Great outdoor adventures depend on having the right gear and comfortable clothing. It’s important to dress appropriately in clothing that will not restrict your movements or stop you from enjoying your outdoor activity despite the weather conditions. A pair of waterproof hiking pants is a must-have for every outdoor adventurer.
Many hiking pants can repel water so we’re helping you narrow it down to the top brands and styles we trust the most. Check out this article for some shopping considerations, styles, and the top 7 waterproof hiking pants we recommend for any type of outdoor adventure!
Table of contents
Factors to Consider When Buying Waterproof Hiking Pants
Comfort
Comfort is and will always be, the top priority when looking for waterproof hiking pants. After all, you can’t wear clothing for your outdoor adventure if you’re uneasy while wearing it. The comfort that a pair of pants provides is determined by its fabric, size, fit, and flexibility when worn.
Lightweight
Excellent hiking pants should be lightweight. Lightweight pants are the best option for hiking because they promote better movement, especially when one has to trek a difficult hiking trail.
Durable
Outdoor pants need to be durable enough to withstand harsh environmental conditions. So, even if you scrape up against a rock or accidentally get poked by a branch that sticks out onto the trail, the pants should not rip easily.
Material
The most common material used for waterproof hiking pants is nylon. Nylon ensures that the three factors mentioned above (comfort, lightweight, and durable) are met.
Nylon is lightweight yet tough, so you can be assured that comfort is met, and durability is guaranteed. Another material used for a waterproof pant is polyester. This fabric also guarantees durability and comfort for users.
Features
A pair of pants can have many features. One of them is being waterproof. While not a necessity, possessing a pair of waterproof pants is recommended. It is a good thing to be wearing waterproof pants if it suddenly rains, or if the trail you are hiking has some bodies of water that you need to cross.
Other features that you may want to consider are the number of pockets it has and the presence of an elastic waistband. Pockets are important so that you have a place to put essentials such as food, a map, water, lip balm, SPF, etc. The elastic waistband, on the other hand, makes the pants more comfortable to wear when you’re on the move.
Noise-Free
A pair of hiking pants needs to be quiet, especially when used for hunting. Nylon fabric can guarantee noiseless wear so that you won’t disturb the wildlife in their natural habitat.
Style: Standard vs Convertible Hiking Pants
Over the years, the style of hiking pants evolved into two separate categories: standard hiking pants and convertible hiking pants.
The standard hiking pants are the traditional long pants that all of us are familiar with. They may or may not have zippers on the leg bottom. Standard hiking pants with a bottom leg zipper make it easier to remove the pants without removing hiking shoes.
This pair of traditional pants may also look like a regular pair of pants that you can use for casual wear. They are considerably lightweight compared to convertible hiking pants given that they do not carry extra materials.
Convertible hiking pants have an extra zipper that allows a portion of the pants to be removed and converted into a pair of hiking shorts. Due to the extra zipper and the fabric added to conceal the zipper, these types of pants are heavier. Of course, you lessen the weight once you convert them to shorts.
Choosing between the standard and convertible styles depends on your personal preference, the purpose of the pants, and the climate where you will be doing your hiking.
Men’s Waterproof Hiking Pants
1. Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant
Good for everyday wear as much as they are for hiking, these rain pants are a great choice. They combine affordability and quality in one product. This pair of pants is 100% nylon material ensuring comfortable and lightweight wear for your hiking needs. The Omni-Tech trademark technology also boosts breathability so that you won’t feel too hot during warmer weather and when sweating.
The Rebel Roamer Rain Pant assures sturdiness and excellence while keeping the price within means. Since Columbia is a trusted brand for outdoor gear, you’ll never go wrong with this pick.
What we like:
- Above average durability
- Great for everyday wear
- Adjustable leg opening
- Several leg inseams
- Comes in big and tall sizing too!
- Adjustable drawcord
- 100% nylon material
- Fully sealed seam
- Elastic waistband
- Breathable
- Affordable
What we don’t like:
- No pockets
2. Free Soldier Men’s Outdoor Hiking Pants
Amazon price: $39.99
Free Soldier’s outdoor tactical hiking pants are made of 86% nylon and 14% spandex. This fabric combination lends the pants its quick-dry feature. They are also lightweight and breathable to ensure comfort for the wearer with exemplary moisture absorption.
In addition, the spandex keeps the pants wrinkle-free and gives them a soft texture so that you can move as freely as possible. It also comes with an adjustable nylon belt and a high-quality buckle so that it can fit perfectly on your waist.
To guarantee a good waterproof ability, they are equipped with DuPont Teflon Coating. The coating effectively repels any liquids and stains to guarantee ultimate dryness and cleanliness. It also has UPF 50+ that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, protecting your skin from sun damage.
What we like:
- Removable and adjustable belt
- Scratch and wear-resistant
- Water and stain repellent
- Multi-purpose pockets
- Anti-wrinkle fabric
- Zipper closure
- Multiple color options
What we don’t like:
- Noisy, not meant for hunting
3. The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Half Zip Pants
Amazon price:
A great hiking pant, The North Face’s Venture 2 Half Zip Rain Pants make an outstanding choice for multi-day hikes. It features ultralight recycled ripstop nylon fabric, and only weighs approximately 8 ounces so it is perfect for any backpacking trip.
The pants are not only waterproof but also windproof. They have seam-sealed DryVent 2.5 layer construction, which maintains dryness even during wet weather.
One of the zippers is knee-high. This is a convenient way for you to change in a hurry. Moreover, it has secure-zip hand pockets where you can stash some essentials. The best part is that it contains 75% or more recycled materials, making it one of the best sustainable waterproof hiking pants on the market.
What we like:
- Breathable DryVent 2.5 layer
- Adjustable ankle closures
- Durable ripstop nylon
- Secure hand pockets
- Machine washable
- Internal drawcord
- Elastic waistband
- Windproof
- Compact
What we don’t like:
- Not meant for heavier rains
- noisy
Women’s Waterproof Hiking Pants
4. BALEAF Women’s Laureate UPF50
Amazon price: $37.99
Fit for women hikers, these BALEAF hiking pants have UPF 50+ sun protection. They will protect your skin from harmful rays to keep it healthy. Though the pants are not made from nylon material, their construction is 90% polyester and 10% spandex.
Also, the fabric combination makes a good choice for comfortable wear that can resist water. The fabric is further enhanced by a durable water repellent (DWR) which makes it more resistant to light rain and stains.
The pants feature an elastic waistband and drawstring for a customized fit. They have four pockets in total: two side pockets, one back pocket, and one thigh pocket, offering more space to store your valuables and essentials.
What we like::
- Adjustable cord lock around cuffs
- Many colors to choose from
- Four zippered pockets
- Stain-resistant
- With UPF 50+
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Affordable
What we don’t like:
- Cannot withstand heavy downpour
5. Postropaky Women’s Outdoor Insulated Hiking Pants ($43.99)
When summer is over and winter is approaching, you don’t have to limit yourself from going out if you have a pair of trusted hiking pants that also serve as snow and ski pants. The insulated and waterproof hiking pants from Postropaky make a good choice for winter hiking. They are made from 92% polyester and 8% spandex. The spandex is covered with a waterproof coating that keeps water, snow, rain, stains, and even cold wind away. The inner layer has a warm fleece that provides breathable warmth while keeping the skin dry.
The waistline is secured with a button closure and an elastic side part to guarantee proper fitting. It has four spacious zippered pockets where you can put things such as a cellphone, camera, and other tactical gear you may be carrying. The ankle zipper opening allows you to put on and take off your hiking shoes and hiking boots easily.
What we like:
- Designed for all occasions and weather
- Superior moisture-wicking treatment
- Can be machine washed
- Ankle zipper opening
- Wear-resistant fabric
- Four large pockets
- Repels wind
- Breathable
What we don’t like:
- May not fit well on tall people
Kid’s Waterproof Hiking Pants
6. L.L. Bean Kids’ Cresta Zip Off Hiking Pants
Bringing kids out hiking also requires you to dress them appropriately. L.L. Bean is one of the best choices for kid’s outdoor apparel. The Cresta Zip Off Hiking Pants are convertible pants that allow kids to enjoy their hiking adventure in comfort. The fabric is made from 95% nylon and 5% spandex, which is a durable blend that can withstand abrasions, tears, and scratches.
Additionally, the fabric offers UPF 50+ that blocks at least 97.5% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The pants also feature different colored zippers so that you can easily mix and match them with what your kid likes at the moment. The reflective logo is a good addition, especially when you are out in the dark.
What we like::
- Convertible from pants to shorts
- Machine wash and dry
- Zippered rear pocket
- Two-way stretch
- Repels moisture
- Reflective logo
- Lightweight
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Fitting issues for thin kids
7. Marmot Kid’s PreCip Eco Pants ($65.00)
Equip your boy with Marmot’s Eco Pants during hiking and camping trips. These breathable and waterproof hiking pants are made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon that guarantees durable construction that can withstand even the toughest environmental conditions. The traditional hiking pant style has taped seams that keep water from coming in, while the full-length side zippers make it convenient to put them on and take them off.
They can be machine washed and dried for convenience. Adding to these amazing features is Marmot’s patented dry-touch finish, bonded storm flaps that keep the zippers dry, zippered hand pockets, and inseam gusset.
What we like:
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Fully-taped seams
- PFC-free DWR
- Comfortable
- Elastic waist
- Eco-friendly
- Ultralight
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Not thick enough for winter hiking pants
Conclusion
Owning a good pair of waterproof hiking pants is a great investment specifically for those who love the outdoors. The best waterproof hiking pant will not only be good for hiking but for day-to-day wear as well. While selecting the pants, make sure that you know the style you want and the purpose they should serve you.
While exploring the best waterproof hiking pants, don’t overlook the importance of water hiking shoes for keeping your protect your feet on rocky river beds dry and hiking backpacks for women for comfortably carrying all your essentials on the trail.
Also, always consider factors such as comfort, fabric, and durability because these will determine whether you get the best product for your needs. Though waterproof hiking pants are not always necessary, it does not hurt to own a pair!
FAQs
Absolutely. They’re essential for keeping you dry and comfortable in wet conditions, ensuring the weather never dampens your spirits.
Modern waterproof pants are designed with breathability in mind, allowing moisture to escape while keeping you dry from external wetness.
Simple: follow the care instructions on the label, usually involving a gentle wash and air dry to maintain waterproofing qualities.
Need More Advice on Footwear and Gear?
- How to Choose Warm Winter Hiking Pants for Men
- Guide to Men’s Hiking Pants and How to Choose
- Top Rated Hiking Pants Plus Size for Men
- Best Hiking Pants for Women for All Figures and Budget
- Camping Games for Kids: Fun and Thrills in the Great Outdoors
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Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API