It’s easier to trek confidently through drizzly, moss-covered forests and afternoon thunderstorms with a solid pair of waterproof rain pants. Combined with a windproof, breathable and waterproof rain jacket, rain pants are the key to staying shielded and dry when the weather takes a sudden turn.
A great pair of rain pants should have some stretch and articulation to move with you on high-output pursuits. The best ones, including every pair in our lineup here, feature a breathable membrane that allows perspiration to escape while keeping precip out. Below, we detail a few of our top expert-picked rain pants available at REI, broken down into which products are best for a variety of outdoor activities.
Find our favorite picks for rain jackets and hiking pants too.
Staff Picks:
For quick recommendations, check out our favorites here. Or scroll down for more in-depth reviews:
- Best Rain Pants for Hiking: REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants
- Best Rain Pants for Multiple Activities: Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Pants - Women's; Outdoor Research Foray 3L Pants- Men's
- Best Rain Pants for Commuting/Cycling: Showers Pass Transit Cycling Pants
- Best Budget-Friendly Rain Pants: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants
- Best Rain Pants for Kids: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants
Best Waterproof Rain Pants
REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants
Fabric 72% recycled nylon/28% recycled polyester (bluesign® approved) with jersey backer
Waterproofing 3-layer HydroWall waterproof/breathable laminate
Weight Weight
Sustainability attributes Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria, contains recycled materials, Fair Trade™ Certified factory, from a Climate Neutral Certified brand
The packable, lightweight REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants are an ideal match for hikers and backpackers who explore the wilderness during inclement weather. These waterproof, windproof pants are also the lightest in our lineup, so they’re easy to stuff into a daypack or backpack just in case the weather turns. “The only rain gear I have ever tried that hasn’t wetted out,” says one customer-reviewer who wore them while working on the Appalachian Trail during “a complete deluge with nonstop, soaking rain in almost freezing temps.”
Made with a proprietary, 3-layer fabric that vents excess heat while keeping precipitation out, these durable pants are stretchy and fully seam-sealed. Ankle zips make it easy to put them on and take them off even with boots on, and the jersey backing fabric feels soft against the skin. Unlike many rain pants on the market today, the XeroCloud pants have two zippered front pockets for those of us who like to trek with a smartphone or a snack handy.
Finally, finding your fit is easier than ever: These pants are available in a range of sizes, from XS to 3XL as well as petite, short and tall. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.
Best Rain Pants for Multiple Activities
Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Pants
Fabric bluesign®-approved 100% recycled nylon 40-denier with mechanical stretch
Waterproofing AscentShell Dry 3-layer waterproof/breathable technology
Weight 13.2 oz. (women’s); 13.6 oz. (men’s)
From the stretchy nylon shell to a breathable 3-layer fabric, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L and Aspire 3L rain pants are designed to move and stretch with your body wherever your adventures may take you. Fully taped seams combine with YKK AquaGuard® zippers, so your bottom half will stay dry on bike commutes and stormy day hikes. Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch area are specially designed to fit the body’s natural shape and movement lines, so you can use the Foray and Aspire for more strenuous activities, like mountain biking or thru-hiking. We especially like the generous side zippers that provide ventilation and make it easy to pull them on over boots.
Not only do these rain pants stow away into their back pocket (a convenient feature when pack space is at a premium), but they’re also manufactured with sustainability in mind. The brand updated the shell fabric on its bestselling Foray and Aspire to use a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment from Nixwax that is free of intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The shell is made from 100% recycled nylon bluesign® criteria, which requires brands to reduce hazardous chemicals during the manufacturing process. Buy Aspire (women’s). Buy Foray (men’s).
Best Rain Pants for Commuting/Cycling
Showers Pass Transit Cycling Pants
Fabric Nylon
Waterproofing 3-layer waterproof, breathable Artex fabric
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 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. And note that the inseam for the men's pants runs 33 inches while the women's is 30 inches. Buy men's. Buy women's.
Best Budget-Friendly Pants
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants
Fabric 100% recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign®-approved)
Waterproofing 2.5-layer HydroWall recycled waterproof/breathable membrane
Weight Weight
Sustainability attributes Contains recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified™ factory, contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria, from a Climate Neutral Certified brand
For an everyday insurance policy against the rain, you can’t beat the affordable protection of REI Co-op Rainier rain pants. Whether you're camping, traveling, running errands or caught in a spring shower midhike, these waterproof full-zip pants can be pulled on quickly (right over your boots) 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.
One customer-reviewer who took the pants on a weeklong trip to Iceland said, “They kept me completely dry in rainy weather and near waterfalls. Removing them without having to take my boots off was super convenient. And the petite sizing came in clutch—as a short gal with wide hips, I needed a larger size but not the length!”
The two-way extended zippers let you dump heat to escape when you're moving quickly, preventing moisture buildup on the inside. Another customer-reviewer 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 Rainiers are not as breathable as 3-layer rain pants like the XeroClouds, nor are they the quietest. Still, there’s lots to like: the roomy fit, the adjustable elastic waist and the cuff drawcords that help keep out debris. Zippered hand pockets keep small essentials dry and safe, and the pants pack down into their own pocket for easy stowing. Consider the Outdoor Research Aspire/Foray or XeroCloud if you want to invest a bit more for the best protection against rain. Buy women's. Buy men's.
Best Rain Pants for Kids
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants
Fabric 100% recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign®-approved)
Waterproofing 2.5-layer HydroWall recycled waterproof/breathable membrane
Weight 4.6 oz
Sustainability attributes Contains recycled materials; contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria; from a Climate Neutral Certified brand
Parents know that 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'.
Buying Advice for Rain Pants
When choosing the best rain pants for yourself, consider how you plan to use them. Above all, they need to be waterproof and breathable, but attributes like construction and other added perks can help you determine how well the pants will hold up for the type of activity you like to do.
Waterproofing versus Breathability
It's all about finding the right balance of breathability and waterproofing—two seemingly opposing forces. Breathable materials let moisture escape from the inside, while waterproof materials seal out moisture from the outside. Although it's tough to create fabrics that release moisture and seal it out, good rain pants do both. All the rain pants in this guide are waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Construction
Generally, rain pants are constructed with 2, 2.5 or 3 layers. All rain pants have an outer face layer (the first layer). Typically made from nylon or polyester, this layer stands up to abrasion and repels rain. It's almost always treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that makes water bead up and roll off the face fabric, preventing precipitation from saturating the garment's exterior. Every couple of months, when your pants start to feel clammy or raindrops start to soak through the surface, it's time to renew the DWR. Regularly cleaning and drying your rain gear according to the care instructions on the label helps keep your rainwear in peak condition.
We'll get into the technical specifics below, but the bottom line when choosing rain pants is that they should let you easily pursue your chosen activity. For high-output activities, breathability should be a top focus. For more rugged pursuits, focus on staying dry in inclement weather.
2-layer construction: Found in less technical pants, 2-layer construction bonds the outer fabric to a waterproof, breathable laminate or coating (the second layer). In terms of breathability, that second layer is a key component, blocking rain while allowing sweat vapor to escape. A loose-hanging liner on the inside protects the coating or laminate. None of the rain pants in our gear guide feature this basic -layer construction.
2.5-layer construction: Like 2-layer construction, 2.5-layer rain pants have a waterproof, breathable coating applied to the underside of the first layer, but added to the mix is a porous protective material (the half layer) that's applied over the second layer. This half layer takes the place of an inner liner and makes rain pants lighter and more flexible than 3-layer rain pants. The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants feature a 2.5-layer construction.
3-layer construction: Rain pants featuring 3-layer construction, like the Showers Pass Transit Cycling Pants, the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Pants - Women's; Outdoor Research Foray 3L Pants- Men's, and the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants, are the toughest of the bunch in most scenarios. There are no coatings—just a waterproof, breathable membrane (the second layer) between a rugged face fabric (the first layer) and a shield-like lining (the third layer). This construction, though it sounds counterintuitive, allows 3-layer pants to be lighter than 2-layer pants since they don't include the weight of the hanging liner. They're also often more durable and breathable than 2.5-layer pants.
To help picture how the layers work together, think of waterproof, breathable membranes in 3-layer pants as wallpaper applied to a wall and waterproof, breathable laminates in 2.5-layer pants as spray paint applied to a wall.
To learn more about the technical aspects of waterproof gear, read our complete guide on how to choose rainwear and our series on rainwear basics.
Features
Activity-specific features can make a big difference when shopping for rain pants. Though nice to have, things like pockets, adjustment tabs and zippers tend to make rain pants heavier and less packable. Fastpackers may opt for the lightest pants, while climbers may want fabric with more stretch. For cyclists, articulation tends to matter a lot, whereas mountaineers may be interested in warm materials that are easy to pull on over boots. Think about how you'll use the pants and choose accordingly.
When to wear rain pants
Whenever conditions are cold and wet, rain pants prove useful for staying dry and comfortable. Whether you're caught in a thunderstorm while backpacking, planning for prolonged rain on your bike commute to work, camping in the Pacific Northwest, running errands or stashing them away for emergency use, rain pants protect your clothes and provide warmth when needed. Rain pants also offer wind protection in exposed terrain. Many people wear rain pants over their clothes—whether hiking pants, shorts or a base layer—so they can easily take them on and off, depending on the downpour. Some who hike in warm but rainy weather may choose to wear them over underwear only.
How to change into rain pants quickly
When conditions turn wet, getting your rain pants on as fast as possible is essential to keep your clothes dry and avoid trapping moisture inside the pants. Always have them easily accessible. Know where they are in your backpack, or if they zip into their own pocket, secure them to the outside of your pack with a carabiner.
Rain pants are generally intended to be worn over clothing. When choosing rain pants, make sure the elastic or lower leg zippers open wide enough to fit your footwear through. For pants with zippers on the top and bottom, unzip both to give yourself larger openings. If your hiking boots are muddy, take them off before putting your pants on, and lean on a friend, tree or trekking pole so you don't fall over and dirty your socks.
How to avoid getting sweaty in rain pants
Choose rain pants that prioritize breathability and feature options to vent out, like zippers and mesh pockets. Wear a breathable base layer underneath to avoid trapping moisture in. Opt for merino wool or synthetic blends because these fabrics wick away sweat—keeping you dry and comfortable by drawing perspiration away from your skin. They're also quick-drying, so even if you do work up a sweat, they won't stay wet long. Select the lightest weight possible so that you'll stay warm but not overheat.
Methodology
We asked REI co-op staffers what their favorite rain pants are at the co-op. They reported back with their top picks for hiking, bike commuting, outdoor play, running errands and everything in between. We also took into consideration customer reviews about how these pants performed in the wild. These pairs are our can't-go-wrong faves.
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- How Rain Gear Works
- How to Choose a Rain Jacket
- How to Choose Kids' Rain Gear
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Care
- How to Care for GORE-TEX Rainwear
