All of our testers appreciated the benefits of side zippers. This attribute, combined with top-notch compressibility, allows it to easily disappear in our pack until needed.
Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks. 2.5-layer pants are typically the lightest and are made with the same DWR-coated outer. This is because if it is really raining hard opening vents to "stay cool" is a sure way to get wet. After testing each product while backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering, we evaluate each comparatively using six key metrics. But hiking without it in the rain is even less comfortable. Weve spent countless hours researching and hiking through the drizzle to bring you this list of the best rain pants on the market. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. To learn more tips for hiking and backpacking in the rain, check out the following links: The drawstring of the Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens. These experiences help us amass a wealth of data on each rain pant to objectively compare each product. 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. We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and thats one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. Being able to dump a little heat especially once it has stopped raining, between storms, or is if it is only misting is certainly an additional benefit. 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. Its lightweight construction is packable and comfortable to wear all day long. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Put on Over Hiking or Mountaineering Boots. Our rainy day experts have been testing pants for the last 6 years with over 25 different models exposed to rain and sleet. Hood, Oregon. 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. Rain skirts can also get caught on brush easily in areas where trails are overgrown. 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. Most durable rain pants: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Mens / Womens, REI XeroDry GTX Mens / Womens & Arcteryx Zeta SL Mens / Womens, The REI XeroDry GTX Pants are a quality pair of rain pants at a great price point.
We considered two main factors when awarding scores for this metric (which is weighted at 25% of our overall ratings). 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. Dont put your rain pants on until you start to feel chilled (see When to Put Your Rain Pants on below). If weight is your primary consideration, the Helium is hard to pass up. The super-stretchy Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic had the best overall mobility and was a cut above the rest. Most of the time, lightweight minimalist pants are all you really need to provide protection from light showers and wind. Theyre easy to move in and relatively breathable since theyre made with a thin stretchy material. 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. Here, assessing mobility in a driving South American rain storm. 2-layer pants are the most common and affordable and theyre typically constructed with a Durable Water Repellent-coated (DWR) outer shell and a breathable liner (usually mesh). Read more Then you'll love our biweekly newsletter.
All trademarks property of their respective owners Material on GearLab is copyrighted. If weight isnt your chief concern, the thicker fabric used in these pants offers better protection from brush and heavy rain than ultralight pants. When they aren't guiding, Jed and Ian spend most of their time pursuing their own outdoor objectives. We mean it when we say this fabric is stretchy; almost at a level like we haven't even seen before.
This was much less of a factor than say, the ease of putting on or our pants off. The Arc'teryx Zeta SL earns high marks for its excellent weather protection and breathability in a form that packs smaller than most. We loved contenders that featured a waist cinch or belt of some kind as it would help keep our rain pants from creeping down. The Arc'teryx Zeta SL is surprisingly durable for its 8.6-ounce weight. Some models with beefy Velcro or snap-style closures would pinch under a pack's waist belt if it was heavily loaded. 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. The Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens only have ankle-zips, but they still breathe pretty well since theyre made with lightweight materials.
The Outdoor Research Foray Pant is a compact, light protection layer that is made with excellent materials and ensures careful attention to detail. On a super wet hike near snow line on Chile's Volcan Llaima, lead test editor Jed Porter took multiple opportunities to swap pants. Read review: Outdoor Research Helium Pants. We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations. It can be challenging to utilize ventilation if it's raining with any amount of volume. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. 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. We also found that we could still pull these pants over most light-to-medium weight footwear.
PROS: Affordable, ultralight, pack into their own pocket, more durable than most UL pants, CONS: Limited ventilation and more difficult to put on/take off without removing shoes due to short zippers. If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! That said, theyre still a little more work to thread your foot through than pants with full-length zippers. The durable outer fabric feels soft and is quieter than most rain pants. While the Helium lacks durability and features, it makes for an excellent "just in case" rain pant.
Most of our testers (depending on activity) thought that these few ounces (3-5 additional ounces on average for side zips) made donning and shedding our rain trousers far easier and thus were worth the minimal extra weight, particularly for mountaineering applications. Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more.
MEASURED WEIGHT (MENS LARGE): 13.2 oz. Ian Nicholson runs into rain pant testing! The Arcteryx Zeta SL Mens / Womens are high-qualtiy and lightweight for backcountry adventures. If youre looking for a simple, lightweight pant without unnecessary bulk, the Versalite Pants are a solid choice. We also take into account any features or adjustments that keep different models from falling down. Another vital factor to consider is the longevity of the pant's water resistance and its durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. As long as youre moving, youll still be relatively dry and comfortable. Link in bio, Crisp rushing water and distant snowy peaks in the Wind River Range. 2-, 2.5- & 3- LAYER PANTS - The number of layers rain pants have helps determine how waterproof and breathable they will be. Our women's testing team performed in-depth testing on women's specific models. Light, heavy, big drops, small drops our expert testers rate ventilation, comfort, value, and several other key metrics. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Brrrr. First, we took into account the ability of the pant's fabric to breathe; this is where the different waterproof technologies distinguished themselves, as the differences between models were quite dramatic in some cases. Theyre made with thin materials, but this latest iteration of the Helium Pants is tougher than previous versions and is more tear-resistant than most ultralight rain pants. After exploring all the rainy places from Patagonia to the USA, and stops in between, we offer our award winners and recommendations, unbiased and designed to help you in your quest for the best rain pant.
Full-length zippers are an obvious weight trade-off. The best way to deal with moisture from the inside is to start cold if you know youll be hiking uphill. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. Most shell pant manufacturers design pants with full and three-quarter length side zippers to make them easier to put on and take off without removing your shoes. They pack down very small, though, and at 6.5 ounces, they are by far the lightest pants in our review. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund BOTTOM LINE: If youre all about comfort, youll love the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic (mens / womens). The next lightest models were the Patagonia Torrentshell, the Outdoor Research Foray, and the REI Co-Op Essentials Pant. If you expect to contend with a lot of severe weather or rugged terrain, you might want to go with a thicker pair of heavy-duty rain pants. All three of these pants offer similar designs while using Gore-Tex Paclite Plus. Standing on a Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad to put rain pants on mid-hike. We measured the mass of all models on our scale. Their low weight and packability is ideal for activities like hiking and backpacking when keeping weight and bulk to a minimum is key. Another major advantage is that these weight just 9.5 ounces, which is less than many of its price-pointed competition. This treatment is factory applied to the fabric's exterior and makes water bead and shed rain and snow. PROS: Affordable, durable, cuff-to-thigh zippers for ventilation and easy on/off, hand pockets, pack into their own pocket, CONS: Heavier/bulkier than some, material is a bit stiff. We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. Let us know! Got feedback? 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. You also want a pant that'll pack away when not in use. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. 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.
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. We do tests to find out. Photo: Graham Zimmerman climbing a new route on Los Gemelos, Torres del Paine area of Chilean Patagonia. 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. In the review below, we break down the advantages of different pants for different applications. 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. All the pants we tested have the seams taped after sewing, offering as watertight of a package as possible. Among full-zip models, we liked the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic. Most people will likely carry their rain gear much more frequently than they'll wear it, and there is a pretty big difference in weights among models, even among options we tested, despite the fact that they are all geared towards backpacking and hiking. It suited us fine for mountaineering above treeline or backpacking on a trail, but it's ill-equipped for thorny bushwacks or canyoneering adventures where the material might rip. Due to this unavoidable problem, we weighted breathability significantly higher than a pant's ability to ventilate. This leads us to its primary drawback; while perfect as a just-in-case pant that you may put on for an afternoon thunderstorm or a couple of times during a week-long backpacking trip, it simply isn't as durable or breathable for someone who anticipates a great deal of aerobic use. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. The premium materials feel tougher than most other pants of a similar weight. As long as youre wearing synthetic clothing, its ok if it gets a little wet before you put rain pants over the top. 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. 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. The Rainier Pants have great hand pockets, full-length zippers, and an adjustable draw cord at the waist to keep them from slipping down. 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.
These are the pants you choose for superior weather protection but will carry in your pack most of the time.
Whether hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, riding your bike, or just crawling over a downed log, comfort and mobility were defined by how much the pant's design and fabric might limit the user's range of motion and ability to engage in particular actives. 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. A feature we liked for several reasons and applications (especially snowy ones) is some type of pant cuff cinching feature. Overall, the Rainier are well-designed and are some of the best affordable rain pants on the market. The Outdoor Research Helium is the best option for folks who put a premium on every extra ounce and cubic inch of space in their pack. Great rain pants will keep you dry and comfortable when the weather gets wet and soggy.
A sit pad will also help protect the backside of your rain pants when you sit and make your pants last longer. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. BOTTOM LINE: The Marmot Bantamweight (mens / womens) are exceptionally lightweight, compact, and nicely fitted. Your rain pants will walk down overgrown trails, play near crampons, and crawl over logs. Our testers didn't particularly enjoy low pockets on pants (mid-thigh) because they generally felt less comfortable when storing heavier items.
The Marmot PreCip Full Zip received a multitude of high scores but was the most prone to coming un-velcroed while wearing a backpack. Even more than the obvious bushwhacking and overgrown trailing hiking, many folks don't think about the times when you sit down on a log for a break, or when you kneel down to fill up your water bottle at a stream. While breathability and ventilation are essential in keeping their wearer dry, these two factors do not play an equal role. With the right rain gear, even a wet and windy trip can be nearly as enjoyable as a sunny one. Our expert panel consists of gear testers Jediah Porter and Ian Nicholson; both international certified IFMGA/American Mountain Guides. DURABILITY - Ultralight rain pants are great when you want to keep weight to a minimum, just remember that lightweight fabrics tend to wear out quicker. PROS: Durable, quiet, lightweight, hand pockets, pack into their own pocket, shoelace hook, CONS: Limited ventilation and more difficult to put on/take off without removing shoes due to short zippers, waistband cord lock slips. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. Because theyre heavier and bulkier than some, the Rainier Pants are best suited for times when weight doesnt matter as much. To test water resistance, we stood in a standard indoor shower for four minutes, determining which contenders could withstand the test. Check out this quick list of our favorite rain pants if youre in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews. VENTILATION - Its always nice to have the option for more airflow. That said, zippers add bulk and weight. Read review: REI Co-op Essential Rain Pants. 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. It'll keep you dry when the clouds condense, darken, and rain down on you for days.
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. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing.
The DWR beading up water, not only keeping the wearer dry from the outside, but also maintaining breathability by not wetting out. Many of the pants we reviewed feature three-quarter or full-length side zippers. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic and the REI Talusphere Full-Zip performed nearly as well. In the end, the most breathable pant in our review is the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic; the Ozonic is constructed with Dry.Q Elite fabric. Most people carry their rain pants in their packs more often than they end up wearing them, and thus, we weighted weight higher in our scoring metric than other pieces of technical outerwear we've tested. The result is the exterior of the pant becomes covered with a thin but continuous film of water, which results in a heavier pant and reduced breathability. Ventilation can be worthwhile after it has stopped raining, before your remove your rain gear. While this wasn't a necessity, it certainly made it easier to don the pants over more substantial volume footwear, like snowshoes, crampons, and even skis. 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. While most people don't end up wearing their rain pants as frequently as their rain jacket, they are exposed to more threats. Best rain pants overall for comfort & functionality: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens, Best affordable ultralight rain pants: Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens, Durable rain pants at an affordable price: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Mens / Womens, Best budget rain pants: REI Rainier Full-Zip Mens / Womens, Great quality for the price rain pants: REI XeroDry GTX Mens / Womens, Minimalist ultralight rain pants for hiking & backpacking: Montbell Versalite Mens / Womens, Lightest rain pants for hiking & backpacking: Zpacks Vertice Mens / Womens, Comfortable ultralight rain pants: Marmot Bantamweight Mens / Womens, High-quality lightweight rain pants for technical use: Arcteryx Zeta SL Mens / Womens, The comfy Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants are durable which makes them perfect for snowshoe hikes.
Some models only had a quarter-length zipper near the cuff of the pant. How well they keep us dry is more a matter of design. A trusty pair of rain pants should be in every outdoor adventurer's gear arsenal. 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. Three-fourth length zippers offer nearly all the same benefits of full-length-zippered models, such as ease of putting on over bulky footwear and excellent ventilation. Some of the best rain skirts & kilts we know of are: Rain pants can protect your bottom layers from wet snow. These sidezips can facilitate some ventilation, but their primary design is to allow the wearer to quickly pull the pant on or off without removing footwear. Wind river part three. We've hiked, skied, backpacked, and climbed in remote terrain with wind and rain pouring down on us. Even the next closest models, such as the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic, Outdoor Research Foray, or Columbia Rebel Roamer, were all bulkier than the Helium. Several models utilized designs that let the pants zip entirely in half. Even among the selected models, which are all designed to be lighter weight, there was a significant difference in weight. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. We also performed a side-by-side spray down with a garden hose (for five minutes) to systematically compare their weather resistance and storm worthiness. The field comparison of shell pants here demonstrates kneeling and rolling around in wet snow while teaching crevasse rescue techniques on Mt. Ian is based in the Pacific Northwest, where wet weather is a regular occurrence. This leads many people to think that their rain gear is failing even though its still waterproof and doing its job. Because of these qualities, the Torrentshell Pants are an excellent value for front-country use. 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? PRICE - We tend to be willing to spend a bit more on high-quality clothing that we plan to wear a lot. BOTTOM LINE: If ultimate weight savings is what youre after, the Zpacks Vertice (mens / womens) are tough to beat. There are some great options that are designed with comfort, movement, and hip-belt compatibility in mind. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. BOTTOM LINE: The Outdoor Research Helium (mens / womens) are the most affordable ultralight pants weve tested. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of Americas longest trails.
These pants are designed to be as lightweight as possible, which sacrifices some durability. 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. Plus, we find the waistband to be one of the most comfortable under a backpack hip belt. Despite their light weight, they still manage to offer respectable storm worthiness. It is in duress that the full zip attribute of a pair of shell pants becomes truly valuable. Pockets are useful features, adding to a pants ease of use and functionality. 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. 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.
These models needed to have beefy Velcro or snap closure at the waist (near the top of the zipper along the waist area); if not robust enough, our pants would come undone and sometimes slide down. Doing so funnels rain water from your upper body right towards your crotch. Once the Velcro failed, the zipper would creep open. There is also more overall wear. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. Dump heat as you warm up by unzipping side zippers or releasing ankle cuff adjustments.
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