Some models with beefy Velcro or snap-style closures would pinch under a pack's waist belt if it was heavily loaded. Every time you kneel or sit while traveling in the backcountry, there is a chance of tearing or puncturing your pants. The stormy environments included in our testing spanned from exceptionally wet spring ski mountaineering on Washington's Ptarmigan Traverse as well as the volcanos above Chile's temperate rain forests. After extensive testing, we found that the Marmot Minimalist, OR Foray, and Arc'teryx Zeta SL kept us the driest in both real-world and side-by-side testing. While breathability and ventilation are essential in keeping their wearer dry, these two factors do not play an equal role. We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations. Light, heavy, big drops, small drops our expert testers rate ventilation, comfort, value, and several other key metrics. The mens size large pants weigh less than 3 ounces on our scale! 
A feature we liked for several reasons and applications (especially snowy ones) is some type of pant cuff cinching feature. 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. While the Marmot PreCip pants are not quite as breathable as the previously mentioned models, their breathability is impressive at the price point they hit. Here, lead test editor Jed Porter on a Chile's Volcan Lonquimay in tough weather, preparing for a white-out ski descent. If youre looking for a simple, lightweight pant without unnecessary bulk, the Versalite Pants are a solid choice.
Theyre well-designed and have all the adjustments one could want. We tested the breathability of all of these pants on wet hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering trips, as well as in a handful of more systematic tests, such as during a 10-minute stair master test at the Seattle Vertical World. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We also compared the pockets on each model. This also means that you can easily put them on or them take off on the fly. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. However, all of our testers found that the lack of Velcro and subsequent lower profile waist to be far more comfortable (particularly with a pack on) than their full-zip counterparts. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
Most durable rain pants: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Mens / Womens, REI XeroDry GTX Mens / Womens & Arcteryx Zeta SL Mens / Womens, The REI XeroDry GTX Pants are a quality pair of rain pants at a great price point. Even the next closest models, such as the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic, Outdoor Research Foray, or Columbia Rebel Roamer, were all bulkier than the Helium. BOTTOM LINE: The Outdoor Research Helium (mens / womens) are the most affordable ultralight pants weve tested. The Essential Rain Pant is constructed with a 2.5-layer proprietary coated waterproof fabric that performs similarly in weather resistance and breathability to many higher-end rain pants. Even among the selected models, which are all designed to be lighter weight, there was a significant difference in weight. PROS: Ultralight, pack down small in their own pocket, comfortable (stretchy), breathable, CONS: Expensive, thin lightweight materials are less durable, more difficult to put on/take off without removing shoes due to short zippers. They pack down very small, though, and at 6.5 ounces, they are by far the lightest pants in our review. The following rain pants didnt make our final list, but theyre very popular and theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. The Arc'teryx Zeta SL is ready to wait out any storm and stands out as the best on the market. DURABLE RAIN PANTS AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. 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. In the review below, we break down the advantages of different pants for different applications. The last model worth noting on the more price-pointed end of the spectrum is the Marmot PreCip Full Zip and regular 1/4 zip iterations. Got feedback? The Arc'teryx Zeta SL was our next best performer regarding mobility and freedom of movement. Unlike Gore-Tex, Dry.Q Elite is air permeable and doesn't require the wearer to build up heat in exchange for breathability. The North Face Venture Half-Zip offers a nice balance of price and functionality. This leads us to its primary drawback; while perfect as a just-in-case pant that you may put on for an afternoon thunderstorm or a couple of times during a week-long backpacking trip, it simply isn't as durable or breathable for someone who anticipates a great deal of aerobic use. PROS: Lightweight, durable, stylish fit, pack down small, cuff-to-thigh zippers for ventilation and easy on/off, high-quality waterproof zippers, CONS: Expensive, material is a bit stiff, no pockets. The field comparison of shell pants here demonstrates kneeling and rolling around in wet snow while teaching crevasse rescue techniques on Mt. The least durable include the Outdoor Research Helium and the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic, which not surprisingly, also happen to be the lightest and most packable options. Toss the Zeta into your pack as a just-in-case item on a longer multi-day trip, and you won't even know it's there.
2-, 2.5- & 3- LAYER PANTS - The number of layers rain pants have helps determine how waterproof and breathable they will be. Because shell pants are worn only occasionally and almost always over pants or shorts that have pockets of their own, we weighted pockets below other features. Best ultralight & packable rain pants: Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens, Montbell Versalite Mens / Womens, Zpacks Vertice Mens / Womens & Marmot Bantamweight Mens / Womens, Comparing the weight and bulk of the Mens rain pants (size large). The next lightest pants we tested are the non-full-zip Marmot Precip and the Arc'teryx Zeta SL, which both weigh an impressive 8.0 and 8.6 ounces, respectively. Theyre incredibly lightweight and they pack down really small, which makes them ideal for activities like hiking and backpacking. We considered two main factors when awarding scores for this metric (which is weighted at 25% of our overall ratings). All of the fabrics used in the pants we tested proved to be waterproof. GearLab is reader-supported. Hopefully you have found this review helpful in choosing the best option to help you to continue to have fun on your next rainy (or wind, or snowy) adventure. Tracey Bernstein breaks out the shell pants during a week long ski traverse in the French and Swiss Alps. Brrrr. These experiences help us amass a wealth of data on each rain pant to objectively compare each product. Even more than rain jackets, rain pants tend to live in the bottom of most packs, taken out occasionally, and used sparingly when the weather turns grim. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. The most packable pant in our review was the Outdoor Research Helium, which took up about half the volume of nearly every other contender. In the market for the perfect rain jacket?
Dump heat as you warm up by unzipping side zippers or releasing ankle cuff adjustments. The Zetas also have a trim, natural-looking fit that we dare say is stylish for rain pants. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of Americas longest trails. That said, theyre still a little more work to thread your foot through than pants with full-length zippers. Testing rain gear is uncomfortable. While most people don't end up wearing their rain pants as frequently as their rain jacket, they are exposed to more threats. The Zetas are a good choice for technical pursuits that may require crampons since theyre reinforced around the cuffs where theyre most susceptible to damage. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. The Arcteryx Zeta SL Mens / Womens are high-qualtiy and lightweight for backcountry adventures. We liked the Marmot Precip's low profile drawstring closure, but the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic's built-in flat webbing waist belt was the cream of the crop for comfort and functionality. The Helium pants are a great value for the price, which makes them a smart option for backpacking on a budget. Read review: Outdoor Research Foray Pants. Since rain pants are a piece of gear most people end up carrying more than wearing weight is an obviously important factor and we weighed each pair of pants in-house for our review. Because theyre heavier and bulkier than some, the Rainier Pants are best suited for times when weight doesnt matter as much. Our expert panel consists of gear testers Jediah Porter and Ian Nicholson; both international certified IFMGA/American Mountain Guides. Finally, we considered pockets in the features category. However, if we weren't working as hard or it's warmer out, the Stretch Ozonic offers superior breathability. BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (mens / womens) are an affordable and durable option with solid construction. Though its fabric doesn't stretch, it offers incredible overall articulation and moves with us while hiking or climbing as well as any model something that was even more impressive considering its slimmer fit. Most people will likely carry their rain gear much more frequently than they'll wear it, and there is a pretty big difference in weights among models, even among options we tested, despite the fact that they are all geared towards backpacking and hiking. These models needed to have beefy Velcro or snap closure at the waist (near the top of the zipper along the waist area); if not robust enough, our pants would come undone and sometimes slide down. We also tested how each contender kept us dry in the field, using them for several months, enduring many wet fall overnight backpacking trips, day hikes, and mountaineering excursions in the Pacific Northwest. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? BOTTOM LINE: The Marmot Bantamweight (mens / womens) are exceptionally lightweight, compact, and nicely fitted. Manufacturers use many different waterproof fabrics and construction methods with different design characteristics and, thus, different performance levels depending on the application. Most comfortable rain pants: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens, Marmot Bantamweight Mens / Womens & REI XeroDry GTX Mens / Womens, The Marmot Bantamweight Pants have a flat waistband thats comfortable under a hip belt. We also performed a side-by-side spray down with a garden hose (for five minutes) to systematically compare their weather resistance and storm worthiness. Best value rain pants: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Mens / Womens & REI XeroDry GTX Mens / Womens, Best budget rain pants: Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Mens / Womens & REI Rainier Full-Zip Mens / Womens, Best high-end rain pants: Marmot Bantamweight Mens / Womens & Arcteryx Zeta SL Mens / Womens, The REI Rainier Full-Zip Pants are an affordable 2.5-layer rain pant. Wind river part three. After exploring all the rainy places from Patagonia to the USA, and stops in between, we offer our award winners and recommendations, unbiased and designed to help you in your quest for the best rain pant. No ads. Rain Pants like the Montbell Versalite are really good at retaining body heat and cutting the wind, so its best to put them on when you feel chilled. With the right rain gear, even a wet and windy trip can be nearly as enjoyable as a sunny one. Rain, sleet, or snow will not penetrate the fabrics that make up these pants. A built-in webbing waist belt meant that it rarely, if ever, slid down. It can be challenging to utilize ventilation if it's raining with any amount of volume. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. PROS: Ultralight, pack down small, extra wide legs for easier on/off increased airflow, CONS: Thin lightweight materials are less durable, more difficult to put on/take off without removing shoes than pants with zippers, boxy fit, no pockets. To test water resistance, we stood in a standard indoor shower for four minutes, determining which contenders could withstand the test. You also want a pant that'll pack away when not in use. A trade-off for a lightweight and simple design is a lack of features. Whether you are simply out for a day hike or 20 pitches up El Captain when it starts to rain, it seems you can never get your rain gear on quick enough. If you have more questions or a suggestion, wed love to hear from you! However, after extensive testing, most of our testers preferred the 3/4 length designs because they still offered nearly all the benefits of full-length models while being slightly lighter and typically more comofrtable in the waist area. Many of the pants we reviewed feature three-quarter or full-length side zippers. 3-layer pants are the most effective and they incorporate all of the above - they have a DWR-coated outer shell, a breathable and waterproof midlayer, and then a polyurethane lining for the innermost layer. We take the time to test each product in the field while hiking, biking, and exploring through all sorts of rain. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Pockets are useful features, adding to a pants ease of use and functionality. Plus, we find the waistband to be one of the most comfortable under a backpack hip belt. If you keep moving, youll warm up quickly and the layers beneath will start to dry. The differences between the various materials are more noticeable when it comes to breathability and overall longevity. The next most breathable models are the Arc'teryx Zeta LT, Outdoor Research Foray, and the Marmot Minimalist. If weight is your primary consideration, the Helium is hard to pass up. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. The Stretch Ozonic feature a low-profile side closure that performed well while worn under larger packs. This includes things like putting on and removing a pant quickly and how well it could be donned over various pieces of footwear. Rain pants can see a lot of wear, often even more so than their upper body counterparts. The primary limitation, as it pertains to function, is in durability. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect pair of rain pants for your needs. You never know, one of these pants might be perfect for you: Rab Kinetic 2.0 Mens / Womens - comfortable and stretchy waterproof softshell pants with a slim fit, Arcteryx Beta AR Mens / Womens - expensive, but very durable and well-designed pants that are tough enough for everyday wear or technical alpine ascents, Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip Mens / Womens - budget-friendly pants, like the REI Rainier Full-Zip (above), but a tad lighter weight and a few dollars more expensive, The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L pants (Mens / Womens) are durable enough for long distance hikes in wet climates. WEIGHT & PACKABILITY - Many lightweight rain pants pack down small and work well for hiking and backpacking. All of our testers appreciated the benefits of side zippers. PROS: Affordable, ultralight, pack into their own pocket, more durable than most UL pants, CONS: Limited ventilation and more difficult to put on/take off without removing shoes due to short zippers. These include water resistance, comfort & mobility, breathability & ventilation, features, packed size, and weight. Black Lives Matter To learn more tips for hiking and backpacking in the rain, check out the following links: The drawstring of the Outdoor Research Helium Mens / Womens.
Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. We found breathability to be a far more important attributed than ventilation for backpacking, hiking, mountaineering or most other outdoor sports. For most users, regardless of application, packed size is likely one of the most important features when on the hunt for a pair of shell pants. These multi-layered fabrics allowed water vapor to pass through the material, from the inside to the outside, where it could subsequently evaporate. If you think weve missed a product or got something wrong, wed love to hear your feedback. Check out this quick list of our favorite rain pants if youre in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews. Theyre made with thin materials, but this latest iteration of the Helium Pants is tougher than previous versions and is more tear-resistant than most ultralight rain pants. With that in mind, the Vertice Pants are a great option for hikers who are dedicated to keeping their backpacking gear as lightweight as possible. BOTTOM LINE: If youre all about comfort, youll love the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic (mens / womens). Several pants either sported a Velcro flap or a piece of shock cord and toggle. Full-length zippers are an obvious weight trade-off. Many people appreciate having the ability to purchase a high-quality product that will be as light as possible. COMFORT - In these modern times, you dont have to settle for uncomfortable waistbands, pants that restrict your movement, or materials that feel plasticky. Arc'teryx utilizes one of our favorite waterproof fabrics, Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, and the Zeta is durable for most use cases, as well as stormworthy and versatile. No sponsored content. Some of the best rain skirts & kilts we know of are: Rain pants can protect your bottom layers from wet snow. Despite featuring only a half-length zipper, its larger diameter legs make it possible to pull over small and medium-volume footwear without much effort. If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! The durable outer fabric feels soft and is quieter than most rain pants. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The best rainpants offer ventilation to keep you from overheating while you're on the move. We take pride in determining which models to select as the cream of the crop for each category we review.
This attribute, combined with top-notch compressibility, allows it to easily disappear in our pack until needed. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. There is also more overall wear. BOTTOM LINE: If you prefer a streamlined clothing system, the Montbell Versalite (mens / womens) are a good minimalist option. Rain skirts and kilts have become a popular alternative to rain pants in the ultralight backpacking world. When it starts to rain, it is rarely convenient to remove your footwear; because of this, we gave higher scores to models that were quicker to pull on without removing our boots or shoes. Here, assessing mobility in a driving South American rain storm. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Even though nylon and polyester are both quite water repellant to begin with, if they aren't treated with a DWR (or once their DWR has worn off), they will absorb moisture. A sit pad will also help protect the backside of your rain pants when you sit and make your pants last longer. We do tests to find out. HOT TIP: Getting hot and sweating when youre working hard in rain gear is inevitable. We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and thats one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. Overall, the Rainier are well-designed and are some of the best affordable rain pants on the market. Often times, you are (even unknowingly) grinding rocks, dirt, and pine needles into your pants, slowly wearing them out. He estimates that over the last two decades, he has donned rain gear over 2,000 days. So get in the mix! The price is a bit steep, but the Zetas are worth the investment if you know youll be wearing rain pants a lot and want something that looks and feels good. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. While the Helium lacks durability and features, it makes for an excellent "just in case" rain pant. LIGHTEST RAIN PANTS FOR HIKING & BACKPACKING. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. WHEN TO PUT YOUR RAIN PANTS ON - Because rain pants retain body heat, youll probably sweat and get wet from the inside if you put them on too soon. Ian Nicholson runs into rain pant testing! Being able to pull your shell pants over your shoes and existing clothing can never be too convenient, whether it's due to a muddy trail and not wanting to get your socks wet, or because your harness is the only thing keeping you alive. Not only will they keep you dry when the skies open up, but theyll also cut the wind and hold in valuable body heat to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry. Your rain pants will walk down overgrown trails, play near crampons, and crawl over logs. It is worth noting that the Helium and the Ozonic Pants 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.
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