The best rain pants: stride out in confidence, whatever the weather

When the weather closes in, the best rain pants are a vital piece of kit. While you should definitely have a waterproof jacket stashed, it can be easy to kid yourself that all you need for your legs is a pair of standard hiking pants. But if you're off exploring the back country, it's worth carrying waterproof rain pants as well.

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

The best overall

These mega-protective pants are constructed from Gore-Tex Pro stretch, the toughest type of Gore-Tex out there. Completely water- and windproof, they keep the wearer warm and dry in wild weather, while remaining impressively breathable. They feature full-length, top-quality side zips, which means you can quickly and easily pull them on over the top of under-trousers and boots when the sky starts to darken. 

The leg-ends button up tightly around boots, and they synchronize with top-layer jackets in the L.I.M. ZT range, with a storm lock that connects to the back hems. The material is stretchy, and the excellent design also includes a seam-free gusset and articulated knees and seat. They’re so comfortable and breathable you may even keep wearing them even after the storm stops. Impressively, they are also pretty 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 are a serious investment, but the fabrics employed are highly robust as well as 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 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 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

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 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 value

Tipping the scales at less than 6oz (155g in size Large), the Pakka are exceptionally light rain pants, and ideal for stowing away in a small daypack on a just-in-case basis. Their competitive price (you can find them even cheaper than the already very reasonable RRP) also makes them a useful option if you need waterproof pants for a compulsory kit list but don’t want to invest much in them (be that for a scout camp of an ultra running event). 

If called upon, the Pakka will certainly fend off rain and the taped seams are arguably more waterproof than pants with side zips. However, without zips they can be tricky to pull on over large, muddy boots without smearing mud up the inside. The legs of these rain pants are reasonably wide to although Velcro-style fastenings at the bottom hem stop the ankles from flapping like flares. 

The best for extreme conditions

If you're serious about outdoor pursuits then you need serious kit. It's no coincidence that mountaineering pros often turn to Scandinavian brands for their gear. If your waterproof trousers can perform in the long hard winters of northern Europe, then you know that they'll be reliable in less extreme environments.

Klättermusen has a Swedish pedigree and their Ran Pant certainly lives up to the expectations you'd reasonably have for a brand of that heritage. The design is made from recycled, flurocarbon-free fabric, while being impressively tough, waterproof and breathable too. Should you need extra ventilation, the full length side zips do double duty, making it easy to whip them on and off as needed.

Two zipped pockets, a soft waistband and articulated knees add to the list of features that might just help you justify their cost.

Read our full Klättermusen Ran Pant review

The best two layer pants

The Nakuru (men’s) / Berbak (women’s) Rainpants from well-established British outdoor brand Sprayway are classic hillwalkers’ overtrousers 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 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 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 option

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.

The best for extended sizing

 These reliably waterproof trousers from Columbia do their job well, without being overly complicated or too expensive. Made with Columbia’s own Omni-Tech membrane and fully seam sealed laminate, on test they proved reliably waterproof and reasonably breathable. 

These over-trousers are intended for occasional rather than constant use, so they’re lightweight and easy to carry, rather than hard-wearing and robust. There are two useful pockets, both with zips and a waterproof protective flap, and one of these (the left one) doubles up as a stuff sack.

They comfortably fit over regular hiking pants, and there’s a calf-length zip on each leg so you can slide them on without removing your walking boots or shoes. You can tighten the bottom of the legs with a cord and toggle, and loop the cord over the speed hooks on your footwear to keep them in place. Our tester did find the regular-sized trousers a tad short, so if you’re in any doubt, opt for the longer leg. (However, it’s great to see Columbia recognizing that the outdoors is for everyone and making these waterproof overpants available in extended sizes up to 6X [external link].) 

The waist tightens with a toggle, which our tester had mixed feelings about (the closed loop prevents one end getting lost, but the cord is far too long and it’s hard to get a tight, secure fit). While they're only available in one color – black – they do have several reflective elements on them – around the back of the knees, on the bum and at the ankles – that make hiking at night on shared lanes a little safer. 

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

Meet the expert

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

Jonathan Manning

After spending a decade as editor of Country Walking, the UK’s biggest-selling walking magazine, Jonathan moved to edit Outdoor Fitness magazine, adding adrenalin to his adventures and expeditions. He has hiked stages or completed all of the UK's national trails, but was once overtaken by three Smurfs, a Little Bo Peep, and a pair of Teletubbies on an ascent of Snowdon. (Turns out they were soldiers on a fundraising mission.)

How to choose rain pants

Whether you’re looking for a pair of the best rain pants for hiking in monsoon conditions, or lightweight overtrousers 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

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 overtrousers. (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.