Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants review: seriously impressive quality, at a price

Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants are waterproof trousers as tough as the mountain adventures you’re going to be taking them on

By Jonathan Manning
published
Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants
(Image: © Rab)

Advnture Verdict

If you need full-on, all-day protection from the worst of the weather, bite the price bullet and invest in these trousers – they won’t let you down.

Pros

  • +

    Three-layer Gore-Tex for exceptional waterproofing

  • +

    Articulated knees for ease of movement

  • +

    Full-length, two-way side zips

  • +

    Under-boot loops

Cons

  • -

    Expensive

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Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants: first impressions 

Designed for when you know the weather will be hostile, Rab Kangri Gore-Tex pants deploy three-layer Gore-Tex for waterproof protection, with an outer fabric made from recycled material.

The result is a pair of trousers as rugged and robust as any waterproof jacket that you’d rely on to protect you from the elements on a winter’s hill walk or multi-day hike.

Specifications

• RRP: $275 (US) / £200 (UK)
• Gender specificity: Men’s / Women’s
• Materials: 70D 3-Layer Gore-Tex
• Weight (men’s size medium): 435g / 15oz
• Sizes: M / L / XL / XXL
• Colors: Black

Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants: on the trails 

The full-length side zips on the Kangri pants make them easy to pull on quickly over hiking boots, while poppers mean you can leave the zips undone for ventilation when conditions allow. And when you need to batten down the hatches, the waterproof zips with internal storm flap will keep the heaviest downpour at bay. 

There’s a fully adjustable, elasticated waistband with a Velcro-style adjustment for a comfortable fit, and a soft moleskin-type adjustment for snugness next to the skin. Plus, there are loops to attach an under-boot cord to secure the Kangri to your hiking boots in order to keep your lower legs dry in long, wet grass.

On test for our best waterproof trousers buying guide, we wore them on a miserably wet mountain walk in north west Scotland. We found that these pants felt a little stiffer and sounded a bit noisier than some other waterproof trousers we’ve used, but this isn’t an issue when rain pitter-patters on your hood, and it was a relief to stay bone dry. 

Jonathan Manning
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 adrenaline 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 cross-dressing Little Bo Peep, and a pair of Teletubbies on an ascent of Snowdon. (Turns out they were soldiers on a fundraising mission.)