The Best Rain Pants for Your Next Adventure
1. The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Full Zip Pant - Editor's Pick
Topping off this list with a brand you all know and love. The North Face Dryzzle full zip pant is the ultimate choice in versatility and comfort. The Dryzzle pants feature articulated knees, a standard straight leg fit, full-length covered side zips for removing your pants without taking off your boots and even come with kick patches for added durability.
The pants are constructed from a 100% windproof and waterproof fabric with a FUTURELIGHT 3L shell and feature a shock cord loop in the back pocket for improved packability when traveling with them. The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Full Zip pant is available for $188.95.
2. Marmot PreCip Eco Pant - Budget Pick
Precipitation is no problem for the Marmot PreCip eco pants which sport a 100% waterproof design as well as a 100% recycled nylon construction. These pants take an eco-friendly approach to keeping your bottom half dry and are also quite breathable on account of their lightweight construction.
The pants also feature ankle side zips with snap tabs at the cuffs for hemming up the pants on the fly and feature both front and back zippered hand pockets for storage as well as an elastic waistband with a drawcord. The Marmot PreCip Eco Pants can be found for $59.99.
3. Moosejaw Mt. Elliott Insulated Waterproof Pant - Cold Weather Pick
Both insulated and completely waterproof, the Moosejaw Mt. Elliott waterproof pants are the top of the line when it comes to cold and wet weather. Usually this means snowboarding but I have found myself wearing similar pants in the winter when things get drizzly.
The pants feature a 10k/10l waterproof and breathable design and a full seam seal construction. The pants feature 40g of synthetic insulation to keep you warm even in cold and miserable weather and also features YKK brand zippers that never seem to fail. The pants also feature an adjustable waistband and even belt loops should you choose to mount a belt. In total the Mt. Elliott pants feature 6 pockets with two rear zippered back pockets and 4 additional front and side pockets. The Mt. Elliott pants from Moosejaw are sold for $149.00 but are currently on sale for $96.99.
4. Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Stretch Rain Pants
Eddie Bauer is well known for creating some of the most stylish yet comfortable and functional outerwear in the country. The Cloud Cap stretch pants are no exception to this reputation. The pants feature a completely waterproof design on account of their StormRepel DWR finish combined with their Weather Edge seam-sealed technology.
The pants feature cuff snaps for use with boots or tennis shoes and also feature a secure sip pocket on the right thigh for extra storage. The pants are also made from a durable polyester making them suitable for frequent athletic and outdoor activity and also feature some very reliable wicking technology for keeping you dry on both sides of the pants. The Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap stretch Rain Pants are available for $90.27 at the time of writing (normal MSRP $128.95).
5. Outdoor Research Prologue Storm Pant
One of the most lightweight options on this list. The Prologue storm pant does an extremely good job of blocking harsh mountain wind and keeping moisture out. The pants are made from a lightweight 2.5L Venita fabric that gives the Prologue Storm pant its waterproof and windproof characteristics.
The pants also feature a fair amount of stretch making them comfortable to wear through a variety of physically demanding activities. Outdoor Research markets these pants as being equally prepared for keeping a low profile while getting down to business or out on the trail adventuring. The OR Prologue Storm Pant is available for $149.00.
Picking between hiking pants and rain pants
Nature can throw a lot at you if you don’t know what you’re expecting. Out in the mountains of the pacific northwest you can go from a completely bright sunny day to what is basically a hurricane over the course of an afternoon. Rain pants are really meant to protect you against your two biggest enemies while out hiking rain and wind. Although most hiking pants tend to be stiff, a quality pair of hiking pants will be comfortable to wear and also completely windproof and waterproof. Durability is really the biggest risk you run when wearing rain pants.
There is also the issue of breathability. If you don’t have higher-quality rain pants that have venting and moisture-wicking membrane construction, you’re going to be sealing in every bit of sweat and moisture you produce. If the weather is warmer, and you’re exerting a lot of energy while hiking, you’re going to sweat so much inside your rain pants that you will look and feel worse than you would have had you just stuck it out in the rain. Pick wisely.
What to look for in rain pants
Rain pants should first and foremost feature a 100% waterproof design. If your rain pants can’t block moisture from the outside then there is little reason to rely on them. Secondly, and often most forgotten about, is the fit at the waist and through the legs. The pants themselves should be a bit loose around the legs to let the air circulate around and keep you dry. They should fit snug at the waist to keep them in place so they don’t drag you down. You should also keep in mind what kind of footwear you’re sporting to make sure they pair well.
Fabrics
You’ll no doubt want to search for what the most durable material is when it comes to rain pants – especially if you want to use them for hiking. The two strongest and most durable materials for pants tend to be Polyester and rayon which are both synthetic fabrics. These two offer the most in terms of durability and some rain pants can be found made from them with additional outer waterproofing coatings.
GORE-TEX is popular in higher end rain pants. It is a porous fabric that has minute venting that is designed to allow water vapor to escape while keeping water from entering. My experiences with GORE-TEX have always been good, but the venting properties of the fabric are limited, so I often pick a lighter material to wear on hotter days.
What should I wear under rain pants?
If you aren’t putting them on in a hurry over your cloths as a storm moves in, dress is layers appropriate to the weather and season. You always want to vent.
Are rain pants worth it?
Yes, they are worth it. Especially when you’re walking through wet brush, as they keep you from getting soaked and add a layer of protection for your legs.
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