Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. We considered two main factors when awarding scores for this metric (which is weighted at 25% of our overall ratings). Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. Among the more price-pointed options, the REI Co-op Essential and the Patagonia Torrentshell Pants offered above-average mobility and comfort and performed exceptionally when it came to comfort and mobility. 
2-, 2.5- & 3- LAYER PANTS - The number of layers rain pants have helps determine how waterproof and breathable they will be. BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (mens / womens) are an affordable and durable option with solid construction. Comfort, durability, and a well-designed fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below. This helped facilitate dawning the pants over lightweight footwear like trail-runners or lightweight hikers but any medium-to-high volume footwear like hiking or mountaineering boots would need to be removed in order to put the pants on. This includes things like putting on and removing a pant quickly and how well it could be donned over various pieces of footwear. Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. BOTTOM LINE: If youre all about comfort, youll love the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic (mens / womens). You never know, one of these pants might be perfect for you: Rab Kinetic 2.0 Mens / Womens - comfortable and stretchy waterproof softshell pants with a slim fit, Arcteryx Beta AR Mens / Womens - expensive, but very durable and well-designed pants that are tough enough for everyday wear or technical alpine ascents, Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip Mens / Womens - budget-friendly pants, like the REI Rainier Full-Zip (above), but a tad lighter weight and a few dollars more expensive, The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L pants (Mens / Womens) are durable enough for long distance hikes in wet climates. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Most comfortable rain pants: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens, Marmot Bantamweight Mens / Womens & REI XeroDry GTX Mens / Womens, The Marmot Bantamweight Pants have a flat waistband thats comfortable under a hip belt. Arc'teryx utilizes one of our favorite waterproof fabrics, Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, and the Zeta is durable for most use cases, as well as stormworthy and versatile. To test water resistance, we stood in a standard indoor shower for four minutes, determining which contenders could withstand the test. WHEN TO PUT YOUR RAIN PANTS ON - Because rain pants retain body heat, youll probably sweat and get wet from the inside if you put them on too soon. These include water resistance, comfort & mobility, breathability & ventilation, features, packed size, and weight. These are the pants you choose for superior weather protection but will carry in your pack most of the time. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer. Our testers didn't particularly enjoy low pockets on pants (mid-thigh) because they generally felt less comfortable when storing heavier items. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views.
We also studied how well each model's features allowed for ventilation and moving moisture directly. VENTILATION - Its always nice to have the option for more airflow. Since rain pants are a piece of gear most people end up carrying more than wearing weight is an obviously important factor and we weighed each pair of pants in-house for our review.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. All of the fabrics used in the pants we tested proved to be waterproof. Some ultralight pants weigh less than the Ozonics, but we like them so much that we take them backpacking trips when theres significant rain in the forecast. 
The thin material isnt as durable as some, but it makes the Versalite Pants feel fairly breathable and comfortable to hike in even without zippers for ventilation. The Rainier Pants have great hand pockets, full-length zippers, and an adjustable draw cord at the waist to keep them from slipping down. The cons are that they arent effective at trapping body heat, protecting the lower legs, or blocking wind like rain pants are. This team knows the value of having the right gear and is no stranger to unpredictable and inclement weather. We've recently awarded the REI Co-op Essential our Best Bang for the Buck Award, as no other model can match its stormworthiness, weight, and packed volume for the price. All the models we tested beaded water well when we first bought them; however, similar to any piece of rain gear, they should be retreated to renew DWR when needed. In fact, opening your side zips in anything more than a light drizzle is a quick way to soak your legs (and likely your boots, too). MEASURED WEIGHT (MENS LARGE): 12.3 oz. The Arc'teryx Zeta SL is ready to wait out any storm and stands out as the best on the market. No sponsored content.
The inner layer of 2.5-layer pants is a thin polyurethane laminate or coating meant to keep sweat and dirt from clogging the breathable pores of the pants from the inside. If you absolutely hate hiking in rain gear because you get hot, consider wearing quick-drying hiking clothes and using a hiking umbrella instead. Among full-zip models, we liked the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic. Some models like the Arc'teryx Zeta SL offered excellent articulation for their mobility while others like the REI Essentials relied on a baggier cut to minimize how much movement they restricted. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested rain pants from Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, REI, Columbia, and more to find the best pairs for weathering the storm. However, because most folks tend to use their jacket pockets more often, we didn't weigh a pant's number and functionality of pockets as importantly as other factors. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. However, after extensive testing, most of our testers preferred the 3/4 length designs because they still offered nearly all the benefits of full-length models while being slightly lighter and typically more comofrtable in the waist area. Rain skirts and kilts have become a popular alternative to rain pants in the ultralight backpacking world.
BOTTOM LINE: The REI XeroDry GTX (mens / womens) are a high quality option for a modest price. We liked the Marmot Precip's low profile drawstring closure, but the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic's built-in flat webbing waist belt was the cream of the crop for comfort and functionality. The most packable pant in our review was the Outdoor Research Helium, which took up about half the volume of nearly every other contender. Got feedback? Full-length zippers are an obvious weight trade-off. Best full-zip rain pants: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens, REI Rainier Full-Zip Mens / Womens & Zpacks Vertice Mens / Womens, (Left to right) full-zip (Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens), cuff-to-thigh zip (Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Mens / Womens), ankle-zip (Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens) & no zip pants (Montbell Versalite Mens / Womens), BEST RAIN PANTS OVERALL FOR COMFORT & FUNCTIONALITY, PROS: Comfortable (stretchy), quiet, full-length zippers for ventilation and easy on/off, pack into their own pocket, mens have a built-in belt, CONS: A bit heavier and bulkier than ultralight options, limited uses for pocket due to placement. They're a little smaller than the compared models above but still more substantial than the Helium. Packed volume is worth considering since your rain pants will live inside your pack more often than not. Theyre easy to move in and relatively breathable since theyre made with a thin stretchy material. If you have more questions or a suggestion, wed love to hear from you! For most users, regardless of application, packed size is likely one of the most important features when on the hunt for a pair of shell pants. The pros are that theyre easier to put on and take off, theyre often lighter, and they have great airflow. BOTTOM LINE: The Outdoor Research Helium (mens / womens) are the most affordable ultralight pants weve tested. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Wind river part three. For maximum comfort when backpacking, make sure youre taking good care of your rain gear (airing it out at night and avoiding bushwhacking), and that you have something nice and dry to change into at the end of the day. Not only will they keep you dry when the skies open up, but theyll also cut the wind and hold in valuable body heat to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry. The Marmot PreCip Full Zip received a multitude of high scores but was the most prone to coming un-velcroed while wearing a backpack. The North Face Venture Half-Zip offers a nice balance of price and functionality, most packable pant in our review was the Outdoor Research Helium, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, excellent stormworthiness, packable, sweet 3/4 length side zips, impressive breathability, Lightweight, stormworthy, quiet fabric, good breathability, 3/4 length side zips, effective elastic cuffs, Durable, among the most weather resistant on the market, comfortable fit, excellent mobility, Mega stretchy fabric, best breathability in the review, built in belt is the bomb, By far the lightest and most compact pant in our review, great mobility, elastic waist band is extremely comfortable and functional, No pockets, waist band is not as nice as others, expensive, No zip fly, one marginally useful pocket, DWR didn't last as long as other models and needed to be retreated more frequently, Ankle length zips, no venting options, no waist tightening/cinching options, no belt-loops, Not quite as abrasion resistant as other models, so-so weather-resistance, Less durable than most, hard to pull on over boots, Lightweight, yet tough, comfortable, and articulated enough for a week long backpacking trips where it rains every day, Highly protective pants that are light and compact for tucking away in your backpack, A basic, few-frills Gore-Tex pant that offers fantastic storm protection and mobility; it sacrifices little convenience for weight, without giving up anything in the way of performance, A fantastic all-around pant with rad stretchy fabric, which offers exceptional freedom of movement and the best breathability, Hard to beat for any trip where weight and packed space are at a premium - as long as there isn't too much off-trail travel, where their lower than average durability could be an issue, 2.5 Layer Gore-tex with PacLite Technology, 50D 100% Polyester w / Gore-tex PacLite Waterproof Breathable Membrane, 30D 100 Nylon Ripstop w/ Pertex Shield+ Waterproof Breathable Insert, This performance oriented all-around model is stormworthy enough for rainy week long backpacking trips but light enough to throw in the bottom of your pack as a just-in-case layer on day hikes, Waterproof and breathable rain pants that protect well and go largely unnoticed in your backpack, The Minimalist is a basic pant that screams mobility and storm protection, The Ozonic offers some of the best breathability and mobility in our fleet, An excellent choice where packed space and weight are a priority, Hikers on a budget, with limited and short exposure to truly foul weather will dig these pants as an emergency product in the bottom of your pack, Simple, basic shell pants for typical casual use, You can certainly buy a nicer pair of rain pants but you'll find it difficult to buy a better pair for the price, For the price this is tough to beat; they are breathable, wallet-friendly, and feature full-length zippers, REI's offering is friendly on the wallet, and is versatile and storm-worthy; however, it's not as light as others in our fleet, The Rebel Roamer won't break the bank; while it doesn't boast a ton of extras, it's storm worthy and versatile, It is a small niche that these pants fill; for that niche, they are very well made and virtually over-prepared, Versatile and a decent weight, this model is perfect for downhill skiing or day hikes. Itll likely evaporate with body heat as long as youre wearing appropriate wicking layers underneath. It boasts impressive stormworthiness, weight, and packed volume that we found comparable to many high-end options.
Its lightweight construction is packable and comfortable to wear all day long. Read review: Outdoor Research Helium Pants. BOTTOM LINE: The Arcteryx Zeta SL (mens / womens) offer a great balance of low weight and solid durability. We found breathability to be a far more important attributed than ventilation for backpacking, hiking, mountaineering or most other outdoor sports. PROS: Affordable, full-length zippers for ventilation and easy on/off, hand pockets, pack into their own pocket, CONS: Heavier/bulkier than some, not as comfortable against the skin as some. BOTTOM LINE: If youre on a budget and weight isnt your chief concern, the REI Rainier Full-Zip (mens / womens) are a great option for all-around use. Why? If you liked this list, youll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. Rain skirts can also get caught on brush easily in areas where trails are overgrown. It is worth noting that the Helium and the Ozonic Pants are durable enough for most hiking and backpacking trips - as long as there is only minimal bushwhacking and you take care crawling over downed trees and the like. As far as keeping the user dry, ventilation makes less of a difference in real-world applications when compared to breathability. In the case of the Zeta SL, this is notable, particularly because that pair features 3/4 length side zippers. While differences in fabric have a big impact on breathability and longevity, the water resistance a given pant has more to do with its design than the actual fabric. Hood, Oregon. Pockets are useful features, adding to a pants ease of use and functionality. The Vertice Pants have extra-wide legs for airflow and easier dressing. In the market for the perfect rain jacket? Campaign Zero These pants only have ankle-length zippers, which means theyre a bit more limited on ventilation and are a little tougher to put on without removing your shoes. Read on to learn about the technical comparisons of each product out there. 
Even more than rain jackets, rain pants tend to live in the bottom of most packs, taken out occasionally, and used sparingly when the weather turns grim. In addition, we keep tabs on the market, making sure we have the low down on the best products and the latest technology, and testing them as they become available. The last model worth noting on the more price-pointed end of the spectrum is the Marmot PreCip Full Zip and regular 1/4 zip iterations. There are some great options that are designed with comfort, movement, and hip-belt compatibility in mind. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. Whether you are simply out for a day hike or 20 pitches up El Captain when it starts to rain, it seems you can never get your rain gear on quick enough. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. Testing also included snowshoeing around Lake Tahoe and backpacking in Olympic National Park, with a handful of classic mountaineering adventures across the western US thrown in for good measure. Rain pants can see a lot of wear, often even more so than their upper body counterparts. The primary limitation, as it pertains to function, is in durability. In even the wettest and coldest of Adirondacks hikes, they kept us dry and comfortable. That said, theyre still a little more work to thread your foot through than pants with full-length zippers. With that in mind, the Vertice Pants are a great option for hikers who are dedicated to keeping their backpacking gear as lightweight as possible. 
This also means that you can easily put them on or them take off on the fly. These are thin pants that won't hold up to extensive bush-whacking or use around sharp and abrasive things. After spending several hours researching different products and making a selection for this review, we purchased each product (at retail) to test each product in hand. 
Zippers along the sides of rain pants are great for letting excess heat escape if you get too warm while hiking uphill or being active. A built-in webbing waist belt meant that it rarely, if ever, slid down. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? The Arc'teryx Zeta SL earns high marks for its excellent weather protection and breathability in a form that packs smaller than most. We also compared the pockets on each model. The field comparison of shell pants here demonstrates kneeling and rolling around in wet snow while teaching crevasse rescue techniques on Mt. Because of these qualities, the Torrentshell Pants are an excellent value for front-country use. Brrrr. The Marmot Minimalist and Outdoor Research Foray offered a solid design with good articulation, and we could easily clamber over downed logs blocking the trail. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. 
While most people don't end up wearing their rain pants as frequently as their rain jacket, they are exposed to more threats. Don't let a poor forecast keep you from embarking on a hike or backpacking trip you've been planning for ages. Weve spent countless hours researching and hiking through the drizzle to bring you this list of the best rain pants on the market. A feature we liked for several reasons and applications (especially snowy ones) is some type of pant cuff cinching feature. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. Our experts have spent 100+ hours testing the best models on the market in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. While the Helium lacks durability and features, it makes for an excellent "just in case" rain pant. Dont put your rain pants on until you start to feel chilled (see When to Put Your Rain Pants on below). The Arc'teryx Zeta SL was our next best performer regarding mobility and freedom of movement. The best way to deal with moisture from the inside is to start cold if you know youll be hiking uphill. At the very least, it's likely to have a little more solitude.
We tested the breathability of all of these pants on wet hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering trips, as well as in a handful of more systematic tests, such as during a 10-minute stair master test at the Seattle Vertical World. Here, lead test editor Jed Porter on a Chile's Volcan Lonquimay in tough weather, preparing for a white-out ski descent. Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. Ian Nicholson runs into rain pant testing! Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Rain Pants like the Montbell Versalite are really good at retaining body heat and cutting the wind, so its best to put them on when you feel chilled.
While each manufacturer conducts a significant amount of testing to quantify exactly how waterproof each fabric is, it's important to understand that all of the pants in this review use waterproof fabric. There is also more overall wear. These experiences help us amass a wealth of data on each rain pant to objectively compare each product. 
With the right rain gear, even a wet and windy trip can be nearly as enjoyable as a sunny one. Jed is based in the Eastern Sierra leads adventures that range from rock climbing to ski mountaineering. Doing so funnels rain water from your upper body right towards your crotch. 
We loved contenders that featured a waist cinch or belt of some kind as it would help keep our rain pants from creeping down. LIGHTEST RAIN PANTS FOR HIKING & BACKPACKING. This means they keep breathing even if once you have stopped working hard, something that products using Gore-Tex and other ePTFE fabrics can't do nearly as well. This award is also for folks who end up carrying an emergency pair on day hikes, bike trips, cross-country ski days, and just about any outdoor activity in which the weather can take a blustery or wet turn. While most models come in men's and women's versions, we find they often perform differently for men and women. 
A trade-off for a lightweight and simple design is a lack of features. Packable and fully functional don't usually go together in rain pants, and other full-protection and readily breathable products are typically much heavier. We also do some deep deliberating as we calculate which contenders offer the highest price to value ratio. It is this head-to-head comparison that allows us to make authoritative conclusions. If youre looking for a simple, lightweight pant without unnecessary bulk, the Versalite Pants are a solid choice. We've hiked, skied, backpacked, and climbed in remote terrain with wind and rain pouring down on us. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. We also found that we could still pull these pants over most light-to-medium weight footwear. We take the time to test each product in the field while hiking, biking, and exploring through all sorts of rain.
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