When planning an outdoor adventure, especially in unpredictable weather, your choice of gear can make or break your experience. Among the essentials, waterproof hiking pants stand out as a game-changer for staying dry, comfortable, and protected against the elements. Whether you’re trekking through rain-soaked trails, wading across streams, or simply tackling muddy paths, these pants are built to handle it all.
Designed with durable materials, they provide weather resistance without sacrificing breathability or mobility, making them perfect for long hikes, challenging climbs, or multi-day expeditions. In this guide, we’ll explore top-rated options that blend performance, style, and practicality, helping you find the perfect pair to conquer the outdoors with confidence. Let’s go through great experiences with the National Park Shops team!
Contents
- 1 Why do you need waterproof hiking pants?
- 2 Best Overall: Outdoor Research Foray Pants ($98.97 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Budget: Columbia Rebel Roamer ($20.88 – $60 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Durable: Arc’Teryx Beta AR Rain Pants
- 5 Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated ($174.32 – $185.14 on Amazon)
- 6 Best Lightweight: Outdoor Research Helium Pant ($97.46 – $130 on Amazon)
- 7 Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2 Rain Pants ($97.46 – $130 on Amazon)
- 8 Marmot PreCip Eco Pants ($65.50 on Amazon)
- 9 Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 ($65.50 on Amazon)
- 10 How we test waterproof hiking pants
- 11 FAQs
Why do you need waterproof hiking pants?
Waterproof hiking pants are essential for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly when facing unpredictable weather conditions. They serve several critical functions that enhance both comfort and safety during hikes. Firstly, these pants are designed to keep your lower body dry by preventing water from seeping through, which is crucial for avoiding discomfort and potential hypothermia in cooler temperatures. Unlike regular clothing, such as denim, which becomes waterlogged and heavy in the rain, waterproof hiking pants are made from lightweight, breathable materials that shed water while allowing sweat to escape. This helps maintain a comfortable body temperature during strenuous activities.
Additionally, waterproof hiking pants provide an extra layer of protection against wind and cold, making them particularly valuable in harsh environments. They can also shield your legs from abrasions caused by thorns, rocks, and other trail hazards. While some may argue that waterproof pants can trap heat in warmer conditions, many modern designs incorporate breathable technologies that mitigate this issue, ensuring comfort without compromising waterproofing. Overall, investing in a good pair of waterproof hiking pants is not just about staying dry; it’s about enhancing your overall hiking experience by maintaining comfort and safety in various weather conditions.
Best Overall: Outdoor Research Foray Pants ($98.97 on Amazon)
- Weight: 10.7oz
- Waterproof fabric: GORE-TEX with PACLITE® Technology 2L
- Face fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester 50D Plain Weave
The Outdoor Research Foray waterproof hiking pants are highly regarded for their remarkable durability and comfort. If you’re searching for breathable, adaptable rain pants that can withstand wet and unpredictable weather, these top-notch options are designed to help you conquer the elements.
These pants offer the option to attach suspenders at the waist and feature built-in stirrup attachments at the ankles. These additions ensure a secure fit around your hips and a tight seal over hiking boots, effectively shielding you from driving rain or sudden snow showers. A standout feature of these waterproof hiking pants is their ¾-length zippers, which are seam-sealed for protection against leaks. These smooth zippers extend from the ankle cuff to mid-thigh, providing excellent ventilation. You can adjust them to release heat when your activity level rises or fully unzip them to easily remove the pants without taking off your footwear when the skies clear.
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Best Budget: Columbia Rebel Roamer ($20.88 – $60 on Amazon)
- Weight: 12.5 ounces
- Waterproof fabric: Omni-Tech waterproof technology
- Face fabric: 70D nylon
If you’re looking for budget-friendly, straightforward rain pants, the Columbia Rebel Roamer is hard to beat. Despite their low price point, these pants deliver reliable protection against the elements, whether you’re facing light mist, heavy rain, or even need an extra layer for snowy adventures.
These Columbia rain pants excel at the essentials. The adjustable waistband, featuring a drawcord and elastic, ensures a comfortable fit, while the Velcro patches at the ankles make it easy to secure them over boots. Their roomy leg design allows for layering underneath without feeling overly baggy or sacrificing practicality.
However, these waterproof hiking pants prioritize simplicity. If you’re after features like a tailored fit, ventilation zippers, or pockets for storage, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Our testing included spring snowshoeing trips in the rainy Rockies and gloomy urban dog walks. These waterproof hiking pants proved effective at keeping us dry. Like most budget rain gear, they do “wet out” quicker in colder temperatures, but this is a common limitation even among pricier options. While they’re slightly bulky and heavier than high-end alternatives, the affordability and performance more than makeup for it.
Best Durable: Arc’Teryx Beta AR Rain Pants
- Weight: 16.4oz
- Waterproof fabric: N80d Most Rugged 3L GORE-TEX PRO
- Face fabric: N40r-X 40 Denier 100% Nylon Ripstop with GORE C-KNIT™ backer
The Arc’teryx Beta AR Rain Pants stand out as the most durable option among all the rain pants we tested. Built to endure heavy, sustained rain, chilly conditions, and rugged terrain, they’re an excellent choice for demanding outdoor adventures.
While they’re not the lightest waterproof hiking pants available, the Beta AR compensates with exceptional durability and a construction that supports a full range of motion. Thoughtfully designed features, such as adjustable cuffs and articulated knees, make them versatile for a variety of activities, from hiking to mountaineering.
Admittedly, these waterproof hiking pants come at a premium price, but they offer unmatched longevity. Many users report wearing them for a decade or more, thanks to their resilient materials and superior craftsmanship. If you’re seeking rain pants that excel in harsh conditions and can stand the test of time, the Arc’teryx Beta AR is worth the investment.
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Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated ($174.32 – $185.14 on Amazon)
- Materials: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
- Weight: 19.7 oz.
- Waterproof fabric: G-1000 Eco
In a world where cotton has largely been abandoned in outdoor gear, Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro pants stand out as unique. Constructed from Fjallraven’s rugged 35% cotton G-1000 material, these pants are heavier than most modern hiking options. While cotton traditionally struggles with water resistance, Fjallraven addresses this by recommending the application of their eco-friendly wax for added protection. However, where the Vidda Pro truly shines is in its unmatched toughness. Its thick fabric easily handles brush, rocks, and rough terrain without tearing, making it a top contender for durability.
This review focuses on the Vidda Pro Ventilated version, which introduces thoughtful updates to the classic design. Side zips between the thigh and knee allow for effective heat regulation, while stretch fabric inserts on the inner legs enhance mobility. These additions make the waterproof hiking pants more versatile and practical for a range of activities.
Best Lightweight: Outdoor Research Helium Pant ($97.46 – $130 on Amazon)
- Weight: 5.5 ounces
- Waterproof fabric: Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse
- Face fabric: 100% 30 denier ripstop nylon
For those who prioritize minimal weight and pack space, the Outdoor Research Helium rain pants are a standout choice. This award-winning pair is ideal for hikers, cross-country skiers, cyclists, and anyone looking for a reliable backup in unpredictable weather. Despite its featherweight build, the Helium impressed us during testing with excellent water resistance, making it a strong contender for versatile use across many climates.
The trade-offs for its lightweight design are reduced durability and fewer features compared to other models. The pants feature 1/4-length side zips, which limit ventilation and ease of removal, and our durability tests revealed some wear on the outer layer of the Pertex 2.5-layer fabric under stress. That said, the Helium shines in scenarios where you need to carry waterproof hiking pants more often than wearing them. For those who value compactness and weight savings without compromising on water resistance, the Helium rain pants are a practical and high-performing solution.
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Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2 Rain Pants ($97.46 – $130 on Amazon)
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Waterproof fabric: Breathable, non-woven fabric
- Face fabric: Polypropylene material
The Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2 Rain Pants are an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lightweight and packable rain protection. Weighing approximately 12.8 ounces (363 grams), these waterproof hiking pants are designed for easy portability, allowing them to be conveniently packed into a small stuff sack that comes with the product. This feature makes them ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, or any outdoor activity where unexpected rain may occur.
Constructed from a breathable, non-woven fabric, the Ultra Lite 2 Rain Pants are both waterproof and wind-resistant, providing reliable protection against the elements while allowing moisture to escape from within. The pants feature an elastic waist for comfortable fit and wide cuff openings that make them easy to pull on over other clothing.
However, the proportions are odd and unflattering, with a laughably oversized fit that feels more hazardous than practical. Adjustable features, such as ankle cuffs or a customizable waistband, could mitigate these issues, but these pants offer neither.
Marmot PreCip Eco Pants ($65.50 on Amazon)
- Weight: 8 oz
- Waterproof fabric: NanoPro
- Face fabric: 100% Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon, Ripstop
Of all the waterproof hiking pants I tested, these were a close second to the Outdoor Research Foray and the pair I’d most likely choose for another thru-hike, especially in late fall or winter. While the PreCips are a few ounces heavier than the ultralight options, the extra features they bring to the table make them worth carrying. The adjustable ankle cuffs are a standout, allowing me to tighten the openings and keep water from sneaking in. This feature worked wonders, letting me stomp confidently through the deepest puddles without soaking the cuffs of my base layers.
Additionally, the elastic waistband is both secure and comfortable, avoiding the digging sensation that’s common with other pants. The multiple roomy, zippered pockets were another highlight, providing secure storage for essentials and adding to their overall utility. For hikers seeking a balance of functionality, comfort, and durability, the Marmot PreCips are an excellent choice. They might not be the lightest, but they excel in keeping you dry and prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
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Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 ($65.50 on Amazon)
- Weight: 14.8 ounces
- Waterproof fabric: 3-layer Proflex™ fabric
- Face fabric: Recycled stretch-knit polyester, Stretch Nylon Woven Proflex™ panels
When it comes to hiking pants that blend the best features of softshell and hardshell designs, the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 (men’s/women’s) stands out as a top contender. These waterproof hiking pants deliver the stretch and comfort of softshell material, paired with impressive water resistance akin to a hardshell, making them an excellent choice for outings with light to moderate rain in the forecast.
The Rab Kinetics excels in breathability, thanks to their nylon blend fabric that feels soft against the skin and promotes excellent ventilation. Unlike traditional rain pants, the Kinetics are designed with all-day wear in mind. They feature two secure zippered pockets, a functional fly, and a highly adjustable built-in belt for a snug, personalized fit. These thoughtful additions make the Kinetics more versatile and convenient for extended wear.
The Kinetic Alpine 2.0s are among the pricier options in the rain pants category, but their performance justifies the investment. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another pair that combines durability, mobility, and comfort so effectively. For those tackling wet, windy conditions and needing a single layer to wear comfortably all day, the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is an outstanding choice. It’s a reliable companion for unpredictable weather, offering unparalleled versatility and ease of movement.
How we test waterproof hiking pants
To provide a comprehensive and unbiased review, we dedicated countless hours to researching and selecting waterproof hiking pants for hands-on testing, all of which were purchased at Amazon. Our team of experts has invested hundreds of hours evaluating top-performing models in the rainy conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Through activities like hiking, skiing, backpacking, and climbing in remote, rain-soaked terrain, we gathered extensive data to objectively assess each pair of rain pants.
We examined how effectively each product kept us dry, tested mobility by climbing over logs, and evaluated breathability during strenuous activities. Additionally, we stay updated on market trends, ensuring we test the newest products and technologies as they become available.
Our waterproof hiking pants testing methodology is based on five key performance metrics:
- Water Resistance: 30% of the overall score
- Breathability: 25% of the overall score
- Comfort and Mobility: 20% of the overall score
- Weight: 15% of the overall score
- Durability: 10% of the overall score
This thorough approach ensures that our reviews are both detailed and reliable, giving you the insights needed to choose the best gear for your adventures.
FAQs
How breathable are waterproof hiking pants?
The breathability of waterproof hiking pants varies widely, influenced by their materials, design features, and construction. Factors like looser fit that promotes airflow, unique designs like kilts, and added features such as ventilation zippers can significantly impact how breathable they are.
Can I wear waterproof hiking pants in warm weather?
While waterproof hiking pants can be worn in warm weather, choosing breathable options with proper ventilation is crucial to avoid overheating. Heavier rain pants can feel suffocating and trap sweat, leading to discomfort.
Can I repair tears or damage to waterproof hiking pants?
Sure, repairing most tears and damage to hiking rain pants is quite straightforward. Small rips can be fixed with repair tape or stitched up, while seam sealing is effective for addressing tears or damage along the seams. For more significant damage, a combination of sewing, taping, and seam sealing may be necessary to restore both durability and waterproofing.
