10 Best Rain Pants For Hiking In 2021

Boasting a top level waterproof rating of 10,000mm coupled with a breathability rating of 10,000gm/m2, the Black Diamond Stormline hiking rain pants are the best waterproof pants hands down. Living true to their name, they can keep you dry and comfortable in a rainstorm. Best of all, they only weigh 8.3 ounces and pack down to the size of a tennis ball.

Waterproofing and Breathability

A 2.5 layer waterproof breathable membrane and fully sealed seams are the keys to the excellent performance of the Stormline waterproof pants. They do a superb job of keeping out snow, sleet, and rain. At the same time, the pants provide breathable comfort even on the hottest summer days.

Fit and Flexibility

Your freedom of movement on the trails isn't restricted either as the Stormline has 12% elastane. This allows it to stretch in four directions and follow your every move. Thanks to a regular cut, the pants will fit right over your base layer and an elastic draw cord will provide a secure fit at the waist.

Durability and Features

As for durability, the nylon face fabric the Stormline pants are made of has very good puncture and tear resistance. You even get a lifetime warranty to assure you that the pants are built to last. Features include a gusseted seat and articulated knees to enhance flexibility, and a zippered back pocket.

Lightweight and packable, the aptly named North Face Dryzzle Gore-Tex shell pants are perfect for hiking and backpacking. They pack down impressively small and are waterproof enough to keep you dry when hiking in the rain. 

Waterproofing and Breathability

These are waterproof yet lightweight and breathable Gore-Tex shell pants that can keep you dry even in the heaviest downpour. Meanwhile, they let warm air out and cool air in so your legs won't overheat. As for the potential weak points, the zippers are covered and the seams factory sealed.

Fit and Flexibility 

The North Face Dryzzle pants for rain have a standard flexible fit so they easily fit over your hiking outfit and hiking boots. Depending on your height, they come in 30 inch, 32 inch, and 34 inch inseams. Putting them on is easy thanks to the full zip that extends almost to the waist.

Durability and Features

The Gore Tex Paclite fabric is hardwearing and reinforcement kick patches at the ankles provide added durability where it matters most. Last but not least, a back pocket gives you a convenient place to stow handy items.

Thanks to their tactical design and ripstop construction, the QR tactical rain pains are among the most popular pants for hiking in rain. Also contributing to this popularity is their attractive price point without sacrificing quality and performance. This makes them an exceptional value for money. 

Waterproofing and Breathability

The Duratex fabric the QR tactical pants are made of is repellent to liquid, dirt, and any other thing they might come into contact with. They do this without restricting airflow so you won't get too warm and sweaty.

Fit and Flexibility 

While the QR pants are not stretchy, they have an elastic waistband for a snug fit at the waist, and then flare out to provide a relaxed fit. Beyond this, they are ergonomically designed to optimize your range of motion when active outdoors.

Durability and Features

As for ruggedness, they are made of a ripstop quality polyester and cotton blend so durability is assured. Additionally, the pants are resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and fading. True to their tactical design, these pants come with numerous cargo pockets and an accessories D-ring. 

Designed for petite women who need rain paints with short inseams, the REI Co-op Talusphere comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large petite sizes. As for performance, these are fully waterproof and windproof pants and thus among the best rain pants for women.

Waterproofing and Breathability 

These waterproof pants women hiking utilize REI Elements 2.5-layer laminate that is waterproof and windproof yet breathable. This membrane combined with the sealed seams is rated to provide protection in a 60+ mph wind and rainstorm. 

Fit and Flexibility

In addition to coming in petite sizes, these shell pants provide great stretch in four directions. This gives you an unlimited range of motion on the trails. The waist features an elasticized back and an adjustable draw cord that ensure the pants stay up. 

Durability and Features

Durability is top-notch too. The polyester shell is tough enough for the outdoors and also offers sun protection. Extra features include a left zipper pocket that doubles as a storage pouch for the pants, ankle zips for ease of fitting over your boots, and cuffs adjustment on the inside.

The Moosejaw Mt. Elliott are the best women's rain pants for the winter. They are fully impervious to snow and moisture, and insulated to protect you against the biting cold. All these ensure you stay warm and cozy. Best of all, they are available in short, regular, and plus sizes.

Waterproofing and Breathability

When it comes to performance, the Mt. Elliot have sealed seams and the material they are made of boasts 10k/10k waterproof and breathable ratings so you can count on the highest level of protection and comfort. Beyond this, they come packed with 40g of insulation to keep you toasty on snowy days. Built-in boot gaiters keep snow out of your feet while vents on the outer thighs allow in a cooling breeze.

Fit and Flexibility 

Designed to fit women of all shapes and sizes, the Mt. Elliot pants come in regular, petite, and plus sizes. Furthermore, the waistband is a stretchy lycra with adjustable Velcro tabs. Gusseted upper inner thighs provide excellent freedom of movement. 

Durability and Features

You can also expect long-lasting performance as the 100% polyester material also holds up well in the outdoors. These women's hiking rain pants feature premium YKK zippers and zip-up hand pockets.

The design, quality, and performance of the Arcteryx Beta AR men's rain pants is second to none. Constructed with a 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane and treated with a water repellent treatment, you can count on them to block heavy rain, snow falls, and strong wind. Because of this, these pants are a perfect companion during winter hikes. 

Waterproofing and Breathability 

Snow, rain, mud, and wind, the 3 layer GORE-TEX Pro membrane is an excellent defense against all nasty weather elements. Additionally, a durable water repellent treatment and taped seams leave no opening for moisture or wind to seep through.

Fit and Flexibility

To keep you protected without hindering your hikes, these hiking waterproof pants have an athletic fit and the design is optimized for mobility. Specifically, the knees are articulated while the crotch area is gusseted to support your every move.  

Durability and Features

While the front fabric is supple yet tough, the knees, seat and lower legs are reinforced with a hardwearing fabric. And, when walking through brush or donning crampons, instep patches will protect your pants from wear and tear. Finally, 3/4 length zippers offer easy on and off while lace hooks let you attach the pants to your boots.

Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and with a relaxed fit, the Marmot PreCip rain pants for men have got you covered in any condition. The use of Nano technology makes them among the top rated rain pant for hiking.

Waterproofing and Breathability

To keep out all the wet and cold elements, the Marmot PreCip utilizes a high-tech NanoPro coating that is not only waterproof and breathable but also sweat-wicking. On top of these, all the seams are taped sealed and the zippers covered with storm flaps. 

Fit and Flexibility

The Marmot PreCip best pants for hiking in rain offer plenty of room to accommodate whatever layers the conditions you will be hiking in call for. An elastic waist ensures a snug fit while a flexible fit gives you full freedom of movement.

Durability and Features

For long-lasting performance, the face fabric is a ripstop nylon that can stand up to any elements on the trails. Full side zippers open from top to bottom for easy on and off with boots while zippered pockets provide convenient storage options.

The cycling-specific 4ucycling pants offer unique advantages to the cold weather hiker. Besides a snug yet flexible fit, they come with a fleece lining to keep you warm. This makes them the best rain pants for alpine or wintry conditions.

Waterproofing and Breathability

Improved aeration is another benefit you will enjoy when hiking in the 4ucycling rain pants. They feature a water-repellent dual-layer fabric on the front and a breathable fabric on the back. Additionally, a fleece lining and a draping design at the knees keep you warm when hiking in wintry conditions.

Fit and Flexibility

The 4ucycling are form-fitting yet loose enough to accommodate base layers. The cycling-optimized design with an expanded knee area and 15% spandex content gives you the all-important knee-area flexibility for hiking. An elastic waistband and elastic leg grips give a secure fit where it matters.

Durability and Features

As for durability, the materials are top-tier quality and reviews attest that these are, indeed, durable rain pants. Features that make them among the best rain pants for hiking include leg zippers for easy on and off over boots, two zip-up pockets, and a reflective logo on the left that would prove handy in a rescue situation.

Weighing in at a mere 6.4 ounces, the Columbia Rebel Roamer rain pant for hiking are ultralight rain pants that provide the ultimate comfort for summer hikes. The best thing is that this is not at the expense of protection and durability.

Waterproofing and Breathability

To protect you from the elements without leading to heat and sweat build-up, the Rebel Roamer pants utilize Columbia's signature Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable technology, which has a demonstrated ability to keep out even intense rain while still providing excellent breathability.

Fit and Flexibility 

Designed for the active outdoorsman, the Columbia Rebel Roamer feature an active fit and a elastane component, which makes them easy to fit over hiking shoes and easy to. At the waist is an elastic waistband with an adjustable draw cord for a secure fit.

Durability and Features

True to Columbia reputation for quality at a reasonable price, these hiking rain pants are well-made and among the best when it comes to value for money. The nylon face fabric can withstand rough terrain. As for features, these are all about simplicity but have Velcro gathers on the bottom for cinching the ankles closed. An advantage of this simplicity is that the pants are ultralight and roll-up into a compact package.

Finally, the Singbring snow pants are thick and warm enough to keep you dry and warm when hiking in cold or freezing weather. Depending on the kind of elements you need protection from, you can opt for the thick fleece rain pants or the thin and quick-dry rain pants. 

Waterproofing and Breathability 

Designed with frigid conditions in mind, the Singbring Outdoor pants are composed of 92% polyester. This makes them warm, windproof, waterproof, and snow proof. Breathable comfort is also provided by the patchwork knees.

Fit and Flexibility

Owing to an 8% spandex component, the Singbring are among the best pants for rain hiking as they won't go get in the way of movement. An adjustable waist allows the pants to fit comfortably while the bottom fits great with boots on.

Durability and Features

The polyester fabric is one of the things that make the Singbring one of the best rain pants hiking. It’s lightweight yet extremely abrasion and pilling resistant and also doesn't make noise as you move. Features include a reinforced patchwork knee, a belt, zipper closure, and multiple waterproof pockets.