Waterproof Pants
Want to keep your legs dry from rain and snow with a hard shell? See our top picks in waterproof shells and rain pants below, thanks to hundreds of independent reviews and ratings by hikers, backpackers, alpinists, backcountry skiers, trail runners, and paddlers.
The best waterproof pants, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on March 18, 2020. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
Recent Waterproof Pant Reviews
Marmot Men's PreCip Full Zip Pants
Stood up to more than a decade of moderately frequent use, and have done what I needed 'em to do several times in severe weather far from modern conveniences I purchased my Marmot PreCip Full Zip Pants well over a decade ago to replace those of another outdoor clothing maker with which I was less than satisfied. I have yet to buy more—these have done the jobs asked of them, and then some. I use them around home when working outside in rainy weather, walking dogs in rain, etc. A fair bit of use… Full review
Moonstone Gore-Tex Shell Pant
These pants have survived almost 20 years of use and still go with me on every day trip or backpack outing. These have been a durable, real good shell pant. Easy to undo the waist when you need to go, easy to adjust for airflow into the pants at any place along the legs. They stuff into the backpack anywhere, use them to soften the load against your back. These are a shell pant, ripstop with Gore-tex. They are windproof and mostly rainproof. I have never treated them with water repellent, and they… Full review
Black Diamond Men's StormLine Stretch Rain Pant
A light and waterproof pair of rain pants that have some nice stretch to them, making them easy to move in and take along for multiple outdoor pursuits. I found them best when hiking and camping, with enough room for thin layers underneath, but a little maxed out when wearing thicker layers underneath. Construction & Durability:In my experience, there are typically two kinds of rain pants, either a) ultralight and easily rip when stretched too far, brushed up against vegetation, etc, or b) super… Full review
Marmot Men's PreCip Pant
Wore these in an all-day rain on a backpack in Pennsylvania in spring 2010. The kleenex I had in the front pocket was dry the entire day Full review
Marmot Men's PreCip Pant
For me, the Marmot PreCip Pants serve as a lightweight alternative to snow pants when the weather is not warm but not subzero. They are just right for the beginning or end of the snow season when you appreciate the impermeability but don’t want the extra bulk. Fit and Comfort: I like how the pants find the right size between being able to maneuver in them while not simultaneously looking like MC Hammer pants from the early nineties. They are about just the right size to pull over thermal underwear… Full review
Marmot Women's PreCip Pant
Overall these pants do what I want them to do—if you see them on sale go for it, otherwise they are little pricey. I'm happy with them, but there are a few issues that might be solved by other brands. Fit & Comfort: No complaints in the comfort department. As a slightly tall person (5'9") size medium is a great length for tucking and letting water run off at the base of your shoe/boot. The waist band is comfortable and easily cinched to your size, and as these pants are good for layering the… Full review
LightHeart Gear Rain Pants
Great pants, limited sizing. Silicon coated nylon with polyurethane treatment waterproof to 2000mm of water head. Zippers on the legs for easy on and easy off. Not in the least breathable, but very waterproof. Not much to say, you put them on when it rains and you don't get as wet. The big downside is that they come in fixed sizes with an inseam of 31 inches for extra small, 32 for small, and 33 medium to XXX-large, making them very long for anyone under 5'9". You can order custom inseam, but… Full review
Sierra Designs Elite Rain Chaps
What a cool idea! This, with the cagoule, is the coolest rain system ever. You have to have been caught in diluvien rain with a full pack on with several more peaks to ascend to appreciate this one. I recommend wearing them and adjusting them before your trip, because once properly adjusted, they easily slide over wet boots and clip onto your pants. I got to test the entire system on a hike in the Sierra foothills where I got caught in heavy rain and high winds and it performed beautifully. … Full review
Sierra Designs Elite Rain Chaps
These chaps are a lightweight alternative to regular rain pants. They shed water and have much more ventilation than rain pants. I had the opportunity to test the Sierra Designs Elite Rain Chaps this summer, first on a drizzly day hike in California and then for four solid days of rain on the Tour of Mont Blanc. The chaps are an interesting alternative to rain pants in that they are two separate legs that attach to pants or shorts using a plastic hook on a single side strap (one strap per leg). Full review
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