Gear on test - Waterproof trousers and accessories
Our gear testers, Jen and Sim Benson, test waterproof trousers for spring showers, helping you find the perfect waterproofs for your rambles
If your experience of waterproof trousers is rustling fabric, pinching elastic and a baggy, unflattering fit, it’s time to take another look. The latest designs are quiet, comfortable and even stylish. Our experts have been braving the British weather to find the best rainproof trousers and accessories to keep you dry during spring downpours.
Offering essential protection from cold, rain, wind and mud, waterproof trousers are a useful addition to any walking wardrobe. But they’re often overlooked, perhaps because they used to be fairly unpleasant to wear: noisy fabric, a baggy cut with uncomfortably tight elasticated hems, and a fit that failed to actually fit most people. But with progress in fabrics and technologies, waterproof trousers are no longer a necessary evil. In fact, some of those we tested feel so much like a good pair of normal walking trousers it’s easy to forget they’re waterproof – until the rain starts and they come into their own.
As with jackets, choose waterproof trousers based on how and when you’ll use them. For regular winter walks and work use, a tougher, and therefore slightly heavier, fabric is ideal. If you’ll mostly be carrying them in a pack, or unrestricted movement is an important consideration, go for a lighter weight, more packable style.
Women's picks
Berghaus Deluge 2.0 Pants
RRP: £75 l Size range: UK 8-20, 29in, 31in or 33in length. 335g (Size 10)
These good-value over-trousers over protective waterproofing via a tough, two-layer fabric with a mesh drop-liner for comfort and breathability. There’s adjustment at the waist, reflective details and a full-length peppered zip for easy access and variable venting. They’re a bit rustly, but the fit andmovement are great – ideal for everyday wet-weather wear.
Montane Minimus NanoPull-Over Waterproof Trousers
RRP: £95 l Unisex size range: XS–XXL. 100g (Size S)
Made from Aqua Pro Lite polyester fabric, these ultra-lightweight trousers pack down to the size of an orange. Designed for mountain running, they’re articulated for freedom of movement, with reflective details and ¼ zips for easy on/off over shoes. Perfect for fastpacking, racing, or to stow in a pack for an emergency layer of warmth and protection.
Rab Downpour Eco Waterproof Pants
RRP: £100 l Size range: UK 6-18, short, regular or long length. 195g (Size 10)
Revolve fabric, these 100% polyester trousers are both recycled and fully recyclable. The durable, quality-feel fabric is pleasantly soft and quiet – ideal for all-day wear – with adjustment cords at the waist and ankles. Kneelength zips allow easy on/off over boots and, with a popper at the ankle, double as vents.
Available at Cotswold Outdoor
Paramo Velez Adventure Trousers
RRP: £180 l Size range: UK 8-18, short, regular or long length. 430g (Size 10)
Designed as an all-day alternative to waterproof over-trousers and made with Paramo’s Nikwax Analogy directional fabric, these are quiet, comfortable, hardwearing and easy to repair – well-suited to people working or walking outdoors in cooler weather. An articulated cut offers excellent freedom of movement. Features include zipped hand-warmer pockets and side vents, plus a belt and Velcro ankle cuffs.
Jack Wolfskin Rainy Days 3L Pants
RRP: £200 l Size range: XS–XL. 340g (Size S)
Made from a durable, rustle-free, three-layer Texapore Ecosphere Pro, 100% recycled fabric, these lightweight, packable trousers offer excellent protection in the toughest conditions. The relaxed fit and articulated cut allow for layering and full freedom of movement, with an adjustable hem for a customisation and two handy hip pockets. Full-length zips enable easy access and variable venting.
Klättermusen Asynja Pants
RRP: £249 l Size range: XXS-XL. 300g (Size S)
These good-looking trousers are comfortable enough to wear all day, while also being light and packable for carrying. Klättermusen’s soft, quiet yet durable Cutan fabric has fully taped seams, offering excellent protection from rain, wind and mud. Features include a zipped rear pocket, refl ective details, long zips for ventilation and easy on/off over boots, plus adjustable ankle cuffs.
Men's picks
Highlander Typhoon Waterproof Overtrousers
RRP: £59.99 l Size range: Size range: S–XXXL. 515g (Size M)
Highlander’s polyester Ab-Tex three-layer fabric feels built to handle years of use. The cut is relaxed, they comfortably fit over walking trousers and have two-way full-length side zips for easy on/off over boots. The 5,000mm HH rating is fairly low, but in use they’ve stayed waterproof. Overall, they’re tough and protective, a little bulky and heavy, but great value.
Ayacucho Mountain Waterproof Trousers
RRP: £70 l Size range: S–XXL. 305g (Size M)
Light enough to carry in a pack and protective enough for all-day wear when the worst weather rolls in, these good-value trousers offer everything most walkers will need. The 2.5-layer fabric is a mix of recycled nylon and polyamide, treated with a PFC-free Tefl on Eco Elite DWR. They feature ¾-length, two-way side zips for easy on/off, plus vents and zipped hand pockets.
Available at Cotswold Outdoor
Craghoppers Indus Waterproof Cargo Trousers
RRP: £85 l Size range: 30in–42in waist. 395g (Size M)
Designed to be worn all day as waterproof walking trousers, rather than as an extra protective layer, these have a regular fit and two big cargo pockets, plus three zipped pockets and an adjustable cuff. The recycled polyester fabric has some stretch and doesn’t rustle. Good value, comfortable and protective for all-day wear, but not so good as packable over-trousers.
Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell Outdoor Pants
RRP: £120 l Size range: S–XXL. 205g (Size M)
The lightest pair of men’s over-trousers on test, these have a slim cut while still fitting comfortably over walking trousers. There’s a handy zipped thigh pocket, and ¼-length leg zips allow for easy on/off over shoes (but not boots). The durable, 2.5-layer nylon fabric is rustle-free during use. Bluesign-approved, meaning no harmful chemicals and minimal environmental impact.
Sprayway Nakuru Rainpant
RRP: £140 l Size range: S–XXL, short, regular or long length. 375g (Size M)
Ideal for long days in bad weather, these trousers have a durable and protective two-layer Gore-Tex construction and a mesh lining for a more comfortable feel and better breathability. Easy to put on and take off over boots, thanks to the ¾-length side zips. They also feature adjustment at the cuff and waist. Made to Fair Wear Foundation standards.
Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Pants
RRP: £200 l Size range: XS–XXL. 270g (Size M)
Lightweight, protective and made from NetPlus discarded fishing nets, these comfortable, protective and durable trousers are perfect all-rounders. The cut fits well over walking trousers, while also being ideal for running or cycling. Patagonia’s three-layer H2No fabric is highly waterproof, while well-considered features include generous ¾-length side zips, popper adjustment and a zipped thigh pocket. Fairtrade certified.
Gear on test - Leaders of the pack
The right rucksack can be the difference between an enjoyable hike and an uncomfortable endurance test.
Gear on Test – Hello sunshine
Don’t let sunburn or skin damage spoil your adventures this summer. Our experts recommend the best clothing, accessories and equipment to keep you sun-safe from head to toe.
Gear on test - layer up
March winds, April showers, surprising sunshine or late snow – whatever the springtime weather, a good layering system lets you ramble comfortably in all conditions. Check out our experts’ layering best buys from budget, mid-price and premium ranges.