We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We tested over 20 pairs of rain pants from brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research to determine which pairs are most dependable when the storm hits
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 12, 2026
When the weather turns stormy, a quality pair of rain pants can be the difference between enjoying your day on the trail and going home early.
The best rain pants are the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Our male and female test team both loved these pants. They offer great weather resistance, they're easy to get on over shoes or boots, and have a comfortable relaxed fit.
The Torrentshell are by no means the priciest pair we tested, but if you need to save a few bucks while still getting respectable performance, we recommend the Rab Downpour Pant for women, and the men's REI Co-op Rainier, which goes a long way for your dollar and has full-length side zippers.
Editor's Note: We updated our rain pants article with new men's picks on October 12, 2026.
Who this is best for: The Patagonia Torrentshell Pant is the ideal rain pant for most outdoor recreators who need a reliable, affordable pair of pants for everyday wet-weather protection. They simply work. Whether you hike soggy trails or commute on a bicycle, these pants provide consistent and practical protection. Patagonia dialed the Torrentshell's fit, and they also offer multiple inseam options to help limit bunched fabric at your ankles. During wet days around town in Chamonix and soggy hikes in the Pacific Northwest, these pants kept our tester dry and comfortable.
Why we love it: The Torrentshells kept moisture on the outside, where it belongs. Water beaded up and rolled off immediately during our extensive wet weather testing. The three-layer H2No construction happily shrugged off all the rainy days we threw at them. Their durability was outstanding, suffering no damage during regular use, and handling our standard weighted twenty-foot concrete drag with ease. The soft backing material felt great directly against our skin and slid easily over heavy fleece layers without binding or catching.
Should you buy it? If you need a versatile pair of rain pants that will last multiple seasons, the Torrentshell is an easy “yes” for its top-notch performance at a reasonable price. At 11.3 ounces, they might feel excessive if your priority is moving fast with a light kit. Additionally, the zippers lack waterproofing, relying entirely on a storm flap. This is a drawback during prolonged storms with sideways rain, when moisture can theoretically seep through the metal teeth. But if you value durability and cost, the Torrentshell is a great pick (especially because it's backed by Patagonia's warranty).
Weight: 11.3 oz | Side Zips Length: 1/2, to above-knee
Who this is best for: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a great fit for anyone who wants a dependable, no-fuss pair of rain pants that performs well across a wide range of conditions. It's especially well-suited for hikers, travelers, and everyday outdoor users who value durability and versatility over ultralight design. “I absolutely loved how well these performed in dense brush,” one of our women's experts commented, “as one of the few pairs I tested that showed minimal signs of wear and tear.”
Why we love it: Put simply, these pants are both functional and, well, simple. They don't have tons of flashy features, just useful features. We love the two-way side zippers, which allow you to pull them on over your footwear and let you vent heat by unzipping from the top when things warm up. The interior lining feels soft against the skin, and the stiff construction keeps the material from clinging the way stretchier softshell rain gear can.
Should you buy it? If you want reliable, well-built rain pants that cover the basics without unnecessary complexity, the Torrentshell 3L is an easy choice. They're not the lightest of the pants tested, but for general wear, you likely won't mind. If you prioritize practicality and quality gear, the Torrentshell 3L is a worthwhile and durable investment.
Weight: 10.5 ounces | Side Zips Length: 1/2, to above-knee
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Rainier is ideal for budget-conscious hikers and backpackers who want reliable rain protection without overspending. It's a worthwhile choice for those who encounter occasional to moderate rain and need a versatile, easy-to-layer pant that works across a variety of outdoor activities. “I loved how much value REI offers with their Rainier pants,” one of our men's experts commented, “with the same features found in models substantially harder on the wallet.” This is a great option for anyone who only uses rain pants a handful of times per year.
Why we love it: On the lower end of the price spectrum for quality rain pants, the Rainier delivers solid performance and had no trouble keeping our test team dry through milder storms. The side zips are full-length, so they're quick to pull on over boots when weather rolls in, and the cut allows room for layers and good range of motion. REI balanced functionality and affordability quite well with the Rainier, and this is a practical, user-friendly pant.
Should you buy it? If you want a dependable rain pant that punches above its price point, the Rainier is a smart buy. It's not the lightestweight, and the zippers can snag more than higher-end designs, but it'll save you some extra cash for other gear. The liner is less durable than some of the more premium options, but the price is right, and we those looking for a few-times-a-year rain pant will be happy with this pant.
Weight: 11.3 ounces | Side Zips Length: Full length
Who this is best for: The Rab Downpour Eco Pant is best for hikers and travelers who want a lightweight, packable rain layer for occasional use and are trying to save some money. “It's a great fit for those who prioritize comfort and portability, and I especially liked it as an emergency shell that can live in your pack without taking up much space,” said Lyra Pierotti, our rain pants tester.
Why we love it: They're comfortable, soft, breathable, and noticeably more mobile than many ultralight rain pants, making them easy to wear when the weather turns. Their lightweight, minimalist design keeps bulk down, so they're effortless to stash and carry on any adventure, cause you never know when a surprise storm might hit.
Should you buy it? If you're after an affordable, lightweight pair of rain pants for light to moderate use, the Downpour is a great choice. The trade-offs come in durability and features—the thinner fabric may not hold up as well under heavy use, and there are no pockets whatsoever. Still, for a fairly affordable and comfortable pant that won't weigh you down, it's a worthwhile addition to your kit.
Who this is best for: The Outdoor Research Helium Pant is ideal for anyone who needs ultralight rain gear — think thru-hikers, backpackers, and ultra runners. If you're looking for the lightest weight rain pant you can find, this is it. They're 5.9 ounces and pack down tiny, making them a perfect “just in case” layer to throw in your pack, where they'll disappear until you need them.
Why we love it: The Helium stands out for its decent water resistance relative to its ultralight design. During testing, it performed better in wet conditions than its tiny packed size would suggest. This is a reliable emergency layer that you'll barely notice in your pack. Its compactness makes it easy to bring along on virtually any outing where weather could shift unexpectedly.
Should you buy it? If your top priority is carrying the lightest and most packable rain pants possible, the Helium is the choice. However, there are few bells and whistles (only one pocket, short side zippers for putting on over footwear), and factors like durability suffer. This is a bare-bones pant that isn't built for heavy use and abuse. And if you're just needing a casual rain pant for bike commutes or sitting on the bleachers at a sporting event, you definitely can get by with heavier-duty (and less expensive) options like the 33,000ft Regular Fit or the REI Co-op Rainier.
Who this is best for: If you deal with constantly changing weather, the Outdoor Research Aspire Pant is a breathable layer that you won't have to keep putting on and taking off. The material is breathable, and it has two-way zippers, which allow you to get some ventilation when you have a break in the rain. We think this is a protective pant well-suited for folks who may need to wear a rain pant all day, like field workers who may be kneeling on the wet ground a lot in rainy climates. Our male test team also loves the men's version, the Outdoor Research Foray Pant.
Why we love it: This pant offers an excellent blend of waterproofing and breathability, making it comfortable in both wet and humid conditions. The AscentShell Dry 3-layer construction paired with a PFC-free DWR treatment provides dependable protection, while the zippered design allows for effective venting and easy on-and-off—even over boots. It's lightweight enough to wear all day and durable enough to handle regular use, making it a true do-it-all option.
Should you buy it? Our main gripe is the price, but if you frequently wear rain pants and you're willing to spend more for durability and high-quality waterproofing, the Aspire will be worth the investment.
Weight: 9.5 ounces | Side Zips Length: 2/3 length, unzips to upper thigh
These versatile rain pants are worth a closer look if they're in your budget and you find yourself needing rain pants frequently. Credit: Lyra Pierotti
Who this is best for: The 33,000ft Regular Fit is best for anyone seeking the absolute lowest-cost pair of rain pants and who only plans to head out in mild or infrequent rain. It's a good match for casual users who just need rain protection for a few hours and plan to head back indoors afterwards, like those out for a dog walk, light hikes, or a golf game on a drizzly day. “While I wouldn't march out into a multi-day storm in these pants, I would strongly recommend these to anyone needing some basic weather protection for the lowest price possible,” one of our rain pants experts commented.
Why we love it: These pants offer standout value, costing several times less than premium options, while still providing enough protection for lighter storms or casual use. The expanded sizing range helps more people find a comfortable fit, and for light to moderate precipitation, they might be all the rain protection you really need. These have a relaxed cut that offers great range of motion, and they come in a wide array of waist and inseam options to dial in a more precise fit.
Should you buy it? You should consider the 33,000ft Regular Fit if budget is your top concern and you don't mind some tradeoffs in protection and convenience. They're not the cream of the crop in water resistance, and you may have to take your shoes off to put them on; they're also less abrasion-resistant and durable for bushwhacking or rough use. But if you stick to relaxed hikes, lighter backpacking, and casual outings, they can still last a long time and save you money for other equipment.
Who this is best for: The Showers Pass Transit Pants are tailored for dedicated bike commuters, especially those riding in cool, wet climates where surprise showers are part of the routine. If most of your time outside is spent in the saddle rather than on hiking trails, these will feel right at home. “From work commutes to bike jaunts to dinner, these Showers Pass pants were unmatched for cycling,” our women's lead commented.
Why we love it: Born out of Portland's famously soggy riding conditions, these pants are thoughtfully dialed for cycling—from the Velcro system that quickly cinches excess fabric at the lower leg to the 1/3-length zips that open wide to slide easily over casual or cycling shoes. This combo makes it simple to pull them on in a hurry mid-commute, keeping fabric out of your chain and keeps you dry when the sky suddenly opens up.
Should you buy it? Choose the Transit Pant if cycling is your primary outdoor activity and you want a sturdy, three-layer waterproof shell purpose-built for life on the bike. The lack of pockets and vents, plus bike-specific features and reflective trim, mean it's less versatile for other pursuits, but still helpful when you do step off the bike. “These definitely are more geared towards cycling, but they can certainly work for some hiking missions as well,” one reviewer added.
Weight: 11 ounces | Side Zips Length: 1/3 length, unzips to below the knee
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Beta Pant is the ideal hardshell pant for dedicated mountaineers who need alpine weather protection without carrying excess weight. The Beta is our pick for alpine climbs and ski traverses in the lower 48. Their cut is slim enough to avoid snagging on crampon points while still allowing ample room for layering underneath. For the average user just trying to stay dry on day hikes or at a drizzly outdoor sporting event, though, the Beta will be overkill.
Why we love it: The Beta features reinforced cuffs, designed to withstand ski edges and scuffs from crampons during mountaineering trips. The three-layer Gore-Tex construction kept out all the wind, snow, and rain that nature threw at us. The hip pocket is harness-compatible, made entirely of waterproof Gore-Tex, and is large enough to fit a field book. We also love the long two-way waterproof zippers along the sides. They allow for ventilation when you start to sweat on steep approaches.
Should you buy it? If you need a specialized, lightweight hardshell for technical mountain objectives, the Beta is a premium choice. However, that premium quality comes at a hefty cost; these are expensive pants. The face fabric also wetted out quicker than other pants we tested. While we stayed dry on the inside, once wetted out on the exterior, the Beta took longer to dry than other pants we tested, which can be a problem in a tent. If you don't plan on wearing these under a harness, on snow, more affordable options like the Patagonia Torrentshell Pant or the Outdoor Research Foray Pants offer better value. Consider the Beta if you need a streamlined alpine tool and can handle the sticker shock.
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Side Zips Length: 3/4 length
Very long, two-way, waterproof zippers allow for ventilation and fast transitions over boots. Credit: Ari Oppenheimer
Why Trust GearLab
Our gear experts are some of the most committed and gear-obsessed outdoors enthusiasts in the business. We're a community of alpine climbing guides, backpacking guides, avalanche educators, and climbing instructors who've logged years collectively in the rain, using rain pants on a sometimes daily basis.
We are the type of people who love recreating outdoors, whether it looks like this or it's bluebird. Credit: Zach Lovell
Leading the women's testing is IFMGA guide Lyra Pierotti, based in the Pacific Northwest. Lyra has spent well over a decade exploring mountain ranges from Alaska to Antarctica to South America. She now splits her time between guiding climbing and skiing trips around the world and living on her favorite Puget Sound island, where she enjoys farm-fresh food and coaches climbers at a small local gym.
Our women's rain pants experts thrive in the outdoors, rain or shine.
For men's rain pants, IFMGA Mountain Guides Ian Nicholson and Zach Lovell make up the core review team. Ian calls the rainy Pacific Northwest home, where wet weather is part of daily life. Ian travels the planet with some version of rain pants with him, always ready for the surprise rain event or gloomy forecast. Zach splits his time between Colorado, Alaska, Europe, and other stormy climates, spending plenty of days out in the rain and snow. When Zach and Ian are not guiding, they're chasing their own outdoor objectives, usually with rain pants somewhere in their backpacks.
GearLab's rain pants reviewers on the men's side are full-time guides and product testers who deliberately head out in storms when testing weather resistance.
How to Pick the Right Rain Pants for You
Rain pants can be tricky to shop for because there are so many options on the market today. From burly models built for all-day downpours to ultralight pairs meant for surprise storms, outdoor brands have dramatically expanded their offerings. However, there's a great option for your needs and budget once you've made a few key considerations.
From light-and-fast options to robust storm busters, there are a wide variety of rain pants to choose from. Credit: Zach Lovell
Intended Uses of Rain Pants
First and foremost, it's crucial to consider how your rain pants are going to be used. If you live in drier climates, rain pants might serve as a “just-in-case” option, and either buying a lightweight model or something inexpensive with less weather resistance might be all you need.
If you're needing to count every gram for long hikes, find the lightest and most packable rain pants you can.
If you're planning on taking rain pants far from the car for overnight missions or lengthy summit scrambles, every gram matters, and investing in a lighter pair of “what-if” pants can be worth the typically higher price point. Conversely, if you're going deep into the backcountry with a moodier forecast or a generally wetter climate, you might want to choose a heavier, more protective model that'll be more reliable at protecting you from precipitation and wind.
If you find yourself between a more robust and a lighter-weight pair, there are many shades of grey in between at a variety of price points. For dog walks or activties like golfing, an inexpensive budget model might be all you need, where packability and high-end weather protection might not be as crucial.
If you're sticking to around-town adventures, weight might not be as big of an issue, and if the weather gets really bad, you can simply just head home. Credit: Zach Lovell
While a bit more niche, there are even types of pants that are specifically made for cycling in wet climates. If you're a bike commuter living in areas like the Pacific Northwest, cycling in the rain is a likely situation, but these niche rain pants allow you to tighten the lower leg to keep you from catching on the cassette.
When cycling, rain pants that can be tightened at the calves is crucial for safety and to be able to pedal. Credit: Lyra Pierotti
Rain Pant Features
There are some key features in rain pants that can make the difference between buying one pair over another. The two main features our gear nerds look for are side zippers and waist adjustability. Side zippers offer ventilation, and full-length or three-quarter-length zippers usually allow you to slip rain pants on without having to take your shoes off.
Side zips are a great feature for venting as well as ease of putting on/taking off. Credit: Zach Lovell
Not all rain pants have waist adjustability, but since they're typically looser to fit over normal pants, waist tightening is a nice option to have for keeping pants up during long drizzly hikes. There are many styles for waist adjustments, any of which will be better than not having anything.
Whether using a drawstring cinch system or leaning more on laces, having any method of tightening the waist is a huge asset. Credit: Zach Lovell
Another feature we love to see is ankle cuff adjustability, which can reduce the likelihood of tripping on the trail or while scrambling.
From buttons to drawstring cinches, there are many ways cuffs can be adjusted. Credit: Zach Lovell
Pockets can also be a much-appreciated feature. We most often find these to be hand pockets at the waist, and they often include zippers. We suggest putting your cell phone or other sensitive electronics in an inner chest pocket underneath a protective shell jacket to put more layers between you and the elements.
Rain Pants Construction 101
Rain pants repel water using a combination of fabric construction and surface treatments. They typically use a face fabric treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, which causes water to bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. Beneath that outer layer sits a waterproof barrier (often a membrane like Gore-Tex or a similar laminate) with microscopic pores small enough to block liquid water but large enough to let some water vapor escape, helping you stay dry from both rain and sweat. Sealed seams and water-resistant zippers close off potential leak points, so when everything works together, rain is kept on the outside while moisture from your body can still move out.
From Patagonia to Outdoor Research to Mountain Hardwear, all rain pants have a similar big-picture construction to create moisture protection. Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
How Many Layers of Fabric Are in a Pair of Rain Pants?
Most modern rain pants are built with either 2, 2.5, or 3-layer fabric, even though they usually look and feel like a single piece of material. That's because the different layers are bonded tightly together to function as one. In every case, there's an outer “face fabric” treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to help water bead up and roll off, and beneath that sits the actual waterproof layer, such as Gore-Tex or a proprietary membrane or coating. While not always the case, more layers can mean less packability.
While 3-layer designs are typically more waterproof, they often lack the packability of lighter options. Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
The main difference between 2, 2.5, and 3-layer designs shows up on the inside of the pants. In a 3-layer fabric, the waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the face fabric and a full inner backing (often a thin polyurethane film) that protects the membrane and makes the inside more comfortable. A 2.5-layer fabric still uses a face fabric and waterproof layer, but instead of a full backing, it has an exceptionally thin printed or painted-on coating that offers lighter, less robust protection. With 2-layer designs, the membrane is bonded to the face fabric and a separate hanging liner—often a mesh—is added on the inside, so you actually see two distinct pieces: the shell/membrane and the liner.
The most noticeable construction differences are seen in the interior of the pants. Credit: Zach Lovell
Difference Between Hardshells and Rain Pants
Looking at the big picture, hardshell pants and rain pants are the same thing: water resistant/waterproof pants. However, we generally identify hardshell pants as tougher and often more tapered than a traditional pair of rain pants. Rain pants are often lighter, with some of the ultralight models weighing less than even your traditional hiking pants. Our testing team includes some avid alpine climbers, who share that rain pants are great for lower-48 backpacking and above-treeline hiking, while hardshell pants are more necessary for wintry climbing or hiking in the Himalayas or in certain parts of Alaska.
Layering Rain Pants
We typically hike in softshell pants as our primary lower-body layer, and if rain rolls in, we simply pull rain pants over the top. It's most crucial to wear your rain jacket over the waist of your pants so water naturally sheds from the hood and shoulders to the ground instead of funneling into your waistband. On longer climbs or humid days, open any side zips or vents to dump excess heat once the worst of the storm passes, and if conditions dry out completely, don't be afraid to peel the shell layer off again to avoid overheating and clammy legs. On rare occasions, we have skipped the softshells and only worn underwear and rain pants, but the against-the-skin feel of these isn't the most comfortable.
We generally find that rain pants are put on over some sort of hiking pants, though if you must, you can also only wear the rain pants. Credit: Zach Lovell
Conclusion
Rain jackets may get most of the weather protection attention, but the right pair of rain pants can be just as crucial when the weather really turns sour. Throughout this review, we've highlighted options across a wide range of prices, weights, and feature sets so you can match your pants to your trips, priorities, and budget. Whether you're gearing up for multi-week storms in big mountains or just want to stay dry through a quick shower on your bike ride, there's a pair here ready to keep you comfortable when the clouds roll in.
