We strongly believe that waterproof rain pants are one of the most important parts of your gear list for hiking, yet even with the best of intentions, they’re often overlooked.
One of the biggest issues we see with rain pants for hiking is confusion around what’s waterproof vs water resistant. There’s also a common misconception that general hiking pants or trousers that are shower resistant will cover you.
Many brands list waterproof and water resistant interchangeably in their specs. So it can be incredibly frustrating when buying a pair to know if they’ll actually keep you dry. Harder still to know which are worth the money!
If you’re here, the chances are you’re looking for a pair that will actually keep you dry in more than just a short shower. You need a pair that are actually waterproof and get the balance right between breathability and wearable comfort.
Luckily (or maybe not so much for us) we have extensive experience of hiking in heavy rain. Where we live gets unbelievably heavy storms, and we spend a lot of time while hiking putting waterproof hiking pants through their paces.
Our guide below is a little different. Sure, we’ve listed the important specs for you, but every single pair of waterproof rain pants in our guide has been tested by us, repeatedly to see how they perform in harsh, wet conditions. We’re everyday hikers and when we make a recommendation, it’s because over time, we’ve grown to trust how it performs. Our tests build up over repeated use.
We test all of the gear we recommend on the same adventures we write travel guides for too – for example we tested a number of these rain pants whilst hiking in Eidfjord, Norway, more recently whilst trekking in Sapa, Vietnam and of course in our home Lake District Mountains.
Our guide brings together our carefully curated selection of waterproof rain pants with an option suited to most different hiking needs. Taking into consideration budget, comfort and waterproofing amongst others, plus key things to consider before buying.
March 2026 update: We’ve included more notes below on how certain rain pants are holding up through even more testing on very rainy hikes this year. We keep our guides updated with actual, real world hiking use as we know how important it is when deciding to invest in your gear.
Our Quick Picks
Short on time? These are the rain pants for hiking that have stood out most during our years of testing:
- Best Overall: Rab Downpour Eco Pants
- Best Lightweight: The North Face Antora Hiking Pants
- Best Budget: Columbia Rebel Roamer
The Best Waterproof Rain Pants and Trousers for Hiking
Our guide below gives you both men’s and women’s options, mostly due to manufacturers listings. Most of the time, through our testing experience, we don’t think there is a great amount of difference!
Where possible, we try to link to both men’s and women’s, but if you see a pair that fits the bill for you otherwise, it’s worth clicking through to find the fit that works best.
Every single rain pant option we’ve included below for men has been tested in detail by us on a whole range of hikes over the last couple of years. We pride ourselves on our reviews being a moving target and update them with new testing notes over time.
Within this section, you’ll find pricier, higher tech options mixed with some more budget friendly choices for general, all round use.
Rab Downpour Eco Pants
Tested by: Fay Doyle
My take:
- Excellent breathability
- Very waterproof
- No bag or pocket to pack them into
- No pockets
Good to know: Rab don’t market these rain pants as unisex and offer men’s and women’s options. The fit is claimed to be slightly different between them, but I think it’s best to go with the specific measurements that suit you. Always check this in the sizing details before you buy.
How they’re holding up: The Rab Downpour Eco Pants have become pretty much my favorite (and perfect) pair of waterproof hiking pants and have been using them repeatedly for over three years now. With some love and care, they can handle repeated heavy rain with no worry that they will ever let rain through. They’re also very easy to put on mid hike, and they are always there as a failsafe if they’re needed. They have become our choice as the best rain pants for women.
These are brilliant rain pants, especially for the price! When you look at the hype around these pants, you will see people repeatedly commenting on how surprisingly light, comfortable, waterproof, and breathable they are.
From my extended usage of them on hikes pretty much all around the world at this point, I couldn’t agree more. They’ve handled exceptionally in all of our heavy rain tests through the cold and rainy winter of the Lake District, UK.
So much so, they also did an amazing job when approaching Lake Bondhusvatnet in Norway. This may be the most rain we’ve ever experienced. So much so that Matt’s phone and camera stopped working. My legs stayed dry though.
Rab has balanced a high level of waterproofing with excellent breathability. Even more impressive, they have done this while also using recycled polyester and fluorocarbon-free DWR coatings. The ½ length ankle zippers open all the way to the knee, which gives plenty of room to pull them on over hiking boots, another bonus I love.
This means that they’re so easy to put on during hikes that they stay in my daypack pretty much the whole time, meaning they’re a great fail safe, all round pair to have with you.
The 2.5-layer Pertex Revolve fabric is tough and durable and feels soft, supple, and comfortable. Zips are often the weak point on waterproof pants, but Rab has used top-of-the-range YKK zippers, so that won’t be a problem.
These pants pack down quickly and easily, but it’s a shame there isn’t a bag to stow them in. Nevertheless, these are ideal rain pants to keep in your backpack when hiking, as you can be confident they will keep you dry in every type of weather. Read our full review of the Rab Downpour Eco Pants here.
The North Face Men's Antora Hiking Pants
Tested by: Matt Doyle
My take:
- Fantastic for the price
- Lightweight with good mobility
- Two hand pockets are great for storage
- Not as durable as more expensive rain pants
- They don’t keep you dry for as long as some more expensive rain pants in really heavy rain
Good to know: These rain pants are marketed as a men’s version but there is a women’s version available too. There is a difference between the cut and inseam length, but I always advise choosing what suits your body better and to check measurements before buying.
The most distinctive feature of these rain pants is North Face’s 2-layer DryVent fabric. It doesn’t have a membrane, which is how most waterproof materials stop water from penetrating. Instead, there is a microporous, hydrophobic PU coating on the inside and a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating on the outside.
I’ve actually been using these rain pants for quite a few years: they were one of the first pairs I used. From all my time wearing them, I prefer to use them for shoulder season hikes, where heavy rain is likely, but nothing approaching torrential downpours. When I have worn them during heavier downpours, they did start to feel like they reached saturation point.
On the flip side, the lack of a membrane makes these pants very soft, flexible, and light. Along with the articulated knees, the fabric also gives you an excellent range of movement.
This is one of the reasons I still love them as they give the best of both worlds. Good rain protection (and it is, being realistic unlikely you will actually reach the saturation point unless you actually test them like we have) and flexibility for making quick progress on the trail.
They also feature ankle zips so you don’t have to take off your boots to put your pants on. In theory, this works, but I do find this a struggle sometimes. If you have smaller feet, this won’t be a big issue for you though.
They also have an adjustable waist and cuffs, which help with comfort and two zippered hand pockets which feel comfortable even with items in them.
These are a great mid-range pair of hiking pants that will keep you going through most hiking you can expect (except for serious extremes) and because of their flexibility, we think The North Face Men’s Antora hiking pants are the best lightweight rain pants for men. Read our full review of The North Face Men’s Antora hiking pants here.
Arc'teryx Beta AR Pants
Tested by: Matt Doyle
My take:
- Uses innovative material to provide excellent waterproofing, breathability, and comfort
- Fully featured with a pocket, adjustable belt, side vents, and Cordura PowderCuffs
- They are expensive!
- If you have larger feet, you may struggle to pull them on over boots.
Good to know: These rain pants are specifically designed and cut to work as a men’s mountain pant. Of course, anyone can wear them, so I would always recommend checking the sizing details before buying.
How they’re holding up: I’ve been testing these pants for over two and a half years now. They’re still one of my favorite options for big mountain ascents where grim weather is a given. The waterproofing (having been looked after) has continued to work perfectly and the articulation offered has made them my choice when it comes to comfort for steeper trails.
While they are pricey, I have a pretty big soft spot for the Beta Pants from Arc’teryx. They’re fantastic rain pants and I particularly love them on heavy mountain days as the range of motion they offer has kept me feeling comfortable when big strides are needed (and where some others have failed).
The 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro provides excellent waterproofing and great breathability while also being comfortable to wear and really durable. If needed, there are zippered side vents with Arc’teryx’s WaterTight zippers.
I really like some of the practical features they offer too like Cordura PowderCuffs, Keprotec instep patches, and a drawcord so they can be cinched snugly against your boots. There is a drop seat, a gusseted crotch, and articulated knees to provide a wide range of movement. These all help incredibly well when needing to make big strides on steep ascents.
Extra features include a zippered pocket, suspender loops, and a hidden RECCO reflector. The zippered pocket however doesn’t feel particularly well placed and does feel like whatever you put in it droops a bit.
I’ve found that the regular fit can easily fit a base layer underneath, but if you have larger feet, you may struggle to pull these pants on over your boots. I’ve actually struggled a couple of times to pull these rain pants on mid hike and so I’ve since preferred to put them on preferred to put them on from the start of a hike. So if this is a concern for you, you may find that they’re an ‘all or nothing’ pair. That said, they’re comfortable for extended periods.
These are not the lightest rain pants, and they are expensive, there’s no two ways about it, but if you’re in a place where you can invest in these waterproof pants, they will last you for years.
At this point I’ve has had them for over two and a half years and have found them incredible for higher mountain ascents. We think these are some of the best men’s rain pants on the market today. Read our full review of the Arc’teryx Beta AR Pants here.
Marmot PreCip Eco Pants Full Zip
Tested by: Fay Doyle
My take:
- The pockets have flaps to shield openings from rain, which is really good for staying dry
- Full-length zip is really helpful!
- No drawcord to secure the waist means they can feel a bit big if you don’t get the right size
Good to know: Marmot offer the PreCip Eco Pants as both men’s and women’s versions, which you can find through our link above. I always think it’s best to decide which to buy though based on the measurements that best suit you.
How they’re holding up: I’ve grown to really love these rain pants for summer hiking over the last couple of years. They’re perfect to pull on when the weather changes and the full length zip is perfect for this!
I’ve found it is quite challenging to pick faults at the Marmot PreCip Eco Pants! The ‘Eco’ in the name refers to the steps that Marmot has taken to make these pants as environmentally friendly as possible.
They have used PFC-free coatings and recycled materials, but these pants are still very durable, and they keep you warm and dry in the rain. I also find the breathability offered is excellent and this is easily helped by opening the zips.
They are actually a great pair for summer hikes where you can expect rain storms too. They feel pretty lightweight and I loves how I’ve never felt sweaty wearing them when outdoor temperatures are higher.
I love the full length zips as it makes them especially easy to pull on over muddy boots. Great again for summer hiking or in between seasons when you don’t want something that is going to add weight to your set up.
The zip is secured with a press stud at the bottom and a Velcro strip at the top. The waist is elasticated, but it can be adjusted if needed using the Velcro strips. This makes them feel really comfortable when on, but they also stay in place, which can’t be said for all of the velcro stripped top, full zip pants we tested.
One thing that really stands out to me is the pockets offered. While most hiking pants have no pockets these are a notable exception with three zippered pockets. The zips are protected by storm flaps to make sure no rain can leak in.
The zips and pockets mean these are not the lightest pants available, but they pack down easily. In fact, I have tested them packed down in various daypacks such as the Gregory Maya, and the Osprey Talon 22 with plenty of room for everything else. This makes them easy to just bring without needing to think about it. Read our full review of the Marmot PreCip Eco Pants Full Zip here.
Columbia Rebel Roamer
Tested by: Matt Doyle
My take:
- Low price
- Lightweight
- No pockets or zips
- Won’t fit over larger boots
Good to know: These pants are a men’s specific option. Though they can of course be worn by anyone, but check their sizing guide before buying.
How they’re holding up: I love the value offered by the Columbia Rebel Roamer Pants and have worn them on a lot of tests when I could expect less than torrential rain. Whilst I’m still fond of them, they aren’t in my rotation as much anymore due to my interests in more full on mountain ascents being my focus right now. However, I still think that these waterproof rain pants are a great, budget friendly and comfortable option.
I think these pants are great value for money and ideal for keeping in your backpack if you get caught in heavier (but not torrential) rain from time to time. They are a basic pair of rain pants with few features, but this simplicity means they are very lightweight, and they squash down easily into a compact bundle.
On paper, these pants don’t have the highest waterproof and breathability ratings, but from my testing, I found that they will keep you dry and comfortable if you don’t push things further than heavy rain. The thin, flexible fabric is actually comfortable and surprisingly durable.
I’ve tested these pants in detail on quite a few lower level hikes where coldness and rain combinations weren’t as much of a concern and really loved what they offered for the price. They’re comfortable no frills, but equally, do the job well.
One thing I love is that due to their simplicity, the lack of zips and pockets also means there are no openings that could allow rain to leak in.
However, the simplicity can cause a few problems, as there are no zips to open up the bottom of the legs, but the cuffs are wide with a Velcro strip to tighten them. I do find the cut of the legs is quite baggy, so you can wriggle them on over shoes and small boots. However, this can mean the insides become muddy.
Overall, I think there’s a lot to love about this budget friendly option from Columbia and they are still sitting strong even after two or so years of use. Quite simply, these hiking pants perform much better than most other models at this price point. In our opinion, these are best budget rain pants for men available. Read our full review of the Columbia Rebel Roamer here.
Rab Downpour Eco Waterproof FZ
Tested by: Fay Doyle & Matt Doyle
Our take:
- Low packed weight
- Excellent water resistance
- No pockets
- Full-length side zip can let in water in very heavy rain.
Good to know: These pants come in both women’s and men’s versions. From our testing, they feel pretty similar, so we’d just recommend choosing based on what fits you best.
How they’re holding up: After a lot of testing, this option from Rab are fast becoming Matt’s favorite pair. They’re versatile, dependable and whilst they’re great for mountaineering, they’re perfect day to day hiking rain pants too. Plus they’re priced reasonably considering their wide use appeal.
We’ve both been very impressed by Rab’s Downpour Eco Waterproof FZ in our tests. In fact, they are becoming such a favorite that they’ve been on many of our recent heavy rain trips with us, such as trekking on Mount Fansipan in Sapa.
Whilst they are similar to the Downpour Eco in many ways, we think there’s enough to differentiate them. The FZ in the name stands for ‘Full Zip’ and, as you might expect, this means these pants feature a full length side zipper running from the ankle all the way up to just below the waist band.
This makes it very easy to put the trousers on without removing your boots – and the feature is particularly useful if you are wearing bulky mountaineering boots, or want to avoid smearing mud over the inside of the pants.
Matt finds them very easy to put on mid hike and because of this, they have started to take over the top spot from some of his other pairs. They’re extremely versatile.
You can open the zipper from either end, so you can also use it to access the pockets in whatever you’re wearing beneath these. Whilst the zipper is not waterproof, it is still protected with a strip of waterproof material held in place with velcro patches along the leg. In very heavy rain, we would expect some moisture to get in via this zip.
The Rab Downpour Eco FZ pants make use of a 2.5 layer construction, incorporating a Pertex Shield Waterproof membrane and a 50D polyester outer.
We are pleased to see that the pants make extensive use of recycled material (Rab claim 78% in total) and the water resistant coatings are also are also completely free from PFAs (also known as ‘Forever Chemicals’).
With a low packed weight of 273g/9.6oz, plus a relatively reasonable price, these are great trousers to keep in your bag ‘just in case’, and also offer substantial protection from heavy rain – a real nod to Rab’s North of England heritage!
Whilst these aren’t particularly baggy-fitting pants, we find they do still offer a good range of movement, and don’t feel restricted in them, even when crossing more technical terrain that requires a greater range of leg movement.
Marmot Minimalist Pants
Tested by: Fay Doyle
My take:
- Two pockets are really helpful!
- Cuffs designed to fit over hike boots and cinch tight to them
- Not very lightweight and do feel a little heavy
- Legs can be too narrow for men
Good to know: We tested the women’s version of the Marmot Minimalist pants, but they are available as a men’s version too. The legs are a little narrow on the women’s version, so this may be a good reason to go with the specified gender (depending on your needs) with this pair.
After testing the Marmot Minimalist pants in detail over the last two years or so, it’s really clear that they’ve been designed to actually appeal to hikers needs.
Features like a ¼ length zip that opens to mid-calf make it easy to pull them on without taking your boots off and the zip is secured with a press stud and protected by a storm flap. The drawcord is located in the cuffs so they can be cinched tight against your boots, giving a secure fit that keep out the rain and mud.
The main material used for these pants is GORE-TEX, and through all of my tests, even in pretty intense storms, I’ve been confident in the level of rain protection they offer. Their breathability is also one of their biggest assets.
I’ve been really impressed by how well they pack down and they feel really comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The articulated knees are great too, which provide a good range of movement.
They aren’t the first pair I reach for anymore, as I have other favorites (such as the Rab Downpour Eco Pants) but I’m really fond of them when I need a pair for bigger ascents where movement is incredibly important. Read our full review of the Marmot Minimalist Pants here.
Other Notable Rain Pants We’ve Tested
Over the years we’ve tested a lot of rain pants to help us decide on our definitive list above. All of the pants and trousers included below are still great, well performing options, and we’ve written full reviews of them if you’d like to explore more options.
If you’d also like to learn more about how we tested the rain pants we’ve recommended in this guide, we’ve got some other articles linked below that explain this in more detail:
- How to Choose The Right Waterproof Rain Pants For Your Hike
- How We Tested Waterproof Rain Pants & Trousers
- Compare Waterproof Rain Pants & Trousers
- Water Resistant vs Waterproof vs Water Repellent – What is the Difference
Looking for other waterproof gear? Check out our buyers guides on waterproof hiking shoes and waterproof rain jackets.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
Each pair of waterproof pants we’ve included in this guide has been tested in detail on real hikes and in the same conditions you’ll be using them. You can see this backed up if you look through the rest of our site.
We test the hiking gear we recommend in the same places that we write travel guides for. When you read our guides that tell you, for example how much it rained whilst trekking in Sapa, we were developing a better understanding of how some of these waterproof pants handle those conditions.
This is our rinse and repeat method. Because it works. We actually care about making sure our recommendations will work for you, because we have to trust our gear just as much as you do.
Waterproof Rain Pants Buying Guide
Onto the nitty gritty and the technical info that actually makes a difference when you’re buying.
The first thing to consider is how you will be using them. If you are mainly going to keep them in your backpack in case you get caught in an unexpected shower on the trail, then you will want pants that are lightweight and can be packed down easily and neatly.
However, if you want a pair of waterproof pants that will allow you to keep hiking in all conditions, then you will want a pair with good waterproofing and breathability that you can pull on quickly without taking your boots off. Whatever your requirements, these are the key features to consider before buying rain pants.
Water Resistance
Obviously, one of the essential requirements for a pair of rain pants is to keep you dry. Most waterproof pants will keep you dry initially but some will keep you dry for longer and cope better with heavy weather.
One of the ways to judge how waterproof a pair of pants are is to look at the waterproof rating. The higher the number, the more waterproof the material composing the pants is. The table below shows the waterproof ratings for the rain pants we recommend.
There are other factors that influence how effective the pants are at keeping you dry. Crucial things to look for are DWR (durable water repellent) coatings and taped seams.
All zips have the potential to leak, so ideally, storm flaps would protect any zippers. Whilst no zipper is entirely waterproof, the YKK zips are very high-quality and let practically no wind or rain in.
Pockets are another potential weak spot, so again, you would ideally want a storm flap to protect them, especially when they are open. Another area to look at is the cuffs. You don’t want any gaps between your boots and the pants to make sure no rain, mud, or snow gets inside.
Rain Pants | Waterproof Rating |
Arc'teryx Beta AR Pants | 28,000 mm |
Marmot Minimalist Pants | 28,000 mm |
Rab Downpour Eco Pants | 20,000 mm |
The North Face Men's Antora Hiking Pants | 15,000 mm |
Marmot PreCip Eco Pants Full Zip | 10,000 mm |
Rab Downpour Eco FZ | 20,000 mm |
Columbia Rebel Roamer | 10,000 mm |
Breathability
When you are exercising and sweating, the moisture can be trapped inside waterproof material, which makes it feel cold, clammy, and wet. GORE-TEX led the way in making fabrics that kept the rain out while also allowing moisture to pass out. There are now many other types of fabrics and membranes that work similarly, with innovations being made on a regular basis.
Breathability is difficult to measure as it is affected by many different factors. How hard you are exercising makes a difference, and each individual will sweat at a different rate. What you wear under your rain pants will also influence how effectively any moisture is wicked away.
While fabrics can be given a breathability rating, features such as vents, pockets, and zips can be used to increase ventilation, and therefore, they will make pants more breathable. Manufacturers are, therefore, generally reluctant to supply breathability ratings. The table below shows the most accurate data available at present.
Rain Pants | Breathability Rating |
Arc'teryx Beta AR Pants | 25,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
Marmot Minimalist Pants | 20,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
Rab Downpour Eco Pants | 20,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
The North Face Men's Antora Hiking Pants | 15,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
Marmot PreCip Eco Pants Full Zip | 15,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
Rab Downpour Eco FZ | 20,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
Columbia Rebel Roamer | 10,000 g/m2/24 hrs |
Comfort and Mobility
Waterproof pants used to have a reputation for being stiff and uncomfortable. However, advances in the technology used to make waterproof fabrics have changed that.
When hiking, you want pants that do not restrict your movements, no matter how steep the trail. Features such as articulated knees and gusseted crotches are good indications that thought has been put into making the pants comfortable to walk in.
Some materials are stretchier than others, and 2.5-layer fabric tends to be more flexible than 3-layer fabric. Rain pants are designed to be worn over a base layer, so they don’t tend to have narrow legs, but some have baggier cuts than others. If you want to use your pants for cycling as well as hiking, then look for a pair that has some method of tightening the cuffs. If you will be wearing your pants with a harness or a rucksack’s waist strap, you should look for low-profile or elastic waistbands to ensure you will be comfortable.
Materials
There are lots of different brands and types of waterproof fabrics nowadays. The most waterproof and durable are the 3-layer fabrics. These have a face fabric bonded to a membrane with an inner lining.
The majority of rain pants are made of 2.5-layer material, which has a pattern printed on the inside of the membrane to protect it instead of a lining. The 3-layer fabrics are usually more waterproof, but they are thicker, heavier, and less flexible. While 2.5-layer fabrics are not as durable, they are lighter, easier to pack down, and usually more comfortable to wear.
Durability
When you buy a pair of pants, you want them to last as long as possible to get value for your investment. As with most things, the more you pay, the better the product you will get. Generally speaking, the lighter the pants and the thinner the material used, the less durable they will be. Things to look for are well-sewn and taped seams and ripstop fabric.
Rain pants are designed as a protective layer to keep you dry when you encounter rain or snow. If you will be partaking in activities that have the potential to have your pants rubbing against rough surfaces, such as bushwhacking or rock climbing, then you will have to invest in a top-of-the-range pair of pants.
Weight and Packability
Ideally, you will not need to wear your rain pants the majority of the time when you are hiking. It is helpful, therefore, if the pants can be compressed into a compact bundle. The thinner and more flexible the material of the pants is, the easier it is to fold them up.
It is even easier if the pants are designed to be stuffed into a pocket or bag so they are neatly packed away. Surprisingly, a lot of pants do not come with this feature. Some pants come with a loop, so you can use a carabiner to attach them to a harness, belt loop, or rucksack.
The lighter the pants are, the easier it will be to carry them. If you are going on a long hike or a backpacking trip, every ounce can make a difference at the end of a long day, so the lighter your pants are, the better. Manufacturers usually give the weight of a medium pair of pants. The chart below shows the relative weights of the rain pants we recommend.
Rain Pants | Weight of Men's | Weight of Women's |
The North Face Antora Hiking Pants | 4 oz / 113g | 6 oz / 170g |
Rab Downpour Eco Pants | 7.9 oz / 225g | 7.2 oz / 205g |
Marmot Minimalist Pant | 10 oz / 288.5 g | 9 oz / 262 g |
Rab Downpour Eco FZ | 9.6 oz / 273 g | 9.2 oz / 259.5 g |
Marmot PreCip Eco Pant Full Zip | 11 oz / 310 g | 10 oz / 290 g |
Columbia Rebel Roamer | 12.5 oz / 354g | - |
Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant | 16 oz / 470g | 15.9 oz / 450g |
What Is the Difference Between Soft Shell Rain Pants and Hard Shell Rain Pants?
Soft shell rain pants and hard shell rain pants both offer protection from wet weather, but they have distinct differences in terms of design and performance. Soft shell rain pants are made from flexible, breathable, and water-resistant materials. They prioritize comfort and freedom of movement, making them ideal for activities like hiking, backpacking, or cycling, where you need to stay active in wet conditions.
While they provide decent protection from light rain and wind, they may not be fully waterproof in heavy downpours. Soft shell rain pants often feature stretchy fabrics, adjustable waistbands, and articulated knees for enhanced mobility.
They tend to be lighter and are designed to be packed down into a neat bundle. Soft shell pants are usually carried most of the time and pulled on quickly when needed. They are worn as a top layer over your usual hiking trousers or shorts.
In contrast, hard shell rain pants are usually constructed from 3-layer waterproof and windproof materials. They are designed to offer maximum protection in the harshest weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds.
They tend to be thicker, stiffer, heavier, and often less breathable. Hard shell rain pants are fully seam-sealed, ensuring no water can penetrate, and they often come with features like reinforced knees, adjustable cuffs, and zippered vents for temperature control.
These pants are best suited for activities where staying dry is a top priority, such as mountaineering, skiing, or prolonged exposure to severe weather. Hard shell hiking pants often have insulation and can be worn by themselves or over a base layer.
In summary, the primary difference between soft shell and hard shell rain pants lies in their level of waterproofness and intended use. Soft shell rain pants prioritize comfort and mobility with water-resistant properties, while hard shell rain pants provide superior waterproof protection for extreme weather conditions. Your choice should depend on your specific outdoor activities and the weather conditions you expect to encounter.
Conclusion
Hiking in wet conditions can be challenging. However, the right rain pants make it much more doable and can be the difference between keeping going and turning back Plus, we don’t always get to decide when we get struck by an unexpected storm mid hike.
Every option we’ve included in our guide has been tested through a huge range of conditions outdoors to build an understanding of which pairs perform the best and when. We hope our guide to the best rain pants has made it easier to decide which pair is right for you!
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