On wet winter walks, waterproof trousers are essential to keep you dry and warm.

By Emma Lewis

Published: Wednesday, 14 February 2024 at 13:10 PM

If you plan to walk in all weathers, waterproof trousers are an essential bit of kit. Being downpour ready gives you the confidence to hit the hills, whatever the weather report.

There’s a lot to consider before buying waterproof trousers, including seasonality, waterproof rating, cost and packability. Plus, you’ll want to think about whether you want a pair of overtrousers to wear on top of leggings, walking trousers and shorts, or a design you can wear all day.

Here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, we’ve headed out in the rain, and put a number of waterproof trousers to the test. So whether you’re looking for a pair of lightweight, packable waterproof trousers for an upcoming multi-day hike, or a warmer design you can wear on your daily dog walk, browse below, and protect yourself from the elements.

Not sure where to start? Jump to our buyer’s guide for more on what to consider when buying a pair of waterproof trousers.

Best waterproof trousers at a glance:

• Best lightweight pair for multi-day hikes: Rab Downpour Eco Pants (£100.00)
• Best for serious day hikes: Berghaus Deluge 2.0 Pant (£75.00 £56.25)
• Best for comfort and casual walks: Kiwi Pro II Waterproof Trousers (£90.00)

If it’s not specifically waterproof trousers that you’re looking for then our round-up of the best walking trousers should help.

Best waterproof trousers for walkers in 2024

Rab Downpour Eco Pants

Best for multi-day hikes

• Weight: 205g
• Material: recycled 2.5-layer Pertex® Revolve fabric
• Waterproof rating: 20,000mm HH
• RRP: £100

We tested the Rab Downpour Eco Pants on a particularly blustery and wet day in the Eryri National Park, and were impressed by the overtrousers’ high level of waterproofing. Our reviewer had dry leggings after a two hour walk in consistent rain.

There’s an elasticated waistband with a drawcord front section so you can ensure a tight and secure fit. There’s also a toggle and press stud at the ankle, to allow for a more snug fit around your walking boots. The ankle zip could be longer (it’s about a third of the trouser length) to allow for more flexibility when putting the overtrousers on over muddy boots, but it does the job fine.

Overall, the Rab Downpour Eco Pants are a reliable choice well-suited to multi-day hikes. Thanks to their ultralight and packable nature, they’re great for stuffing down the side of your hiking backpack.

Pros: Solid waterproof protection, packable, good-looking and fuss-free design, made with recycled materials

Cons: Ankle zip could be longer

Berghaus Deluge 2.0 Pant

Best for serious day hikes

• Weight: 360g (size UK 12)
• Material: Two-layer Hydroshell® 2L fabric
• Waterproof rating: Berghaus claims 100% waterproof
• RRP: £75.00

The Berghaus Deluge 2.0 overtrousers offer a robust, no-nonsense design and thanks to the high, highly elasticated waistband, you’ve got plenty of room to tuck in a fleece or jumper.

They’re on the baggy side, and aren’t as packable as the Rab Downpour Eco Pants above due to the two-layer fabric, but there are plenty of technical features for serious hikers. The three-quarter length snap-release leg openings and side zips are ideal for stretching over the muddiest of walking boots, and we found the trousers were wide enough to wear with wellington boots too. This makes them a great option for wearing in the garden all day, or on the farm even.

The three-quarter zip is a great feature, but make sure you’re fully zipped up, otherwise rain could seep through. We didn’t have any issues on review but it’s something to look out for.

Pros: Great value, unrestrictive, three-quarter length side zips

Cons: Baggy design, not the most packable

Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II Waterproof Trousers

Best for comfort and casual walks

Buy for women from Craghoppers (£90.00), Millets (£90.00 £85.00)

• Weight: 305g
• Material: AquaDry Membrane trousers with H2OShield DWR
• Waterproof rating: 15,000mm
• RRP: £90.00

Unlike an overtrouser, the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro IIs can be worn on their own. This gives them the appearance and feel of a typical walking trouser, thanks to a belt loop, button and zip closure and softer, less scratchy, outer fabric.

This also means they lack features you may expect from waterproofs, such as ankle zips, but if you’re wearing them all day, this isn’t an issue. You have three pockets too, and we found our belongings stayed dry after soaking the pockets.

The comfort and cosiness of the Kiwi Pro II waterproof trousers really help them stand out. We didn’t feel cold at all, even in windy conditions thanks to the soft, almost silky inner lining and windproof protection.

On long, or multi-day, hikes, we’d recommend additional waterproofs, to help keep you as dry and warm as possible, but for daily dog walkers and casual ramblers, the Kiwi Pro II give you the confidence to head out in changeable conditions, without the need for a change of clothing or pack.

Pros: Incredibly comfortable, lining feels lovely against the skin, quick drying

Cons: Fleecy lining and low waist not the most practical for waterproof protection

Also consider…

Berghaus Paclite Overtrousers

Best for being featherlight friends

• Weight: 238g (men’s large), 233g
• Material: two-layer Gore-Tex Paclite
• RRP: £150

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.

Nautilus Waterproof Overtrousers

Best for durability and value

• Buy now for men from Alpkit (£149.99)

• Buy now for women from Alpkit (£149.99)

• Weight: 460g (men’s medium), 420g (women’s 12)
• Material: 3 layer: 47% Nylon 66/53% Nylon Stretch, PU membrane and 20D tricot backer
• RRP: £149.99

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.

Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants

Best for reliable protection

Buy for women from Amazon (from £215.95)

• Weight: 435g (men’s medium), 400g (women’s 10)
• Material: 70 Denier three-layer Gore-Tex construction and recycled polyamide outer
• RRP: £240

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.

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Pant

Best for the mountains

• Weight: 400g (men’s), 383g (women’s)
• Material: HELLY TECH Professional fabric three-layer fabric construction with new Lifa Infinity technology
• RRP: £300

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.

Montane Pac Plus XT Pants

Best for being small but mighty

• Check Montane for availability

• Weight: average 325g
• Material: Two-layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
• £160

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.

Mountain Equipment Orbital Pant

Best hassle-free option

• Weight: 260g (men’s large), 230g (women’s 12)
• Material: three-layer Drilite Stretch 20D fabric (100% polyester with PU membrane)
• RRP: £150

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.

Paramo Velez Adventure Trousers

Best green option

Buy for men from Ebay (£153.00)

Buy for women from Ebay (£153.00)

• Weight: 392g (men’s), 388g (women’s)
• Material: Nikwax Analogy Waterproof system and ripstop polyester
• £155

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.

Hilltrek Cabrach DV Trousers

Best for being mega tough

• Buy now from Hilltrek (£210)

• Weight: 850g
• Material: L24 Double Ventile
• RRP: £210

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.

Quechua Waterproof Mountain Walking Overtrousers

Best budget option

• Weight: 354g (men’s large), 309g (women’s medium)
• Material: three-layer. Main fabric and lining: 100% polyester; membrane: 100% polyurethane
• RRP: £39.99

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 and unrestrictive to wear. If you’re out for shorter hikes in less extreme conditions and terrain, these should do the trick.

Keela Rainlife 5000 Trousers

Best for short strolls

• Weight: 416g (men’s), 406g (women’s)
• Material: 47% Nylon 66/53% nylon stretch PU membrane and 20D tricot backer
• RRP: £59.95

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.

What to consider when buying waterproof trousers

Seasonality

Do you want to buy one pair of waterproof trousers that you can wear all year round? Then bear in mind that some trousers designed for use in harsh winter conditions may be heavy and hot to wear in summer. On the other hand, lightweight trousers may be better suited to summer walking than regular, arduous winter hikes.

Waterproof rating

A vital component! Waterproof trousers tend to be graded, so we know how much rain they can withstand. For example, trousers with a rating of 0-5,000mm will offer little waterproofing, and are best for light rain, whereas a design with a 15,000mm and over rating, should be able to handle heavy rain and snow.

You’ll find various ratings available, so think about the conditions you’ll be walking in before you buy.

Breathability

Especially useful in summer, breathable fabrics allow air to pass through your fabric, helping to keep your legs cool.

Ankle zips

An essential feature to allow you to take trousers off without removing your hiking boots. Some budget options omit these zips – you’ll regret it!

Vents

Many waterproof trousers have zipped vents running up the side. These too are very useful in keeping legs cool – allowing you to wear your waterproof trousers all day, even when showers alternate with warm sunshine. When a storm comes in, just zip up your vents to stay dry. The most breathable fabrics sometimes omit long vents (but good pairs always retain ankle zips).

Light weight

Especially valuable in summer, lighter fabrics help you forget you are wearing an extra layer on your legs. That means you can bring them with you just in case – they won’t add much weight to your pack. And of course lightweight options are always a bonus for backpackers, to reduce your burden on the trail.

Durability

Ultra lightweight fabrics sometimes don’t last as long and weaken or tear with repeated use. If you are out frequently in harsh weather, consider a heavier weight fabric.

For more of our outdoor gear reviews, discover the best walking boots and the best walking shoes.

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