![9 Finest Ultralight Rain Pants [2025]](https://i1.wp.com/bikehikesafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Rain-Pants-1.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1017&ssl=1 "9 Finest Ultralight Rain Pants [2025]")
This can be a gear evaluate of the Finest Mountaineering Rain Pants for 2025.
I’m an enormous fan of carrying and utilizing waterproof rain pants when out on the path. Through the 1000’s of miles of climbing I’ve carried out in my life, they all the time discover a method into my backpack. When mixed with an Ultralight Rain Jacket or perhaps a Backpacking Umbrella you may be protected and dry within the backcountry.
Beneath I’ve reviewed one of the best waterproof pants of 2025, they’re all both unisex or out there in girls’s rain pants sizing and males’s rain pants sizing.
How We Examined
All of the Mountaineering Rain Pants on this evaluate have been extensively evaluated and researched by the professional writer who has a few years of expertise in Through-Mountaineering, Backpacking, and Mountaineering. A few of the Rain Pants had been bought by the writer and a few had been provided by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the writer in every kind of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the writer have mixed to give you one of the best rain pants for climbing and backpacking 2025. Learn the Evaluate Coverage for additional particulars.
Observe alongside on Social Media
Finest Light-weight Waterproof Rain Pants for Backpacking 2025
Here’s a listing of all one of the best light-weight waterproof rain pants for backpacking in 2025:
Extra Rain Pants to Take into account:
Finest Rain Pants – Total
Outside Analysis Helium
Weight: 11.3oz / 320 grams
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Packs into it’s personal again pocket
> Cheap Worth
Cons:
> Zippers should not lengthy sufficient – making it arduous to get into and out of
> Restricted air flow
> Somewhat on the heavy facet
The low weight and packability of the Outside Analysis Helium rain pants make them perfect for actions like climbing and backpacking, the place holding bulk to a minimal is so vital.
I’ve been utilizing and testing the Outside Analysis Helium ultralight rain pants for thru-hiking many lengthy trails during the last couple of years. They’ve served me effectively, and I really like their light-weight and compact measurement for inexpensive ultralight rain pants.
The skinny materials of the Outside Analysis Helium pants doesn’t make it any much less robust, however I’d not wish to take these waterproof pants bushwacking by areas with sharp sticks and branches.
The small ankle zippers make the pants ultralight, however make them more durable to placed on with out eradicating your sneakers.
Total, the Outside Analysis Helium pants are among the finest rain pants for backpacking and thru-hiking.
Finest Ultralight Rain Pants
Zpacks Vertice
Weight: 2.5oz / 70g
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Small pack measurement
> Giant leg match
Cons:
> No Pockets
> Not as sturdy as different pants on this listing
If you happen to’re in search of pants which are as gentle as doable, then the Zpacks Vertice pants are an ideal possibility.
After I examined these rain pants, I used to be impressed by how extremely gentle they had been. In addition they had extra-wide legs, which implies you’ve gotten elevated airflow as you stroll. Whereas they don’t have zippers, it’s simple sufficient to get into and out of those pants without having to take your sneakers or boots off. There are a few snap lock buttons that hold the underside of the leg closed whereas utilizing these waterproof pants.
As talked about above, the Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants are very skinny, which sacrifices a little bit of sturdiness. So greatest that you simply use them on trails moderately than bashing your method by unmarked trails. The burden of the pants ranges from 2.5oz to three.3oz, relying on what measurement you might be. And so they pack up very small. They’re so small you may pack them contained in the pocket of the Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket or another rain jacket when not in use.
Total, if you wish to hold your backpacking gear as light-weight as doable, you may’t go mistaken with Zpacks Vertice pants. These are my favourite rain pants for marked trails and one of the best waterproof rain pants for backpacking and climbing. If you’re thru-hiking, then get a pair of those.
Finest Full Zip Rain Pants
Arc’Teryx Beta Waterproof Pants
Weight: 11.6oz / 329 grams
Execs:
> Very waterproof.
> Very sturdy materials.
> Can be utilized as ski pants, mountaineering pants, or snowshoeing pants.
> Nice full size zip.
Cons:
> Not Low-cost
> Somewhat heavier than another pants
The Arc’teryx Beta waterproof pants are a severe pair of pants greatest suited to somebody spending plenty of time within the backcountry or who desires their rain pants to double as a pair of non-insulated ski pants.
The Arc’teryx Beta is made with Gore-Tex could be very waterproof. And includes a lengthy full-length waterproof zip, which isn’t solely practical however can be utilized for venting warmth when wanted.
These waterproof pants is likely to be probably the most practical and most waterproof pants on this evaluate, however they’re additionally the heaviest and most costly.
Total, the Arc’teryx Beta is a severe pair of rain pants. They’re the best high quality and greatest for individuals who spend plenty of break day marked trails within the backcountry and take their time in nature very significantly. If you happen to solely spend your time on marked trails, then these can be overkill for you.
Most Eco Pleasant Rain Pants
Marmot Precip Eco
Weight: 8.3oz / 235g
Execs:
> 2 Good Hand Pockets and a Again Pocket
> Full-Size Zips – Good for venting warmth
> Good dishevelled match with room for layers
Cons:
> Doesn’t pack into itself
Made with 100% recycled materials, the Marmot Precip Eco Pants are safe and sturdy, due to the twin slider zip on each legs secured by velcro straps on the waist and metallic snaps on the ankles. For further safety, they are often locked down for final rain safety or opened large on scorching days for some aid from the warmth.
Marmot Precip Eco Pants makes use of NanoPro waterproofing in lots of its clothes gadgets, and whereas it is probably not as efficient as Gore-Tex, Pertex, or eVent, it nonetheless performs effectively. The ‘Eco’ within the identify refers to its environmentally pleasant building, so whenever you purchase these pants, you recognize you’re serving to the planet!
The elastic waistband will stretch to suit effectively, whereas the velcro at your hips secures the zipper and makes positive the pants match round your waist. The waterproof pants have an off-the-cuff dishevelled match, which provides you loads of room for layers.
The total two-way zippers assist you to open the pants from hip to foot, making them much more breathable when you could vent a few of the warmth build-up. The pants have two zippered hand pockets and a zippered again pocket that’s simple to entry.
Total, the Marmot Precip Eco Pants are barely heavier than a few of the different waterproof pants on this gear evaluate, however their environmentally pleasant heritage makes them an ideal alternative.
Finest Stretch Rain Pants
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic
Weight: 10oz / 283g
Execs:
> Snug
> Quiet
> Constructed-in Belt (males)
> Full-Size Zip
> Compact – Packs into personal pocket
Cons:
> A bit Heavy
> Common Pockets
Consolation is vital with breathable rain pants, which makes the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic a sensible choice. The tender, stretchy material shouldn’t be solely simple to maneuver in but additionally quiet to maneuver round in.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic pants even have full-length zippers for air flow, which additionally makes them simple to placed on or take off. The tender, stretchy material permits for relaxed, unrestricted motion.
Regardless of its compact design and good air flow, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than ultralight pants. They do pack up fairly small into their pocket for storage, however I’d have favored to see higher pockets, and solely the lads’s pants have a built-in belt.
Total, I just like the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic. The quiet stretch materials is nice, and I believe we’ll begin to see many extra gear corporations making high quality rain pants from materials like this sooner or later.
Finest Light-weight Rain Pants
Montbell Versalite
Weight: 3.2oz / 91g
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Small Pack Measurement
Cons:
> No Aspect Zips – Tough to placed on and take off with out eradicating your sneakers
> No Pockets
> Restricted Air flow
An excellent minimalist possibility, Montbell Versalite pants are extremely light-weight and pack down extremely small, making them good for thru-hiking and backpacking.
Whereas the fabric isn’t as sturdy as some others, they’re nonetheless breathable regardless of having no zippers for air flow.
The small zippers make the waterproof pants ultralight, however make them more durable to placed on with out eradicating your sneakers.
Total, these are among the finest ultralight rain pants for thru-hiking, however they lack the sturdiness for use off marked trails.
Most Sturdy Rain Pants
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Weight: 11.8oz / 335g
Execs:
> Sturdy
> Lengthy Zips make them simple to get on and off
> Good Pockets and packs into its personal pocket
Cons:
> Heavy
> Giant pack measurement
Reasonably priced, sturdy, and solidly made, the thicker material utilized in Patagonia Torrentshell 3L makes it extra protecting towards brush and heavy rain than different ultralight pants.
In addition they characteristic handy pockets the place you may retailer your keys or pockets. These are notably fitted to front-country use. Their thick material protects towards heavy rain.
If you need light-weight rain pants for the backcountry the place the paths finish and the bushwacking begins, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is price contemplating. These supply good safety and are simple to tackle and off.
The pockets are good and work higher than most on this gear evaluate.
Total, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L are nice light-weight rain pants however not like different rain pants they’re bulkier and the fabric is a bit stiff. Purchase these in order for you stable rain pants which are sturdy and waterproof.
Extra Rain Pants to Take into account
Outside Analysis Foray 3L
Weight: 13.6 oz / 385 grams
Execs:
> Light-weight.
> Sturdy waterproof materials.
> Good 3/4 size Zip.
Cons:
> Like most different light-weight rain pants they don’t seem to be so sturdy for backcountry use.
The Outside Analysis Foray 3L rain pants are like the large brother of the Helium Pants besides they aren’t a lot stronger.
The pants use high-quality and light-weight 3-layer recycled nylon material that’s not solely very waterproof however permits the pants to pack right down to a small measurement into the again packet.
The Outside Analysis Foray has a great waterproof 3/4 zip which not solely works effectively to assist you to placed on and take off the pants without having to take away your boots, however additionally they work effectively at venting warmth when wanted. Not all pant zips are in a position to do that.
Total, the Outside Analysis Foray 3L pants are good high quality light-weight Rain Pants.
Marmot Minimalist
Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 grams
Execs:
> Good hand pockets.
> Very waterproof Gore-Tex Packlite material.
> Light-weight.
Cons:
> Not a lot availability in the mean time.
The Marmot Minimalist rain pants are an attention-grabbing pair of pants. They nearly bridge the hole between rain pants and climbing pants.
The Marmot Minimalist has options often solely present in climbing pants similar to facet hand pockets, a zipped fly, and articulated knees for elevated vary of motion. These useful options work in favor of the consumer.
The Gore-Tex Paclite is a light-weight 2-layer material that does an excellent job and holding you dry and providing an above-average stage of breathability. The ankle zip is nice sufficient that you simply don’t must take off your boots when utilizing these pants.
Total, the Marmot Minimalist is an effective pair of practical rain pants for somebody wanting pants which have options just like regular climbing pants.
Different Waterproof Pants to Take into account
Listed below are another pants that aren’t on the listing however worthy of consideration:
- REI Co-Op Important rain pants: The REI Co-Op Important rain pants are a price range light-weight possibility.
- REI Co-Op Rainier Full Zip pants: The REI Co-Op Rainier Full Zip pants are a full characteristic full-length zip possibility that also comes at a great worth.
Rain Pants Comparability Desk
Air flow
You possibly can by no means have an excessive amount of airflow, or not less than, the choice of getting extra airflow. Zippers alongside the perimeters of rain gear imply you may let extra warmth out in case you get too heat. However they arrive at the price of weight and sturdiness. Zips are a weak level on one of the best rain pants, simply as they’re on a rain jacket.
Nonetheless, some ultralight rain pants zippers (particularly these with a roomier match) breathe nearly as effectively with pants that includes zips as a result of they’re usually fabricated from thinner supplies.
Condensation
When carrying a pair of rain pants on a chilly, wet day, condensation could type on the within material. When individuals see this, they could assume the rain pants are defective, however your rain pants are doing their job.
If you happen to really feel wetness forming inside your pants, don’t panic. So long as you’re carrying acceptable wicking layers beneath, it’ll probably evaporate with physique warmth, and so long as you retain shifting, it’s best to keep dry and cozy.
However to be as comfy as doable when backpacking, be sure to take care of your rain gear, similar to airing it out at evening. You must also keep away from bushwhacking, which is a assured method of ripping holes in your pants and your rain jacket.
Nonetheless, it have to be famous that no climbing gear will ever be actually 100% waterproof. If you happen to spend all day in torrential rain, then the gear will develop into moist sooner or later.
It’s good to know this to keep away from disappointment in case your rain pants do get moist on a very moist, depressing day.
An important factor is that your rain pants hold you dry for so long as doable, however all the time take into account that there’s a restrict to simply how dry they’ll hold you.
Attempt to hold the water beading on the surface of the rain pants by treating them with a top quality DWR. Whereas all of the rain pants on this evaluate have them utilized within the manufacturing unit, they’ll put on off over time and have to be retreated.
Layers
The variety of layers a pair of rain pants has will decide how waterproof and breathable they’re. It’s extra widespread to seek out 2-layer and they’re often probably the most inexpensive.
They’re usually designed with a Sturdy Water Repellent-coated (DWR) outer shell and a breathable liner that’s often made with mesh.
In the meantime, 2.5-layer pants are usually the lightest and made with the identical DWR outer shell. The within layer is fabricated from a skinny polyurethane laminate or coating that’s designed to stop sweat and dust from clogging up the breathable pores of the pants from the within.
A 3-layer rain pant is the simplest. They’ve the whole lot 2-layer and a pair of.5-layer pants have, similar to a DWR-coated outer shell, a breathable and waterproof midlayer, after which a polyurethane lining of the innermost layer. However they’re additionally heavier.
Professional Tip: Sporting climbing pants to mattress in your sleeping bag (provided that they’re clear and dry) provides an additional layer of insulation. They work a lot better than you suppose. Strive it and also you is likely to be amazed how a lot hotter you may be.
Weight and Packability
Good packability and a lightweight carrying weight is so vital on the subject of rain pants. Layering could be difficult to get a grasp of whenever you first begin climbing, and also you be taught from expertise.
After some time, you’ll have it down pat, however you might be not sure what to take with you at first, or when you could add or take away a layer. Your rain gear is your outer layer, a defend defending you from the weather.
Rain gear will often be in your pack plenty of the time, solely busted out whenever you want it.
Subsequently, your rain pants can’t be heavy or cumbersome and have to be simple to hold round whenever you’re not carrying them. They need to be simple to wrap up and tuck away into your pack.
Most rain pants match this invoice and are packable and light-weight by default. Nonetheless, some will probably be higher and lighter than others. Light-weight, minimalist pants are sometimes all of the safety you want from gentle rain and wind.
Consolation
Mountaineering gear has developed to the purpose the place you not should accept plasticky supplies, pants that limit your actions, or uncomfortable waistbands that dig into you.
There are many nice rain pants which are designed with motion, consolation, and hip-belt compatibility in thoughts. All the gadgets within the gear evaluate are suitable with being worn excessive of climbing pants.
Sturdiness
Whereas ultralight rain pants are nice whenever you wish to cut back the quantity of weight you’re carrying round, the materials do put on out faster. If you happen to’re venturing out into extreme climate or robust terrain, you might wish to spend money on a thicker pair of professional quality rain pants.
Zippers or Snap Lock Buttons
Whereas I touched on zippers when speaking about air flow, let’s speak about their different operate: the elimination of the pants.
Rain pants which have full-length zippers supply probably the most airflow and are the best to placed on and take off whereas holding your sneakers on. However zippers do add bulk and weight. Over the previous couple of years, each set of rain pants that has greater than 100 days of use has damaged the zips. So bear in mind that the zips are in a really excessive put on space and repeatedly lined in mud and sweat that may prematurely put on them out.
An alternative choice for the light-weight rain pants is a snap lock button or cinch twine which opens the underside of the legs to make it simpler to placed on with out having to take away your sneakers. I’ve used snap lock buttons and but to have any points however like all issues which are uncovered to a excessive diploma of damage they too may even fail in time.
Worth
An excellent pair of waterproof pants in all fairness priced in comparison with many different gadgets of outside clothes. Lots of the backpacking waterproof pants on this listing are priced between $100 to $200, with the high-end rain pants coming in at nearly $500. You’d solely spend that amount of cash in case you lived in a moist space and went to the backcountry A LOT.
Conclusion
Here’s a listing of all one of the best backpacking rain pants in 2025:
Extra Rain Pants to Take into account:
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
When Ought to I Put My Rain Pants On?
As a result of rain pants retain physique warmth, you’ll in all probability sweat and get them moist from the within in case you put them on too quickly. So long as you’re carrying artificial clothes, it’s alright in case you get just a little moist earlier than you get into your rain pants.
If you happen to hold shifting you’ll heat up rapidly and the layers beneath will begin to attempt.
However whenever you’re climbing in dewy mornings when the vegetation is moist, it might be a good suggestion to place your rain pants on immediately. The power to decorate for climbing comes with expertise.
Whereas taking off your sneakers to get into rain pants generally is a ache, there are sit pads you may stand on to keep away from getting your ft moist. It additionally protects the bottom of your pants whenever you sit right down to take away your sneakers.
Are There Options To Rain Pants?
Sure, in case you don’t wish to put on rain pants, rain skirts and rain kilts have gotten fashionable various to carrying rain pants. They’re simpler to tackle and off than rain pants, have nice airflow, and are sometimes lighter. Nonetheless, they don’t lure physique warmth in addition to rain pants, don’t block the wind as effectively, or shield your decrease legs. They will additionally get caught on brush simply when climbing on overgrown trails.
How Ought to Rain Pants Match?
Similar to another pants, it’s best to all the time evaluate your measurement earlier than shopping for rain pants so that you’re getting the right match.
Whilst you need the waist to suit effectively, the pants themselves ought to be a bit unfastened to permit for air circulation. It’s additionally vital to remember you may be carrying climbing boots together with your rain pants.
These boots are often cumbersome, so you could be certain your rain pants will match over them.
Whereas they need to be a bit lose, they should match comfortably over your regular gear. As elasticated waists are actually widespread on rain pants, they need to sit comfortable however not too tightly in your waist.
Observe alongside on Social Media
BikeHikeSafari Gear Evaluate Course of
The writer, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and outside gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari shouldn’t be half of a giant weblog community and is proudly impartial. All opinions on this web site are impartial and trustworthy gear opinions of outside merchandise by the writer.
The writer, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an out of doors retail retailer and could be very skilled in what’s vital when utilizing and testing gear for opinions like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for opinions and they don’t settle for sponsored opinions on this web site. All of the feedback in regards to the gear opinions are from the writer based mostly on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial evaluate was useful for you.
