Best waterproof trousers

By Andrew Lloyd

Published: Friday, 12 November 2021 at 12:00 am

If you plan to walk in all weathers, waterproof trousers are an essential bit of kit. Before you buy, here’s what to look out for:

Berghaus Paclite Overtrousers

"Berghaus

With super-light, pocket-sized packability, these are your perfect ‘just in case’ pants. Gore-Tex says its products all score “over 28K” for waterproofing, and these trousers have an impressive RET of under six (highly breathable), so you can trust them to keep you dry. The Gore-Tex membrane is bonded directly to an outer shell material on one side, and covered by a durable protective layer made of an anti-oil substance and carbon on the inner. Two-way, three-quarter-length side zips and an elasticated-drawcord waist give easy on-off, plus allow good venting. The simple, pocketless, unrestrictive pants with poppered hems contain blue sign-approved fabrics and come in lots of sizes and lengths. 

Best for: being featherlight friends

Nautilus Waterproof Overtrousers

"Nautilus

Regular hikers will be glad of these super-comfy packable trousers. They’re pretty tough, due to a 70-denier nylon 6.6 outer fabric, three-layer 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability rating, plus reinforced insteps and hems, but don’t feel at all bulky. Thanks to articulated knees, a gusseted crotch and some stretch, you can do star jumps should you wish. With a soft inner waist and zip and popper fly, plus three-quarter-length, two-way zips (water-resistant with inner storm flaps) up the sides, these pants are easy to get on and off, plus you can unzip the thighs for venting. There are three lengths and the fit is flatteringly streamlined, with a slimmer lower leg (with elasticated-drawcord hem) and no pockets. These work well all-round for a very competitive price.

Best for: durable and good value

Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants

"Men's
 

Designed for long winter hikes, these robust and roomy trousers should keep you dry due to their 28K waterproofing and RET breathability value of under nine. There’s ease of movement due to the articulated knees, with Velcro adjustment at the waist and an Aquaguard fly zip, which should give you a good fit. The full-length, two-way Aquaguard YKK side zips with internal storm guards make it easy to take them on and off, and the trousers come in three lengths with the outer made from recycled material.

Best for: reliable protection

Verglas Infinity Shell Pant

"Helly

Designed for serious mountain-sports addicts, these very light yet highly durable and non-restrictive shell trousers have a lower environmental impact, as half the outer fabric is recycled, plus there’s a PFC-free DWR coating, and a chemical-free, high-performance 20K+/20K+ waterproof/breathable Lifa Infinity membrane. The waist belt, zip and popper fly and soft waist lining help make these super-comfy to wear, and two-way 7/8 storm-flapped zips help with on/off and ventilation. You also get articulated knees, a zipped water-resistant thigh pocket, a Recco reflector to help rescue teams find you if you get lost in the mountains, plus details such as boot hooks. Choose from two colours; one length only.

Best for: being made for the mountains

Montane Pac Plus XT Pants

"Pac

Great for multi-day trips where space is tight, these high-performance pants pack down really small. The combo of 150 denier Gore-Tex Paclite Plus and Schoeller Keprotec Kevlar insteps give them some added durability though. No less waterproof or breathable than other Gore-Tex products, Paclite Plus saves space and weight as it has just two layers: an abrasion-resistant outer that’s laminated onto a Gore-Tex membrane which can sit next to your skin, thanks to an abrasion-resistant treatment that’s tougher and comfier than Paclite. These pocketless trousers have articulated knees and a diamond gusset for freedom of movement plus three-quarter length, two-way YKK Aquaguard side zips for venting and easy on/off. There’s an elasticated-drawcord waist and poppered hems.

Best for: being small but mighty

Orbital Pant

"Orbital

Changeable weather can be a challenge, but these super-comfy trousers are made for wearing next to your skin all day. Extremely light with great four-way stretch, gusseted crotch, articulated knees and impressive waterproofing and breathability ratings (20K and 20K+ respectively with a DWR outer), these will work well for speedy hikers in most conditions. Probably best for three-season use, though – these won’t provide much insulation on chilly days. The integrated belt allows a good fit on your waist and there are two zipped pockets. There are also ankle zips in case you need them. Just remember you’ll trade off lightness against some toughness with these nicely streamlined and flattering pants.

Best for: hassle-free option

 

Velez Adventure Trousers

"Paramo

Another pair that can be worn next to your skin all day in changeable conditions (designed to cope with four hours of steady rain), these comfy, cosy, lightweight trousers use the highly breathable, ‘directional’ Nikwax Analogy Waterproof system, which involves a separate lining that helps wick away liquid sweat as well as moisture vapour, and boosts insulation. There’s also a PFC-free, water-repellent finish on the outside of these roomy pants. Features include: thigh vents, two zipped pockets, ankle adjustment, articulated knees, diamond gusset, plus elasticated waist with belt, zip and popper. Paramo recommend washing these pants regularly with their own Nikwax Tech Wash and reproofing with Nikwax TX.Direct. These are Fair Trade and recyclable through Páramo. 

Best for: green option

Cabrach DV Trousers

"Cabrach

If you’re a nature-spotter or dog-walker who regularly finds yourself in the undergrowth, you could consider investing in these super-tough unisex cotton trousers. How do they work? The ‘DV’ stands for Double Ventile, or two layers of the finest, longest cotton fibres, densely woven. The fibres expand when they come into contact with water, blocking it out. A DWR system on the outer surface adds to the repellency, making these “fully waterproof”. Worn next to your skin, these have four pockets and reinforced areas. Pros? They’ll last many years, and are quiet to wear with excellent breathability and windproofness. Cons? They’re heavy and bulky.

Best for: being mega tough

Quechua Waterproof Mountain Walking Over-trousers

"Quechua

Great value and no-nonsense with a streamlined style, these score a decent 10K for waterproofing and list their breathability as a very good RET 8. The elasticated-drawcord waistband with zip and popper fly give a good fit while knee-length zips allow easy on/off. There are no outer pockets, just an inner pouch that you can also store the very lightweight, non-bulky trousers in. Machine wash these at 30°C; and stick them in the tumble drier (10 mins, low temperature) to reactivate their waterproofing. These don’t have articulated knees or stretch, but are surprisingly easy unrestrictive to wear. If you’re out for shorter hikes in less extreme conditions and terrain, these should do the trick.

Best for: a budget option

 

Keela Rainlife 5000 Trousers

"Keela

As the name suggests, these robust trousers are rated a lowly 5K/5K for waterproofing and breathability. Features include: knee-length (non-water-resistant) side zips, with external storm flaps, so you can put them on over boots and two poppered slits so you can you access your trouser pockets. They come in a good choice of lengths and sizes, and are pretty light with decent packability, but seem long and very roomy in the leg, with a strongly elasticated waist. Only the men’s versions have colour options. Although the company says you can wear these solo, they felt a little clammy with the lack of breathability.

Best for: short strolls