[But] there are other membranes that are out there that do the same thing. Susan Sokolowski, associate professor and director of the sports product design program at the University of Oregon, phone interview, July 12, 2017, Sean Michael, professor and program director for the outdoor product design and development program at Utah State University, phone interview, July 13, 2017, Stephen Regenold, founder, Gear Junkie, email interview, July 17, 2017, How to Choose Rainwear, REI, April 7, 2016. We lunged, jumped, rolled around in wet grass, splashed ourselves with river water, knelt in puddles, and rubbed our butts against mossy trees and gravel. And, while neoprene may not be the conventional go-to for a pair of bike pants, if you are looking for more legging-style rain pants for cycling, a handful of Amazon fans pointed out that these work especially well keeping you dry and warm during cold-weather showers. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and two children. The fabrics have gotten [stretchy enough] that a gusset isnt as imperative as in the past, said Utah State Universitys Sean Michael. Rain pants can help solve this problem. These pants caused water to bead off well enough, and our tester said that she didnt feel wet even after a long slog in the rain. The womens version tightens at the waist with a drawstring, while the mens version tightens with Velcro. The 3-layer ripstop-nylon fabric of these pants looks and feels identical to the fabric of our top pick, and the Torrentshell pairs were just as water resistant and breathable when we wore them while walking in the rain, too. They have vented ankle zippers but come in only one length. Instead, the PreCip pants fit well and were easy to move in; we also found their legs roomy enough to pull on over layers and then walk in. These lightweight, comfortable pants will keep you dry through rainy hikes. Full-zip pants unzip from the ground all the way to the waistband. A few labels, including that of our pick, specified powder detergent. The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants (womens): Although the Venture 2 pants come in three inseam lengths for the womens versions, the long and short versions are harder to find in stores. During our eyedropper and spray tests, we saw no signs of wetting throughboth before and after putting the pants through five hours of continuous washing. TEK waterproof technology blocks the elements while maintaining breathable comfort. However, that complaint extended to most of the pants we tested. Theyre also a few ounces lighter than most of the other rain pants we considered. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. You can also adjust the ankle portion, which has a cinch and buttons at the ankles, plus lace hooks for hiking or alpine boots. They come in 30- and 32-inch inseams. They also have a more tailored cut than many rain pants we tested; the mens version has a cinching buckle, and the womens version has Velcro tabs at the sides. I think Gore-Tex is a great solution, said Sokolowski. If Marmots PreCip Eco Pants are unavailable, Patagonias Torrentshell 3L Pants (available in mens and womens versions) are nearly identical to our top pick. They are available in regular, short, and long versions to accommodate multiple heights. But they perform in rain, snow, and mountaineering conditions, plus theyre the most durable option we tested. (They dont come in plus or petite sizes, however. We also liked the reinforced instep patches along the calves; because of the thicker fabric, youre less likely to rip your pants with crampons or snowshoes. Compared with the other pants we tested, the Beta pants dont just cause water to bead offthey repel water with force. These lightweight, comfortable pants will keep you dry through rainy hikes. Made from 100% recycled nylon for minimal impact on the environment. To find the best rain pants, we spent 15 hours combing through reviews of mens and womens rain pants, reading 11 other guides in all. They also have zippers at the ankles that allow for breathability, and they weigh just 5.5 ounces. Based on our latest testing, we chose Marmots PreCip Eco Pants, which come in mens and womens sizes, as the best rain pants for most people. Because theyre created from such a lightweight material, theyre easy to pack and will work for a variety of climates (theyre even breathable with a mesh lining that will release excess heat and moisture) and outdoor activities in fact, several reviewers specifically mentioned cycling, writing that the adjustable Velcro cuff straps were great at keeping the pants from catching in their bike chain. 
The mens version comes in XS to XXL (26- to 44-inch waist, 32- to 51-inch hip), and the womens version comes in XXS to XL (24- to 35-inch waist, 33- to 44-inch hip). If you have mountain or winter hikes coming up, theyre worth the splurge. Because rain pants often have ankle zippers or snap cuffs that would make alterations difficult, its important to find a pair with the right size and cut for you. We felt noticeably sweaty and clammy after only an hour of hiking in the Columbia Storm Surge pants in the rain forestbut that wasnt the case in the PreCip pants. Marmots pants kept us dry while we walked for several miles in heavier-than-usual rain and wind in Portland, Oregon. Like many of the other rain pants we tested, the ArcTeryx Beta pairs have zippers on the sidesbut their zippers fully extend from hip to ankle, allowing for the easiest on-and-off we experienced, as well as the best ventilation. If youre looking for extended sizes in rain pants: Consider the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants (currently available only in womens sizes XS to XXXL). The standard-size Helium pants were less well-loved among our testers, simply because they did not measure up to the comfort and durability of our top pick and runner-up pick. We took that list of top models and narrowed the group based on the following criteria: Layers: Rain gear is categorized by how many layers its made from. Water didnt soak through any of the pants, so they were all baseline waterproof. However, your required level of waterproofing or water resistance depends on your planned activities. These come backed by over 20,000 five-star ratings (no typo) and its all thanks to the technical details: They were created with a woven polyester fabric coated in a DWR finish and insulated to a temperature rating of -20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Kim Mock took rain pants out into the Colorado wilds during the spring months, as well. FREE SHIPPING with $50 Purchase - or - FREE with the L.L.Bean Mastercard Details. Then we tested for water resistance. Also, its loud. No matter what kind of outdoor adventure is in store hiking, biking, or even just sightseeing you already know how important it is to have a rain jacket on standby. They were manufactured in partnership with BLUESIGN, ensuring a sustainable and safe textile production thats environmentally conscious. At more than triple the cost of our top pick, these pants are a splurge. Weight: Even if you consider yourself more of a weekend warrior than an ultralight hiker, rain pants shouldnt take up a lot of weight in your pack, because theyll probably be in there most of the time. They also offer UPF 50+ protection and have two side pockets, as well as two front zippered pockets. The cuffs are reinforced with scuff-resistant ballistic panels and are zipped to allow for the easy on-and-off of boots. Jenni has been writing and editing product reviews for almost a decade, with bylines in Wirecutter, Reviewed, Slate, and beyond. The company thats made them has probably wash-tested them, said the University of Oregons Susan Sokolowski. The companys site doesnt provide a time frame for warranties, which suggests that you can swap the pants out at any time if something breaks down. Compared with the other rain pants we tested, Marmots 2.5-layer PreCip Eco Pants (available in both mens and womens versions) will keep you dry for a lower price. In contrast, the other kilt we tested, the ULA Rain Kilt, uses three pieces of Velcro as closures, which leave several slits where rain can get through. Because rain pants often have ankle zippers or snap cuffs that would make alterations difficult, its important to find a pair with the right size and cut for you. While researching how outdoor-clothing brands test their rainwear, we came across Patagonias Killer Wash tests and reached out to Matt Dwyer, Patagonias director of materials and development, to learn more; Dwyer told us that Patagonias initial wash tests involve running rain gear through continuous five-, 12-, or 24-hour cycles. If youre hiking in rain for extended periods of time, you should have completely waterproof pants. However, these pants feel sturdier than the others we tested because of their gusseted crotch, which, according to our experts, can help reinforce an easy-to-rip area. Plus, full-zip pants are often more expensive than half-zip options. We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. The mens version of the regular-inseam pants weighs 8.9 ounces and the womens version weighs 8.1 ounces, about an ounce lighter than our runner-up and several ounces lighter than most of the other rain pants we considered.
Wirecutters Anna Perling wrote the first version of this guide in 2019 and interviewed several rain-gear experts, including Susan Sokolowski, an associate professor and the director of the sports product design program at the University of Oregon; Sean Michael, the program director for the outdoor product design and development program at Utah State University; and Stephen Regenold, the founder of GearJunkie, who is well known for his outdoor-gear knowledge. Former Wirecutter writer Liz Thomas, who held the womens unassisted speed record on the Appalachian Trail between 2011 and 2015, said she hikes with an umbrella for maximum water protection with less weight. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they have side slits to give you access to the pockets on your base layer some shoppers have noted that water has seeped in through these spots, and suggested affixing Velcro tabs to keep them closed. Fit: Most rain pants are made in both mens and womens sizes; choosing the right fit for your body helps with your mobility. Because of that extra layer, these pants are slightly heavier than the PreCip pants, with a pair of mens regular pants weighing 10 ounces and a pair of womens regular pants weighing 9.3 ounces. Up ahead, four of the best rain pants for women on Amazon! Youll be able to get a more customized fit if you opt for pants with an adjustable waist, too, whether the pants use a drawstring, elastic cord, or belt. Additionally, they offer wind-resistant protection and have adjustable Velcro tabs at the waist to ensure the elements are kept at bay. The two zippered mesh side pockets let you stash whatever you need to keep accessible. These pockets have a protective fabric shelf, and Marmots most recent update to the PreCip design added fully taped seams, which means you can trust that your phone will stay dry during a true downpour. They come in black and gray in the mens version and navy and black in the womens version. We combed through reviews on multiple retail sites to look for reports on long-term wear, too.
Usually, [you should] follow the suggested manufacturers care [instructions]. For our wash test, we looked at the care label on each pair of pants. The ankle zippers on the Torrentshell pants come up higher on the leg than on most of the other rain pants we tested, which makes getting them on and off over boots even easier than with our top pick. On our Hoh Rain Forest hike, the PreCip pants felt breathable. But they perform in rain, snow, and mountaineering conditions, plus they promise to be the most durable option. Mobility: Youll probably be moving around a lot in your rain pants, so its important that the pants move with your body. The mens pants come in S to XL (30- to 42-inch waist, 34- to 48-inch hip, 30- to 35-inch inseam), and the womens pants come in sizes XS to XL (24- to 38-inch waist, 35- to 39-inch hip, 30- to 33-inch inseam). They also weigh about 5 ounces more than our top pick. Most rain pants are meant to keep water out, which also means that they dont let sweat out, so if youre hiking only a short distance in warmer weather and you wont be wet for long periods of time, you should probably leave your rain pants behind. Please upgrade to one of the following for a smoother, safer shopping experience with us: Redesigned tougher our waterproof rain pants now feature a durable laminate interior that provides more rugged protection and breathable comfort. However, we can vouch for using our rain pants in non-hiking situations on occasion, too: Well layer them over long johns to go out in the rare Portland, Oregon, snowstorm, pop them on for a shoulder-season snowshoe, don them while biking, or put them on for a messy garden job. They are also more expensive than our top pick, depending on the retailer. If theres one downside, its that theres only one tiny inside pocket (about the size of a key). Alternatively, an option made of neoprene will be waterproof but not very breathable, so it might be more ideal for sports like kayaking, beach volleyball, or paddleboarding. Once you have enabled JavaScript, please refresh (or "reload") this page. Though the Zpacks kilt is more rigid than the ULA kilt, you can still move around in it. They also come in three inseam lengths. And if the weather turns gusty as it often does with rain youll appreciate it if your pants are also wind resistant. Columbia Mens Rebel Roamer Rain Pants: Though the Rebel Roamer pants have two snaps at the ankles to help taper the legs, they lack ankle zippers, which makes them difficult to get on and off. Theyre finished with belt loops, a zippered fly, and a button closure. During our water and wash tests, the Beta pants felt hardier than competitors. For a quick walk through the woods or muddy outdoor chores, any of our picks will work just fine. Brooks gazes wistfully into the sky, looking for rain. Created from a nylon-spandex blend thats coated with a DWR finish, these Eddie Bauer hiking pants repel water efficiently but if theyre submerged and soaked, theyll dry quickly, too. First, a note on rain pant materials. Waterproof: A good pair of rain pants should keep water out. These pants weigh 3.2 ounces, and though they're likely to blow away in the wind because theyre seriously as light as a feather, they kept out the rain surprisingly well in our tests. Copyright. These pants have thigh-high zippers, which make them easy to get on and off. The Torrentshell pairs did just as good a job as the PreCip pants when it came to keeping us dry in Portland, Oregon, rain and staying breathable on our hike in a rain forest. Every product will have a sewn-on care label. Our plus-size and petite womens testers both found the waist a bit snug, and our legs got cold during rainy hikes because the fabric was fairly thin. You can re-treat your pants to maintain them. The ArcTeryx Beta rain pants (mens and womens) are more than three times as expensive as our top pick, but theyre tough enough to keep you dry during mountaineering adventures or in heavy rain, snow, or sleet. by James Austin, Daniel Varghese, and Sarah J. Robbins. (The womens version unzipped only to the calves.) When the DWR membrane starts to visibly flake off, thats a sign that your rain gear is failing. Made from a breathable polyester material thats coated with a proprietary watertight membrane, they are ideal for light-to-average amounts of rainfall, but may not stand up to heavier conditions (though, according to some reviewers, they will keep the wind out). Subscribe now for unlimited access. If you want a rain kilt for warmer weather: If youre traveling somewhere warm or going to a place with lighter rain, a rain kilt may work for you, but we dont think a rain kilt is the best rainproofing option for most people. Lastly, these pants feature two side pockets, belt loops, and an O-ring at the front to hold keys, gloves, or any other small necessities. And his request was granted: During our eyedropper and spray tests, and our hikes in the rain, these pants repelled water just as well as our other picks did, and theyre available for a similar price. Although we didnt experience any chafing, the material felt cheaper than that of our top pick, and the pants had just one pocket. (Even so, we do have a lightweight option in the Other good rain pants section that ultralight hikers might consider.) If you do want to buy a kilt, we like the Zpacks DCF Rain Kilt. Though water-resistant pants are available, for this guide we reviewed only rain pants that were 100% waterproof. We tested them both in 2019 and 2022, and although we know theyre popular, we dont think they offer the guaranteed waterproofing that most people need. Care and maintenance instructions depend on each pair of pants, according to our experts. Brooks hikes up to a waterfall in the Hoh Rain Forest. For the cost, these pants offer the best value of all the pants we tested. The PreCip pairs still look and feel like rain pants, of course, so they dont get many style points. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. The biggest drawback with these pants is their fit: If youre shorter or taller than their inseams accommodate, you may be tripping over these pants or finding that they dont cover you adequately. To save yourself from that frustration, the best womens rain pants will come with the level of water protection you need to keep you dry and comfortable for the weather youll be facing. Finished with a drawstring waist and stirrup cuffs, theyll stay snug and secure all day long (and so will any items you place in the side pocket). Although you probably dont need rain pants during lighter showers or warmer weather, a good pair of rain pants can help you stay dry and comfortable when youre hiking in heavy rain or colder climates. We didnt get much rain during our trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, but at least we had a river to splash in. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also conducted a wash test to mimic long-term wear and tear on DWR coatings. This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. However, they dont have some of the features we like on other pants, such as ankle zippers or elastic cinches. To find the best pair, we spent 45 hours conducting research, speaking to experts, conducting a killer wash test, and chasing rain through Oregon, Colorado, and Washington. With ankle zippers at the cuffs, these pants are easy to get on and off while youre wearing boots. Marmots PreCip Eco Pants (available in mens and womens versions) will keep you dry just as well as the competition for a lower price, and theyre available in a wider array of inseam lengths. But if zippers break on a pair of full-zip rain pants, your entire leg is exposed, defeating the point of the rain pants altogether. Made of ultra-durable and lightweight Dyneema fabric, the kilt has a zipper to seal it and a cinch waist. On our Hoh Rain Forest hike and around town, the PreCip pants felt breathable. Despite their wider range of sizes (up to XXL), however, ArcTeryx clothing tends to run narrow, so youll probably want to try them on before you buy. Some rain pants are made from stretchy fabrics that allow for greater mobility; these may be more expensive, but spending more can be worth it for the comfort. Learn more. They are among the least important pieces of outerwear. Thats because compounds in liquid detergent can impede DWR and prevent it from repelling water. Jenni Gritters tested rain pants in Bend, Oregon, during the late winter and early spring seasons. Because the PreCip Eco Pants are made from ripstop nylon, they still feel somewhat like trash bags. Tripping over pants isnt fun, and neither is feeling like youre wearing a couple of trash bags. Most of all, she preferred the style of the Helium pants; many plus-size pants are boxy, but these allowed enough room for layering without looking baggy. In our tests the water-repellent coating on the PreCip pants held up well during Oregon rainstorms, even after five hours of continuous washing. The ankles had only shin zippers and Velcro (no buttons), and one tester reported that the REI pants stuck to her legs during a rainstorm, even though they initially repelled water. Keeping your core warm is more important than keeping your extremities warm, but your chance of getting hypothermia increases when youre both cold and wet. Theyre basic, waterproof pants with a few standout features: They have long ankle zippers that make them easier to get on and off than the PreCip pairs, as well as articulated knees, and theyre more breathable than many of the other options we tested. We wore all of our picks for at least an hours worth of hiking to test for mobility and breathability and to see how easy the pants were to get on and off. But when the weather turns soggy, water-logged pants can really put a damper on your day. Even so, this test illustrated that some pants were more effective at repelling water than others: Water droplets practically jumped off several pairs of pants while clinging to the fabric of other pairs. Full-zip pants are easier than half-zip pants to get on and off, and they unzip to keep your legs cool, but our experts were concerned about the added weight of full zip pants and the risk of zipper failure. Youll know whether a DWR coating is intact if water beads on the pants (this is a good sign). They arent the quietest pants, either. We like that these pants come in extended sizes, but we recommend turning to the Outdoor Research Helium pants for a plus-size option before you try these. If youre somewhere warmer or in a place with intermittent rain, a breathable pair of water-resistant pants might be enough. They come in only one length, but they have vented ankle zippers. These pants are just as dry and comfortable in the rain. The PreCip Eco Pants come in three inseam lengths (short, regular, and long) in both mens and womens versions, and they were among the few pants in our pile that proved to be true to size. Good rain pants should have taped or sealed zippers and seams, too, to keep water out. These 2.5-layer, ripstop-nylon pants are made with 100% recycled fabric and have ankle zips to help you get them over your boots. Our plus-size tester reported no chafing and loved the drawstring waist, which allowed her to tailor the fit to her shape. Their fabric isnt as soft and stretchy as that of the sleeker Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic pants. Many hikers dont need to bother with rain pants, especially if you hike when its warm, said Stephen Regenold, founder of GearJunkie. We also looked for pants that offered petite, plus size, and multiple inseam-length options. After 66 hours of research, during which we used 48 umbrellas through rain and snow, we found the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella to be the best umbrella for most people. Avid hiker and photographer Kim Mock helped with testing plus-size rain pants for this guide in 2022. Patagonias Torrentshell 3L Pants (available in mens and womens versions) are similar to our top pick, but they are an ounce heavier, and theyre more expensive at this writing. Weve added new upgrade picks, the womens ArcTeryx Beta Pant and the mens ArcTeryx Beta AR Pant, which are suitable for cold weather and alpine hikes. Check out our. If youre hiking in a warmer climate, you probably dont need rain pants. If youre just looking for a pair of rain pants to help you wait out a rainstorm, these are likely to feel too heavy and robust, but theyll do especially well for mountaineering adventures and winter storms. But during our testing, they werent breathable (likely due to their shell and their mesh lining). Both the mens and womens models come only in black. If you are looking for extended-size options, the Helium pants are the best of those. If you want extended sizes in short or tall lengths: Consider the Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Pants (mens and womens stretch). During our spray tests, water practically jumped off this fabric. These pants are just as dry and comfortable in the rain. Thats where true waterproof pants come in. The rain pants in this guide are instead meant for everyday hikers and backpackerstheyre not designed for full-submersion situations like angler fishing or kayaking. After reading many websites and reviews, we looked at the top-rated and best-selling rain pant models that were widely available. A packable rain pant is invaluable to have on hand for unpredictable travel conditions, especially if they work across warm and cold temperatures (though you could always layer). Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. At this writing, theyre $40 less than our runner-up, the almost identical Patagonia Torrentshell pants. Both are made from ripstop nylon, although Patagonia recently updated its design to be 3-layer, in contrast to Marmots 2.5-layer design. Utah State Universitys Sean Michael recommended looking into company-specific washes or treatments. An easy at-home wash and re-waterproofing can make an old raincoat work like new. Backed by over 1,400 perfect five-star ratings, the Storm Surge rain pants were designed by Columbia, an iconic outdoor brand based in the Pacific Northwest which means you can trust they know a thing or two about wet weather. After reading the labels on all of the pants and kilts in our test group to make sure we followed the manufacturers instructions, we used powder detergent, washed the pants in cold water for five hours, and air-dried them.
Maybe youre hot or it stops raining, said Sokolowski. The Torrentshell 3L Pants, our runner-up pick, are currently out of stock in womens sizes, but Patagonia told us they would return in August. Then, we repeated the eyedropper and spray test to observe any differences (there werent any). The Torrentshell pants have two zippered side pockets covered with a fabric shelf, and the pants fold and zip into one of the mesh pockets once youve taken them off, in case youre looking for an option that you can easily stuff into a backpack. womens ArcTeryx Beta Pant and the mens ArcTeryx Beta AR Pant, Similar pants, but fewer sizing options, in mens sizes, Similar pants, but fewer sizing options, in womens sizes, An even tougher, cold-weather option in mens sizes, An even tougher, cold-weather option in womens sizes, Runner-up: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants, associate professor and director of the sports product design program at the University of Oregon, professor and program director for the outdoor product design and development program at Utah State University. After testing 30 rain jackets and raincoats, we found seven we liked in a range of sizes, lengths, and styles to keep you dry. And although the zippers on the womens PreCip pants are plenty long, theyre not as long as the zippers on Patagonias Torrentshell pants. If youre trekking through a cold, very wet environment or hiking in rain for extended periods of time, you should have completely waterproof pants. Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Rain Pants, Mountain Warehouse Waterproof Rain Over-Pants, E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E Is Wearing Platform Sneakers This Summer Instead Of Sandals, The Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet & Overpronation, According To A Podiatrist, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. While the brand doesnt make any claims about wind resistance, some reviewers have confirmed that this pair has effectively kept the wind out. [The term] waterproof [means its] a complete barrier to water, and water resistant means that some water will get through, said the University of Oregons Susan Sokolowski. Half-zip pants, which have zippers running from about knee height to the pants cuffs, allow you to pull your pants off over hiking boots more easily. Its not the end-all and be-all.. Thanks to their ultra-lightweight construction and included storage pouch, these affordable rain pants are great for carrying in your backpack or jacket pocket and can easily be pulled on over your regular pants, leggings, or shorts when the weather suddenly turns rainy.
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