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What are the best waterproof pants for hiking?
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. That’s what they say. And the days when it snows or rains are the ones when having the right gear can make a huge difference. To help you find the best hiking pants for your needs, here, in this guide, we’ve listed some of the best waterproof hiking pants (mostly for winter) as well as a few backpacking rain pants (for warmer weather or as backup).
There are unisex, women’s and men’s outdoor pants.
Table of Contents
Best Waterproof Pants for Hiking
Some pants mentioned in this article aren’t fully waterproof pants.
If you need fully waterproof pants, see the rain pants.
Best Men’s Waterproof Pants for Hiking – Our Favorites
1. Columbia Men’s Ridge 2 Run III Pants (click for more details)
Extra-warm men’s waterproof hiking pants.
Overall, the the best waterproof pants for hiking, our favorite.
The metallic dot pattern makes these pants heat reflective. It uses your body heat to retain warmth. These pants are a bit pricier that others, but you can also notice the extra qualities that they offer like leg vents, internal gaiters and cuff guards, something you don’t see in many other pants. There is also a great set of good quality pockets – two zippered hand pockets, two large cargo pockets and two pockets at the back.
MATERIAL: Shell: 100% Nylon, Lining: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Snowy hikes, winter camping, snow sports
2. Arctix Men’s Snow Sports Cargo Pants (click for more details)
Super durable, lightweight insulated hiking pants.
ThermaTech technology that traps heat in micro chambers is what makes these pants very warm. They are made to make you feel comfortable at temperatures between 20 F and 35 F. There are three layers with different purposes. The outer layer is wind and water resistant. The mid-layer is breathable and moisture wicking. The insulation features advanced heat retaining technology.
Other useful features include boot zippers and boot gaiters with grippers. They allow the pants to isolate the wind around the ankles.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding or working outdoors
Best Women’s Waterproof Hiking Pants – Our Favorites
What are the options? And what should you choose?
How to find the best pants for rainy weather?
Here are our favorites.
3. Camii Mia Women’s Winter Pants (click for more details)
Neat looking and durable women’s hiking pants for cold weather.
Overall the best women’s waterproof hiking pants, our favorite.
These pants are waterproof and windproof on the outside and soft on the inside. The fleece lining makes them also extra warm. Useful pocket arrangement – two slanted hand pockets and two back pockets. Reinforced knees for mobility and high waist for great fit make them extra comfortable for outdoor activities.
Additionally, these stylish waterproof pants are breathable. It really is a must-have for activewear.
MATERIAL: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex
BEST FOR: Camping, hiking, snow skiing, traveling, climbing
4. Tofern Warm Waterproof and Windproof Pants (click for more details)
Waterproof warm pants with Polar fleece lining.
One of the best women’s hiking pants for cold weather that are waterproof.
Although these pants are waterproof (10000 mm) and windproof, they are also breathable. They have great moisture wicking abilities (MVP5000+) too. The waistband has elastic panels and for better fit there is also a belt included. These pants have only two zippered pockets on the sides. Great setup for those who prefer a minimalistic look.
Note that these pants are made for temperatures as low as 14F (-10C). For colder weather you may want to add an extra layer or invest in warmer pants.
MATERIAL: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex
BEST FOR: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, traveling, ice sports
Best Rain Pants for Hiking – Our Favorites
5. Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Pant (click for more details)
Comfortable, breathable and waterproof rain pants.
Overall, the best rain pants for hiking, our favorite.
They are super simple, and they don’t even have any pockets. These are rain pants you can wear on top of your other hiking pants, and they have only one main function — to keep you as dry as possible, no matter how bad is the weather outside. Even though these are men’s pants, they can also be used by women.
MATERIAL: 100% Nylon
BEST FOR: Hiking, sightseeing on the wettest days
6. Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Waterproof Rain Pant (click for more details)
Durable all-weather women’s rain pants.
The pants are fully waterproof. They are also absolutely basic and simple, just as the ones above and below. These pants have only one small pocket. It’s an inner pocket. There are no pockets on the sides or on the back. The pants feature elastic waistband, meaning that there are no zippers as well.
MATERIAL: Shell: 100% Nylon; Lining: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Hiking on rainy days
7. 33,000ft Men’s Rain Pants (click for more details)
Simple waterproof rain pants for outdoors and everyday.
The pants are fully waterproof and basic. However, they do have pockets. There are two, secure zippered pockets on the sides. The pants feature velcro closure on the bottoms of the legs (you can adjust it). For extra safety, there are reflective strips on the legs.
MATERIAL: Shell: 100% Nylon; Mesh Lining: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Hiking, fishing, work outside
Choosing the Best Waterproof Pants for Hiking
How to find the best waterproof pants for hiking for your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Warmth, Do You Need It?
In what season are you planning to use these pants?
And how are you planning to wear these pants? On their own, on top of some base layer bottoms, or as an outer layer on top of other hiking pants? So, do you need regular hiking pants or a pair of rain pants?
You have to make a choice.
2. Freedom of Movement
You want your pants feel comfortable on you, that’s a fact.
If the pants are extra stretchy or have a special design for leg movement, it can make a lot of difference. If we talk about winter hiking, then the perfect pants for hiking in winter aren’t only tough and built to resist the elements, but they also allow you to move easily. Winter fabrics of insulated hiking pants rarely are as lightweight as the ones used for summer activewear. However, even little stretchiness can make the difference. Darts and articulated knee design also make it more comfortable to move in slim fit pants.
3. Pay Attention to the Fit
When the pants fit well, you feel well.
To find perfectly fitting waterproof hiking pants may seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s not impossible. Length is an important criteria. However, it’s not a big problem if the pants are a bit too long. Don’t get pants that are too short, though. Elastic waistband inserts and a built-in belt are both great features to have, they help to keep your pants in place.
Slim fit may look good on some body types, but may not work for all. Whereas, a straight leg cut may not have a fashionable look you would love to have, but it offers comfort and also fits most body curves.
4. Extras
Sometimes it’s the extras that make one pants to stand out.
It can also be something as small as pockets. Not all rain pants have them. So, if you need pockets, now you know that you should be paying attention to that. Other extras may be adjustable bottoms, drawstring or pull-up closure if you don’t like zippers.
What is your experience with waterproof pants? What are the best waterproof hiking pants you have ever used? Do you use rain pants on top of your hiking pants?
Featured photo by Ave Calvar Martinez from Pexels
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