Mother Nature is full of surprises. From wildlife sightings and spectacular flora to outlandish rock formations and awe-inspiring natural features. There’s no telling what awaits us around the next turn in the trail.
The same, of course, applies to the weather. Notorious for refusing to play ball and respect our wishes for rain-free, fair-weather wandering.
So, what to do?
Well, in addition to kitting yourself out with appropriate footwear and a “bomber” rain jacket, protecting your pins with a great pair of waterproof pants is, without doubt, the wisest way to go.
Aside from the obvious benefits, a good pair of rain pants bring many other benefits to the table. In this guide, you’ll find out what these are and a selection to suit the budget, taste, and technical requirements of any adventurer!
RELATED READING: Check out our guide to the best women’s rain pants
Table of Contents
Top Choices by Category
Budget: Outdoor Research Helium, Marmot PreCip, REI Co-Op Essential
Gore-Tex: Arc’teryx Beta AR, REI XeroDry GTX, Marmot Minimalist
Performance: Arc’teryx Beta AR, OR Helium, Black Diamond Stormline Stretch
Editor’s Choice
Arc’teryx Beta AR
It’s rare that the most expensive model in one of our reviews also walks away with the “best in class” award. However, the all-around awesome performance offered by Arc’teryx’s Beta AR warranted it our top spot, even with its premium price tag.
The Beta AR provides the perfect balance of everything we could want in waterproof rain pants – robust waterproofing, optimal breathability, and long-term durability. They also have a wealth of intelligent features that make them more practical and straightforward to wear than the best of the rest.
There’s no getting around the fact that the Beta AR are pricey. However, in return for the additional outlay, you get a performance-oriented pant that provides plenty of comfort and unrivaled protection no matter how grim hiking conditions get.
Bottom line: If you’re willing to spend a little more for the best protection your money can buy, the Beta AR should be somewhere very near the top of your shortlist!
At a Glance: Quick Recommendations
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Editor’s Choice:
Arc’teryx Beta AR
“A comfortable, tough, and high-performing pant that are built to withstand the very worst the weather can throw at you.”
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Runner Up:
Outdoor Research Foray
“A highly protective pant that boasts a handful of handy, non-standard features and impressive breathability.”
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Best Budget:
REI Co-op Essential
“This low-cost pant is the perfect pick for hikers who need a simple emergency shell for when the weather takes a turn for the worse.”
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Honorable Mention:
Marmot Minimalist
“A durable, mobile Gore-Tex pant at a fair price.”
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Best Ultralight:
Outdoor Research Helium
“Weighing just 5.4 ounces yet offering protection on par with far heftier models, this ultralight option is ideal for backpackers and gram-counting minimalists.”
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Best Value:
Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pants
“A simple but highly durable emergency shell that ticks all of the essential boxes for the average hiker.”
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Best Gore-Tex:
REI XeroDry GTX
“These lightweight pants provide all the awesomeness of Gore-Tex PacLite technology at a very palatable price.”
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Best Mobility:
Black Diamond Stormline Stretch
“The Stormline combine extra-stretchy fabric with a gusset seat and knee articulation to provide all the mobility needed for more technical adventures.”
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Editor’s Choice:
Arc’teryx Beta AR
“A comfortable, tough, and high-performing pant that are built to withstand the very worst the weather can throw at you.” -
Runner Up:
Outdoor Research Foray
“A highly protective pant that boasts a handful of handy, non-standard features and impressive breathability.” -
Best Budget:
REI Co-op Essential
“This low-cost pant is the perfect pick for hikers who need a simple emergency shell for when the weather takes a turn for the worse.” -
Honorable Mention:
Marmot Minimalist
“A durable, mobile Gore-Tex pant at a fair price.” -
Best Ultralight:
Outdoor Research Helium
“Weighing just 5.4 ounces yet offering protection on par with far heftier models, this ultralight option is ideal for backpackers and gram-counting minimalists.” -
Best Value:
Marmot PreCip Full-Zip Rain Pants
“A simple but highly durable emergency shell that ticks all of the essential boxes for the average hiker.” -
Best Gore-Tex:
REI XeroDry GTX
“These lightweight pants provide all the awesomeness of Gore-Tex PacLite technology at a very palatable price.” -
Best Mobility:
Black Diamond Stormline Stretch
“The Stormline combine extra-stretchy fabric with a gusset seat and knee articulation to provide all the mobility needed for more technical adventures.”
The Best Wet-Weather Hiking Pants Reviewed
Arc’teryx Beta AR
Editor’s Choice
Waterproofing: 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro ⸱ HH: 28,000mm ⸱ MVTR: 25.000 g/m2/24 h ⸱ Zipper: ¾ length ⸱ Weight: 12.5 oz.
Whether you hit the trails no matter how hard the rain’s falling or are looking for an emergency backup to throw in your pack in case conditions turn bad, you can’t go wrong with the Beta AR.
The Beta ARs are among the priciest pants out there. Nevertheless, their outstanding performance in every metric means they provide great value for money regardless.
Along with the Outdoor Foray and REI XeroDry GTX, these are the most waterproof and breathable rainproof pants on our list, boasting a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm and MVTR of 25,000 g/m²/24h. This combo makes them both “bombproof” in regards to waterproofing and breathable enough for use in warm conditions and more high-output activities.
Weighing in at 12.5 oz., the Beta AR are a little on the heavy side, but their feature set makes the added weight worth carrying. There is a thigh-length zipper for ventilation, making them easy to take on and off without removing your hiking boots. They also have articulated knees, a gusset crotch, reinforced cuffs, and a pair of water-tight zippered pockets.
PROs
- Solid waterproofing
- Highly breathable
- 40D ripstop fabric
- Excellent mobility
- Cuff-to-thigh zippers
- Reinforced instep patches help protect against damage by boots and crampons
CONs
- Unlined
- Overkill for infrequent hikers
Bottom-Line: Boasting a performance-oriented design, outstanding waterproofing and breathability, and tough, hard-wearing fabrics, it’s easy to see why these are our favorite rain pants on the market.
Outdoor Research Foray
Runner Up
Waterproofing: 2-layer Gore-Tex PacLite ⸱ HH: 28,000mm ⸱ MVTR: 25,000 g/m2/24 h ⸱ Zipper: ¾-length, two-way ⸱ Weight: 11.5 oz.
Combining the benefits of Gore-Tex’s lightweight, ultra-breathable, and highly waterproof PacLite technology with an impressively dialed-in, well-thought-out design, the OR are a solid option for all types of adventure in inclement weather.
With a hydrostatic head of 28,000 and MVTR of 25,000 g/m2/24 h, the Foray are the most waterproof and breathable rain pants on our list, along with the Arc’teryx Beta AR and REI XeroDry GTX. While a little heavier than both these models, the Foray includes a few nice touches that are worth the extra weight.
In addition to mobility-enhancing features like knee articulation and a gusset crotch, the Foray have two-way zippers for easy ventilation, an elastic drawcord waist, snap closure cuffs, loops for instep laces, and a handy carabiner loop that lets you attach them to the outside of your pack.
PROs
- Highly breathable and waterproof fabric
- Gusset crotch
- Articulated knees
- Two-way zippers
- Rear pocket doubles as a stuff sack
CONs
- Expensive
- Quite heavy
Bottom-Line: These waterproof pants for men might be a little on the heavy side for some but offer outstanding protection and durability.
REI Co-op Essential
Best Budget
Waterproofing: 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable fabric ⸱ HH: N/A ⸱ MVTR: N/A ⸱ Zipper: ¼-length ⸱ Weight: 9.5 oz.
Looking for a simple but reliable rain pant that does exactly what you need them to do when the wet stuff starts falling? If so, you could do a lot worse than plump for the REI Co-Op Essential.
Despite this option being geared towards the average hiker it still offers significantly above-average performance and at a very palatable price point. They’re made with 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable fabric that provides enough airflow for moderately intense hikes and is more than capable of fending off heavy rain showers.
At 9.5 oz., these are also the second lightest in our review after the OR Helium.
Compared to the next cheapest pant on our list, the Marmot PreCip, the Essential are a little more basic. There’s no ripstop fabric, only one zippered pocket instead of three, and they aren’t quite as breathable. However, the Essential do have nicely articulated knees, sealed seams, an elastic waist, and pack into a similarly tiny bundle when not in use.
PROs
- Cheap!
- Waterproof and breathable
- Lightweight
CONs
- Not as waterproof or breathable as pricier options
- Only one pocket
- ¼-length ankle zippers
Bottom-Line: A simple and unpretentious pant that does what most hikers will need it to do and to a relatively high standard.
Marmot Minimalist Pants
Honorable Mention
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex PacLite ⸱ HH: 28,000 ⸱ MVTR: 20,000 ⸱ Zipper: Quarter-length ⸱ Weight: 11 oz.
Made with 50-denier, 2.5-layer Gore-Tex PacLite fabric, the Minimalist are a great pick for hikers who are happy to carry a few extra ounces in return for outstanding weather protection and almost unequaled durability.
The Minimalist are among the most popular rain pants out there and the reason for this is simple. In addition to using tough materials and their robust waterproofing, they’re incredibly comfortable and very fairly priced. While they weigh a little more than the Beta AR, they offer similar performance and cost significantly less.
The 50-denier fabric used in the Minimalist also makes them among the most rip-resistant and durable options in our review.
The design of the Minimalist is carefully dialed into the needs of the hiker. There’s an elasticated waist, articulated knees, and a roomy enough crotch that no extra gusset is required. There are also two zippered thigh pockets for storing small essentials.
The only real downsides are the lack of venting options and a belt.
PROs
- 50D fabric
- Waterproof and breathable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- 20% recycled materials
CONs
- Ankle-height zippers
- No vents
- No waist adjustment
Bottom-Line: A well-thought-out option that combines the mobility of a lightweight hiking pant with the robust protection of the most high-end rain pants.
Outdoor Research Helium
Best Ultralight
Waterproofing: 2.5L Pertex Shield ⸱ HH: 20,000 mm ⸱ MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24 h ⸱ Zipper: ¼-length ⸱ Weight: 5.4 oz.
Weighing a mere 5.4 oz. and packing down into a tennis-ball-sized bundle, the OR Helium are the most packable and ultralight rain pants on the market.
While most rain pants in the “ultralight” category make a few compromises in terms of comfort, durability, and/or features, the Helium holds its own in each of these metrics. They’re made with tough, 30-denier ripstop fabric, have a gusset crotch for added mobility, an elasticated drawcord waist, and a nicely sized zippered back pocket.
While we would have preferred a full-length side zipper, hand pockets, and a little more articulation in the knees, it’s hard to quibble given the Helium’s emphasis on keeping weight to an absolute minimum.
PROs
- Ultralight
- Highly waterproof and breathable
- Tiny packed size
- Ripstop fabric
CONs
- ¼-length zipper
- No hand pockets
Bottom-Line: The ultralight Outdoor Research Helium pants have a tiny packed size and robust waterproofing making them a shoo-in for those who like to travel fast and light, whilst still being among the best backpacking rain pants out there.
Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip Pants
Best Value
Waterproofing: 2.5-layer, PFC-free DWR Marmot NanoPro™ ⸱ HH: 10,000 mm ⸱ MVTR: 17,000 g/m2/24 h ⸱ Zipper: ¼-length ⸱ Weight: 11.4 oz.
Looking for a tough, reliable outer layer that provides solid wet-weather protection without breaking the bank? If so, the Marmot PreCip Eco Pants are well worth considering.
The Marmot PreCip have been around for a while now, and in that time has amassed a slew of rave reviews from hikers everywhere. While not the most “technical” option on our list, they do what most hikers need a rain pant to do…and do it at a very reasonable price.
With a hydrostatic head of 10,000 mm, the Marmot PreCip pants lag far behind all other pants on our list in the waterproofing stakes. They’re also the second heaviest option after the OR Foray and offer a middle-of-road degree of breathability (17,000 g/m2/24 h).
While these factors make them less suitable for high-output activities and exposure to sustained, heavy rainfall, they’re still ideal for buyers seeking an affordable protective layer to pack in case the weather turns during their hikes.
PROs
- Durable
- Recycled nylon ripstop fabric
- Zippered pockets in front and rear
- Ample breathability for most
CONs
- Heavy
- Low waterproof rating
- ¼-length zipper
Bottom-Line: A basic but highly durable pair of waterproof shell pants that are more than adequate for the needs of the average hiker.
REI XeroDry GTX
Best Gore-Tex
Waterproofing: 2-layer GORE-TEX PacLite ⸱ HH: 28,000 mm ⸱ MVTR: 25,000 g/m2/24 h ⸱ Zipper: ¼-length ⸱ Weight: 10 oz.
When outdoor clothing brands use Gore-Tex technology in their rain gear you can usually count on a corresponding price tag that will rule out the more budget-conscious buyer. Not so with the REI XeroDry GTX!
The REI XeroDry use 2-layer GORE-TEX PacLite, one of the most waterproof and breathable performance fabrics on the market. Nevertheless, they cost significantly less than both the Arc’teryx Beta AR and OR Foray, the two other Gore-Tex rain pants on our list.
In terms of features, the XeroDry is up there with the best of them. They have articulated knees, zippered hand pockets with storm flaps, an elasticated drawcord waistband, and under-leg gussets that prevent restriction when hiking uphill.
The only real downsides to the XeroDry are the quarter-length zippers and polyester lining, which can feel a little sticky when you wear them with shorts. That said, it feels unfair to hate on them too much for these minor flaws when otherwise there’s so much to love about them.
PROs
- Highly breathable
- Robust waterproofing
- Great value for money
- Adjustable waist
CONs
- ¼-length zipper
- Polyester lining is a touch uncomfortable when worn with shorts
Bottom-Line: An affordable pair of waterproof gore-tex hiking pants that offer comparable levels of breathability and waterproofing to most models that cost twice as much.
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch
Best Mobility
Waterproofing: BD.dry 2.5L with DWR ⸱ HH: 10,000 mm ⸱ MVTR: 10,000 g/m2/24 h ⸱ Zipper: ⅓-length ⸱ Weight: 7.65 oz.
One of the main drawbacks to most rain pants is that they tend to restrict movement when we’re hiking upslope or negotiating trickier terrain. If you’d prefer a rain pant that doesn’t hold you back when you’re hiking hard, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch may provide the perfect solution.
These ultralight men’s rain pants are made with BD.dry 2.5-layer technology. This isn’t the most waterproof or breathable option out there, granted. However, its two-way stretch outer fabric, in combination with the pants’ gusset seat and full knee articulation, means the StormLine are far more mobile than almost anything else out there.
If you’re buying pants for extremely wet conditions, then there are better options out there. The Beta AR and REI XeroDry, for example, are more practical options in a downpour. If, however, you want a pant that marries the best bits of a technical hiking pant – comfort, mobility, durability – with the waterproof capacity of a rain pant, then the StormLine are well worth considering.
PROs
- Lightweight
- Stretchy fabric
- Gusset seat
- Full knee articulation
- Tiny packed size
CONs
- Less waterproof and breathable than competitors
Bottom-Line: A stretchy, extra-mobile pair of rain pants that are ideal for technical hikes, scrambling, mountaineering, or anyone who places a priority on unhindered movement.
Critical Considerations Before Buying a Pair of Hiking Rain Pants
Water Resistance
Needless to say, the most important characteristic of any pair of rain pants is their ability to keep out the wet stuff and all models marketed as such are made with this core competency in mind. However, when it comes to blocking out the wet, not all are created equal.
The level of water resistance provided is determined mainly by the fabric, but also by the use of taped or welded seams, and waterproof or storm-flapped zippers.
Waterproof Fabrics
The waterproofness of the fabric used is measured in the hydrostatic head test, which is used to determine how much water pressure any fabric can withstand before starting to leak. Hydrostatic head ratings are given in millimeters (i.e. 10,000mm, 15,000mm, etc.), and the higher the figure, the more waterproof the fabric is.
The rain pants with the highest HH in our review are those that use Gore-Tex PacLite or Gore-Tex Pro such as the Arc’teryx Beta AR, Marmot Minimalist, OR Foray, and REI XeroDry GTX (all 28,000mm). These are followed by the Outdoor Research Helium (20,000mm), while those with the lowest HH are the Marmot PreCip (10,000mm).
Some rain pants double down on waterproofing by using a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up on the surface rather than saturate the fabric. This acts as a “first line of defense” against rainwater and improves breathability by making it easier for your sweat to escape through the minuscule pores in the membrane of the water-repellent pants.
Sealed Seams
When the sheets of fabric used to make rain pants are stitched together, the “join” between the two sheets is pocked with a myriad of tiny holes through which the pants’ defenses can be breached by H2O.
To avoid leaving this part exposed, the best water-resistant hiking pants use either welded or taped seams to create a water-tight seal. With welded seams, the fabric is joined without stitching using glue or sonic bonding. With taped seams, waterproof tape is applied to the inside of the pant leg along the line of the stitching.
The difference between taped and welded seams is minimal, though the welded variety is usually more resistant in the longer term since taped-sealed seams often fray and need to be replaced every year or so.
Waterproof Zippers
Most manufacturers use water-resistant zippers or “storm flap” zippers to prevent rain from sneaking in at the pockets and/or sides of your pants. While using one of the above is pretty much standard across the industry, it’s worth double-checking if you choose to buy a pair not included on our list.
Of the options on this list, the Arc’teryx Beta AR and Marmot Minimalist use water-tight zippers, while the others use storm flaps.
Breathability & Ventilation
Any rain gear that lacks breathability and ventilation is likely to leave you as soaked in sweat as you would have been by rainwater. As such, breathability is every bit as important as waterproofing when choosing your rain pants.
The breathability of waterproof-breathable rain gear is measured with the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR). This tells us how much water vapor can pass through the fabric from inside to out in a 24-hour period. In product specs, this is shown as a figure followed by “g/m²/24h” (e.g. 15,000 g/m²/24h), and the higher the figure, the more breathable the fabric is.
Below, we’ve put together an at-a-glance overview of the performance you can expect from various MVTRs:
- Less than 10,000 g/m²/24h: These are the least breathable pants and therefore more suitable for short hikes, camping, and more stationary activities like hunting or outdoor photography.
- 12,500-17,500 g/m²/24h – Wearing rain pants with this rating hit the sweet spot for general hiking.
- 20,000+ g/m²/24h – The most breathable of the bunch, these are ideal for high-output activities like mountaineering, ski touring, and more intense, fast-paced hiking.
The most breathable models in our review are the Arc’teryx Beta AR, Marmot Minimalist, and REI XeroDry GTX (both 20,000 g/m²/24h). The least breathable are probably the REI CoOp Essential (there’s no MVTR stated by the brand, but they left our legs a little sticky after an hour or so’s steady hiking).
Whatever the MVTR of your slacks, it’s handy to have a model with two-way side zippers that let you dump heat quickly when need be. Full-length zippers like those on the Marmot PreCip, Marmot Minimalist, and REI Rainer are the best option in this respect as they allow you to unzip as much as is required when things start getting a little sweaty under the waistband.
Comfort and Mobility
Rain pants for hiking should provide enough mobility to let you move freely. The features most conducive to both unrestricted movement and overall comfort are a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and stretchy fabrics.
- Articulated knees: these prevent the fabric from bunching up at the back of the leg when bending your knees.
- Gusseted crotch: a diamond-shaped insert of extra material provides a little more room for movement in the groin area and upper legs, as required when hiking uphill.
- Stretchy fabric: this allows for more unhindered movement and is usually found in models geared towards more technical pursuits.
Aside from the Marmot Precip, all the models in our review have articulated knees. The Arc’teryx Beta AR, OR Foray, OR Helium, BD Stormline, and REI XeroDry GTX have a gusseted crotch. Only the BD Stormline use a stretch fabric.
Materials – Coating or Membrane?
Brands use one of two methods to make their rain pants resistant to the wet stuff: a waterproof coating or a microporous waterproof-breathable membrane.
Coatings
These usually take the form of a polyurethane layer applied directly into the interior of the fabric. While usually far cheaper, these are typically less breathable than membranes. The only coated model in our review is the Marmot PreCip.
Membranes
These are extremely thin layers attached to, or are sandwiched between, the other layers of fabric. Pocked with thousands of minuscule pores that are too small for rainwater to pass through but large enough to let your sweat escape as a vapor. Membranes let garments “breathe” whilst simultaneously keeping you dry.
The degree of waterproofing and breathability provided by membranes varies from model to model, though almost all outperform coatings in both of these metrics.
A waterproof membrane is used on 2-layer models like the Outdoor Research Foray and REI XeroDry GTX, 2.5-layer models like the REI Co-op Essential, Marmot Minimalist, Outdoor Research Helium, and Marmot PreCip Full Zip, and 3-layer models like the Arc’teryx Beta AR.
Although there are a few exceptions, 3-layer models are normally the most durable but also heavier, bulkier, and less flexible than 2.5-layer models. 2-layer models, which are usually the cheapest, are typically the heaviest, bulkiest, and least durable pants of the bunch.
Durability
Durability depends on a variety of factors, but none more so than the density of the fabric used. Fabric thickness is measured in denier (D), and – as a general rule – the higher the denier rating, the more tear-resistant and durable the fabric is.
All of the models in our review use fabrics in the 30-to-40D range, making them more than tough enough for use on rugged trails. If we were to pick one as the most resistant to rips and wear and tear, it would be a toss-up between the Arc’teryx Beta AR and Marmot Precip, both of which use 40D ripstop nylon, and the Marmot Minimalist (50D).
Looking for more information on hiking clothing? Then take a look at some of the other clothing related topics we’ve covered:
The Best Hiking Pants
The Best Winter Hiking Pants
The Best Women’s Winter Hiking Pants
Weight & Packed Size
Because your rain gear is likely to spend a lot of time in your pack, waiting to be deployed when conditions take a turn for the worse, the weight and packed size of your rain pants is a vital consideration.
Of all the models in our review, the Outdoor Research Helium (5.4 oz.) are the lightest and the Outdoor Research Foray men’s rain pants (11.5 oz.) are the heaviest.
Pant Features
A few non-standard features can vastly improve performance and practicality. The most important to look out for are as follows:
- Elastic waistband: Prevents your slacks from falling down and guarantees a good fit at the waist.
- Cuff closures – Keep the ankle fabric tight around the boots area to stop groundwater sneaking in.
- Pockets – Handy for storing small items you want to keep to hand like a GPS device, phone, compass, camera, etc.
- Reinforced Insteps – This refers to tougher, thicker material used in the inner ankle to prevent scuffing, wear and tear, or rips caused by crampon spikes.
Best Rain Pants for Hiking: The Verdict
Our pick of the bunch and the winner of our Best Rain Pants for Hiking Award are the Arc’teryx Beta AR. These pants are pricey, to be sure, but offer peerless weather protection and boast a wealth of dialed-in features that make them almost a pleasure to wear.
If you’re looking for a lighter pant, we recommend the OR Helium, which weigh a piddly 5.4 oz. but offer enough protection for 3-season adventuring.
And if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, it’s hard to go wrong with the REI Co-Op Essentials and Marmot PreCip, both of which lack a few bells and whistles but will do the job you need them to do.
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