For an everyday insurance policy against the rain, the REI Co-op Rainier rain pants get the job done. Whether you're camping, traveling, running errands or caught in a spring shower mid-hike, these full-zip pants can be pulled on quickly when the weather takes a sudden turn. And for just under $100, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more versatile pair at this price.

"Several times I've had to set up and break down camp in the pouring rain. These pants kept me bone dry," says one co-op member from Virginia, adding, "I really like the full-zip. [It] made getting the pants on and off over my size 14 shoes a breeze." Another co-op member used the Rainier pants for outdoor work in Alaska, saying the pants "kept me dry for the whole three months I was there, and I used them about every other day."

The two-way extended zippers also allow heat to escape when you're moving quickly, preventing moisture buildup on the inside. " You can either zip up [along] the leg or down [from] the hips to give yourself more airflow," says Raleigh, North Carolina, sales associate Jillian Langston.

The Rainiers aren't super technical, nor are they the quietest. Still, the four-way stretch fabric and articulated knees accommodate movement, and the roomier fit works well over base layers or regular clothes. The pants are seam-sealed and windproof with an elastic waist that can be adjusted for fit; drawcords on the pant cuffs help keep out debris. Zippered hand pockets keep small essentials dry and safely stored, and the pants pack down into their own pocket for easy stowing. The pants are now sized for both width and height, so you don't have to shop for separate versions.

If you expect heavy rain or big days out, consider opting for the GORE-TEX Co-op XeroDry pants.

Buy men's. Buy women's.

Our staff raves about the REI Co-op XeroDry GTX pants. Given how quiet, comfortable, lightweight and fairly breathable they are, we think they have all the required attributes to make them a top choice for hiking in the wind and rain. "The XeroDry is one of the more phenomenal pieces we carry," says Rhonda Krafchin, a sales lead at the REI in Tysons Corner, Virginia, who's been with the co-op for two decades.

These trail-worthy pants utilize a hybrid design that places ripstop nylon in high-wear areas for added abrasion resistance and quiet, softer polyester everywhere else, so you won't hear a constant "swishing" sound as you travel. The waterproofing is Paclite®, a more breathable and lightweight 2-layer GORE-TEX laminate that's better for dumping heat when moving fast and working hard. "The benefit of GORE-TEX is that it's more durable than other laminates," says Krafchin. One co-op member stayed sweat-free while hiking in the Olympic Mountains and called the XeroDrys "bulletproof in driving rain and winds."

The XeroDrys have under-leg gussets and articulated knees, which makes moving in them more manageable, especially when hiking up steep terrain. They've also been treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, so water beads off, and boot hooks keep the pants down and overspray out, eliminating the need for gaiters in most conditions. The ankle zips are secured with a snap, though the shorter zipper length makes them a little tougher to pull on over boots. Still, they weigh next to nothing and pack away into their own pocket for easy storage, a big bonus if you're on an extended backpacking trip.

To find a matching jacket, visit the full XeroDry line.

The Showers Pass Transit Cycling Pants get a lot of love from REI Co-op Members who bike to and from work. "These pants have changed my life," gushed one reviewer who wears them on her daily ride. "These are so perfect for commuting I don't know what I did without them!" another wrote. The cycling-specific cut supports movement, and the ample reflectivity on the Transits helps motorists see you in low light.

"Being visible on the road is the number one priority in keeping you safe when commuting with traffic," says Jennifer Dallas, REI's buyer for cycling clothing. That's why she likes the Transit's full-length reflective trim — a thick strip that runs from hip to foot. Other dialed-in elements include the articulated fit through the knees and thighs, making pedaling more comfortable. Plus, cinch straps allow you to taper the fit to help prevent the pants from getting caught in your chain, which can be especially important when you're high-tailing it home on slick, wet roadways.

The Transits aren't overly technical, but the durable 3-layer construction and taped seams mean they stand up to wind and rain, and they breathe well enough that you can avoid showing up to work all sweaty. They don't have pockets but do pack down into a mesh stuff sack so you can toss them in your bag when the sun comes out.

Reviewers report that these pants run true to size over thin layers; consider sizing up if you're planning to wear them over heavier fabrics or street clothes. Buy men's. Buy women's.

We won't be coy about it: These pants aren't for everyone. They'll only appeal to those willing to spend a pretty penny and looking for waterproof pants that are truly built for all four seasons and a variety of activities. That's what the AR stands for: All Round. No matter the inclement weather you find yourself in (and no matter the state of water your rain, snow or hail arrives in), the comfortable but tough Arc'teryx Beta AR pants will keep you dry. (Water-resistant zippers and taped seams keep out any other water that may try to sneak in.)

The GORE-TEX Pro fabric is designed for maximum durability with good breathability. The proprietary fabric will shield you above treeline when there's little protection on a summer mountaineering trip, withstand a weeklong backpacking trip through soggy, wet terrain, and carry you through winter. But the Beta AR stands out for its double-duty capabilities as snow pants, with elastic and boot hooks and Keprotec™ instep patches (a material originally designed for motorcycle clothing) that prevent shredding from boots, crampons and ski edges. Reviewers liked layering them over hiking pants in wet conditions as much as they did for skiing, snowshoeing and mountain climbing.

What the Betas may lack in sleekness, they make up for in movability, with articulation at the knees and seat and a gusseted crotch. The pants are tailored to be slightly roomier than Arc'teryx's slim-cut pants, which should be a bonus for those doing all things bendy, climby and speedy. "It offers enough room to move fully so when I'm ice climbing it doesn't hinder me in a squat or a stem," one reviewer says. The 3/4-length zippers start just above the knees and allow for ample ventilation while eliminating extra bulk around the waist that comes with full zips. And the pants allow for adjustments with a webbing belt and, on the women's version, shoulder straps. The only downside for these upgrade picks: limited sizing. Currently, the Betas don't come in extended sizing and only the men's pants are available in a tall version. Reviewers have also noted that the pants can run large and a little long for shorter folks, so size down unless you'd like the option to layer them over other pants. Buy men's. Buy women's.

Parents know mobility is key when it comes to outdoor play. The articulated knees on the REI Co-op Rainier rain pants let kids run and jump freely, making them a top choice for our staff with little ones. The 2.5-layer ripstop fabric features seam-sealing to keep bad weather out, but it also breathes well, so your kiddo will be less likely to overheat while working up a sweat at the playground. And reflective trim on the lower leg provides some visibility—a bonus if your child spends any time walking or riding a bike in low light.

The elastic waistband and internal waist adjusters on the Rainier Pants are a nice perk that just might help extend the life of the pants beyond a single season. (If not, they're destined to become a favorite hand-me-down.) Another plus: hook-and-loop tabs at the ankles that make it easy to get pants on and off while still cinching tight over boots.

If your toddler's outdoor adventuring style is more of a full-coverage affair, the REI Co-op Rainier Rainsuit is the best option. With dual-panel zippers, it easily slips over outerwear, and the three-panel adjustable hood offers ample overhead protection. Buy kids', Buy toddlers'.