These pockets have a protective fabric shelf, and Marmots most recent update to the PreCip design added fully taped seams, which means you can trust that your phone will stay dry during a true downpour. 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). by James Austin, Daniel Varghese, and Sarah J. Robbins. We like that these pants come in extended sizes, but we recommend turning to the Outdoor Research Helium pants for a plus-size option before you try these. Columbia Womens Storm Surge Rain Pants: The Storm Surge pants come in plus sizes in the womens version. This kilt is less structured than the Zpacks kilt we tested, and its easier to move around in, but during our tests the fabric swished around our legswhen Anna walked, the kilt kept getting stuck between her legs. We felt noticeably sweaty and clammy after only an hour of hiking in the Columbia Storm Surge pants in the rain forestbut that wasnt the case in the PreCip pants. Similar to a wetsuit, these nylon and neoprene leggings will keep you warm and dry whether youre splashed while canoeing or are fully submerged playing water sports. We wore all of our picks for at least an hours worth of hiking to test for mobility and breathability and to see how easy the pants were to get on and off. For this reason, we eliminated any pants that weighed more than a pound. The company thats made them has probably wash-tested them, said the University of Oregons Susan Sokolowski. Most ArcTeryx items run narrow, so you should try on both your usual size and one size up to see which one you prefer. They also come in three inseam lengths. Water didnt bead up and jump off the PreCip pants quite as well as it did off the ArcTeryx Beta pants, but neither did the water cling to the Marmot pairs fabric. If you want extended sizes in short or tall lengths: Consider the Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Pants (mens and womens stretch). Good rain pants should have taped or sealed zippers and seams, too, to keep water out. They come in black and gray in the mens version and navy and black in the womens version. Likewise, they have Velcro-adjustable cuffs, taped seams, and an elastic waistband. Both the mens and womens models come only in black. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). They feel like crepe paper and cant keep you warm or protected from the wind, but they do the job well during a rainstorm. However, we can vouch for using our rain pants in non-hiking situations on occasion, too: Well layer them over long johns to go out in the rare Portland, Oregon, snowstorm, pop them on for a shoulder-season snowshoe, don them while biking, or put them on for a messy garden job. During our water and wash tests, the Beta pants felt hardier than competitors. On our Hoh Rain Forest hike, the PreCip pants felt breathable. These come backed by over 20,000 five-star ratings (no typo) and its all thanks to the technical details: They were created with a woven polyester fabric coated in a DWR finish and insulated to a temperature rating of -20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. These lightweight, comfortable pants will keep you dry through rainy hikes. Rain pants are a just-in-case item that youll rarely need to take out of your baguntil you really, really do. The 3-layer ripstop-nylon fabric of these pants looks and feels identical to the fabric of our top pick, and the Torrentshell pairs were just as water resistant and breathable when we wore them while walking in the rain, too. (Even so, we do have a lightweight option in the Other good rain pants section that ultralight hikers might consider.) Ankle zippers at the cuffs made pulling the pants over our boots easy, and we liked that the mens pants had a full zipper, from the waist of the pants down to the ankle. These pants also lack ankle zippers and are difficult to get on and off over shoes. As for the price, the PreCip Eco Pants are at the lower end of the high-end rain pants we tested and at the higher end of the cheaper options. And although the zippers on the womens PreCip pants are plenty long, theyre not as long as the zippers on Patagonias Torrentshell pants. 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. We combed through reviews on multiple retail sites to look for reports on long-term wear, too. We also conducted a wash test to mimic long-term wear and tear on DWR coatings. 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. Learn more. Details, (Most orders will arrive in 2-5 business days), L.L.Bean is a registered trademark of L.L.Bean Inc. Overall, the womens version felt more like hiking pants than rain pants, and the mens option (which comes in regular or tall, S to XXL, non-stretch) was boxy. Nylon and polyester are the most common and are considered to be water-resistant, which means youll be kept dry but could eventually get some soak-through. Lastly, these pants feature two side pockets, belt loops, and an O-ring at the front to hold keys, gloves, or any other small necessities. During our eyedropper and spray tests, we saw no signs of wetting throughboth before and after putting the pants through five hours of continuous washing. 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. Many hikers dont need to bother with rain pants, especially if you hike when its warm, said Stephen Regenold, founder of GearJunkie. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Theyre also typically less breathable, so you have to consider your conditions.. Created from a nylon-spandex blend thats coated with a DWR finish, these Eddie Bauer hiking pants repel water efficiently but if theyre submerged and soaked, theyll dry quickly, too. You need to wash the PreCip pants with powder detergent, not liquid; you can dry them on low. Articulated knees on the pants help with mobility. We also decided to look at a few highly reviewed rain kilts as ultralight options. Because the PreCip Eco Pants are made from ripstop nylon, they still feel somewhat like trash bags. Thats where true waterproof pants come in. She also spoke with Liz Thomas, an accomplished lightweight thru-hiker and a former writer on the outdoors team at Wirecutter. Check out our. Please upgrade to one of the following for a smoother, safer shopping experience with us: Redesigned tougher our waterproof rain pants now feature a durable laminate interior that provides more rugged protection and breathable comfort. An easy at-home wash and re-waterproofing can make an old raincoat work like new. The result is a 3-layer construction that breathes well but still keeps you dry. They also have zippers at the ankles that allow for breathability, and they weigh just 5.5 ounces. This is the gear wed use duringand aftera rainy-day outing. For the cost, these pants offer the best value of all the pants we tested. Some functionality on this page requires JavaScript to be enabled in your Web browser. In contrast, the other kilt we tested, the ULA Rain Kilt, uses three pieces of Velcro as closures, which leave several slits where rain can get through. A packable rain pant is invaluable to have on hand for unpredictable travel conditions, especially if they work across warm and cold temperatures (though you could always layer). However, they dont have some of the features we like on other pants, such as ankle zippers or elastic cinches. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Theyre also more affordable than many of the other pants we tested. If Marmots PreCip Eco Pants are unavailable, Patagonias Torrentshell 3L Pants (available in mens and womens versions) are nearly identical to our top pick. Marmots pants kept us dry while we walked for several miles in heavier-than-usual rain and wind in Portland, Oregon. Although we didnt experience any chafing, the material felt cheaper than that of our top pick, and the pants had just one pocket. The fabric looks and feels identical to that of the PreCip pants. Thats why youll want to look for a pair thats coated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish, meaning theyll shed water instead of absorbing it. Backed by over 1,400 perfect five-star ratings, the Storm Surge rain pants were designed by Columbia, an iconic outdoor brand based in the Pacific Northwest which means you can trust they know a thing or two about wet weather. But when we took these pants out on a windy, rainy night, they started to wet through after just an hour. These pants are attractive, but they have a wider boot cut, which makes them feel like snow pants. If your pants do wear out, you can file a warranty claim with Marmot. Finished with a drawstring waist and stirrup cuffs, theyll stay snug and secure all day long (and so will any items you place in the side pocket). In our tests the water-repellent coating on the PreCip pants held up well during Oregon rainstorms, even after five hours of continuous washing. Avid hiker and photographer Kim Mock helped with testing plus-size rain pants for this guide in 2022. Ultimately, because all of our candidates proved to be waterproof enough, we made our picks based on sizing options, price, fit, and features. The mens pants come in S to XL (30- to 42-inch waist, 34- to 48-inch hip, 30- to 35-inch inseam), and the womens pants come in sizes XS to XL (24- to 38-inch waist, 35- to 39-inch hip, 30- to 33-inch inseam). I think Gore-Tex is a great solution, said Sokolowski. They also have zippered side pockets. These pants caused water to bead off well enough, and our tester said that she didnt feel wet even after a long slog in the rain. Youll know whether a DWR coating is intact if water beads on the pants (this is a good sign). You can re-treat your pants to maintain them. The fabrics have gotten [stretchy enough] that a gusset isnt as imperative as in the past, said Utah State Universitys Sean Michael. First, a note on rain pant materials. The last thing to consider is style. But they perform in rain, snow, and mountaineering conditions, plus they promise to be the most durable option. Where the PreCip pants stand out is in their cut: They ranked among the best-fitting pants we tried, and they come in short, regular, and long inseam lengths. Theyre also a few ounces lighter than most of the other rain pants we considered. We conducted an eyedropper and spray test (per Sokolowskis advice) to see whether the water soaked through or beaded on pants. Former Wirecutter writer Liz Thomas, who held the womens unassisted speed record on the Appalachian Trail between 2011 and 2015, said she hikes with an umbrella for maximum water protection with less weight. For hiking and other long treks, a looser fit that can move with you is key. Wirecutters Anna Perling wrote the first version of this guide in 2019 and interviewed several rain-gear experts, including Susan Sokolowski, an associate professor and the director of the sports product design program at the University of Oregon; Sean Michael, the program director for the outdoor product design and development program at Utah State University; and Stephen Regenold, the founder of GearJunkie, who is well known for his outdoor-gear knowledge. And the fabric felt breathable during a steamy hike in the Hoh Rain Forest at Washingtons Olympic National Park. But our experts noted that some pants are stretchy enough not to need gussets. In the past, Jenni has worked with the REI Co-op Journal to create journalistic and gear-focused content; we put any REI item she tested through evaluations by a backup tester to ensure objectivity. REI Co-op Essential Rain Pants (mens, womens, and plus): The boxy fit on these budget pants prompted lower reviews from all of our testers. The womens version tightens at the waist with a drawstring, while the mens version tightens with Velcro. No matter what kind of outdoor adventure is in store hiking, biking, or even just sightseeing you already know how important it is to have a rain jacket on standby. These lightweight, comfortable pants will keep you dry through rainy hikes. Then we tested for water resistance. Based on our latest testing, we chose Marmots PreCip Eco Pants, which come in mens and womens sizes, as the best rain pants for most people. Once you have enabled JavaScript, please refresh (or "reload") this page. Thanks to their ultra-lightweight construction and included storage pouch, these affordable rain pants are great for carrying in your backpack or jacket pocket and can easily be pulled on over your regular pants, leggings, or shorts when the weather suddenly turns rainy. However, your required level of waterproofing or water resistance depends on your planned activities. Enjoy exclusive offers, the latest on products, and new ways to get outdoors. The ankle zippers on the Torrentshell pants come up higher on the leg than on most of the other rain pants we tested, which makes getting them on and off over boots even easier than with our top pick. Bring on the rain. 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. We experienced that feeling while wearing many of the rain pants in our test groupbut not when we wore the PreCip pairs. These 2.5-layer, ripstop-nylon pants are made with 100% recycled fabric and have ankle zips to help you get them over your boots. Welcome to llbean.com! After reading many websites and reviews, we looked at the top-rated and best-selling rain pant models that were widely available. TEK waterproof technology blocks the elements while maintaining breathable comfort. These pants are just as dry and comfortable in the rain. Made of ultra-durable and lightweight Dyneema fabric, the kilt has a zipper to seal it and a cinch waist. Full-zip pants unzip from the ground all the way to the waistband. Some rain pants are made from stretchy fabrics that allow for greater mobility; these may be more expensive, but spending more can be worth it for the comfort. We took that list of top models and narrowed the group based on the following criteria: Layers: Rain gear is categorized by how many layers its made from. With ankle zippers at the cuffs, these pants are easy to get on and off while youre wearing boots. Alternatively, an option made of neoprene will be waterproof but not very breathable, so it might be more ideal for sports like kayaking, beach volleyball, or paddleboarding. In 2022, freelance journalist Jenni Gritters updated this guide. The PreCip pairs still look and feel like rain pants, of course, so they dont get many style points. You can also adjust the ankle portion, which has a cinch and buttons at the ankles, plus lace hooks for hiking or alpine boots. [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. If youre looking for extended sizes in rain pants: Consider the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants (currently available only in womens sizes XS to XXXL). 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. 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. A membrane like a Gore-Tex membrane is actually laminated to the outside fabric. Jenni has been writing and editing product reviews for almost a decade, with bylines in Wirecutter, Reviewed, Slate, and beyond. If you have mountain or winter hikes coming up, theyre worth the splurge. After reading the labels on all of the pants and kilts in our test group to make sure we followed the manufacturers instructions, we used powder detergent, washed the pants in cold water for five hours, and air-dried them. 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. Compared with the other pants we tested, the Beta pants dont just cause water to bead offthey repel water with force. After testing 30 rain jackets and raincoats, we found seven we liked in a range of sizes, lengths, and styles to keep you dry. You want to make sure the leg opening is easy for a shoe to get underneath and out so you dont have to take your shoes off.. The rain pants in this guide are instead meant for everyday hikers and backpackerstheyre not designed for full-submersion situations like angler fishing or kayaking. Brooks gazes wistfully into the sky, looking for rain. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. If you do want to buy a kilt, we like the Zpacks DCF Rain Kilt. Anna Perling tested rain pants in Portland, Oregon, a city notorious for its rain. Compared with the other rain pants we tested, Marmots 2.5-layer PreCip Eco Pants (available in both mens and womens versions) will keep you dry for a lower price. The mens version comes in XS to XXL (26- to 44-inch waist, 32- to 51-inch hip), and the womens version comes in XXS to XL (24- to 35-inch waist, 33- to 44-inch hip). Though water-resistant pants are available, for this guide we reviewed only rain pants that were 100% waterproof. Copyright. We redesigned our customer-favorite waterproof pants with a laminate construction which means the waterproof interior is bonded to the exterior shell, making them even more durable while maintaining a lightweight feel and breathable air flow for all-day comfort. The two zippered mesh side pockets let you stash whatever you need to keep accessible. And his request was granted: During our eyedropper and spray tests, and our hikes in the rain, these pants repelled water just as well as our other picks did, and theyre available for a similar price. If youre hiking in a warmer climate, you probably dont need rain pants. Half-zip pants, which have zippers running from about knee height to the pants cuffs, allow you to pull your pants off over hiking boots more easily. The ArcTeryx Beta pants (available in mens and womens versions) are the most insulating and durable rain pants we tested. Columbia Mens Rebel Roamer Rain Pants: Though the Rebel Roamer pants have two snaps at the ankles to help taper the legs, they lack ankle zippers, which makes them difficult to get on and off. They also have a more tailored cut than many rain pants we tested; the mens version has a cinching buckle, and the womens version has Velcro tabs at the sides. 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. After 66 hours of research, during which we used 48 umbrellas through rain and snow, we found the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella to be the best umbrella for most people. Youll be able to get a more customized fit if you opt for pants with an adjustable waist, too, whether the pants use a drawstring, elastic cord, or belt. We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. Designers also add gussetspieces of fabric shaped like a triangle or diamondto the crotches of rain pants to reduce the stress on the seams. Rain kilts shed water off of your bodytheyre like an umbrella, in skirt formbut they dont provide as much coverage as rain pants because they dont encapsulate your whole leg. If these were truly waterproof, theyre all I would pack, said one tester upon trying the Montbell pants for the first time. For those options, check the Other good rain pants section.) One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they have side slits to give you access to the pockets on your base layer some shoppers have noted that water has seeped in through these spots, and suggested affixing Velcro tabs to keep them closed. At more than triple the cost of our top pick, these pants are a splurge. Either way, dont underestimate the convenience of pockets or additional features like drawstrings or Velcro closures to ensure you stay comfortable. They have longer ankle zippers that cool your legs when opened partially, which we loved. And, while neoprene may not be the conventional go-to for a pair of bike pants, if you are looking for more legging-style rain pants for cycling, a handful of Amazon fans pointed out that these work especially well keeping you dry and warm during cold-weather showers. However, Patagonia doesnt offer various inseam options for the Torrentshell pants (they come in a 32- to 32-inch inseam), so they may be too long or short for many peopleand if they dont fit you well in that regard, you may end up tripping over your pants or showing some damp, chilly ankle. Though the Zpacks kilt is more rigid than the ULA kilt, you can still move around in it. With a quality cut and the relative stretch of the fabric, the gusset starts to become secondary unless someone is really doing bouldering or face climbing., Ease of use: Ankle zippers are important because they let you easily don and shed your rain pants as you hike. Fit: Most rain pants are made in both mens and womens sizes; choosing the right fit for your body helps with your mobility. To save yourself from that frustration, the best womens rain pants will come with the level of water protection you need to keep you dry and comfortable for the weather youll be facing. However, these pants feel sturdier than the others we tested because of their gusseted crotch, which, according to our experts, can help reinforce an easy-to-rip area. On our Hoh Rain Forest hike and around town, the PreCip pants felt breathable. Susan Sokolowski, associate professor and director of the sports product design program at the University of Oregon, phone interview, July 12, 2017, Sean Michael, professor and program director for the outdoor product design and development program at Utah State University, phone interview, July 13, 2017, Stephen Regenold, founder, Gear Junkie, email interview, July 17, 2017, How to Choose Rainwear, REI, April 7, 2016. (The womens version unzipped only to the calves.) Our plus-size and petite womens testers both found the waist a bit snug, and our legs got cold during rainy hikes because the fabric was fairly thin. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. Made from 100% recycled nylon for minimal impact on the environment. 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. Mobility: Youll probably be moving around a lot in your rain pants, so its important that the pants move with your body.
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