On the one hand, ease of movement is excellent. When we're caught out in a storm, our shoulders and upper body tend to take the brunt of the moisture first. Our best overall pick is The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants because they can slip on easily with an elastic waist and knee high zippered legs. First, the pants need to be snug enough to stay in place as you exercise. Using a lightweight material, they are easy to pack and comfortable. However, they were limited in the terrain they could handle (too light for all-mountain use), so they didn't score top marks. Typically, three-layer shell pants are considered "hardshells" for the burl factor and durability. No sponsored content. Another top choice is the Showers Pass Transit, with Velcro straps to secure the material of the lower leg.
Weight and packed size combine similar assessment characteristics to account for 25% of our scores when added together.
When the weather warranted it, we took a stroll to our local farmers' market to test out their around-the-town usability. It does not have any pockets or vents, which could be a pro or a con; however, the sturdy 3-layer waterproof fabric and simple design ensure it will be useful if cycling is your primary outdoor pursuit, and it'll still be quite handy if you try another wet weather activity.
But first things first, you want to make sure they are actually waterproof. While many rain pants are waterproof, some are only water-resistantmeaning they might protect you from a drizzle, but not from a full-blown rainstorm. With unique features and excellent performance, we can't help but wholeheartedly recommend this fantastic pair of rain pants. Along the waistband, youll find an adjustable drawcord, which you can loosen or tighten to find your perfect fit. 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
They can be billowy, noisy, and not particularly breathable. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. And its reinforced in key areasalong the knees, at the seat, and at the crotchto ensure the pants hold up over time. As such, the Transit pant is impeccably optimized for bike commuting in cool, wet climates. In this category, we assess each pair of pants' range of motion and how easy it is to move around in them. It features a Velcro cinching system that quickly and easily gathers your pant material at the lower leg, so it doesn't get caught as you're pedaling. Instead, you may want a pair of snow pantslike L.L.Beans Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Snow Pants. productslearn more about Ski pants are typically made from very durable strong fabrics that wont easily tear if you take a spill. So you need to make sure youve piled on enough layers to stay warm underneath your rain pants. If you ride your bike to work every day, you know how tedious commuting in the rain can be. (You wont even have to remove your boots)! And once youve slipped into the pants, you can secure them in place using the drawcord along the waist and the hook-and-loop closures at the ankles. It's when we're hiking through thick, rain-dampened brush or post-holing through deep snow that we find we need waterproof pants. The Showers Pass Transit rain pants are optimized for cycling, so the articulated knee, relaxed fit, and cinching lower leg feature (using Velcro, brilliant) ensure your pedaling is unencumbered. ), The one potential problem I can think of is durability, Braverman adds. This pant has a small learning curve with the lack of a front fly zipper. Once you have the pants on, you can fasten them using an internal waistband drawcord and hook-and-loop closures at the ankles.
Youll want waterproof rain pants that can keep you and your gear dry on hikes, runs, and bike rides. Different manufacturers tackle this challenge differently: either with waterproof zippers or with flaps over the zippers. We carefully considered what story each pair of pants was trying to tell: is it a fast and light machine? If the pants are mountain-ready, are they really ready? Crafted from a polyester and spandex blend, the leggings should feel incredibly soft and stretchy. On the outside of the pants, youll find a durable nylon performance shell. adv ktm dcmotors L.L.Beans Trail Model Rain Pants arent just a great set of rain pants. (And unsurprisingly, both of these features can distract you from the workout youre trying to tackle.) We then purchased the most promising models for our rigorous field testing phase. hagen Zippered pockets line the pants, giving you a convenient place to store your necessities. In humid, mild climates, this can give even the least sweaty lady issues while hiking in the rain. With water resistance hitting the upper limit of quality and performance among most modern shell fabrics, it is the peripheral qualities of the materials that help to set some brands and models apart from the rest. Sizes: XXSXL | Inseam: 3032 inches | Color Options: Two | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Not listed. Pants that restrict high-stepping and bigger movements, such as steep hiking or scrambling, did not score as well overall in this metric but may have other comfortable attributes. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Not to mention, theyre also known to make a lot of noise.
All are in similar price ranges but have different features and best uses. In the market for the perfect rain jacket? In this review, we tested two-layer Gore-Tex technology, as well as 2.5 layer rain pants, and three-layer fabrics. Tackling a high-intensity workout in rain pants is no easy feat.
Furthermore, it is much easier to justify carrying a rain shell or hardshell jacket, but when we start to think about pants, many hikers and climbers rely on the fast-drying properties of their hiking and softshell pants. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. However, we do understand that rain pants suffer significantly from dirt, grime, sweat, oils, etc., so being able to stow the pants in a way that helps keep them clean can be a great idea. That means that for water vapor (sweat) to get pushed out of the jacket, it must move to a lower concentration area. And since the pants boast an elastic drawcord waistband and zip-up ankles, you shouldnt have any trouble slipping them over your gearhiking boots included. Rain on snow? Of course, fit isnt the only thing these pants have to offer. The pants also come equipped with three zipper pockets, which you can use to keep your essentials out of the rain. To test this gear category, we enlisted the help of Rock Guide and Pacific Northwest guide Lyra Pierotti, who knows the ins and outs of both daily life in wet climates and high-stakes climbing situations, like the backs of her hands. Rain pants should be an activewear wardrobe staple for anyone who likes to be active outdoors and doesnt live in the desert, says Jody Braverman NASM-CPT, personal trainer and founder of TrimTactics. Any time youre investing in activewear, its a good idea to score something durable. Rain pants, like all rain gear, will also lose waterproofing capability over time.
And thanks to their loose fit and lightweight feel, they should be pretty comfortable (though you may have to slip off your shoes to slide them on). This is our recommendation for any lightweight adventure where a package and high-value solution is needed. When you live in a place where rain loves to trundle from the skies in heaping downpours, a solid rain pant (among other things) is what'll keep you outside, even when the weather deteriorates. And theyre lined with pockets that make it easy to store your must-haves. Really, this should mean that all rain pants get a perfect score for water resistance, but this is not the case. We love wet weather and brought each pair on a variety of adventures. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. So if you need some extra rain protection during your next high-energy workout session, consider snagging a pair of water-resistant leggingslike Patagonias Pack Out Tights.
If you cant find a tag, consider checking the manufacturers website to see if you can find care instructions there. But since some arent, youll want to double-check the care instructions for your specific pair of rain pants before tossing them in the laundry. The most ingenious use of a zipper flap was in the OR Helium. No big deal in the Arc'teryx Beta SL pants! Second, the pants need to be loose enough to fit over your clothing. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 
But if you really needed to, you could probably get away with skiing in rain pants. The pants are equipped with an elastic drawcord waistband and a pair of ankle zippers, so they should be easy to slip over your hiking clothes. Here are the best rain pants for women on the market. They unzip to the knee, making them easy to put on and take off--but they have another zipper that unzips from the knee so you can ventilate using the same zipper system. The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants, Best Budget: Or are they paper-thin fast-and-light pants that tear when you so much as think about snagging them with your crampons? Rain pants that are both waterproof and windproof should keep you even more comfortable on blustery days. The brands Classic Pro Action Rain Pants are simply designed. pants waterproof listderful If you seek a pant that'll keep you dry for most adventures and will pack into a smaller package, this thinner, high value pant is a great option to consider. With the update to 3 layer shell material, the Patagonia Torrentshell pants are burlier than ever. The Transit pant, complete with reflective trim, is designed for cycling and has some features that may not be useful for other wet weather activities. 
The Marmot PreCip Eco pants are made of more environmentally friendly fabrics; they're super affordable and versatile, with a useful range of features. Instead, it uses two side zippers to slide them off and on. As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. These pants are thicker and less breathable than some in our fleet, but will certainly hold up to hiking. And since the ankle cuffs also come equipped with snaps, you can secure the pants snugly around your hiking boots to keep your legs dry and comfortableand keep out water. And adjustable featureslike snaps, Velcro strips, and zippersmake it easy to find your perfect fit. The second is the partial zips on the sides that don't allow you to completely unzip the pant leg for full ventilation. So, for this metric, we stuck strictly to the measured weight of each pair of pants and ordered size smalls. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested women's rain pants from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and more to find the best for our next adventure. These pants feature an excellent, versatile design from the outdoor industry's get-what-you-pay-for (and-it's-a-lot) leader, Arc'teryx. The Best Rain Pants for Women to Keep You Dry and Comfortable. The pants should be 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 0.75 inches shorter in rise length, and 1 inch shorter in body length than the average pair of rain pants. If you're looking for a solid recommendation, you've come to the right place. New Study Sheds Light on Mental Health of Elite Athletes, Frogg Toggs Classic Pro Action Rain Pants. Related: Women's Rain Pants - How to Choose. Normal wear and tear should show up more gradually, so we scanned each pair of pants for any red flag catastrophic durability issues. Read review: The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip - Women's. While we highlighted a few water-resistant pairs, we favored options that are both waterproof and windproof. But since waterproof pants dont tend to be very breathable, there is a time and place for water-resistant rain pants, too. It's relatively easy to keep water molecules out, but if a fabric doesn't breathe, you're liable to get wet from within; this is a terrible irony. Patagonias Dirt Roamer Storm Cycling Pants were specifically designed for cycling in the elements. Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. This is not our favorite design because they can fold or flap open, and little droplets or streams of water coursing down your jacket can wend their way into the zipper and leak. If youre looking for a pair of no-frills rain pants you can score on a budget, Frogg Toggs has you covered. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Frogg Toggs Classic Pro Action Rain Pant at Amazon, L.L.
