Reviews You Can Rely On

The 5 Best Rain Pants for Women of 2023

We tested women's rain pants from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and more to find the best for our next adventure
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Best Rain Pants for Women of 2023
Tromping around in the soggy PNW temperate rainforest, one of our favorite activities, wearing the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain pants.
Credit: Caitlin Ames
By Lyra Pierotti ⋅ Review Editor
Thursday November 10, 2022
Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more

For this update, our soggy weather testers researched over 30 pairs of the best rain pants for women. We then purchased the top 9 you see here. We love wet weather and brought each pair on a variety of adventures. We compared each model's performance, using our extensive side-by-side testing process. With professional guides on our testing team, our ladies geared up for ice climbs, backcountry ski adventures, and backpacking adventures in the Pacific Northwest. When the weather warranted it, we took a stroll to our local farmers' market to test out their around-the-town usability. While our field testing is thorough, we also evaluate each pair objectively, wearing it in the shower and evaluating relative construction and durability. If you're looking for a solid recommendation, you've come to the right place.

Searching for other types of pants? Let our best pants review help you select a top-ranking option for your chosen activity. We've taken the best women's rain jackets for a spin, choosing our favorites, as well as our favorite umbrellas for keeping dry. Our reviews also cover our favorite women's rain boots and the best rain boots for men so you can stay dry head to toe.

Editor's Note: We updated this article on November 10, 2022 with information on updates to our Editors' Choice Award winner from Arc'teryx.

Related: Best Rain Pants for Men

Top 9 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 9
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Awards Editors' Choice Award  Best Buy Award   
Price $275 List
$164.99 at Evo
$63.96 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$80 List$103.96 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$90 List
Overall Score
72
61
64
59
56
Star Rating
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Pros Full length side zippers, durable, versatileInexpensive, lightweight, compactInexpensive, comfortable, durableLightweight, affordableStylish, soft, stretchy
Cons Expensive, awkward without front fly closureClammy feel inside, less versatileHeavy, less breathable, less versatileLess durable, clammy feelingHeavy, bulky
Bottom Line Comfortable, durable, and lightweight, these just might be the only shell pant you’ll ever needAn excellent update to a longtime favorite for the priceComfortable, soft, and supple, they are ideal for hiking in the rainA lightweight pair of rain pants for warmer weatherA city savvy model that will fit over most pants layers
Rating Categories Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant Marmot PreCip Eco Pant The North Face Vent... Outdoor Research He... REI Co-op Taluspher...
Water Resistance (25%)
9.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Comfort and Mobility (20%)
6.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
4.0
Breathability and Venting (20%)
7.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
Weight (15%) Sort Icon
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
Packed Size (10%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Features (5%)
8.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Durability (5%)
7.0
5.0
7.0
4.0
7.0
Specs Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant Marmot PreCip Eco Pant The North Face Vent... Outdoor Research He... REI Co-op Taluspher...
Measured Weight 12 oz 8 oz 6.5 oz 6 oz 9 oz
Waterproof Material N40r Gore-Tex with Paclite technology NanoPro Eco DryVent Pertex Shield membrane REI Elements waterproof breathable laminate
Face Fabric and Layer Construction 150D nylon plain weave, 2 layer 100% Recycled Nylon Ripstop 100% nylon ripstop, 40D and 70D DryVent 30D nylon ripstop, 2.5 layer Polyester, 2.5 layer
Pockets None 2 zippered hand 2 zippered hand 1 rear stow 2 zippered hand
Side Zip Length 1/3 length, unzips to below knee Ankle 1/2 zip Ankle Ankle
Put On Over Hiking or Mountaineering Boots Mountaineering Hiking Hiking Low top hiking/casual Hiking
Inseam Length, Size Small 32 30 31 30 32
Stows Into Pocket No No No Yes Yes
Clippable loop No No No Yes No
Waist Band Style Elastic waist + internal drawcord Elastic waist + internal drawcord Elastic waist + internal drawcord Elastic waist + internal drawcord Waist drawcord + elastic back


Best Overall Women's Model


Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant - Women's


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Water Resistance 9.0
  • Comfort and Mobility 6.0
  • Breathability and Venting 7.0
  • Weight 6.0
  • Packed Size 7.0
  • Features 8.0
  • Durability 7.0
Pockets: 0 | Side zips: Full zip
REASONS TO BUY
Full side zips
Versatile
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Higher price
No fly zipper
Product Update Note — November 2022
Arc'teryx replaced the Beta SL pant with the Beta Pant. The updated pant has a 3L Gore-Tex shell and a Gore C-Knit backing for comfort and improved breathability. We're linking to the updated pant.
Arc'teryx granted our shell pant wishes with the Beta SL pants. For our reviewers, this pant is a dream come true. Finally, one we can take everywhere (okay, except for a Denali expedition). This pair is light and breathable enough for milder climates. It features full side zips complete with a subtle crampon patch, making them durable enough for alpine climbing, winter hiking, and mountaineering. We are thrilled at the performance to price ratio, should you need a "do anything" pair.

This pant has a small learning curve with the lack of a front fly zipper. Instead, it uses two side zippers to slide them off and on. While this takes a moment to figure out, there is an amusing upside to this learning curve; they make a drop-seat for 'emergencies' in the backcountry. With unique features and excellent performance, we can't help but wholeheartedly recommend this fantastic pair of rain pants.

Read more: Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant review

Best Bang for the Buck


The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip - Women's


64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Water Resistance 7.0
  • Comfort and Mobility 6.0
  • Breathability and Venting 6.0
  • Weight 6.0
  • Packed Size 7.0
  • Features 6.0
  • Durability 7.0
Pockets: 2 hand | Side zips: 1/2, unzips to knee
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Affordable
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Clammy feel inside
Not full side zips

The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip offer an excellent value with a superior level of performance and great price. Using a lightweight material, they are easy to pack and comfortable. If you seek a pant that'll keep you dry for most adventures and will pack into a smaller package, this thinner, high-value pant is a great option to consider.

The Venture pants are very simple and streamlined to be lightweight, meaning that there are no extra features. The waist cinches tighter with a short string, reminiscent of a small shoelace, and the cuffs close tightly around the ankles with Velcro. This is our recommendation for any lightweight adventure where a package and high-value solution is needed.

Read more: The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip review

Best for Variable Climates


Outdoor Research Aspire Pant - Women's


66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Water Resistance 7.0
  • Comfort and Mobility 6.0
  • Breathability and Venting 8.0
  • Weight 5.0
  • Packed Size 7.0
  • Features 6.0
  • Durability 5.0
Pockets: 1 rear stow | Side zips: 2/3 length, unzips to upper thigh
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Versatile
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Higher price
Not full side zips

Outdoor Research knows rain. Born in the Pacific Northwest, the Aspire Pant is an impeccable blend of waterproof/breathable fabric and is ideal for venting on humid days. As a bonus, it is lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear and carry. It is versatile enough to take on a wide variety of adventures and durable enough to withstand use. In the Northwest, there is a saying: If you don't like the weather, wait 20 minutes. Here, the weather changes on a whim, and this pant is designed to keep you comfortable when it's hot or cold and windy. Designed with zips, it vents well and can be taken off in a breeze. You can even take it off without pulling your boots off.

While we can't help but gush about this pant, there are just a couple of downsides. First is the higher relative price. The second is the partial zips on the sides that don't allow you to completely unzip the pant leg for full ventilation. If you're willing to shell out a few more bucks to get a versatile and high-quality pant, you'll be pleased with this one, and we recommend it for changing weather.

Read more: Outdoor Research Aspire Pant review

Best for Simplicity and Versatility


Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant - Women's


71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Water Resistance 9.0
  • Comfort and Mobility 7.0
  • Breathability and Venting 7.0
  • Weight 5.0
  • Packed Size 6.0
  • Features 7.0
  • Durability 7.0
Pockets: 0 | Side zips: 2/3, to mid-thigh
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Comfortable
Easy to move in
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier
Fewer features

Over the years, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L has received some updates. With an upgrade to the materials, this pant is comfortable and durable. The face fabric feels soft on the skin, unlike other pants made of 2.5 layers. With enhanced durability, this pant is incredibly versatile. It has a great sticker price and impeccable value. Indeed, this shell can be used for any adventure, including up high mountains with its thicker and more water "proof" design.

With fewer features and a heavier material, this is not a fast and light pant. However, it performs well as a standard shell for any adventure. We'd recommend it to any lady seeking a high-quality but simple shell that doesn't come with a high relative price or a myriad of features.

Read more: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L review

Best for Cycling


Showers Pass Transit - Women's


66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Water Resistance 9.0
  • Comfort and Mobility 6.0
  • Breathability and Venting 5.0
  • Weight 4.0
  • Packed Size 6.0
  • Features 9.0
  • Durability 9.0
Pockets: None | Side zips: 1/3 length, unzips to below the knee
REASONS TO BUY
Velcro strips to secure lower leg material
Durable
Reflective strips for cycling
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited versatility
Only 1/3 length side zippers

Showers Pass is a cycling clothing company based in Portland, Oregon—in the heart of the Pacific Northwet. As such, the Transit pant is impeccably optimized for bike commuting in cool, wet climates. It features a Velcro cinching system that quickly and easily gathers your pant material at the lower leg, so it doesn't get caught as you're pedaling. This design still allows you to don the pants easily and quickly by expanding and then unzipping 1/3 of the leg length; this also ensures the pants can easily be pulled over your casual or cycling shoes.

The Transit pant, complete with reflective trim, is designed for cycling and has some features that may not be useful for other wet weather activities. It does not have any pockets or vents, which could be a pro or a con; however, the sturdy 3-layer waterproof fabric and simple design ensure it will be useful if cycling is your primary outdoor pursuit, and it'll still be quite handy if you try another wet weather activity.

Read more: Showers Pass Transit Pants review

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
72
Arc'teryx Beta SL Pant - Women's
arc'teryx beta sl pant for women rain pants review
$275
Editors' Choice Award
71
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant - Women's
patagonia torrentshell 3l pant for women rain pants review
$129
Top Pick Award
66
Showers Pass Transit - Women's
showers pass transit for women rain pants review
$135
Top Pick Award
66
Outdoor Research Aspire Pant - Women's
outdoor research aspire pant for women rain pants review
$180
Top Pick Award
64
The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip - Women's
the north face venture 2 half zip for women rain pants review
$80
Best Buy Award
61
Marmot PreCip Eco Pant - Women's
marmot precip eco pant for women rain pants review
$80
59
Outdoor Research Helium Pant - Women's
outdoor research helium pant for women rain pants review
$130
56
REI Co-op Talusphere Pant - Women's
rei co-op talusphere pant for women rain pants review
$90
56
Marmot Minimalist Pant - Women's
marmot minimalist pant for women rain pants review
$165

rain pants womens - we buy all the gear we test, and push its limits in the real world.
We buy all the gear we test, and push its limits in the real world.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Why You Should Trust Us


This review began with thorough online research, as we scoured the Internet for the best models we could find. We then purchased the most promising models for our rigorous field testing phase. Our team first established key performance metrics to compare and contrast the pants; then, we set out on a progressively structured testing strategy. We tested them in casual settings, as well as hiking, cycling, ice climbing, and mountaineering. We conducted field tests in the notoriously temperamental winters of the Pacific Northwet, a prime location for a broad range of wicked weather.

Our women's rain pants testing is divided across five different metrics:
  • Water Resistance (25% of overall score weighting)
  • Comfort and Mobility (20% weighting)
  • Breathability and Venting (20% weighting)
  • Weight (15% weighting)
  • Packed Size (10% weighting)
  • Features (5% weighting)
  • Durability (5% weighting)

To test this gear category, we enlisted the help of Rock Guide and Pacific Northwest guide Lyra Pierotti, who knows the ins and outs of both daily life in wet climates and high-stakes climbing situations, like the backs of her hands. Lyra is an AIARE avalanche instructor and AMGA Rock Guide, and her expertise makes this review a valuable resource for finding the right pair for you, whether casual or technical.

The tapered legs on the Helium pants offer greater mobility.
The tapered legs on the Helium pants offer greater mobility.
Our top award winning pair of rain pants, the OR Aspire, are...
Our top award winning pair of rain pants, the OR Aspire, are versatile and easily fit over our mountaineering boots.

Analysis and Test Results


We love to get out and explore throughout the year. When you live in a place where rain loves to trundle from the skies in heaping downpours, a solid rain pant (among other things) is what'll keep you outside, even when the weather deteriorates. To assess each, we look at key metrics to evaluate and compare each product. Here, we outline key differences and similarities to help you find the best rain pant for your needs.


Value


Though we don't include it in our scoring, we understand that value is significant. As such, we highlight the models that present themselves as high value and ensure that you, the reader, are aware of wallet-friendly deals. We've included various budget or high-value models, such as The North Face Venture Half Zip 2, Marmot Precip Eco, and REI Talusphere. All are in similar price ranges but have different features and best uses.

rain pants womens - the north face venture rain pants popped on the scene this year as...
The North Face Venture rain pants popped on the scene this year as an impressive deal for a very lightweight and durable pair of rain pants.
Credit: Caitlin Ames

Water Resistance


Water resistance is, for obvious reasons, the first metric we test and by far the most important. Really, this should mean that all rain pants get a perfect score for water resistance, but this is not the case. The main way pants can fail in this category is through design flaws; when you introduce holes, like pockets, vents, and side zippers, this is an opportunity for water to find its way through the pants.


Different manufacturers tackle this challenge differently: either with waterproof zippers or with flaps over the zippers. Waterproof zippers are great, but can sometimes feel a bit sticky or stiff when you zip and unzip them.

rain pants womens - adventuring off trail in wet conditions.
Adventuring off trail in wet conditions.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Other manufacturers use flaps to cover the zippers. This is not our favorite design because they can fold or flap open, and little droplets or streams of water coursing down your jacket can wend their way into the zipper and leak. This may not be a lot of water, but it could be enough to damage your phone that's hiding inside.

rain pants womens - rain on snow? no big deal in the arc&#039;teryx beta sl pants! these...
Rain on snow? No big deal in the Arc'teryx Beta SL pants! These shell pants are up for the challenge with the unique 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

We fell in love with the Arc'teryx Beta SL pants. These had full-length waterproof zippers and are made of excellent Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, reliably waterproof and impressively light and breathable. They excelled in the weatherproof metric because they are easy to get on in a hurry with the full side zips, no matter if you have shoes, boots, crampons, or skis on your feet. The weather doesn't care what footwear you're wearing when it comes crashing down on you.

rain pants womens - cloudy skies ahead? no worries, ride on when you&#039;re wearing the...
Cloudy skies ahead? No worries, ride on when you're wearing the Transit pants!
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

The most ingenious use of a zipper flap was in the OR Helium. Outdoor Research used zipper flaps only on the back pocket; that way, gravity matters. Water falling will just run right over it, rather than potentially running into the zipper flap (as it could on side hand zipper pockets which are aligned more vertically). There are some differences between the waterproofness of different fabrics. In this review, we tested two-layer Gore-Tex technology, as well as 2.5 layer rain pants, and three-layer fabrics. These distinctions have to do with how the waterproof material is layered with other fabric technologies, which affect the feel, durability, weight, and breathability. For all practical purposes (and most normal rainstorms), we did not notice a remarkable difference in the abilities of the different materials to keep water out; rather, that difference emerged in other metrics below.

rain pants womens - with the update to 3 layer shell material, the patagonia...
With the update to 3 layer shell material, the Patagonia Torrentshell pants are burlier than ever.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

In general, however, thicker fabrics are burlier and more suitable for severe weather and harsher environments. Typically, three-layer shell pants are considered "hardshells" for the burl factor and durability. In this review, we liked the addition of 3 layer fabric to the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, making it more durable and more comfortable at the same time.

Comfort and Mobility


Our second most important metric is comfort and mobility. In this category, we assess each pair of pants' range of motion and how easy it is to move around in them. Are they comfortable to walk in? All of the models could handle walking and easy hiking, at least. But what about more complex movements, like climbing? We took the pants out and moved over scrambling terrain and even went ice climbing in them.


Some pants are designed for walking, while others have been optimized for complex movement patterns. The Showers Pass Transit rain pants are optimized for cycling, so the articulated knee, relaxed fit, and cinching lower leg feature (using Velcro, brilliant) ensure your pedaling is unencumbered.

Fortunately, Arc'teryx also makes a full zip pant that avoids ever having to take your footwear off. For the more technically inclined, we like the spectacular Arc'teryx Beta SL. They don't feel as much like regular pants, but they are well worth the short learning curve in how to use them best.

rain pants womens - stoked to be sealed up in an unseasonably warm snowstorm wearing the...
Stoked to be sealed up in an unseasonably warm snowstorm wearing the Beta SL shell pants. Great for snow, rain, and slush, and breathable for those uncomfortably warm winter days.
Credit: Brigit Anderson

We also considered the range of activities the pants would allow you to do. On the one hand, ease of movement is excellent. As such, the Outdoor Research Helium pants were terrific, even when we picked up the pace and started running. However, they were limited in the terrain they could handle (too light for all-mountain use), so they didn't score top marks.

rain pants womens - hauling wood on a rainy day, one of many activities for the or aspire!
Hauling wood on a rainy day, one of many activities for the OR Aspire!
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Pants that only handle hiking and walking got the lowest scores in this category; however, many have other redeeming attributes. The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip have a very nice, soft feel; they're also comfortable and flattering, easy to slip on and off over hiking shoes, and have an athletic cut. These pants are thicker and less breathable than some in our fleet, but will certainly hold up to hiking. Pants that restrict high-stepping and bigger movements, such as steep hiking or scrambling, did not score as well overall in this metric but may have other comfortable attributes.

Breathability and Venting


With water resistance hitting the upper limit of quality and performance among most modern shell fabrics, it is the peripheral qualities of the materials that help to set some brands and models apart from the rest. In particular, breathability is a critical and valuable assessment — and one that has proven much harder to master than water resistance.


It's relatively easy to keep water molecules out, but if a fabric doesn't breathe, you're liable to get wet from within; this is a terrible irony. And it means that the moment you pick up the pace, especially if you're exercising in a warm, humid climate, you're going to sweat. At that point, you might want to take the jacket off and rinse the sweat off by standing in the rain! It's a terrible irony for a waterproof material to make you get wet from the inside.

That's not the full extent of the problems we encounter in this assessment metric. Breathability depends upon pressure differentials. It's an osmosis thing. That means that for water vapor (sweat) to get pushed out of the jacket, it must move to a lower concentration area. In humid, mild climates, this can give even the least sweaty lady issues while hiking in the rain.

The Pacific Northwest is a great place to test the breathability of rainwear because the temperatures are relatively mild, and the air is moderately humid. When it is raining, it's even more humid, making it easy to find the limit of a garment's breathability. This is when venting becomes infinitely valuable. Our testers in the Sierra Nevada won't encounter this problem, and we didn't have any issues in the cold, dry winters in Montana. The dry air helps suck the moisture through the membrane of the pants.

rain pants womens - we love the venting/zipper design on the or aspire pants. with the...
We love the venting/zipper design on the OR Aspire pants. With the simple addition of another zipper pull at the top of the side zippers, you get an excellent thigh vent.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

This phenomenon is displayed well by Outdoor Research, born and bred in the Pacific Northwest. The Outdoor Research Aspire pants have well-placed vents and use highly breathable two-layer Gore-Tex.

The full-length side zippers of the Arc'teryx Beta SL are designed to make them easier to put on and take off when you're wearing big boots or crampons; you don't have to step into them to get them on over what you're wearing, but they also serve as vents. They can be unzipped from the top, leaving the hook-and-loop closure in place to hold the pants up around your waist. These pants feature an excellent, versatile design from the outdoor industry's get-what-you-pay-for leader, Arc'teryx.

Similar to the OR Aspire, we loved the clever, dual-purpose side zippers on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain pants. They unzip to the knee, making them easy to put on and take off--but they have another zipper that unzips from the knee so you can ventilate using the same zipper system. Brilliant!

rain pants womens - dual purpose, dual-direction zippers; great for on/off and...
Dual purpose, dual-direction zippers; great for on/off and ventilation. Shown here is the Torrentshell.
Credit: Caitlin Ames

Weight


Now we're getting serious in our metrics. With our weight assessments, this is where we start to get nitpicky. The first three metrics are minimum requirements: water resistance, comfort, and breathability. But now we are getting into the details that can set one pair of rain pants apart from the rest, should weight be a concern to you. The main question we sought to answer in this metric is, Would we want to carry these pants in our backpack if we didn't think we would need them? That, in our experience, is the hardest call to make.


This category does not tell a full picture but contributes to the big picture very efficiently. An ultralight pair of rain pants might have to make some compromises to its feature set, or it might be less comfortable. All of these things will shake out in our complete assessment. So, for this metric, we stuck strictly to the measured weight of each pair of pants and ordered size smalls. There is often no standard for reporting weights in the garment industry, so sometimes, you can't be sure whether or not the reported weight is for a size small or medium. In this review, you can rest assured that we're comparing apples to apples.

rain pants womens - the arc&#039;teryx beta sl are the lightest full zip shell pants we&#039;ve...
The Arc'teryx Beta SL are the lightest full zip shell pants we've ever tested.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

For the lightest pants in this review, check out the OR Helium pants. These have gotten heavier in the latest model update, and due to the mounting competition, have been surpassed by our far more durable (and affordable) best value winner, The North Face Venture Half Zip 2. If you want a fully-featured shell pant, don't be dissuaded by the seemingly heavier weight of the Arc'teryx Beta SL. You get a whole lot more pants with a few extra ounces, and they're the lightest we've found for the versatility that they offer.

Packed Size


The amount of room rain pants take up in your pack is another important consideration when answering the same question as in the weight category above. Again, this has to do with how willing we are to take up valuable space in our backpack for an item we're 75% sure we won't use, given the forecast for the upcoming weekend. Do we need those rain pants? They were dead weight last time…


Weight and packed size combine similar assessment characteristics to account for 25% of our scores when added together. Given that space in a backpacking or climbing pack is a hot commodity, this is not surprising. Furthermore, it is much easier to justify carrying a rain shell or hardshell jacket, but when we start to think about pants, many hikers and climbers rely on the fast-drying properties of their hiking and softshell pants. That makes weight and packed size even more critical for rain pants than shell jackets.

rain pants womens - the north face venture pants stow in the left hand pocket.
The North Face Venture pants stow in the left hand pocket.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Some rain pants pack into their pocket. Typically, we like jackets to stuff into a pocket so we can clip it to something, like a harness to take on a climb. However, changing pants while on a multi-pitch rock climb is challenging, so we are not as excited about pants packing into their pocket. While it is handy for compressible items like down jackets to stuff into a pocket to keep them compressed, rain pants are not particularly compressible.

rain pants womens - the helium&#039;s packed volume was super compact. the helium tucks away...
The Helium's packed volume was super compact. The Helium tucks away into a reversible pocket that did a good of compressing the pant without being a pain to stuff away. It is shown here next to a 1L Nalgene for size reference.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

That said, if you're into stowing your rain pants in their pocket, the OR Helium pants stuffed easily into their back pocket. They made for a small and neat package that we could easily throw into any bag. This stow pocket may also protect the lighter-weight fabric from snagging or catching on the other contents of your backpack when packing or unpacking.

Features


This category is a catch-all for any special features the previous categories may have missed. The most popular "extra" feature this year is the ability to stuff the pants into a pocket and reveal a loop that you can clip to something. This is a feature we love in jackets; it means if we get slammed by a thunder or snow storm while several pitches up, we can throw on this jacket for warmth or protection and start our descent.


Pants, however, are another matter. We're not going to throw on a pair of rain pants over our harness while dangling from a hanging belay; we're just going to motor ourselves down and put them on in a sheltered or flat area for the hike out. When we're caught out in a storm, our shoulders and upper body tend to take the brunt of the moisture first. It's when we're hiking through thick, rain-dampened brush or post-holing through deep snow that we find we need waterproof pants.

However, we understand that rain pants suffer significantly from dirt, grime, sweat, oils, etc., so being able to stow the pants in a way that helps keep them clean can be a great idea. And if you're out for a week and your pants get soaked from hiking through the rain, then it stops, and you take them off, you can bundle them up and prevent them from getting everything else in your backpack wet. You could even clip the pants to the outside of your pack to make sure they're not dripping on anything; this also makes them accessible if the storm kicks back up again.

The highest score in features often resulted from the full set of features featured in the pants. Our favorite, the Arc'teryx Beta SL, earned top scores, as the feature set ensured a highly versatile pair of shell pants, making them an excellent value. We carefully considered what story each pair of pants was trying to tell: is it a fast and light machine? A rugged movement artist?

The Marmot PreCip Eco pants are made of more environmentally friendly fabrics; they're super affordable and versatile, with a useful range of features. Another top choice is the Showers Pass Transit, with Velcro straps to secure the material of the lower leg. This was one of our favorite features in the review, and it's a creative, simple, and clean solution to wet weather pedaling.

rain pants womens - the brilliant lower leg design on the showers pass transit pants...
The brilliant lower leg design on the Showers Pass Transit pants allow you to cinch the material close with Velcro, and you can still unzip them to slip them on or off over your shoes.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Durability


Realistically, many rain pants go for a ride in our backpacks more often than we wear them. This makes us care a little more about weight and packed size rather than durability, that is, unless you plan to regularly hike in a torrential downpour.


But for most of us, since rain pants are less frequently used, we list durability as our last metric. And our primary concern for this metric is for safety; are these pants durable enough to do their job when you need them to? Normal wear and tear should show up more gradually, so we scanned each pair of pants for any red flag catastrophic durability issues. We found none.

rain pants womens - the showers pass transit rain pants are built to let you pedal for...
The Showers Pass Transit rain pants are built to let you pedal for days.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

After safety, we wanted to know we were getting our money's worth. If the pants are mountain-ready, are they really ready? Will they hold up against a brief encounter with a rock? Or a crampon point? Or are they paper-thin fast-and-light pants that tear when you so much as think about snagging them with your crampons? Alternatively, are these pants that could hold up to some serious wet-weather gardening, kneeling on wet grass and mud? There are two pairs of pants in this review that get bonus points for durability due to the use of 3 layer fabric are the Showers Pass Transit and the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, both of which we loved.

rain pants womens - quickly donning rain pants as the rain approaches!
Quickly donning rain pants as the rain approaches!
Credit: Caitlin Ames

Conclusion


While there are many different models to sift through, we hope that our intensive analysis of the best options out there has helped you narrow down, or even choose a pair for yourself. Whether you're a professional guiding in the rainy Northwest or a sun-seeking desert wanderer that wants a pair on-hand for the once-a-week downpour, there's a model that's perfect for your needs out there.

Lyra Pierotti

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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

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