Best Waterproof Rain Pants (For Men, Women And Kids)

Acme Projects Rain Pants

The Acme Projects pants are a great option if you’re looking for an affordable solution. These pants are unisex, and there are actually sizes that are aimed at men, women and children. If you’re looking for rain pants that your entire family can wear for that adorable uniformed look on hikes, these are a great option.

Especially because they are made from Bluesign approved waterproof fabrics. That means that the pants are environmentally friendly, and made only from ethically sourced materials. Even though the exact fabric of the pants is not specified, you do get some information on its performance features, like the 10000mm waterproof rating and 3000gm breathability.

The numbers mean that these rain pants can handle a serious downpour while keeping you dry as a bone. That’s also thanks to the seam-sealed construction, which guarantees that water can’t get in anywhere. And partially because of the Velcro closure at the bottom – it allows you to tighten up the legs as much as you want, in order to ensure that water can’t seep in through the bottom of the legs.

The other great thing about the Velcro is that it lets you adjust the pants to fit you really well. And that’s pretty important, considering you can’t really choose the length of the inseam – the Velcro allows you to ensure the legs won’t be dragging on the ground, for the best fit.

In addition to that, it’s also important to mention that these pants feature an elastic waistband. That’s great because it’s very comfortable, but also because it means that the pants will be a better fit for more people.

Also, the elastic is just better when you’re outdoors since it eliminates the need for a belt, which tends to weigh you down a bit.

These waterproof hiking pants feature two open pockets, which is the only downside. They are not very deep, and items might fall out of them when you squat or start moving around a lot.

Outdoor Research Men's Foray Gore-TEX Pants

If you want waterproof hiking pants that will last you ages, the Foray by Outdoor Research are easily one of your best options. They are pricier than most other pairs, but they’re also the only hiking pants that have a seam-sealed Gore-Tex membrane. And that alone is worth the money.

Gore-Tex is the industry leader when it comes to insulation and waterproofing (DWR – Durable Water Repellent). The membrane does an outstanding job at keeping the exterior of the pants dry even if you spill a glass of water onto them, while at the same time keeping the rain pants breathable and allowing sweat and other internal moisture to evaporate.

In addition to that, the seam-sealed construction of the pants ensures that not a drop of water can get in through the taped seams. The rain pants even have YKK AquaGuard waterproof zippers at the sides, which guarantees that water can’t get in through the zippers either.

And at the same time, those side zippers allow you to air out the pants if you ever get too hot in them. Outdoor Research also makes it easier to wear chunky hiking boots underneath, especially with that elastic at the ankle cuffs.

There is also an elastic waistband so it feels very comfortable on your body. I guess the only downside of the Outdoor Research pants is the disappointing size variety – with only four sizes to choose from and zero-length options, you will have to compromise on the fit. If you are over six feet tall, I highly recommend you go with the XL, just because of the length.

The last thing I want to point out about these rain pants is that they don’t have any pockets in the front, but they do have a pocket in the back.

Also, the pants actually pack down into its own pocket, for easy portability. And considering they only weigh some 10 oz, they are probably one of the best rain pants for travel.

Columbia Women's Storm Surge Rain Pant

The Storm Surge pants are an excellent option for the ladies who want tough and reliable outdoor pants. They are made by Columbia, which happens to be one of the best brands for outdoor gear, whether we’re talking about winter jackets or breathable hiking shoes.

This means you can expect top quality and performance from these waterproof hiking pants, and you will not be disappointed. They feature the brand’s proprietary Omni-Tech technology, which ensures that the rain pants will be dry both on the outside and the inside.

Omni-Tech gives you air-permeable protection, meaning sweat and moisture inside the pants can escape, but no water can penetrate them from the outside. So, although we don’t get a number for the waterproof rating, you can be positive that these hiking pants are thoroughly waterproof and breathable.

On top of that, the shell of these rain pants is made from waterproof nylon and it features taped seams. The Storm Surge pants also have Velcro straps around the ankles, which lets you adjust the fit however you like.

The Velcro is also useful because the pant legs are pretty wide – if you’re ever too hot in these rain pants, you can just loosen up those legs and let some cool air in. This actually might happen, considering that the pants feature a thin mesh lining that provides you with some extra warmth during cold rainy days.

Additionally, if you tighten up the Velcro fully, that guarantees no water will be able to get in through the cuffs, even if you’re constantly stepping in puddles. And no water can get in through the waist of the waterproof pants either, thanks to that elastic band that keeps them tightly in place.

The best thing about these Columbia waterproof hiking pants is that there are multiple length options, so it should be pretty easy to get a pair of pants that fits you just well. Especially since there are about seven different size options, not taking into account the different inseam lengths.

Columbia Men's Rebel Roamer Rain Pants

If you usually struggle to find rain pants that fit you well, the Columbia Rebel Roamer is probably the best option for you here. These waterproof pants are available in dozens of different sizes, including four different inseam lengths and a size range that goes all the way up to 6XL. Whether you have a really big belly or are just really tall, these hiking pants come in a size that will fit you perfectly.

The rain pants fit true to size, so you really can get the size that you would normally wear and it will fit you perfectly. Plus, with elastane in the pants and waist, these will feel super comfortable even after you’ve spent several hours in them.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Columbia men’s pants feature Omni-Tech technology, which makes the pants waterproof and breathable at the same time. The air-permeable fabric allows moisture inside the pants to evaporate, while also not allowing any water to penetrate the pants from the outside. This means you could wear these in a really heavy downpour and water would just slide off them.

The only downside of these pants is that they have no pockets whatsoever, even though Columbia claims that there are four pockets on them. Unfortunately, that’s not true, and if you want to carry any additional gear, you will need a proper gear bag.

In addition to that, these waterproof pants have Velcro at the cuffs, allowing you to adjust the width of the legs. It means you can easily wear these over hiking boots, but also pair them with some casual trail runners. If you tighten up the Velcro fully, you’ll be able to trap heat inside the pants, and you’ll be a little warmer on those nasty cold days.

There’s also the elasticated waist that allows for even more adjustments when it comes to the fit of the waterproof pants. You can loosen it up if you’ve had a generous lunch, or you can tighten the string fully if you want to keep the wind out. And actually, that’s another great thing about these pants – they are entirely windproof, with the seam-sealed construction and adjustable legs and waist.

Columbia Youth Cypress Brook II Pant

The Columbia Cypress Brook II pants are a great option for children. They are fully waterproof, stain resistant, wind resistant, breathable and seriously affordable. I’d gladly buy these for myself, if only they made them in my size.

These pants are not just great for children – they’re a decent option for petite women. The L and XL sizes are pretty much equivalent to women’s sizes 0-2, so there’s a really good chance you’ll be able to fit in these rain pants. And considering that this only retails for about $20, I’d say it’s definitely worth it to at least try.

Just be aware of the fact that these are made for 14-15-year-old boys, and they will be pretty narrow in the hip and bum area. If you’re on the curvier side, I’m not sure you’ll be able to fit properly into them.

The size variety of these rain pants is actually pretty great – the options range from 2T to XL, which is equivalent to waist widths of 19.5” to 29”. And the fit of the waterproof pants is actually adjustable, with the elastic waist and Velcro straps at the ankles.

The Columbia children’s pants are made from waterproof Hydroplus nylon, which features Omni-Shield technology. They also feature tapped seams that ensures water can’t get into the pants at all, as well as a quick-drying exterior.

Another great thing about these pants is the presence of a roomy closed pocket on the right leg. It features Velcro closure, which ensures that the items inside it will stay dry even in heavy downpours. That one pocket is actually more than you get on most adult’s pants, and that’s pretty amazing.

The only downside of these Columbia rain pants is that they are available in a single length. The inseam depends on the size of the pants – it starts at 13” for the smallest size, with a 32.5” inseam for the largest pants. The latter is actually the same length you get on most adult pants, which is another reason why petite adults should consider these pants.

The North Face Men's Venture 2 Half Zip Pant

The Venture pants by TNF are another excellent option if you want high-quality waterproof pants. They are extremely lightweight and packable, which makes them one of the best options if you need something for travel. You could easily put these in a pocket of your carry-on backpack, and have a sturdy, weatherproof pair of pants once you arrive at your destination.

The shell of the rain pants is made from nylon that features a DryVent 2.5L membrane, which does an excellent job at keeping water out of the pants, ensuring you are always dry when you are wearing them.

On top of that, these lightweight pants are actually super-breathable thanks to the same DryVent technology. Their breathability rating is 750-800 g/m² on average, which pretty much guarantees that sweat won’t stay inside the rain pants.

And they just get better. The rain pants feature both zips and Velcro at the legs, allowing you to adjust them however you like. The zip makes it really easy to fit the pants over bulky boots, while the Velcro allows you to secure them in place once you’ve adjusted them how you wanted. The zipper is also pretty convenient in case you start getting really hot in the pants since it allows you to air them out in just seconds.

Another thing I love about the Venture pants is that you actually get zippered pockets. And they pack down into one of the zipped hand pockets, for ultimate portability on your adventures.

In addition to all that, the size variety of these does not disappoint either. It ranges from S-2XL, with three different length options available. And with the adjustable legs and elastic waist, it should be really simple to get these in a size that fits you perfectly.

If you are normally between sizes, I would recommend you go a size down with these, since they are a bit on the bigger side. Especially with the wide, roomy legs that aren’t at all restrictive.

Marmot Youth PreCip Waterproof Rain/Hiking Pant

If you are looking to get waterproof pants for your child, you can’t go wrong with the Marmot Youth PreCip pants. For one, Marmot is an excellent outdoor gear brand, which tends to have some super pricey gear. But these pants for kids are actually surprisingly affordable, at least when compared to some of their options for adults.

They are more expensive than most other outdoor gear brands, but they justify the higher price tags with exceptional quality and superb performance. Because of that, feel free to expect a lot out of these rain pants – I, for one, am pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

These waterproof hiking pants feature NanoPro fabric, which is the main reason why they manage to be weatherproof. The fabric has a minimum waterproof rating of 10,000 mm, as well as a breathability rating of  17,000 gm / 24h – those numbers are as high as you get in pants for adults, so you can be pretty certain that your kids are getting some seriously good rain gear.

One thing that might be an issue is that you can’t choose the length of the pants. They feature a 24” inseam – you can’t do anything about it if it’s too short for your little one, and I am sorry about that. But if it’s too long, you can always tighten up the legs, to avoid the bottom of the pants dragging on the ground. The Marmot pants feature both a snap closure and ankle zips, so they are pretty adjustable.

The zipper also makes it easier to fit these over bulky hiking boots, and it allows you to air out the waterproof hiking pants from time to time, in case they start getting a bit too hot. This shouldn’t happen often because they are very breathable, but nonetheless, it’s nice to have the option.

Additionally, the Marmot kids’ pants actually have hand pockets on either side, which is really great. It’s more than you get in most women’s waterproof pants, even if they are open pockets that are quite shallow.

Berghaus Women's Deluge Waterproof Rain Over Pants

The Berghaus waterproof pants are a great option for women who have a hard time finding pants that fit them well. These babies are available in sizes from XS to 3XL, and in three different length options. They feature an elastic waist that’s super comfortable, but not adjustable – there’s no string, so you won’t have the ability to tighten up the pants to stop them from falling down.

These are straight-leg pants, so you can easily wear them over boots. Especially with the side zipper that really makes it easy to widen the legs and fit them over anything. The only downside here is that there’s no Velcro at the bottom, meaning you can’t tighten up the cuffs at all.

If you were to wear these rain pants without an extra pair underneath, I fear you would be a bit cold because they are not windproof. However, these are primarily designed to be worn over leggings or another breathable layer, especially during colder days when you need extra warmth.

They even have a slit on one of the sides, which gives you access to the pocket of the pants you’re wearing underneath these. And that’s a very convenient feature, considering that the Berghaus pants don’t actually have any pockets of their own.

One cool thing about these pants is that they have a zipper and snap buttons that go all the way up to mid-thigh. This is great because it actually makes the pants a viable option for summer – if it’s a really rainy day but it’s still hot outside, you can just unzip them as much as you need to feel comfortable.

Another big upside of the rain pants is the fabric that they are made from. It’s Hydroshell – the brand’s own take on waterproof but breathable material. It boasts a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, as well as a breathability rating of  8,000G/M2 which is pretty good. But honestly, the numbers could have been a bit higher, considering that the pants aren’t exactly cheap.

Mountain Warehouse Pakka Mens Waterproof Rain Pants

The MountainWarehouse Pakka pants are a good option if you need a quick and cheap solution. They retail for only some $20, so they’re pretty much perfect if you need an inexpensive pair of pants. The only downside is that their waterproof rating is much lower than that of pricier brands, but I’m not complaining about the price.

They are made from 100% Nylon which has excellent water resistance on its own, and they also feature a breathable IsoDry membrane. It allows moisture inside the pants to evaporate, ensuring that you don’t stay sweaty. But at the same time, it doesn’t let any water from the outside get in the pants, which is even more important.

The rain pants have a slit that gives you access to the pockets of your pants underneath, which is pretty convenient. However, there is no way to close the slit, which means that water can get in if it’s really inclement weather. This shouldn’t be an issue in light rain, but if you get caught in a really heavy downpour, the pants won’t perform as well as they should.

And even the manufacturer states that the pants are suitable only for light and moderate rains. Even though they have taped seams!

If you would prefer something more hardcore, I suggest you check out our other options.

Another downside of the pants is sizing – while the actual size range is really good, they are available in just one length. The inseam measures 31”, so make sure that’s going to fit you well before you actually pick up the pants.

Also, there is a Velcro strap at the ankles, so even if the waterproof pants are a bit long for you, you can always just scrunch up the legs and tighten up the Velcro to keep them in place.

Frogg Toggs Men's Classic Waterproof Pants

The Frogg Toggs pants are another great affordable option that performs really well in moderately wet weather. They have a breathable rating of 8000mm, which is really great for the low retail price of some $20-30. They’re a great non-expensive option for people who need something for the occasional outdoor adventure, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them if you plan to wear them very often.

The main reason for that is because the waterproof pants don’t actually have pockets, but rather slits that give you access to the pockets of the pants you are wearing underneath. If you get caught in really heavy rain, water can seep in through these slits, which means that the pants won’t be as effective as they should.

Another downside of these is that they are available in a single length. The inseam measures 31” on the smallest size, so they’re not going to be a great fit for everyone. The good news is that there are Velcro straps around the ankles, which can easily hold the extra material in place and prevent the legs from dragging on the ground.

The legs also feature zipper openings, which really helps when you’re trying to pull them over bulky boots. And the drawstring at the elastic waist allows you to adjust how tight you want the pants to be, ensuring that you’re always getting the exact fit that you want.

Another great thing about these pants is that they are windproof, for the most part. Obviously they can’t be entirely windproof with slits in the legs, but other than that the nonwoven polypropylene actually has really good wind resistance. It’s also very breathable, with a rating of 3000mvtr.

The slits, zippers, and breathability actually make these pants a great option for rainy summer days, when it’s pouring but the temperatures are still pretty high. They are very airy thanks to those slits, and the waterproof fabric will keep you dry for the most part.

Plus, because they are so breathable, any drops of rain that managed to get into the pants through those slits will evaporate quickly.