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.
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 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
The best waterproof trousers in detail
Best in Test
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Description
These Makalu waterproof trousers are a classic recipe for high performance but with a slight twist. Without explanation, we’d bet you wouldn’t notice.
These trousers are made from a 3-layer Gore-Tex construction; they’re reliably water and windproof; they’re reasonably breathable; made from 75D fabric, they’re tough too. End of story.
Well, almost. The detail is that these use a new type of Gore-Tex membrane. It’s not ePTFE Gore has used for decades, it’s Gore-Tex ePE – a more sustainable yet equally high-performing and durable membrane. Win win.
We were impressed with their performance and comfort. The ¾ zips make them easy to put on take off while boosting ventilation. But the new membrane is thinner than ePTFE and is softer and less stiff. The Makalu therefore feel a bit more like regular trousers.
Check out the women's version here
Pros
- Very high waterproof rating
- Easy to put on and take off
- Mountain Equipment a Fair Wear Foundation member
- Made from more sustainable Gore-Tex ePE
- Provide classic Gore-Tex performance and durability
Cons
- Not the best drawcord
- Overkill for some
Best Value
www.berghaus.com
Description
In the mountain environment – particularly during the colder, wetter months of the year – it’s essential that waterproof trousers are tough and reliable. But it’s also possible they may spend a lot of time in your pack, so value for money is also important.
Berghaus’ Deluge pants are tried and tested classics, with Hydroshell 2-layer fabric for dependable protection, ¾-length zips for venting and ease of use, and an elasticated waist for comfort.
They’re a little heavier than some of the other trousers, and wider too, making them a bit noisy and flappy, but we can’t fault their performance.
The 2-layer Hydroshell waterproof fabric is reliably breathable, watertight, and hard as nails. It's also PFC-free. As a reliable and affordable pair of 3-season waterproof trousers, you have to consider these.
Check out the women's version here
Pros
- Durable
- ¾ length zips
- PFC-free
- Berghaus a certified B Corp
- Covered by Repairhaus
Cons
- A bit noisy
- Heavier than some others
Best value Gore-Tex trousers
www.sprayway.com
Description
Although many brands now have proprietary membranes, Gore-Tex is still regarded as the name to look for in waterproofing.
The Mountain Rainpant utilises Gore-Tex 3-layer technology for weather protection, while the 75D outer face fabric is soft to the touch, light in weight, yet reassuringly tough. These sound similar to the Mountain Equipment Makalu trousers but these use Gore-Tex ePTFE rather than the new ePE, and polyester rather than nylon.
An inner stormguard boosts weatherproofing, while hook and loop adjustment at the hem creates a snug seal around your boots. However, these trousers feature a ½ length zip. For weatherproofing, this is good, but for getting on and off, ¾ length is better.
Check out the women's version here
Pros
- 3-layer construction
- Durable
- Sprayway a Fair Wear Foundation member
Cons
- Not PFC-free
- Only half-length zips
Best budget waterproof trousers
Description
Made from PFC-free recycled nylon, these Marmot waterproof trousers have side zips from ankle to hip, making them easy to put on over the chunkiest footwear, plus taped seams and zipped side and rear pockets.
These trousers are very light, using a 2.5-layer durable and breathable fabric. They have a baggy fit, which allows for fast and easy fitting over clothing, helped further by the full-length side zips.
On the downside, these have a moderate waterproof rating. So, you'll be fine when it rains, but if it pours, water will get through eventually. They're also not super tough or designed for the mountains. They're best as an emergency layer for hillwalking.
Check out the women's version here
Pros
- Affordable
- Very packable
- Recycled and PFC-free
- Very easy to layer with
Cons
- Not suitable for mountain use or torrential rain
- Not the toughest construction
Best for comfort
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Description
Although designed for Alpine wear, the requirements of this use – the ability to put them on and wear them all day in comfort – is equally useful in the UK’s hills.
Rab’s Proflex fabric feels more like a softshell than a hardshell, yet has a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and superb breathability, along with excellent freedom of movement.
Reinforcement panels in high-wear areas boost abrasion resistance, while numerous design features increase usability.
The slim cut and overall style of the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 makes them easily the nicest looking trousers on test as well. Sure, they’re not really pull-on emergency overtrousers like the others here, but instead, you put them on and leave them on.
Check out the women's version here
Pros
- Feel more like softshell than hardshell trousers
- Highly breathable
- Allow high freedom of movement
- Look good
- Rab a Fair Wear Foundation 'leader'
- PFC-free
Cons
- Slim cut not ideal for layering
Best waterproof trousers for the mountains
www.berghaus.com
Description
Berghaus' Extrem range made a reappearance in winter 2022/23. Having tested some of the range in the snow-covered Cairngorms, the MTN Seeker GTX Pant stood out to us as one of our favourites of the whole range. The MTN Seeker gear is aimed at winter hillwalkers who also like a little mountaineering.
To make the MTN Seeker GTX Pant as good as they are, Berghaus has employed 3-layer Gore-Tex Performance for top-end weatherproofing, breathability, and durability.
The side zips are three-quarter length, and the waistband has an elasticated back with belt loops and braces attachments so you can secure them how you like.
Obviously, these high-performance and expensive waterproof trousers aren't necessary for everyone. But for keen winter hikers, they're excellent. Happily, the MTN Seeker GTX Pant is also available in black for a more subtle look.
Check out the women's version here
Pros
- Tough
- Useful multi-use waistband design
- Great for alpine conditions
- Supported by Repairhaus
Cons
- Overkill for most users
Best lightweight/packable waterproof trousers
alpkit.com
Description
Alpkit states that the Parallax “weigh about the same as your average sandwich”. It doesn’t stipulate the filling, but at 195g for the size medium they certainly are light on weight.
The 2.5-layer fabric has a 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating and excellent breathability, along with a stretch fit for comfort. Bottom line is they’re superb for stashing in your pack because they take up very little space and add little weight while still performing reliably.
The side zips are only knee length, which isn’t ideal, but the weight savings make this sacrifice worth it.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Good waterproof and breathability ratings
- Highly packable
- Alpkit a certified B Corp
- Alpkit offers repairs (UK only)
Cons
- Only knee-height zips
- Not as durable as 3-layer construction
Best for protection
keelaoutdoors.com
Description
Salopettes are hard to beat in terms of protection and are often the choice for mountaineers setting out in the roughest weather.
They’re usually more expensive than simple overtrousers, but the Munro Pros offer exceptional value for money. Using a combination of Innovation 5 fabric and Keela’s System Dual Protection lining, they’re highly waterproof and breathable and are used by Mountain Rescue Teams and Tactical Forces.
Pros
- Big size range
- Good value for salopettes
- Fantastic weather protection
- Good breathability
Cons
- Heavy
- Not recycled or PFC-free
- Only suitable for harsh mountain conditions
How we tested the best waterproof trousers
Our testers tasked with finding the best waterproof trousers were Matt Jones and Chris Williams, who spent a lot of time chasing the rain. They put in a lot of demanding miles to find out not just how waterproof they are, but how breathable, comfortable, and durable they are. They also scrutinised each option for its sustainability credentials too.
Chris is one of LFTO's staff writers and has been testing gear for us since 2021. Chris is from New Zealand and has journalistic, outdoor industry, and basically his lifetime's worth of hiking experience to bring to his gear reviews.
Matt is one of our freelance writers based in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, he’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis.
Read more on how we test here.
What you need to know about waterproof trousers
Do you need waterproof trousers?
Waterproof trousers come in very useful when it's cold and wet. In a summer rain shower when it's not that cold, they're not usually unnecessary.
Whether worn all day or kept in your pack on an 'as needed' basis, reliable waterproof trousers do a stellar job of keep out icy rain and biting winds.
How to wear waterproof trousers
Waterproof trousers are often referred to as overtrousers, which tells you what you need to know in terms of how to wear them.
Often with a relaxed fit and long side zips, waterproof trousers are designed to be pull on easily over your existing legwear. But if the knees are articulated they can be designed to fit a little closer.
That said, there are some highly water-repellent trousers that are designed to be worn as regular trousers. These are normally made from a softshell material and have a slimmer fit, like the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Pant we reviewed above.
Waterproofing and breathability
The hydrostatic head (HH) figures tell you how waterproof a fabric is. Some waterproof trousers keep you dry in a light shower (about 10,000mm HH); some in a torrential downpour (about 15,000-20,000mm HH); and others will keep the water out even if kneeling in a puddle or the snow (at least 20,000mm HH).
Waterproof trousers need to be breathable enough to let hot air and moisture escape, or you could still end up uncomfortably damp. Higher-priced waterproof trousers use tough, breathable 3-layer laminated fabrics. Mesh linings improve breathability but make a trousers 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.
Are waterproof trousers lightweight?
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.
Why do waterproof trouser have long side 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.
Durability and type
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.
Regular waist-height trousers are suitable for general hillwalking in all seasons, but more technical winter mountaineering salopettes offer beneficial upper body protection. 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.
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.