While having ventilation is nice for hiking post-rainstorm, most of the time this isn't a dealbreaker. I've slept more than once in the PreCip pant, which provides an excellent test of how well a fabric breathesor doesn't. In 2022, freelance journalist Jenni Gritters updated this guide. After reading many websites and reviews, we looked at the top-rated and best-selling rain pant models that were widely available. The point is somewhat moot, however, since the PreCip Pant has full side zippers. [The term] waterproof [means its] a complete barrier to water, and water resistant means that some water will get through, said the University of Oregons Susan Sokolowski. These pants also lack ankle zippers and are difficult to get on and off over shoes. The result is a 3-layer construction that breathes well but still keeps you dry. The key is that theyre made with Gore-Tex Paclite material, which is totally windproof and waterproof, as well as exceptionally lightweight. We didnt get much rain during our trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, but at least we had a river to splash in. Patagonias Torrentshell 3L Pants (available in mens and womens versions) are similar to our top pick, but they are an ounce heavier, and theyre more expensive at this writing. They also come in three inseam lengths. It's a few frills Gore-Tex PackLite pant that doesn't offer much in the way of extra features, instead focusing on its bomber construction, excellent storm worthiness, and fantastic freedom of movement - all while maintaining a respectable packed weight and level of compressibility. Maybe youre hot or it stops raining, said Sokolowski. Because rain pants often have ankle zippers or snap cuffs that would make alterations difficult, its important to find a pair with the right size and cut for you. These pants weigh 3.2 ounces, and though they're likely to blow away in the wind because theyre seriously as light as a feather, they kept out the rain surprisingly well in our tests. There is a lot of difficult to decipher with terminology the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, stormworthy, quiet fabric, good breathability, 3/4 length side zips, effective elastic cuffs, By far the lightest and most compact pant in our review, great mobility, elastic waist band is extremely comfortable and functional, Inexpensive, lightweight, excellent packed size, reasonably weather-resistant, baggy cut makes it easy to wear over other layers, low profile waistband doesn't pinch under a backpack, Best pant among $50 and under options, above average durability, excellent storm worthiness, No zip fly, one marginally useful pocket, DWR didn't last as long as other models and needed to be retreated more frequently, Less durable than most, hard to pull on over boots, Not especially breathable, clammy with moderate aerobic activity, no front hand pockets, below average articulation, No pockets, breathability, ventilation, not easy to put on without removing footwear, Highly protective pants that are light and compact for tucking away in your backpack, Hard to beat for any trip where weight and packed space are at a premium - as long as there isn't too much off-trail travel, where their lower than average durability could be an issue, Perfect for those who want to bring a pair of rain pants but aren't likely to use them very often, A killer pant for the price, offering better than expected feel and weather resistance, but does not offer much in the way of features, 2.5 Layer Gore-tex with PacLite Technology, 2.5-layer REI Proprietary waterproof breathable fabric, 50D 100% Polyester w / Gore-tex PacLite Waterproof Breathable Membrane, 30D 100 Nylon Ripstop w/ Pertex Shield+ Waterproof Breathable Insert. Our plus-size tester reported no chafing and loved the drawstring waist, which allowed her to tailor the fit to her shape. Usually, [you should] follow the suggested manufacturers care [instructions]. For our wash test, we looked at the care label on each pair of pants. But during our testing, they werent breathable (likely due to their shell and their mesh lining). After testing 30 rain jackets and raincoats, we found seven we liked in a range of sizes, lengths, and styles to keep you dry. Keeping your core warm is more important than keeping your extremities warm, but your chance of getting hypothermia increases when youre both cold and wet. If youre just looking for a pair of rain pants to help you wait out a rainstorm, these are likely to feel too heavy and robust, but theyll do especially well for mountaineering adventures and winter storms. During our spray tests, water practically jumped off this fabric. If youre trekking through a cold, very wet environment or hiking in rain for extended periods of time, you should have completely waterproof pants. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Officially, Marmot's PreCip Pants are listed as rainwear, but that hasn't stopped them for becoming one of my favorite hard shell pants for all-around use. Full-zip pants are easier than half-zip pants to get on and off, and they unzip to keep your legs cool, but our experts were concerned about the added weight of full zip pants and the risk of zipper failure.
Every product will have a sewn-on care label. Because of that extra layer, these pants are slightly heavier than the PreCip pants, with a pair of mens regular pants weighing 10 ounces and a pair of womens regular pants weighing 9.3 ounces. It also features some of the best articulation and is one of the more versatile options that we tested. Marmots PreCip Eco Pants (available in mens and womens versions) will keep you dry just as well as the competition for a lower price, and theyre available in a wider array of inseam lengths. The photo shows the Minimalist Pant by Marmot. Subscribe now for unlimited access. The womens sizes are also a splurge. A hair over 11 ounces, these are the lightest Gore-Tex pants we tested; the Minimalist remains impressive, as it is lighter than the Columbia Rebel Roamer, which also doesn't feature side zips and is far lighter than the Marmot PreCip Full Zip (14 oz), which uses slightly lighter weight fabric. Theyre also typically less breathable, so you have to consider your conditions.. (The temperature was around 48 degrees Fahrenheit in the rain forest.) Our testers were impressed with how effective this pant was in keeping us dry. If your pants do wear out, you can file a warranty claim with Marmot. And the fabric felt breathable during a steamy hike in the Hoh Rain Forest at Washingtons Olympic National Park. Plus, full-zip pants are often more expensive than half-zip options. If you want a rain kilt for warmer weather: If youre traveling somewhere warm or going to a place with lighter rain, a rain kilt may work for you, but we dont think a rain kilt is the best rainproofing option for most people. However, if youre planning to hike in colder climates or at higher elevations, if youre in a place prone to frequent, heavy rainstorms that last for long periods of time, or if youll be trekking through wet, brushy areas, this guide is for you. Despite their wider range of sizes (up to XXL), however, ArcTeryx clothing tends to run narrow, so youll probably want to try them on before you buy. This is the gear wed use duringand aftera rainy-day outing. by James Austin, Daniel Varghese, and Sarah J. Robbins. On our Hoh Rain Forest hike, the PreCip pants felt breathable. A few labels, including that of our pick, specified powder detergent. Even so, this test illustrated that some pants were more effective at repelling water than others: Water droplets practically jumped off several pairs of pants while clinging to the fabric of other pairs. Waterproof: A good pair of rain pants should keep water out. If you are looking for extended-size options, the Helium pants are the best of those. That is, if your zippers break or get stuck on a pair of half-zip pants, youre still mostly covered. We conducted an eyedropper and spray test (per Sokolowskis advice) to see whether the water soaked through or beaded on pants. oakley pant flare features For the cost, these pants offer the best value of all the pants we tested. They are available in regular, short, and long versions to accommodate multiple heights. All trademarks property of their respective owners Subjectively speaking, I would say the PreCip technology offers competitive breathable/waterproof performance. womens ArcTeryx Beta Pant and the mens ArcTeryx Beta AR Pant, Similar pants, but fewer sizing options, in mens sizes, Similar pants, but fewer sizing options, in womens sizes, An even tougher, cold-weather option in mens sizes, An even tougher, cold-weather option in womens sizes, Runner-up: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants, associate professor and director of the sports product design program at the University of Oregon, professor and program director for the outdoor product design and development program at Utah State University. Like many of the other rain pants we tested, the ArcTeryx Beta pairs have zippers on the sidesbut their zippers fully extend from hip to ankle, allowing for the easiest on-and-off we experienced, as well as the best ventilation. In both real-world use and in our side-by-side garden hose and shower comparisons, the Minimalist Pant was easily among the most storm resistant models we tested. One of its few features were two classically located hand warmer pockets that our testers appreciated. We also tested Gore-Tex options; however, we found that a basic DWR coating did just about as good of a job of keeping most people dry in most normal hiking situations for around half the price (except for the materials used in our upgrade pick, which contains Gore-Tex Paclite and proved to be the most waterproof and breathable option in the mix). Most of all, she preferred the style of the Helium pants; many plus-size pants are boxy, but these allowed enough room for layering without looking baggy. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. These pants are just as dry and comfortable in the rain. Though the Zpacks kilt is more rigid than the ULA kilt, you can still move around in it. Most of the half-zip pants we considered also come in full-zip versions if youre set on having extra venting. Water didnt soak through any of the pants, so they were all baseline waterproof. These lightweight, comfortable pants will keep you dry through rainy hikes. With ankle zippers at the cuffs, these pants are easy to get on and off while youre wearing boots. Although we didnt experience any chafing, the material felt cheaper than that of our top pick, and the pants had just one pocket. An easy at-home wash and re-waterproofing can make an old raincoat work like new. If these were truly waterproof, theyre all I would pack, said one tester upon trying the Montbell pants for the first time. The standard-size Helium pants were less well-loved among our testers, simply because they did not measure up to the comfort and durability of our top pick and runner-up pick. If you wash or put these products in the dryer, the membrane will start to fall off, said Sokolowski. If you can handle these minor issues, the PreCip pant does a fine job doubling as an ultralight technical shell at an unbelievable price. The Minimalist Pant offers only 1/4 length ankle zippers. If youre somewhere warmer or in a place with intermittent rain, a breathable pair of water-resistant pants might be enough. You can re-treat your pants to maintain them. This guide isnt for ultralight hikers, most of whom probably dont want the added weight of a situational accessory. But if zippers break on a pair of full-zip rain pants, your entire leg is exposed, defeating the point of the rain pants altogether. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. While having ventilation is nice for hiking post-rainstorm, most of the time this isn't a dealbreaker. I've slept more than once in the PreCip pant, which provides an excellent test of how well a fabric breathesor doesn't. In 2022, freelance journalist Jenni Gritters updated this guide. After reading many websites and reviews, we looked at the top-rated and best-selling rain pant models that were widely available. The point is somewhat moot, however, since the PreCip Pant has full side zippers. [The term] waterproof [means its] a complete barrier to water, and water resistant means that some water will get through, said the University of Oregons Susan Sokolowski. These pants also lack ankle zippers and are difficult to get on and off over shoes. The result is a 3-layer construction that breathes well but still keeps you dry. The key is that theyre made with Gore-Tex Paclite material, which is totally windproof and waterproof, as well as exceptionally lightweight. We didnt get much rain during our trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, but at least we had a river to splash in. Patagonias Torrentshell 3L Pants (available in mens and womens versions) are similar to our top pick, but they are an ounce heavier, and theyre more expensive at this writing. They also come in three inseam lengths. It's a few frills Gore-Tex PackLite pant that doesn't offer much in the way of extra features, instead focusing on its bomber construction, excellent storm worthiness, and fantastic freedom of movement - all while maintaining a respectable packed weight and level of compressibility. Maybe youre hot or it stops raining, said Sokolowski. Because rain pants often have ankle zippers or snap cuffs that would make alterations difficult, its important to find a pair with the right size and cut for you. These pants weigh 3.2 ounces, and though they're likely to blow away in the wind because theyre seriously as light as a feather, they kept out the rain surprisingly well in our tests. There is a lot of difficult to decipher with terminology the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, stormworthy, quiet fabric, good breathability, 3/4 length side zips, effective elastic cuffs, By far the lightest and most compact pant in our review, great mobility, elastic waist band is extremely comfortable and functional, Inexpensive, lightweight, excellent packed size, reasonably weather-resistant, baggy cut makes it easy to wear over other layers, low profile waistband doesn't pinch under a backpack, Best pant among $50 and under options, above average durability, excellent storm worthiness, No zip fly, one marginally useful pocket, DWR didn't last as long as other models and needed to be retreated more frequently, Less durable than most, hard to pull on over boots, Not especially breathable, clammy with moderate aerobic activity, no front hand pockets, below average articulation, No pockets, breathability, ventilation, not easy to put on without removing footwear, Highly protective pants that are light and compact for tucking away in your backpack, Hard to beat for any trip where weight and packed space are at a premium - as long as there isn't too much off-trail travel, where their lower than average durability could be an issue, Perfect for those who want to bring a pair of rain pants but aren't likely to use them very often, A killer pant for the price, offering better than expected feel and weather resistance, but does not offer much in the way of features, 2.5 Layer Gore-tex with PacLite Technology, 2.5-layer REI Proprietary waterproof breathable fabric, 50D 100% Polyester w / Gore-tex PacLite Waterproof Breathable Membrane, 30D 100 Nylon Ripstop w/ Pertex Shield+ Waterproof Breathable Insert. Our plus-size tester reported no chafing and loved the drawstring waist, which allowed her to tailor the fit to her shape. Usually, [you should] follow the suggested manufacturers care [instructions]. For our wash test, we looked at the care label on each pair of pants. But during our testing, they werent breathable (likely due to their shell and their mesh lining). After testing 30 rain jackets and raincoats, we found seven we liked in a range of sizes, lengths, and styles to keep you dry. Keeping your core warm is more important than keeping your extremities warm, but your chance of getting hypothermia increases when youre both cold and wet. If youre just looking for a pair of rain pants to help you wait out a rainstorm, these are likely to feel too heavy and robust, but theyll do especially well for mountaineering adventures and winter storms. During our spray tests, water practically jumped off this fabric. If youre trekking through a cold, very wet environment or hiking in rain for extended periods of time, you should have completely waterproof pants. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Officially, Marmot's PreCip Pants are listed as rainwear, but that hasn't stopped them for becoming one of my favorite hard shell pants for all-around use. Full-zip pants are easier than half-zip pants to get on and off, and they unzip to keep your legs cool, but our experts were concerned about the added weight of full zip pants and the risk of zipper failure.
While having ventilation is nice for hiking post-rainstorm, most of the time this isn't a dealbreaker. I've slept more than once in the PreCip pant, which provides an excellent test of how well a fabric breathesor doesn't. In 2022, freelance journalist Jenni Gritters updated this guide. After reading many websites and reviews, we looked at the top-rated and best-selling rain pant models that were widely available. The point is somewhat moot, however, since the PreCip Pant has full side zippers. [The term] waterproof [means its] a complete barrier to water, and water resistant means that some water will get through, said the University of Oregons Susan Sokolowski. These pants also lack ankle zippers and are difficult to get on and off over shoes. The result is a 3-layer construction that breathes well but still keeps you dry. The key is that theyre made with Gore-Tex Paclite material, which is totally windproof and waterproof, as well as exceptionally lightweight. We didnt get much rain during our trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, but at least we had a river to splash in. Patagonias Torrentshell 3L Pants (available in mens and womens versions) are similar to our top pick, but they are an ounce heavier, and theyre more expensive at this writing. They also come in three inseam lengths. It's a few frills Gore-Tex PackLite pant that doesn't offer much in the way of extra features, instead focusing on its bomber construction, excellent storm worthiness, and fantastic freedom of movement - all while maintaining a respectable packed weight and level of compressibility. Maybe youre hot or it stops raining, said Sokolowski. Because rain pants often have ankle zippers or snap cuffs that would make alterations difficult, its important to find a pair with the right size and cut for you. These pants weigh 3.2 ounces, and though they're likely to blow away in the wind because theyre seriously as light as a feather, they kept out the rain surprisingly well in our tests. There is a lot of difficult to decipher with terminology the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, stormworthy, quiet fabric, good breathability, 3/4 length side zips, effective elastic cuffs, By far the lightest and most compact pant in our review, great mobility, elastic waist band is extremely comfortable and functional, Inexpensive, lightweight, excellent packed size, reasonably weather-resistant, baggy cut makes it easy to wear over other layers, low profile waistband doesn't pinch under a backpack, Best pant among $50 and under options, above average durability, excellent storm worthiness, No zip fly, one marginally useful pocket, DWR didn't last as long as other models and needed to be retreated more frequently, Less durable than most, hard to pull on over boots, Not especially breathable, clammy with moderate aerobic activity, no front hand pockets, below average articulation, No pockets, breathability, ventilation, not easy to put on without removing footwear, Highly protective pants that are light and compact for tucking away in your backpack, Hard to beat for any trip where weight and packed space are at a premium - as long as there isn't too much off-trail travel, where their lower than average durability could be an issue, Perfect for those who want to bring a pair of rain pants but aren't likely to use them very often, A killer pant for the price, offering better than expected feel and weather resistance, but does not offer much in the way of features, 2.5 Layer Gore-tex with PacLite Technology, 2.5-layer REI Proprietary waterproof breathable fabric, 50D 100% Polyester w / Gore-tex PacLite Waterproof Breathable Membrane, 30D 100 Nylon Ripstop w/ Pertex Shield+ Waterproof Breathable Insert. Our plus-size tester reported no chafing and loved the drawstring waist, which allowed her to tailor the fit to her shape. Usually, [you should] follow the suggested manufacturers care [instructions]. For our wash test, we looked at the care label on each pair of pants. But during our testing, they werent breathable (likely due to their shell and their mesh lining). After testing 30 rain jackets and raincoats, we found seven we liked in a range of sizes, lengths, and styles to keep you dry. Keeping your core warm is more important than keeping your extremities warm, but your chance of getting hypothermia increases when youre both cold and wet. If youre just looking for a pair of rain pants to help you wait out a rainstorm, these are likely to feel too heavy and robust, but theyll do especially well for mountaineering adventures and winter storms. During our spray tests, water practically jumped off this fabric. If youre trekking through a cold, very wet environment or hiking in rain for extended periods of time, you should have completely waterproof pants. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Officially, Marmot's PreCip Pants are listed as rainwear, but that hasn't stopped them for becoming one of my favorite hard shell pants for all-around use. Full-zip pants are easier than half-zip pants to get on and off, and they unzip to keep your legs cool, but our experts were concerned about the added weight of full zip pants and the risk of zipper failure.