This can be a gear evaluation of the Finest Mountaineering Rain Pants for 2025.
I’m a giant fan of carrying and utilizing waterproof rain pants when out on the path. Throughout the 1000’s of miles of mountain climbing I’ve completed in my life, they at all times discover a manner into my backpack. When mixed with an Ultralight Rain Jacket or perhaps a Backpacking Umbrella you’ll be protected and dry within the backcountry.
Under I’ve reviewed the most effective waterproof pants of 2025, they’re all both unisex or out there in ladies’s rain pants sizing and males’s rain pants sizing.
How We Examined
All of the Mountaineering Rain Pants on this evaluation have been extensively evaluated and researched by the skilled creator who has a few years of expertise in Through-Mountaineering, Backpacking, and Mountaineering. Among the Rain Pants had been bought by the creator and a few had been provided by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in all types of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to provide you with the most effective rain pants for mountain climbing and backpacking 2025. Learn the Evaluate Coverage for additional particulars.
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Finest Light-weight Waterproof Rain Pants for Backpacking 2025
Here’s a checklist of all the most effective light-weight waterproof rain pants for backpacking in 2025:
Extra Rain Pants to Contemplate:
Finest Rain Pants – Total
Outside Analysis Helium
Weight: 11.3oz / 320 grams
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Packs into it’s personal again pocket
> Affordable Value
Cons:
> Zippers should not lengthy sufficient – making it exhausting to get into and out of
> Restricted air flow
> Somewhat on the heavy facet
The low weight and packability of the Outside Analysis Helium rain pants make them preferrred for actions like mountain climbing and backpacking, the place preserving bulk to a minimal is so vital.
I’ve been utilizing and testing the Outside Analysis Helium ultralight rain pants for thru-hiking many lengthy trails over the past couple of years. They’ve served me effectively, and I really like their light-weight and compact measurement for reasonably priced ultralight rain pants.
The skinny materials of the Outside Analysis Helium pants doesn’t make it any much less powerful, however I might not wish to take these waterproof pants bushwacking by way of areas with sharp sticks and branches.
The small ankle zippers make the pants ultralight, however make them tougher to placed on with out eradicating your sneakers.
Total, the Outside Analysis Helium pants are probably the greatest rain pants for backpacking and thru-hiking.
Finest Ultralight Rain Pants
Zpacks Vertice
Weight: 2.5oz / 70g
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Small pack measurement
> Massive leg match
Cons:
> No Pockets
> Not as sturdy as different pants on this checklist
In case you’re searching for pants which are as mild as potential, then the Zpacks Vertice pants are an important possibility.
Once I examined these rain pants, I used to be impressed by how extremely mild they had been. In addition they had extra-wide legs, which implies you’ve gotten elevated airflow as you stroll. Whereas they don’t have zippers, it’s simple sufficient to get into and out of those pants while not having to take your sneakers or boots off. There are a few snap lock buttons that preserve the underside of the leg closed whereas utilizing these waterproof pants.
As talked about above, the Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants are very skinny, which sacrifices a little bit of sturdiness. So finest that you just use them on trails quite than bashing your manner by way of unmarked trails. The burden of the pants ranges from 2.5oz to three.3oz, relying on what measurement you’re. And so they pack up very small. They’re so small you possibly can pack them contained in the pocket of the Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket or some other rain jacket when not in use.
Total, if you wish to preserve your backpacking gear as light-weight as potential, you possibly can’t go incorrect with Zpacks Vertice pants. These are my favourite rain pants for marked trails and the most effective waterproof rain pants for backpacking and mountain climbing. In case you are thru-hiking, then get a pair of those.
Finest Full Zip Rain Pants
Arc’Teryx Beta Waterproof Pants
Weight: 11.6oz / 329 grams
Execs:
> Very waterproof.
> Very sturdy materials.
> Can be utilized as ski pants, mountaineering pants, or snowshoeing pants.
> Nice full size zip.
Cons:
> Not Low cost
> Somewhat heavier than another pants
The Arc’teryx Beta waterproof pants are a severe pair of pants finest suited to somebody spending quite a lot of time within the backcountry or who needs their rain pants to double as a pair of non-insulated ski pants.
The Arc’teryx Beta is made with Gore-Tex could be very waterproof. And includes a lengthy full-length waterproof zip, which isn’t solely useful however can be utilized for venting warmth when wanted.
These waterproof pants may be essentially the most useful and most waterproof pants on this evaluation, however they’re additionally the heaviest and costliest.
Total, the Arc’teryx Beta is a severe pair of rain pants. They’re the very best high quality and finest for individuals who spend quite a lot of day off marked trails within the backcountry and take their time in nature very significantly. In case you solely spend your time on marked trails, then these can be overkill for you.
Most Eco Pleasant Rain Pants
Marmot Precip Eco
Weight: 8.3oz / 235g
Execs:
> 2 Good Hand Pockets and a Again Pocket
> Full-Size Zips – Good for venting warmth
> Good dishevelled match with room for layers
Cons:
> Doesn’t pack into itself
Made with 100% recycled materials, the Marmot Precip Eco Pants are safe and sturdy, because of the twin slider zip on each legs secured by velcro straps on the waist and steel snaps on the ankles. For further safety, they are often locked down for final rain safety or opened huge on scorching days for some reduction from the warmth.
Marmot Precip Eco Pants makes use of NanoPro waterproofing in lots of its clothes objects, and whereas it is probably not as efficient as Gore-Tex, Pertex, or eVent, it nonetheless performs effectively. The ‘Eco’ within the title refers to its environmentally pleasant development, so while you purchase these pants, you already know you’re serving to the planet!
The elastic waistband will stretch to suit effectively, whereas the velcro at your hips secures the zipper and makes certain the pants match round your waist. The waterproof pants have an off-the-cuff dishevelled match, which supplies you loads of room for layers.
The total two-way zippers assist you to open the pants from hip to foot, making them much more breathable when you must vent a number of the warmth build-up. The pants have two zippered hand pockets and a zippered again pocket that’s simple to entry.
Total, the Marmot Precip Eco Pants are barely heavier than a number of the different waterproof pants on this gear evaluation, however their environmentally pleasant heritage makes them an important selection.
Finest Stretch Rain Pants
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic
Weight: 10oz / 283g
Execs:
> Comfy
> Quiet
> Constructed-in Belt (males)
> Full-Size Zip
> Compact – Packs into personal pocket
Cons:
> A bit Heavy
> Common Pockets
Consolation is vital with breathable rain pants, which makes the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic a sensible choice. The comfortable, stretchy cloth isn’t solely simple to maneuver in but additionally quiet to maneuver round in.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic pants even have full-length zippers for air flow, which additionally makes them simple to placed on or take off. The comfortable, stretchy cloth permits for relaxed, unrestricted motion.
Regardless of its compact design and good air flow, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than ultralight pants. They do pack up fairly small into their pocket for storage, however I might have favored to see higher pockets, and solely the lads’s pants have a built-in belt.
Total, I just like the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic. The quiet stretch materials is nice, and I believe we’ll begin to see many extra gear corporations making high quality rain pants from materials like this sooner or later.
Finest Light-weight Rain Pants
Montbell Versalite
Weight: 3.2oz / 91g
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Small Pack Measurement
Cons:
> No Facet Zips – Troublesome to placed on and take off with out eradicating your sneakers
> No Pockets
> Restricted Air flow
A great minimalist possibility, Montbell Versalite pants are extremely light-weight and pack down extremely small, making them good for thru-hiking and backpacking.
Whereas the fabric isn’t as sturdy as some others, they’re nonetheless breathable regardless of having no zippers for air flow.
The small zippers make the waterproof pants ultralight, however make them tougher to placed on with out eradicating your sneakers.
Total, these are probably the greatest ultralight rain pants for thru-hiking, however they lack the sturdiness for use off marked trails.
Most Sturdy Rain Pants
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Weight: 11.8oz / 335g
Execs:
> Sturdy
> Lengthy Zips make them simple to get on and off
> Good Pockets and packs into its personal pocket
Cons:
> Heavy
> Massive pack measurement
Inexpensive, sturdy, and solidly made, the thicker cloth utilized in Patagonia Torrentshell 3L makes it extra protecting in opposition to brush and heavy rain than different ultralight pants.
In addition they characteristic handy pockets the place you possibly can retailer your keys or pockets. These are notably fitted to front-country use. Their thick cloth protects in opposition to heavy rain.
In order for you light-weight rain pants for the backcountry the place the paths finish and the bushwacking begins, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is price contemplating. These supply good safety and are simple to tackle and off.
The pockets are good and work higher than most on this gear evaluation.
Total, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L are nice light-weight rain pants however in contrast to different rain pants they’re bulkier and the fabric is a bit stiff. Purchase these if you would like stable rain pants which are sturdy and waterproof.
Extra Rain Pants to Contemplate
Outside Analysis Foray 3L
Weight: 13.6 oz / 385 grams
Execs:
> Light-weight.
> Sturdy waterproof materials.
> Good 3/4 size Zip.
Cons:
> Like most different light-weight rain pants they aren’t so sturdy for backcountry use.
The Outside Analysis Foray 3L rain pants are like the massive brother of the Helium Pants besides they aren’t a lot stronger.
The pants use high-quality and light-weight 3-layer recycled nylon cloth that isn’t solely very waterproof however permits the pants to pack all the way down to a small measurement into the again packet.
The Outside Analysis Foray has an excellent waterproof 3/4 zip which not solely works effectively to assist you to placed on and take off the pants while not having to take away your boots, however in addition they work effectively at venting warmth when wanted. Not all pant zips are ready to do that.
Total, the Outside Analysis Foray 3L pants are good high quality light-weight Rain Pants.
Marmot Minimalist
Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 grams
Execs:
> Good hand pockets.
> Very waterproof Gore-Tex Packlite cloth.
> Light-weight.
Cons:
> Not a lot availability in the mean time.
The Marmot Minimalist rain pants are an fascinating pair of pants. They nearly bridge the hole between rain pants and mountain climbing pants.
The Marmot Minimalist has options normally solely present in mountain climbing pants comparable to facet hand pockets, a zipped fly, and articulated knees for elevated vary of motion. These useful options work in favor of the person.
The Gore-Tex Paclite is a light-weight 2-layer cloth that does an excellent job and preserving you dry and providing an above-average degree of breathability. The ankle zip is sweet sufficient that you just don’t have to take off your boots when utilizing these pants.
Total, the Marmot Minimalist is an efficient pair of useful rain pants for somebody wanting pants which have options just like regular mountain climbing pants.
Different Waterproof Pants to Contemplate
Listed here are another pants that aren’t on the checklist however worthy of consideration:
- REI Co-Op Important rain pants: The REI Co-Op Important rain pants are a price range light-weight possibility.
- REI Co-Op Rainier Full Zip pants: The REI Co-Op Rainier Full Zip pants are a full characteristic full-length zip possibility that also comes at an excellent worth.
Rain Pants Comparability Desk
Air flow
You may by no means have an excessive amount of airflow, or at the least, the choice of getting extra airflow. Zippers alongside the perimeters of rain gear imply you possibly can let extra warmth out when you get too heat. However they arrive at the price of weight and sturdiness. Zips are a weak level on the most effective rain pants, simply as they’re on a rain jacket.
Nevertheless, some ultralight rain pants zippers (particularly these with a roomier match) breathe nearly as effectively with pants that includes zips as a result of they’re usually product of thinner supplies.
Condensation
When carrying a pair of rain pants on a chilly, wet day, condensation could type on the within cloth. When folks see this, they might assume the rain pants are defective, however your rain pants are doing their job.
In case you really feel wetness forming inside your pants, don’t panic. So long as you’re carrying acceptable wicking layers beneath, it’ll seemingly evaporate with physique warmth, and so long as you retain shifting, it’s best to keep dry and comfy.
However to be as snug as potential when backpacking, ensure you take care of your rain gear, comparable to airing it out at evening. You must also keep away from bushwhacking, which is a assured manner of ripping holes in your pants and your rain jacket.
Nevertheless, it should be famous that no mountain climbing gear will ever be actually 100% waterproof. In case you spend all day in torrential rain, then the gear will grow to be moist sooner or later.
It’s good to know this to keep away from disappointment in case your rain pants do get moist on a very moist, depressing day.
A very powerful factor is that your rain pants preserve you dry for so long as potential, however at all times remember that there’s a restrict to only how dry they’ll preserve you.
Attempt to preserve the water beading on the skin of the rain pants by treating them with a high quality DWR. Whereas all of the rain pants on this evaluation have them utilized within the manufacturing facility, they’ll put on off over time and have to be retreated.
Layers
The variety of layers a pair of rain pants has will decide how waterproof and breathable they’re. It’s extra frequent to seek out 2-layer and they’re normally essentially the most reasonably priced.
They’re sometimes designed with a Sturdy Water Repellent-coated (DWR) outer shell and a breathable liner that’s normally made with mesh.
In the meantime, 2.5-layer pants are sometimes the lightest and made with the identical DWR outer shell. The within layer is product of a skinny polyurethane laminate or coating that’s designed to forestall sweat and grime from clogging up the breathable pores of the pants from the within.
A 3-layer rain pant is the simplest. They’ve every thing 2-layer and a pair of.5-layer pants have, comparable to a DWR-coated outer shell, a breathable and waterproof midlayer, after which a polyurethane lining of the innermost layer. However they’re additionally heavier.
Professional Tip: Sporting mountain climbing pants to mattress in your sleeping bag (provided that they’re clear and dry) provides an additional layer of insulation. They work a lot better than you assume. Attempt it and also you may be amazed how a lot hotter you’ll be.
Weight and Packability
Good packability and a lightweight carrying weight is so vital in terms of rain pants. Layering might be tough to get a dangle of while you first begin mountain climbing, and also you be taught from expertise.
After some time, you’ll have it down pat, however chances are you’ll be not sure what to take with you at first, or when you must add or take away a layer. Your rain gear is your outer layer, a protect defending you from the weather.
Rain gear will normally be in your pack quite a lot of the time, solely busted out while you want it.
Subsequently, your rain pants can’t be heavy or cumbersome and should be simple to hold round while you’re not carrying them. They need to be simple to wrap up and tuck away into your pack.
Most rain pants match this invoice and are packable and light-weight by default. Nevertheless, some will likely be higher and lighter than others. Light-weight, minimalist pants are sometimes all of the safety you want from mild rain and wind.
Consolation
Mountaineering gear has developed to the purpose the place you not should accept plasticky supplies, pants that prohibit your actions, or uncomfortable waistbands that dig into you.
There are many nice rain pants which are designed with motion, consolation, and hip-belt compatibility in thoughts. All the objects within the gear evaluation are appropriate with being worn excessive of mountain climbing pants.
Sturdiness
Whereas ultralight rain pants are nice while you wish to cut back the quantity of weight you’re carrying round, the materials do put on out faster. In case you’re venturing out into extreme climate or powerful terrain, chances are you’ll wish to put money into a thicker pair of industrial quality rain pants.
Zippers or Snap Lock Buttons
Whereas I touched on zippers when speaking about air flow, let’s discuss their different perform: the removing of the pants.
Rain pants which have full-length zippers supply essentially the most airflow and are the simplest to placed on and take off whereas preserving your sneakers on. However zippers do add bulk and weight. Over the previous couple of years, each set of rain pants that has greater than 100 days of use has damaged the zips. So bear in mind that the zips are in a really excessive put on space and commonly lined in mud and sweat that can prematurely put on them out.
Another choice for the light-weight rain pants is a snap lock button or cinch wire which opens the underside of the legs to make it simpler to placed on with out having to take away your sneakers. I’ve used snap lock buttons and but to have any points however like all issues which are uncovered to a excessive diploma of wear and tear they too will even fail in time.
Value
A great pair of waterproof pants is fairly priced in comparison with many different objects of out of doors clothes. Lots of the backpacking waterproof pants on this checklist are priced between $100 to $200, with the high-end rain pants coming in at nearly $500. You’d solely spend that sum of money when you lived in a moist space and went to the backcountry A LOT.
Conclusion
Here’s a checklist of all the most effective backpacking rain pants in 2025:
Extra Rain Pants to Contemplate:
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
When Ought to I Put My Rain Pants On?
As a result of rain pants retain physique warmth, you’ll most likely sweat and get them moist from the within when you put them on too quickly. So long as you’re carrying artificial clothes, it’s alright when you get somewhat moist earlier than you get into your rain pants.
In case you preserve shifting you’ll heat up shortly and the layers beneath will begin to attempt.
However while you’re mountain climbing in dewy mornings when the vegetation is moist, it might be a good suggestion to place your rain pants on immediately. The flexibility to decorate for mountain climbing comes with expertise.
Whereas taking off your sneakers to get into rain pants could be a ache, there are sit pads you possibly can stand on to keep away from getting your ft moist. It additionally protects the bottom of your pants while you sit all the way down to take away your sneakers.
Are There Options To Rain Pants?
Sure, when you don’t wish to put on rain pants, rain skirts and rain kilts have gotten standard various to carrying rain pants. They’re simpler to tackle and off than rain pants, have nice airflow, and are sometimes lighter. Nevertheless, they don’t entice physique warmth in addition to rain pants, don’t block the wind as effectively, or defend your decrease legs. They’ll additionally get caught on brush simply when mountain climbing on overgrown trails.
How Ought to Rain Pants Match?
Similar to some other pants, it’s best to at all times evaluation your measurement earlier than shopping for rain pants so that you’re getting the proper match.
When you need the waist to suit effectively, the pants themselves must be a bit free to permit for air circulation. It’s additionally vital to remember you’ll be carrying mountain climbing boots together with your rain pants.
These boots are normally cumbersome, so you must ensure that your rain pants will match over them.
Whereas they need to be a bit lose, they should match comfortably over your regular gear. As elasticated waists are actually frequent on rain pants, they need to sit comfortable however not too tightly in your waist.
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The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small unbiased adventurer and outside gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari isn’t half of a big weblog community and is proudly unbiased. All opinions on this web site are unbiased and trustworthy gear opinions of out of doors merchandise by the creator.
The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an outside retail retailer and could be very skilled in what’s vital when utilizing and testing gear for opinions like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for opinions and they don’t settle for sponsored opinions on this web site. All of the feedback concerning the gear opinions are from the creator primarily based on his years of expertise. Hope this unbiased evaluation was useful for you.