hiking backpack as an emergency precaution, while heavier fabrics will prove more robust against rocks and thorns and will likely keep you drier for longer. (See also: Waterproof versus water-resistant: fabrics and equipment.)
All rain pants promise that they’re breathable, but if you’re working hard in humid conditions (and rain is 100% humidity), it’s difficult for sweat to evaporate through a fabric and out into the open.
Waist
Generally speaking, the deeper the waistband, the more comfortable a pair of rain pants will be; many pairs also have a draw cord for a more personalised fit. While they tend to come in standard S, M and L sizes, some rain pants are available in the same waist size and leg lengths as denim jeans, so you can find a pair that fits perfectly.
Pack size
How much spare capacity is there in the rucksack you typically pack, and how likely are you to walk when the forecast is for rain? Emergency rain pants can pack down very small into their own stuffsacks, ideal for mountain marathon runners, but don’t expect the same protection and performance as you’ll get from a bigger, heavier pair that will occupy more space in your pack. (See also: how to pack a backpack.)
Zips
The ability to pull on rain pants in a flash when the heavens open is vital; you certainly don’t want to be hopping around on one leg while you take a boot off to get your foot through the trousers. The longer the side zips, the easier it is to pull on rain pants. Zips also offer ventilation options, but they can be weak points for water ingress, so look for storm flaps behind the zip to keep you perfectly dry.
Ankles
No one wants to walk with the bottom of their rain pants flapping in the wind, rain and mud, so a stud or Velcro-type fastening at the hem is a useful feature to keep the ankles tight.
Pockets
Pockets represent a potential weak point for rain to sneak in, so many rain pants don’t feature them. If you need pockets for a ski pass or phone, it’s easier to find them in a jacket than pants.
Care
Rain pants don’t stay waterproof forever. The more you wear them, the more frequently they will need reproofing with specialist cleaning and waterproofing agents. This is particularly the case with trousers worn all day, rather than occasional use over-trousers. (See also: how to use waterproofing spray.)
Top tip!
Pack rain pants in a plastic bag. When you need to pull them on, put your boot into the bag – it will slip more easily into the pant leg and will avoid smearing mud up the inside.
FAQs
Do you wear anything under rain pants?
Our buying guide to the best rain pants features two types of styles: lightweight over-trousers that you can pull over the top of your walking trousers in showery weather and waterproof walking trousers that are designed to be worn on their own.
When it comes to over-trousers, what you wear underneath them will depend on the fit. Usually these types of rain pants are roomy enough to be pulled on over regular hiking pants. You can wear them over shorts too, to stop rain running into your boots or shoes during downpours.
Is Gore-Tex the best waterproof fabric?
Gore-Tex is often considered a leading waterproof technology, loved for its reliability, durability and breathability. When you're hiking in bad weather, you want the best out of your waterproof jacket and pants and Gore-Tex developers offer a lifetime guarantee for their products.
There are downsides too though: it's expensive, noisy and uses perfluorochemicals which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), build up in landfills and water sources.
Other outdoor brands are developing waterproofing technologies, which are proving competitive. We look closer at them in 6 Gore-Tex alternatives for damp days on the trail.
Can I put rain pants in the washing machine?
It's commonly thought that washing rain pants will cause damage by breaking down the waterproofing technology or washing away the repellent. This is often not the case. In fact, if you find water getting into your pants, it could be the dirt that’s causing an issue by covering up the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment.
While regular washing detergent can break down the coating, a gear cleaner designed for outerwear will protect it while it cleans.
You don't need to wash rain pants after every outing. You can simply wipe off mud and dirt with a cloth or soft brush. Before you do wash them, check the care label for advice on temperature and type of machine cycle.
When you notice that your pants are absorbing water instead of forcing the rain to bead and roll off them, follow our guide to re-waterproofing your garments.
