Best waterproof trousers for 2023: keep your legs dry on the trails

Loved and loathed by hikers in equal measure, waterproof trousers are a popular piece of clothing for hikers. They're generally used as an emergency layer over regular hiking trousers or shorts when the heavens open. But some offer more than that.

While a lot of waterproof trousers include inexpensive, lightweight nylon sleeves for your legs, others are designed to be worn all day in the mountains, using high-performance fabrics for the best weather protection, breathability, and durability. It's a broad scale.

The best waterproof trousers at a glance:

Best in Test: Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants - View on Cotswoldoutdoor.com

Best Value: Berghaus Deluge 2.0 Pant - View on Berghaus.com

Best for comfort: Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Pant - View on Cotswoldoutdoor.com

We've put together our recommendations for the best waterproof hiking trousers. In addition, to help you when looking around for waterproof hiking trousers, we have included a buying guide with a list of important features to consider.

The best waterproof trousers in detail

Key features to look for in waterproof trousers:

Waterproofing: The hydrostatic head (HH) figures tell you how waterproof a fabric is. Some waterproof trousers keep you dry in a light shower; some in a torrential downpour; and others will keep the water out even if kneeling in a puddle or the snow.

Fit: Often used as overtrousers, waterproof trousers can be quite baggy. But if the knees are articulated they can be designed to fit a little closer. Look for a seam around the knee area and a slightly angled shape in the leg, if you want a closer fit.

Packability: As a shell, waterproof trousers are generally quite packable. Though, the tougher and heavier the fabric, the less packable they are. By the same token, very light and packable options don't have as much prolonged weather protection and durability.

Waistband: This area is commonly elasticated for extra comfort. A drawcord allows extra control of fit, while Velcro tabs, press studs or belt loops allow further enhancement of security. The ability to attach braces is ideal for scrambling or mountaineering.

Zips: Leg zips make it easier to pull on waterproof trousers over chunky hiking boots and also offer a means of venting heat. Full-length zips from ankle to hip are the most convenient, while shorter zips that only go from ankle to knee can still require some wrestling to get them on.

Breathability: Waterproof trousers need to be breathable enough to let hot air and moisture escape, or you could still end up uncomfortably damp.

Height: Regular waist-height trousers are suitable for general hillwalking in all seasons, but more technical winter mountaineering salopettes offer beneficial upper body protection.

Fabrics: Higher-priced waterproof trousers use tough, breathable 3-layer laminated fabrics. Mesh linings improve breathability, but make a trouser heavy and can snag when you are putting the trousers on over boots. A lightweight or cheaper trouser may use 2-layer or 2.5-layer fabrics that tend to show condensation a little more.

Toughness: Waterproof trousers should be tough enough to cope with the terrain you intend to use them on. Look for an extra panel of material inside the ankle if you are going to be really hammering this area on mountain walks.

Waterproof trousers care and maintenance

The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish added to waterproof outdoor clothing needs to be maintained. Over time, the finish that was added during the manufacturing process wears off. If you don't maintain it, water will not bead on the surface of the material as it should, and instead, begin to seep through.

When you notice this starting to occur, it's time to restore the DWR on your gear. The products we recommend come from Granger's. In addition to being good value, easy to apply, and effective, Granger's products are Bluesign approved and PFC/fluorocarbon-free.

Granger's Performance Repel Plus is a fantastic spray for all waterproof fabrics. Apply it after a wash, using Granger's Performance Wash instead of regular washing liquid. Nikwax also has similar and equally effective versions that are PFC-free, too.

How we tested

Unsurprisingly, our testing of waterproof trousers involves a lot of wet weather walking. We put in a lot of demanding miles to find out not just how waterproof they are, but how breathable, comfortable, and durable they are.

Chris Williams is a Digital Content Writer for Live For The Outdoors. He trained as a journalist in New Zealand and has been working on Live For The Outdoors since 2021.

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