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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, whether that's for a bike commute, long hike, or field work.
The pair of rain pants we recommend for most people is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant. These wet-weather bottoms blend together weather resistance, comfort, and a full set of features (like good pockets and size zippers) into a reasonably priced package.
If your budget doesn't allow you to splurge, you can save a few bucks with the REI Co-Op Rainier, which offers great protection at a slightly lower price than the Torrentshell.
Our rainy day experts have been testing rain pants since 2016, with over 25 unique pairs exposed to rain, sleet, and other precip. We've tested these pants head-to-head while hiking, biking, and exploring some of the wettest corners of the Western Hemisphere.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on October 12, 2026, after testing models from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Marmot.
During powerful early-season rain storms in the Pacific Northwest and Chamonix Valley, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant was the piece of kit that our lead tester reached for most often. Its dependable weather resistance, packability, and useful features made it an easy addition to our packs, even when rain was only a remote possibility in the weather forecast. While the Torrentshell isn't the lightest pair of rain pants that we tested, it's still light enough that we barely noticed it in a pack or running vest, and packs down small enough to go unnoticed in the bottom of a bag. Our tester wore this pant as a trusty companion standing around in the rain in Chamonix watching races and on soggy dog walks around his neighborhood in Western Washington. It does everything it's supposed to do quite well, so it's easy for us to recommend to anyone looking for rain pants.
SPECIFICATIONS
Side Zips Length
3/4 length two way zipper
Pockets
2
Waterproof Fabric Material
Polycarbonate PU membrane with 13% biobased content and DWR treatment
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
3-layer, 3.5-oz 50D ECONYL 100% recycled nylon ripstop face
Measured Weight
11.3 oz
While the Torrentshell is our favorite generalist pair of rain pants due to how consistently they over-performed throughout our testing, there are better options for buyers with specific needs for their gear. For through-hikers, runners, and those who need the absolute lightest rain pants available, the Outdoor Research Helium Pant is hard to beat, offering good protection at a fraction of the weight. Additionally, alpinists and climbers who need top-notch wet weather performance, durability, and pockets that work under a harness, should steer towards the Arc'teryx Beta Pant, our top pick for technical terrain.
The REI Co-op Rainier stretches 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. You can easily slip these on without removing shoes or boots, thanks to full-length side zippers. “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 want a protective pair of pants that doesn't use a spray liner, consider the Outdoor Research Foray 3L (though you'll have to pay for it).
SPECIFICATIONS
Side Zips Length
Full length
Pockets
2
Waterproof Fabric Material
2.5L recycled HydroWall
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
100% recycled ripstop nylon
Measured Weight
11.3 oz
While the REI Co-op Rainier performed competitively with 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 it's oriented toward casual use. The Rainier may not be the cheapest nor the highest-performing pair of rain pants, but they outperform their price point and work well for a wide array of applications.
These wallet-friendly rain pants still offer features like a full-length side zipper and an adjustable waist, also performing well in rain resistance. Credit: Zach Lovell
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 the Helium'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
Side Zips Length
1/4 length ankle zips
Pockets
1
Waterproof Fabric Material
Toray Dermizax 2.75L
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
15D nylon ripstop
Measured Weight
5.9 oz
Compared to other models we tested, the Helium pants have reduced durability and fewer features. The side zips are only 1/4 length, which means they can be harder to pull on over bulky footwear, 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 most bombproof storm protection, but I found they offer enough to make them very functional,” our lead tester remarked. The Helium is best for those seeking the lightest/smallest rain pants available and plan on carrying them more than wearing them. If you want a little more comfort and some stretch, check out the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants, which offer a bit more durability and only weigh around 3 ounces more.
Plays nicely with harnesses and mountaineering boots
Great adjustability
Lightweight
CONS
Very expensive
Only one pocket
The Arc'teryx Beta Pant is less of a rain pant and more of a technical hardshell pant designed for mountain use. It's made from burly materials, has very long and fully waterproof side zippers for putting on over large mountaineering boots, and is built with reinforcements in areas that are frequently damaged by crampons and ski edges. Its articulated patterning accommodates movement better than any other pants that we tested, making it a great pick for climbing and high-stepping. For all these extra burly attributes, the Beta still weighs less than 11 ounces, making them a great pick for overnight alpine missions where saving weight is crucial.
The Beta's thoughtful design and premium construction come at a high cost. At more than twice the price of our favorite pant, the Patagonia Torrentshell, we recommend these pants only if you truly need them. As our lead tester put it, “I'd recommend the Beta to a mountain professional who's going to spend a lot of time in the alpine with sharp things on their feet, but someone doing a multi-day Baker or Rainier trip once would be totally fine in the Patagonia Torrentshell.”
If you need the least expensive rain pants possible for casual, light-duty, or infrequent use, the 33,000ft Regular Fit is worth checking out. These are several times more affordable than the premium options, and might be all you need if you're only going out in friendlier rains (think a light drizzle on the golf course). They're offered in various waist and inseam lengths, allowing you to find your perfect fit. They're not extremely weather resistant, so if you need something more protective, consider stepping up to the REI Co-op Rainier Pant, which is still quite affordable and where we think you get the most for your money. But for casual use, the 33,000ft pants might be all you need, and it'll save you a bunch of money for other life expenses.
SPECIFICATIONS
Side Zips Length
1/4 length zips with velcro tab
Pockets
2
Waterproof Fabric Material
TPU membrane
Face Fabric and Layer Construction
100% nylon
Measured Weight
11.0 oz
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. Though we loved the affordability of this pant, our tester shares, “They're definitely not very abrasion-resistant, 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.
These incredibly inexpensive pants offer great mobility and can be tightened up at the ankle to reduce the likelihood of tripping on them. Credit: Zach Lovell
Product Comparison Table
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, Zach Lovell, and Ari Oppenheimer. Both Ian and Zach are internationally certified IFMGA/American Mountain Guides, and Ari is an Assistant Ski Guide and Apprentice Rock Guide. Ian and Ari are both based in the Pacific Northwest, where wet weather is a regular occurrence and rain gear is a must-have item for most of the year. 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.
We pushed these rain pants to their limits to find the best pairs. Credit: Ian Nicholson
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 gets, yet it still performs relatively well in casual settings and less intense rain squalls.
The 33,0000ft pants are great for light-duty use like casual hikes, golf outings, or sitting outdoors at a sporting event. Credit: Zach Lovell
REI also makes some great cost-effective pants. The REI Co-op Trailmade and the Rainier Pant are both decent options, but we prefer the slightly pricier Rainier, which is more water-resistant and has long side zips that make them easier to slip on (the Trailmade's zips are only quarter length). Of the two, though, the more affordable Trailmade is the lighter-weight pair, if that matters to you.
Water Resistance
A rain pant's primary purpose is to keep you dry in the rain, so it's likely no surprise that we weighted this metric most heavily 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.
Patagonia's H2No technology offers excellent performance in wet weather. Credit: Ari Oppenheimer
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.
Waterproof zippers, like those seen on the Arc'teryx Beta and Outdoor Research Foray are a feature that our testing team values.
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 or work outdoors 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
Breathability
Rain pants are simply not the most breathable garment. Even with modern technology, it's hard to achieve waterproofing and great breathability simultaneously. 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 Patagonia Torrentshell, Outdoor Research Foray 3L, and Arc'teryx Beta have some breathability thanks to a 3-layer construction, ushering sweat away from the body, but they're still heavier-weight garments that are simply warmer than a thinner pant. The Torrentshell and Beta have two-way zippers so you can ventilate a bit, but remember that there's a limit to how much you can vent when it's pouring rain.
The breathability of the Outdoor Research Foray 3L was good enough for around-town strolls and chillier hikes. Credit: Zach Lovell
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.
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.
Comfort and Mobility
Whether hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, riding your bike, or just crawling over a downed log, we judge comfort and mobility by how much the pants' design and fabric limit range of motion and ability to engage in particular activities.
The Stretch Ozonic is an awesome rain pant. It's among the lightest and most compressible of all contenders and it offers the best breathability. It also has the most unrestricted movement. Credit: Ian Nicholson
Because hardshell fabrics generally don't provide much in the way of stretch, manufacturers often use complex sewing patterns that accommodate the shape of the wearer's body to achieve mobility. This is known as articulation. The Patagonia Torrentshell had nice articulation and our testers found it comfortable and easy to move in.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L offers good mobility and comfort. Credit: Ari Oppenheimer
The Arc'teryx Beta was designed with more articulation than any other pant in the test, making movements like lunging and high stepping feel natural. While this level of mobility isn't needed for rainy hikes, it's necessary for activities like alpine climbing.
If this is the kind of activity you need a shell pant for, the Arc'teryx Beta is a great option. Otherwise, you'll do fine with one of the less spendy options we tested. 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, and we found ourselves stepping on them sometimes. The Foray does have a great waist adjustment system that's easy to use, even with gloves.
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
Weight
Most people carry their rain pants in their packs more often than they end up wearing them. If you're only wearing these to your kid's soccer game or to walk the dog, weight may not be a factor you care about. But if you are thru-hiking in a wet climate, you're going to want to shave as much weight as you can.
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 (no hand pockets), 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 Evo weighs under 9 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. This pant is more burly than many others and has a lot of material. We might not take this pant backpacking, but if you do field work and need a durable pant for bushwhacking in the rain, the Foray will serve you will.
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 may 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 Outdoor Research Foray and Arc'teryx Beta. These pants exceeded our expectations for durability. The Beta are built with added reinforcement in the cuffs, designed to add protection against ski edges and crampon points. While this feature isn't something we'd consider essential in an average pair of rain pants, it's useful for people who intend to take their gear out on mountaineering trips.
Reinforced cuffs are a nice touch for this mountain-focused pant, providing some additional protection against sharp points and edges in a notoriously high-wear area. Credit: Ari Oppenheimer
The least durable include the Outdoor Research Helium and the Marmot PreCip Evo were a couple of the least durable pairs. They're both light and packable, and didn't fare super well in our concrete drag test. However, we think both pairs 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, consider why you need rain pants in the first place. 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. Conversely, if you need protection from prolonged storms for multi-day trips where the weather might get nasty, we suggest prioritizing a pant that scores highly in weather protection and de-emphasizing weight. If you're doing infrequent bike commutes or golf games in the rain, you likely don't need to shell out tons of cash for ultralight materials or fancy waterproofing tech.
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. Additionally, two-way side zips are useful for ventilation in between rain showers, as they can be partially unzipped from the top. 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 Beta's adjustable built-in belt is easy to use, even wearing gloves. Credit: Ari Oppenheimer
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: Ari Oppenheimer
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.
