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When you find yourself caught in a downpour, you'll wish you had some good rain gear, including pants. Quality rain pants help keep you dry when you venture outside in wet weather.
Our rainy day experts have been testing rain pants since 2016, with over 25 different models exposed to rain and sleet. This review covers 12 top pairs, which we've put head-to-head in a series of tests. From Patagonia to the wettest corners of the USA, we tested each product in the field while hiking, biking, and exploring through all sorts of rain.
The best pair we tested is the Outdoor Research Foray 3L. These wet-weather bottoms blend water resistance, breathability, and comfort into one stormworthy package. If your budget doesn't allow you to splurge, the Columbia Rebel Roamer offers the best protection you'll find at a bargain price. The 33,000ft Pant is also a sufficient option for those on the tightest of budgets.
When the skies unleashed, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L kept us the driest out of any pair of rain pants we tested. The latest version of the well-loved Foray boasts a 3-layer AscentShell Dry construction that uses a new DWR treatment from Nikwax, and is even more weather-resistant than past iterations. Unfortunately, these pants have gotten heavier, weighing a hefty 13.7 ounces, though for the serious adventurer, staying dry might be well worth the weight. “In the infamous rains of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, the Foray became my go-to,” our rain pants lead commented, “but I'd steer shoppers to a lighter model if they don't regularly camp or hike in wet weather.” If you're looking for something that'll be easier to carry and aren't frequently marching through the heaviest of rains, check out the Outdoor Research Helium, which is less than half the weight of the Foray 3L.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
13.7 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material
AscentShell Dry 3L
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
40D 100% recycled nylon
Pockets
1
Side Zips Length
Full Length
While the Foray 3L is much less expensive than a high-end rain jacket, it's still a wallet-straining pair of pants. The REI Co-op Rainier is a well-made alternative that won't cost you nearly as much as the Foray, and still offers decent rain resilience. Outside of the expense and weight of the Foray 3L, some of our testers had some qualms with the overall fit. “I had a tough time with the excess fabric around my ankles and feet, which made it harder to hike and scramble over rougher trails,” said tester Zach Lovell. Outside of these setbacks, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L is a remarkable achievement in rain pants when the objective is to stay as dry as possible, no matter the intensity or duration of the rain.
The REI Co-op Rainier carries your dollar quite far, offering decent weather protection in all but the most intense rainstorms. After years of producing affordable outdoor clothing, REI continues to refine past designs, and in the Rainier, they've created a highly mobile rain pant that still provides ample space to fit over your hiking pants or shorts. Thanks to a full-length zipper, you don't have to take off your shoes or boots to slip these on when the precipitation comes in fast. “The Rainier kept me dry for most storms I hiked and backpacked through during testing,” one of our gear experts shared. “Though the rubbery liner made for a slightly less durable build.” If you're wanting a protective pair of pants that doesn't utilize a spray liner, consider the Outdoor Research Foray 3L.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
11.3 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material
2.5-layer recycled HydroWall
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
100% recycled ripstop nylon
Pockets
2
Side Zips Length
Full length
While the performance of the REI Co-op Rainier felt competitive to other high-end models, its zippers snagged more than the pricier rain pants we tested. At 11.3 ounces, the Rainier isn't the lightest model in the lineup, but options like the Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch will save a bit of weight and had smoother-functioning zippers throughout testing. If you need something even more affordable than the Rainier, it's worth looking at the 33,000ft Regular Fit, although they are oriented for casual use. Outside of a few considerations, our head reviewer summarized the Rainier best, “These might not be the cheapest nor the highest performing pair of rain pants, but they outperform their price point and will work for a very wide array of applications.”
If you put a premium on every extra ounce and cubic inch of space in your pack, the Outdoor Research Helium is for you. This lightweight pant is also for folks who wind up carrying a just-in-case pair on day hikes, cross-country ski days, bike trips, and just about any outdoor activity in which the weather can take a blustery or wet turn. During testing, we were very impressed with this pair's water resistance relative to its packed size and weight. For many climates across the globe, we think the Helium is an excellent option.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
5.9 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material
2.5L Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
30D 100% nylon ripstop
Pockets
1
Side Zips Length
1/4 length ankle zips
Compared to other models we tested, the Helium pants have reduced durability and fewer features. The side zips are only 1/4 length, and the durability testing we performed worked through the first layer of the Pertex 2.5-layer fabric. “Sure, they're not the absolute toughest and don't boast totally bombproof storm protection, but I found they offer enough to make them very functional,” our lead tester remarked. If funds are a limiting factor and durability is a primary consideration in your selection, we recommend the Columbia Rebel Roamer. The Helium is best for those seeking the lightest/smallest rain pants available and plan on carrying them more than wearing them.
If you need the least expensive rain pant possible, the 33,000ft Regular Fit is worth checking out. These are several times less than the premium options, and might be all you need if you're only going out in friendlier rains. While the majority of rain pants only come in basic sizes, these are offered in various waist and inseam lengths, which allowed our testers to get a more appropriate fit for more specific dimensions. The 33,000ft aren't super weather resistant, so if you need something more protective, consider something like the REI Co-op Trailmade, which is still quite affordable. As one of our testers put it, “For casual use on a golf course or in a drier climate, the 33,000ft pants might be all you need, and it'll save you a bunch of money for other life expenses.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
11.0 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material
TPU membrane
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
100% nylon
Pockets
2
Side Zips Length
None
Our favorite rain pants have longer side zips that allow you to slide them on over your shoes when rain comes in quickly, but the 33,000ft Regular Fit might require you to slip your shoes off to get them on. If you want a full-length side zipper, check out the REI Co-op Rainier, which is relatively still easy on the wallet and boasts much better weather protection. One of our main gear experts also shared, “I loved the affordability of the 33,000ft, but they're definitely not as abrasion-resistant or durable, so I don't recommend them for bushwhacking.” We often see bargain-priced clothing suffer from build quality, but if you're using the 33,000ft pants for relaxed hikes and lighter duty backpacking, they still can last you a long time.
The Columbia Rebel Roamer is one of most protective rain pants you can buy at this price point. These durable pants offer great weather resistance that we found comparable to some of the higher-end options. They're comfortable and versatile, and one tester noted, “I used them for skiing, too.” If you're on a budget or you're not willing to fork over a ton of cash on rain pants that you might not use very often, then these versatile bad boys blow the low-priced competition out of the water. You can certainly purchase nicer rain pants, but with all things considered regarding weight, compressed size, and weather resistance, these pants are an outstanding value.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
12.5 oz
Waterproof Fabric Material
Omni-Tech Waterproof/Breathable
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
70D 100% nylon
Pockets
None
Side Zips Length
None
Our tests revealed the Rebel Roamer is not super breathable. These pants don't offer ventilation options and lack a zipper at the bottom to let you easily slip them on over your footwear. So, you'll probably have to take off your shoes to put these on unless you're wearing low-profile trail runners or tennis shoes. There are no additional features like pockets (nope, not a single one). If you're searching for premium performance and are willing to fork over the funds, check out the Outdoor Research Foray 3L. Minimal shortcomings aside, the Rebel Roamer is a great budget-friendly option and one we heartily recommend.
Columbia has released the Rebel Roamer II as the latest version of this pant, which we're linking to in our review. It's now designed without PFAS and is fully seam sealed.
We love the Rebel Roamer for its great value and find it to be a great affordable option for everything from backpacking to snowshoeing and even downhill skiing.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
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Drying out after several days of testing and side-by-side comparisons in the field. A large fall storm rolled through and we “took advantage” of the conditions on an extended backpacking trip.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
How We Tested
After spending several hours researching different products and making a selection for this review, we purchased each product (at retail) to test each product in hand. Our experts have spent hundreds of hours testing the best models on the market in the rainy Pacific Northwest. We've hiked, skied, backpacked, and climbed in remote terrain with wind and rain pouring down on us. These experiences help us amass a wealth of data on each pair of rain pants to objectively compare each product. For instance, we determined how well each one kept us dry, climbed over logs to assess mobility, and paid attention to breathability. In addition, we keep tabs on the market, making sure we have the low down on the best products and the latest technology, testing them as they become available.
We base our rain pants testing on five performance metrics:
Water Resistance (30% of overall score weighting)
Breathability (25% weighting)
Comfort and Mobility (20% weighting)
Weight (15% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our expert panel for this review consists of gear testers Ian Nicholson and Zach Lovell. Both Ian and Zach are internationally certified IFMGA/American Mountain Guides. Ian is based in the Pacific Northwest, where wet weather is a regular occurrence. Zach lives, works, and plays in a variety of climates, from Colorado to Alaska to Europe, and spends plenty of time in the rain and snow. When they aren't guiding, they spend most of their time pursuing their own outdoor objectives. This team knows the value of having the right gear and is no stranger to unpredictable and inclement weather.
In the name of testing, our team stresses products in many mountain ranges across the globe, from the North Cascades (pictured here) to Europe and beyond.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
Analysis and Test Results
This review focuses on a broad range of designs and features. The ones we select offer some level of packability, breathability, and water resistance. After testing each pair while backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering, we evaluate each comparatively using key metrics. This is where our award winners and recommendations spawn from. Read on to learn about the technical comparisons of each product out there.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
For top-tier performance, you're going to have to shell out more money, but that doesn't mean you can't get a totally decent rain pant for a reasonable price. The 33,000ft Regular Fit pant is about as low-priced as it's going to get, yet it still performs relatively well in casual settings and less intense rain squalls. We also love the Columbia Rebel Roamer, which forgoes bells and whistles but costs a fraction of the price of the premium rain pants. REI has become a great manufacturer for more cost-effective pants, including the Trailmade and the Rainier, depending on your weight vs. features priorities. If you're the type of person who counts every ounce, the Outdoor Research Helium is worth every penny, though it costs a bit more than the budget models.
Water Resistance
A rain pant's primary purpose is to keep its user dry in the rain, whether hiking, backpacking, watching a sporting event, or out walking the dog. As a result, this was the most heavily weighted category in our testing. Manufacturers use many different waterproof fabrics and construction methods with different design characteristics and, thus, different performance levels depending on the application. While each manufacturer conducts a significant amount of testing to quantify exactly how waterproof each fabric is, it's important to understand that all of the pants in this review use waterproof fabric. How well they keep us dry is more a matter of design.
The stormy environments included in our testing spanned from exceptionally wet spring ski mountaineering on Washington's Ptarmigan Traverse as well as the volcanoes above Chile's temperate rainforests. Testing also included snowshoeing around Lake Tahoe and backpacking in Olympic National Park, with a handful of classic mountaineering adventures across the Western US thrown in for good measure.
All the pants we tested have the seams taped after sewing, offering as watertight a package as possible. What differentiates the performance when a light sprinkle turns to a downpour mostly comes down to each model's overall design, including pocket closures, how well various vents stayed closed, and, to a slightly lesser extent, the longevity of the outer materials' DWR.
The Outdoor Research Foray were the most water-resistant pants in our test. Even the zippers kept the water out.
Rain, sleet, or snow will not penetrate the fabrics that make up these pants. However, in a downpour, running water could potentially seep in through a pocket, leak in via a side pocket that is not completely closed, or work its way down to where the waistband meets your body. To test water resistance, we performed two 20-minute garden hose tests. The first test was a high-pressure water spray aimed directly at the pants. The second test was a lower-pressure water spray angled to come over the top of our testers to simulate a slow and steady rainfall. For each test, we used the same rain jacket and ensured both the jacket and the pants were dry before testing.
Testing water resistance on a sunny day.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
After extensive field testing, we determined that the Outdoor Research Foray 3L kept us the driest. The Foray's latest update has made an already resilient pant even better, though it comes at a sizable weight expense. For recreationalists who enjoy extended trips, you won't always know what the weather will bring, and in such circumstances, having the best rain pant for rough weather can be crucial. This is also the case for those who play in climates such as the Pacific Northwest or Alaska.
The unwavering weather protection from the Outdoor Research Foray 3L made it a top scorer in this metric.
Credit: Zach Lovell
In the budget category, the REI Co-op Rainier performed very well in most rains, though in the most intense of storms, we did get wet. REI didn't use a true waterproof zipper in the Rainier, instead opting for a zipper cover, which works most of the time, but when those rains started blowing sideways, we noticed some water sneaking in. The lighter budget model from REI, the Trailmade, doesn't have those side zippers but doesn't use as many layers in its construction. The dirt-cheap 33,000ft does very well in light-duty drizzles, but you'll want another option if you live and play in wetter climates.
We felt the Trailmade outperformed its weight in weather protection, and its DWR treatment continued to bead water like this throughout testing.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort and Mobility
Whether hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, riding your bike, or just crawling over a downed log, comfort and mobility were defined by how much the pants' design and fabric might limit the user's range of motion and ability to engage in particular activities. The super-stretchy Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants have the best overall mobility and are a cut above the rest. We mean it when we say this fabric is stretchy, to a level we haven't seen before.
The Marmot Minimalist offers a solid design with good articulation, and we could easily clamber over downed logs blocking the trail when testing. Among the more price-pointed options, the Columbia Rebel Roamer and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant offered good mobility and comfort.
We measured our splits length as well as forward lunge in comfy joggers to establish a baseline for movement. We then performed the same stretches in each rain pant and compared measurements to baseline.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
Despite its high performance in weather resistance, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L is very baggy and doesn't have the adjustability that some of the competition offers in the ankle areas, making them easier to step on. The Foray does have a great waist adjustment system that's easy to use, even with gloves, but it wasn't our favorite overall in this metric.
We appreciated the mobility of the Foray 3L, but there was excess fabric that bunched around our feet.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The 33,000ft are several times less expensive than the Foray, yet they have a less baggy cut and are easy to adjust at the ankle to reduce the likelihood of tripping.
We greatly appreciated how the 33,000ft pants fit around our ankles, and could be tightened down as needed.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Rain pants are simply not the most breathable garment. Even in the modern era, you can't have a waterproof layer also boast top-notch breathability, no matter what advertisements are thrown at you online. Ventilation features help, and we were still able to discern some key winners in this metric, but remember: breathability is relative.
In the end, the most breathable pair we tested is the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic. The Ozonic are made with an air-permeable stretch material that will keep breathing even if you have stopped working hard, something that products using Gore-Tex and other ePTFE fabrics can't do nearly as well.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic almost felt like a softshell pant rather than a pair of rain pants in terms of feel and breathability.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
More rainproof layers like the Outdoor Research Foray 3L have some breathability thanks to a 3-layer construction, ushering sweat away from the body, but they're still a heavier-weight garment that's simply warmer than a thinner pant. Fortunately, models like the Foray have 3/4-length zippers that encourage airflow, but remember that there's a limit to how much you can vent when it's pouring rain. Lighter models like the REI Co-op Trailmade have limited ventilation capabilities but aren't as insulating, making them fairly pleasant for extended hikes. Low-priced options like the 33,000ft performed average, with the inner mesh layer doing little to keep heat away from the body.
The breathability of the Outdoor Research Foray 3L was good enough for around-town strolls and chillier hikes.
Credit: Zach Lovell
A Note on Breathability
Remember that you can get hot and sweaty while hiking uphill when you're only wearing a base layer. We've overheard far too many people complaining that their shell pants didn't breathe at all or not enough for their needs. Every competitor in this review allows moisture to pass through them. However, they might not always be capable of letting as much moisture pass through as you'd like at any given moment, primarily if you're working hard while potentially wearing too many layers or while operating at a high exertion rate in warmer temperatures. Consider that if there is a point when your lightweight t-shirt can't pass moisture quickly enough to stay completely dry, know the same is likely true for the pants you're wearing. Wear the minimum you can get away with for the conditions.
Weight
Most people carry their rain pants in their packs more often than they end up wearing them, and thus, we weighted weight higher in our scoring metric than other pieces of technical outerwear we've tested. Even among the selected models, which are all designed to be lighter, there was a significant difference in weight.
The Outdoor Research Helium came in under six ounces, which was nearly half the weight of many of the pants on our list. While the Helium isn't as durabile and feature-rich as some pants, its lightweight simplicity makes it an excellent “just in case” rain pant. If weight is your primary consideration, the Heliums are hard to pass up. The Marmot PreCip Eco weighs an impressive 8.5 ounces. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic, REI Trailmade, and OR Stratoburst were other sub-10-ounce pants in our lineup.
The OR Helium pants were, by far, the lightest option tested (and yes, we subtracted the .06 ounces for the strap we used to keep the pants on the scale!)
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
The otherwise star-studded Outdoor Research Foray 3L was the heaviest pant we tested at 13.7 ounces. The REI Co-op Rainier was 11.3 ounces, weighing more than its little sibling (the Trailmade), likely due to its side zippers, which the Trailmade lacks.
The REI Trailmade is a great addition to REI's lineup as a lighterweight model with fewer features.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Durability
Many people appreciate having the ability to purchase a high-quality product that will be as light as possible.
Every time you kneel or sit while traveling in the backcountry, there is a chance of tearing or puncturing your pants. There is also more overall wear. Your rain pants will walk down overgrown trails, play near crampons, and crawl over logs. While most people don't end up wearing their rain pants as frequently as their rain jacket, they are exposed to more threats.
We tested each product's durability with a weighted drag test for 20 feet on concrete. We also took notes on each pant's durability while using them on hikes, climbs and backpacking trips.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
The most robust pants we tested were the Marmot Minimalist and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. These pants exceeded our expectations for durability. Each competitor withstood at least one week-long mountaineering traverse, which involved a fair amount of bushwhacking. The least durable include the Outdoor Research Helium and the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic, which, not surprisingly, also happen to be some of the lightest and most packable options. It is worth noting that the Helium and the Ozonic pants are durable enough for most hiking and backpacking trips — as long as there is only minimal bushwhacking and you take care crawling over downed trees and the like.
Rain pants are a fairly straightforward piece of clothing to shop for after you've determined a few aspects you need.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How to Pick the Right Rain Pants for You
There are a few key considerations you should make before your purchase. Here are a few tips that'll help you make the right decision for you.
Intended Uses
First and foremost, it's important to consider why you need rain pants in the first place. On one side, some want this weather protection as the “just in case” layer that lives at the bottom of the bag or in the back of the car. If this sounds like you, we suggest something on the lighter side that'll be easier to carry/fit in your bag but won't necessarily be the most protective. On the other side of the spectrum are those who need protection from prolonged storms for multi-day trips where the weather might get nasty. In this case, we'd suggest prioritizing a pant that scores highly in weather protection and de-emphasizing weight. If you don't feel like either of these quite describes you, there are several models that land somewhere in the middle between packability and rain resistance.
From long backpacking trips to snowy alpine days, make sure you consider your intended uses.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Features
There are a couple of primary features we love to see in rain pants. Side zips that are 3/4 to full length are super useful for pulling the pants on without removing shoes or boots, as well as for helping ventilate in between rain showers. We also like to see some waist adjustability. Rain pants are traditionally baggy so that they fit over your regular pants, and having a way to tighten the waist can help you keep those pants up during extended rainy walks.
The waist adjustability is a great feature to keep your pants from falling down.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Lastly, these baggier pants can sometimes be cumbersome if there's extra fabric around the ankles. Depending on the fit, this unwanted excess can be a tripping hazard, whether hiking on a trail or wearing crampons while on a glacier. Our favorite pants often feature a method of tightening the ankle area, which can be crucial for keeping your feet from catching on your rain pants (as well as keeping rain from splashing up inside the cuffs).
It's important to look at how the pant fits around the ankle. As needed, it's great to be able to taper those pants to reduce the likelihood of you tripping.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Sizing
Once you've determined the model that'll best suit your needs, it's important to size these pants correctly. If you go too small, you run the risk of them not fitting well over your hiking pants. If you go too big, the excess fabric can be a tripping hazard and can bunch uncomfortably or fall down at the waist. In our experience, these pants often run large for their size, as manufacturers have already anticipated that you'll want to fit rain pants over whatever you've already got on. We suggest reading others' experiences on the fit or trying on before you buy.
Hopefully you've found this review helpful in choosing the best option so you can enjoy yourself on your next rainy (or windy, or snowy) adventure.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Conclusion
Rain jackets are a common part of anyone's wardrobe, but rain pants are often overlooked, despite their sometimes vital importance. In this review, we've shared several models at a wide array of price points and weights, so you can find the right option for your next mission and budget. From weeks-long epics in Alaska to a casual drizzle on a golf course, there's a pair of rain pants that'll serve you well when the clouds grow dark.
