Best Waterproof Hiking Pants of 2026: Top 10 Rain Pants for the Trail
Ten currently sold waterproof/rain hiking pants compared on published fabric, price and features, from a $33 budget rain suit to a $300 GORE-TEX shell.
How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages and specifications. We did not buy, borrow or test any of these pants, and nothing here is a lab result, a review score, or a sponsored placement. Prices are shown only where we saw them on an official brand page and can change at any time. All links in this guide go straight to the brand's official page and earn nothing today; there is no Amazon affiliate relationship in this guide.
This guide rounds up ten waterproof hiking (rain) pants that were confirmed for sale on manufacturer sites at the time of research, spanning ultra-budget emergency shells, everyday commuter rain pants, and premium 3-layer GORE-TEX designs. Every pair here is a real, named product with a working product page; nothing has been invented, and prices and specs are quoted only where a brand publishes them. Most models in this space are sold in separate men's and women's versions, and both are listed where the brand offers them.
Waterproof hiking pants vary widely in construction, from simple 2-layer non-woven fabrics to 2.5-layer laminates and full 3-layer or GORE-TEX shells, and this guide reports only what each brand states about its own fabric and technology on its own product page. It does not run independent waterproofness or breathability tests, or compare one brand's fabric claims against another's beyond what's published.
None of these pants has been tested by Guidevio. This is desk research built from manufacturer product pages. Considerations, pros and cons reflect what brands themselves publish, plus general category knowledge about tradeoffs like layer count versus breathability and weight — not a scored or awarded verdict from Guidevio.
Who this guide is for
- Hikers who want a reliable, affordable rain layer for occasional wet-weather trips
- Backpackers who want a lightweight, packable pair for their kit without excess weight
- Day hikers who want breathable, stretch-friendly pants for active use in variable weather
- Anyone who wants a premium 3-layer or GORE-TEX shell built for sustained wet, cold conditions
- Shoppers comparing published fabric, layer count and price before buying
How we chose
- Only pants with a live, working page on a manufacturer's site at the time of research were included
- Every URL cited in the underlying research was checked rather than assumed from a search snippet
- Prices and fabric details are quoted only where a brand states them
- The list spans budget, midrange and premium pants rather than ranking purely by price
- No pair in this guide has been tested or worn by Guidevio; descriptions are drawn from published product information
- Where a brand sells men's and women's versions under different model names, both names and URLs are called out
Top 10 at a glance
Specifications as published by the manufacturer or the listing we consulted. Scroll sideways on a small screen.
| Pick | Best for | Fabric | On/off design | Price | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit | Hikers who want the lowest-cost waterproof layer for occasional or emergency use | Non-woven breathable fabric | Elastic waist, wide cuff openings | $32.99 (2-piece suit, Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 2. Trailmade Rain Pants | Hikers who want a reliable step-up from a rain suit without paying premium prices | Not published | Not published | $69.95 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 3. Rainier Rain Pants | Hikers who want a well-rounded, sealed-seam rain pant that goes on easily over boots | 2.5-layer REI Peak recycled ripstop nylon | Full-length outseam zips | $99.95 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 4. Antora Rain Pants | Commuters and everyday hikers who want a relaxed-fit rain pant for regular use | DryVent 2-layer recycled polyester | Lower-leg zips | $120.00 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 5. PreCip Eco Pants | Eco-conscious hikers who want a PFC-free lightweight rain pant | NanoPro Eco recycled nylon, PFC-free | Ankle side zips with snap tabs | $120.00 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 6. Hazy Trail II / Storm Surge II Rain Pants | Hikers who want a stretchy, breathable waterproof pant for active movement | Omni-Tech 2.5-layer stretch shell | Bottom leg zips | $99.00 (Men's Hazy Trail II); $70.00 (Women's Storm Surge II) | Visit |
| 7. Downpour Waterproof Pants | Backpackers who want a lightweight, packable rain pant for their kit | Not published | Knee-length YKK zips with storm guard | $110.00 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 8. Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants | Hikers who want a durable 3-layer shell built without intentionally added PFAS | 3-layer H2No Performance Standard | Cuff-to-thigh two-way side zips | $139.00 (Men's, Regular inseam 32½"); Women's price unconfirmed on the live US page — see current price at Patagonia | Visit |
| 9. Helium UL Pant | Ultralight backpackers and trail runners who want minimal packed weight | Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer | Not published | $170.00 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
| 10. Beta Pant | Hikers and climbers who want a premium GORE-TEX shell for sustained wet, cold conditions | GORE-TEX ePE membrane, PFAS-free | ¾-length side zips | $300.00 (Men's and Women's) | Visit |
The ten picks in detail
Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit
Frogg Toggs
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageUltra-Lite2 Rain Suit
The lowest price in this guide for a full waterproof rain suit, certified to ASTM F1670/F1670M-17a
Best-selling, no-frills 2-piece waterproof/wind-resistant rain suit (jacket + pants) made from Frogg Toggs' breathable non-woven fabric, with an elastic waist and wide cuff openings, plus a stuff sack.
Why it is on this list: It's the best-selling budget rain suit in this category, with a published ASTM waterproof certification at a price far below every other pick here.
Key features
- Frogg Toggs non-woven breathable fabric, net weight 12.8 oz
- Elastic waist with wide cuff openings
- Includes stuff sack
- ASTM F1670/F1670M-17a certified
- Fabric: Frogg Toggs non-woven breathable fabric
- Weight: 12.8 oz (suit)
- Certification: ASTM F1670/F1670M-17a
- Pros
- Very low price at $32.99 for the full 2-piece suit, as published by Frogg Toggs
- Certified to ASTM F1670/F1670M-17a, per Frogg Toggs
- Includes a stuff sack for packing
- Cons
- Non-woven fabric construction is less durable than laminated hiking-specific fabrics
- Sold as a jacket-and-pants suit rather than pants alone
- Elastic waist only, with no adjustable belt or zip options mentioned
Before you buy: This is a budget non-woven fabric rather than a laminated hiking-specific shell, so durability and long-term breathability are tradeoffs versus pricier picks on this list.
Trailmade Rain Pants
REI Co-op
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageTrailmade Rain Pants
REI's entry-level waterproof hiking pant at a moderate price point
REI's entry-level waterproof hiking pant, positioned below the Rainier line in REI's own rain-pants lineup.
Why it is on this list: It's REI's own value-tier rain pant, sold in both Men's and Women's versions at a price below REI's step-up Rainier line.
Key features
- Entry-level position in REI's rain-pants lineup
- Sold in Men's and Women's versions
- Fabric: Not published
- Pros
- Lower price than REI's own Rainier pants at $69.95, per REI
- Sold in both Men's and Women's versions
- From REI's in-house Co-op line with a standard REI return policy
- Cons
- REI positions this as its entry-level pant, below the Rainier in its own lineup
- REI's public product page did not publish detailed fabric or layer-count specs at time of research
- Fewer published features than pricier picks on this list
Before you buy: REI's page did not publish detailed fabric specs at time of research; confirm current fabric and feature details on REI's site before buying.
Rainier Rain Pants
REI Co-op
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageRainier Rain Pants
Full-length outseam zips and a sealed-seam 2.5-layer recycled ripstop shell
Full-zip pull-on pants made with REI's Peak 2.5-layer recycled ripstop nylon shell, sealed seams, and articulated knees; full-length outseam zips let you put them on over boots.
Why it is on this list: It combines a sealed-seam recycled-nylon shell, articulated knees, and full-length boot-friendly zips at a moderate price, making it REI's best all-around rain pant.
Key features
- Recycled ripstop nylon, 2.5-layer REI Peak waterproof/breathable laminate
- Sealed seams
- Articulated knees
- Full-length outseam zips
- Fabric: Recycled ripstop nylon, 2.5-layer REI Peak laminate
- Inseam: 31.5" (Men's)
- Weight: 12.6 oz (Men's)
- Pros
- Full-length outseam zips let you put them on over boots without removing footwear
- 2.5-layer REI Peak recycled ripstop nylon shell with sealed seams, per REI
- Articulated knees for a better fit while hiking
- Cons
- Priced higher than REI's own Trailmade pants at $99.95
- 2.5-layer construction is generally less breathable than 3-layer shells
- Women's version listed via a general category page rather than a single dedicated product URL
Before you buy: Inseam is 31.5" and weight is 12.6 oz per REI's Men's spec; confirm Women's sizing and weight directly with REI.
Antora Rain Pants
The North Face
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageAntora Rain Pants
Relaxed-fit DryVent 2-layer shell with a non-PFC DWR finish and lower-leg zips
Relaxed-fit rain pants using DryVent 2-layer waterproof/breathable shell with a non-PFC DWR finish, adjustable elastic waist, articulated knees, and lower-leg zips for on/off over boots.
Why it is on this list: It's The North Face's everyday rain pant with a published non-PFC DWR finish and relaxed fit, making it a comfortable commuter-friendly option.
Key features
- 75D 128 g/m² DryVent 2-layer, 100% recycled polyester ripstop
- Non-PFC DWR finish
- Adjustable elastic waist
- Articulated knees
- Lower-leg zips
- Fabric: 75D 128 g/m² DryVent 2L, 100% recycled polyester ripstop
- Inseam: 31" Regular
- Pros
- Non-PFC DWR finish, per The North Face
- Relaxed fit with adjustable elastic waist
- Lower-leg zips for putting pants on and off over boots
- Cons
- 2-layer DryVent construction is less breathable than 2.5- or 3-layer shells
- At $120, it's priced above several simpler picks on this list
- Only lower-leg (not full-length) zips, unlike the REI Rainier
Before you buy: Inseam is 31" Regular per The North Face's Women's spec page; confirm sizing for your fit before buying.
PreCip Eco Pants
Marmot
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pagePreCip Eco Pants
PFC-free NanoPro Eco fabric with fully seam-taped construction
Lightweight waterproof pants using Marmot's NanoPro Eco fabric (PFC-free DWR, recycled nylon ripstop), 100% seam-taped, with ankle side zips and snap tabs for easy on/off.
Why it is on this list: It's Marmot's lightweight, fully seam-taped rain pant built with a PFC-free DWR finish, appealing to hikers who prioritize that chemistry.
Key features
- Marmot NanoPro Eco recycled nylon ripstop
- PFC-free DWR finish
- 100% seam-taped
- Ankle side zips with snap tabs
- Fabric: Marmot NanoPro Eco recycled nylon ripstop, PFC-free DWR
- Pros
- PFC-free DWR finish on recycled nylon ripstop, per Marmot
- 100% seam-taped construction
- Ankle side zips with snap tabs for easy on/off
- Cons
- Marmot's page for this model is a category page rather than a single dedicated product URL for each gender
- Ankle-only zips (not full-length) may be harder to fit over larger boots
- No exact weight published in the research
Before you buy: Marmot's listing used in research is a category page rather than a single product URL; confirm the exact Men's or Women's product page and current price on marmot.com before buying.
Hazy Trail II / Storm Surge II Rain Pants
Columbia
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageHazy Trail II / Storm Surge II Rain Pants
Omni-Tech 2.5-layer stretch shell built for breathable, active movement on trail
Waterproof-breathable hiking pants built with Columbia's Omni-Tech fully seam-sealed construction, bottom leg zips for on/off over shoes, and a drawcord-adjustable waist.
Why it is on this list: Its stretch fabric and Omni-Tech seam-sealed construction make it the most movement-friendly pick in this guide for active hiking.
Key features
- 100% polyester 2.5-layer stretch shell with fine-mesh polyester lining (Men's)
- Omni-Tech fully seam-sealed construction
- Bottom leg zips
- Drawcord-adjustable waist
- Fabric (Men's): 100% polyester 2.5-layer stretch shell with fine-mesh polyester lining
- Pros
- 2.5-layer stretch shell (Men's Hazy Trail II) for easier movement on trail, per Columbia
- Omni-Tech fully seam-sealed waterproof-breathable construction
- Bottom leg zips for on/off over shoes
- Cons
- Men's and Women's versions are sold under different names (Hazy Trail II vs. Storm Surge II) and different prices
- Women's Storm Surge II fabric details were not published in the research
- At $99 (Men's), pricing sits mid-pack for this category
Before you buy: Men's and Women's models carry different names and prices; confirm you're ordering the correct version and current price for your size on columbia.com.
Downpour Waterproof Pants
Rab
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageDownpour Waterproof Pants
A packable design with knee-length storm-guard zips for backpacking use
Waterproof, packable hiking pants with knee-length YKK zip side openings (with storm guard) and a fully elasticated, drawcord-adjustable waist.
Why it is on this list: Its packable construction and storm-guard side zips make it a strong lightweight option for backpackers who prioritize pack weight.
Key features
- Packable design
- Knee-length YKK zip side openings with storm guard
- Fully elasticated, drawcord-adjustable waist
- Fabric: Not published
- Pros
- Packable design suited to backpacking, per Rab
- Knee-length YKK zip side openings with storm guard
- Fully elasticated, drawcord-adjustable waist
- Cons
- Rab's research source did not publish detailed fabric or layer-count specs
- Knee-length (not full-length) zips may not fit as easily over larger boots
- No exact weight published in the research
Before you buy: Detailed fabric and weight specs were not published in the research; confirm current fabric details directly on rab.equipment before buying.
Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
Patagonia
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageTorrentshell 3L Rain Pants
A 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell made without intentionally added PFAS
3-layer H2No Performance Standard waterproof/breathable shell pants made without intentionally added PFAS, with cuff-to-thigh two-way side zips for pull-on over boots; sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
Why it is on this list: Its 3-layer construction and PFAS-conscious fabric make it the most durable, environmentally considered shell below the premium GORE-TEX pick on this list.
Key features
- 3-layer H2No Performance Standard waterproof/breathable shell
- Made without intentionally added PFAS
- Cuff-to-thigh two-way side zips
- Sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory
- Fabric: 3-layer H2No Performance Standard, PFAS-free
- Inseam (Men's Regular): 32½"
- Pros
- 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell, more durable than the 2- and 2.5-layer picks on this list
- Made without intentionally added PFAS, per Patagonia
- Cuff-to-thigh two-way side zips for easy pull-on over boots
- Sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory
- Cons
- The Men's regular US-site price was corroborated via Patagonia's MX site rather than confirmed live on the US page at time of research; treat as unconfirmed pending direct US-site verification
- Women's version price was not confirmed on the live US page at time of research
- At $139, it's priced above most other picks except the Outdoor Research and Arc'teryx models
Before you buy: The Men's US regular price was corroborated via Patagonia's MX site because the US product page did not fully render at time of research; confirm the current US price directly on patagonia.com before buying. Women's pricing was not confirmed.
Helium UL Pant
Outdoor Research
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageHelium UL Pant
Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer fabric built for ultralight hiking, trail running and travel
Ultralight, breathable rain pants built with Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer waterproof fabric and fully seam-taped construction, aimed at hiking, trail running, and travel.
Why it is on this list: Its Dermizax 2.75-layer fabric and ultralight positioning make it the lightest-focused pick on this list short of the emergency-use budget suit.
Key features
- Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer waterproof/breathable fabric
- Fully seam-taped construction
- Positioned for hiking, trail running, and travel
- Fabric: Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer waterproof/breathable
- Pros
- Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer waterproof/breathable fabric, per Outdoor Research
- Fully seam-taped construction
- Positioned for hiking, trail running and travel, suggesting a lighter overall build
- Cons
- At $170, it's the second most expensive pick on this list
- Exact weight in ounces/grams was not published in the research
- Ultralight fabrics generally trade off some durability versus heavier shells
Before you buy: Exact weight was not published in the research; confirm current weight and fit specs directly on outdoorresearch.com before buying.
Beta Pant
Arc'teryx
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageBeta Pant
A PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE shell with an embedded RECCO reflector, built for hiking and climbing
Lightweight, layerable GORE-TEX shell pant built for hiking and climbing in wet conditions, with a PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane, WaterTight zippers, and ¾-length side zips for ventilation and layering.
Why it is on this list: It's the most premium, technically specified shell in this guide, with a published PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane and RECCO reflector for backcountry safety.
Key features
- GORE-TEX ePE membrane, PFAS-free, FC0 DWR finish
- Embedded RECCO reflector
- WaterTight zippers
- ¾-length side zips for ventilation and layering
- Fabric: GORE-TEX ePE membrane, PFAS-free, FC0 DWR finish
- Safety feature: Embedded RECCO reflector
- Pros
- PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane, per Arc'teryx
- WaterTight zippers and ¾-length side zips for ventilation and layering
- Embedded RECCO reflector
- Cons
- Most expensive pick in this guide at $300.00
- Premium price places it well above every other pick here
- Exact fabric weight/denier was not published in the research
Before you buy: At $300, this is a premium price point; confirm current pricing and sizing directly on arcteryx.com before buying.
Who should choose what
You want the lowest-cost waterproof layer for occasional or emergency use
Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit
You want a step up from a rain suit without paying premium prices
Trailmade Rain Pants
You want a well-rounded rain pant that goes on easily over boots
Rainier Rain Pants
You want a relaxed-fit pant for everyday or commuter use
Antora Rain Pants
You want a PFC-free lightweight rain pant
PreCip Eco Pants
You want a stretchy, breathable pant for active movement
Hazy Trail II / Storm Surge II Rain Pants
You want a lightweight, packable pant for backpacking
Downpour Waterproof Pants
You want a durable 3-layer shell made without intentionally added PFAS
Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
You want the lightest possible pant for ultralight backpacking or trail running
Helium UL Pant
You want a premium GORE-TEX shell for sustained wet, cold conditions
Beta Pant
Common questions
- What's the difference between 2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer waterproof pants?
- These terms describe how many fabric layers are laminated together: 2-layer shells (like The North Face Antora) pair an outer fabric with a membrane and a separate liner; 2.5-layer shells (like the REI Rainier and Columbia Hazy Trail II) add a thin protective coating instead of a full liner, saving weight; 3-layer shells (like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and Arc'teryx Beta Pant) bond a liner directly to the membrane for more durability. This guide reports only what each brand publishes about its own construction.
- Which pants on this list are the cheapest?
- The Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit is the least expensive at $32.99 for a full 2-piece jacket-and-pants suit, followed by the REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Pants at $69.95 and the Columbia Storm Surge II (Women's) at $70.00.
- Which pants are best for putting on over hiking boots?
- The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants use full-length outseam zips designed to go on over boots without removing footwear, while the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L uses cuff-to-thigh two-way side zips for a similar purpose, per each brand's product page.
- Are any of these pants made without PFAS or PFC chemicals?
- Patagonia states its Torrentshell 3L is made without intentionally added PFAS, Marmot's PreCip Eco uses a PFC-free DWR finish, The North Face's Antora uses a non-PFC DWR finish, and Arc'teryx's Beta Pant uses a PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane with an FC0 DWR finish, per each brand's own product page.
- Is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L price confirmed?
- The Men's Torrentshell 3L price ($139.00) was corroborated via Patagonia's MX site showing the same style number and USD-equivalent pricing, because the US product page did not fully render at time of research; treat it as unconfirmed pending direct US-site verification. The Women's version's price was not confirmed at all.
- Which pants are marketed as the most lightweight or packable?
- The Outdoor Research Helium UL Pant is built with ultralight Toray Dermizax 2.75-layer fabric aimed at hiking, trail running and travel, and the Rab Downpour Waterproof Pants are described by Rab as a packable design, per each brand's product page.
Sources consulted
Official product pages, specification sheets and retailer listings used to compile this guide.
- Frogg Toggs: Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit (Men's) — https://www.froggtoggs.com/products/the-frogg-toggsr-ultra-lite2tm-4749
- Frogg Toggs: Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit (Women's) — https://www.froggtoggs.com/products/women-s-ultra-lite2-suit
- REI Co-op: Trailmade Rain Pants (Men's) — https://www.rei.com/product/217481/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-pants-mens
- REI Co-op: Trailmade Rain Pants (Women's) — https://www.rei.com/product/217439/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-pants-womens
- REI Co-op: Rainier Rain Pants (Men's) — https://www.rei.com/product/227731/rei-co-op-rainier-rain-pants-mens
- REI Co-op: Rainier Rain Pants (Women's category) — https://www.rei.com/b/rei-co-op/c/womens-rain-pants
- The North Face: Antora Rain Pants (Men's) — https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/mens/mens-bottoms/mens-pants-224219/mens-antora-rain-pants-NF0A7UKP
- The North Face: Antora Rain Pants (Women's) — https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-rainwear-299273/womens-antora-rain-pants-NF0A8BKE
- Marmot: PreCip Eco Pants (Women's category) — https://www.marmot.com/c/marmot-women-bottoms-rainwear
- Marmot: PreCip Eco Pants (Men's category) — https://www.marmot.com/c/marmot-men-bottoms-rainwear
- Columbia: Hazy Trail II Rain Pants (Men's) — https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-hazy-trail-ii-rain-pants-2089381.html
- Columbia: Storm Surge II Pants (Women's) — https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-storm-surge-ii-pants-2087001.html
- Rab: Downpour Waterproof Pants (Men's) — https://rab.equipment/us/mens-downpour-waterproof-pants
- Rab: Downpour Waterproof Pants (Women's) — https://rab.equipment/us/womens-downpour-waterproof-pants
- Patagonia: Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants (Men's) — https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-torrentshell-3-layer-rain-pants-regular/85266.html
- Patagonia: Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants (Women's) — https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-torrentshell-3-layer-rain-pants-regular/85281.html
- Outdoor Research: Helium UL Pant (Men's) — https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/mens-helium-ul-pant-322685
- Outdoor Research: Helium UL Pant (Women's) — https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/womens-helium-ul-pant-322687
- Arc'teryx: Beta Pant (Men's) — https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/beta-pant-0391
- Arc'teryx: Beta Pant (Women's) — https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/beta-pant-9468
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