The best rain pants that will actually keep you dry in 2025, tested by editors

CNN

12-05-2025

The best rain pants we tested
Best rain pants: Outdoor Research Foray 3L and Aspire 3L
Best budget rain pants: Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip Rain Pants When the weather gets rough, the best rain jacket will keep your torso dry, but what about your legs? If you're spending lots of time commuting or hiking in the rain, wet pants and legs can lead to a miserable experience, which is why a pair of the best rain pants is a critical piece of your outdoor gear kit.
To find a pair that's actually waterproof, easy to put on and won't fall apart after one storm, I tested seven pairs from brands like Outdoor Research, Marmot and others. After wearing them in the shower, on my Peloton bike and in a rare Colorado rain storm, these two are the best I found.
Best rain pants
Outdoor Research Men's Foray 3L Rain Pants
By far the best pair of rain pants I tested, the Foray pants fit well, are completely waterproof and are easy to put on, even while wearing hiking boots.
Outdoor Research Women's Aspire 3L Rain Pants
The women's version is the same as the men's except when it comes to the fit/cut, meaning you'll stay protected and comfortable in the worst storms.
Best budget rain pants
Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Full-Zip Rain Pants
Spending $200 on rain pants can be a lot, so if you don't need the best of the best, these Marmot pants are the pair for you.
Marmot Women's PreCip Eco Full-Zip Pants
A full zip means they're easy to put on and incredibly breathable, while still being decently waterproof and lightweight. Throughout my testing, the Outdoor Research Foray led the pack in every test. Made with a thick, three-layer construction, the Foray pants perform just how you want and need, so you can stay dry no matter the weather. They're perfectly waterproof, durable, easy to put on and breathable. If you're going to spend any extended time in the rain, these are the pants you need to buy.
It's a no-brainer that rain pants should be waterproof. But surprisingly, that was a hard mark to hit when I wore each of the pants I tested in the shower for five minutes. A shower dumps more water than your typical rainy day, so while it is an intense test, it does a good job at pushing fabrics, seams and zippers to their limits.
Most pants I tested had dampness or leaked from the shower test, but not the Outdoor Research Foray. I was completely dry when I stepped out of the shower, and zero water got through the zippers and seams. Even the tissue I put into the back pocket was bone-dry. While all the pants I tested are probably fine for short periods or during a light rain, if you want the water to stay out no matter the weather, you should get a pair of the Forays.
The waterproofness of rain pants doesn't just involve the fabric, though. In addition to keeping your legs dry, a good pair of rain pants should extend down to your boots to keep your ankles and feet dry too. The Foray pants were the perfect length for this and covered the top part of my waterproof boots so absolutely zero water could come in. The length wasn't too long, which meant I didn't have a ton of fabric bunched up around my ankles, but they were still long enough that the pant legs didn't expose my boots while walking, even when I took big steps up.
Because fit and length are so important to keeping your legs and feet dry, the Foray's and the Aspire's wide size ranges made them shine. The Foray, which is the version for men, is available from XS to XXL in regular, short and tall lengths. The Aspire, which are nearly identical to the Foray except are specifically designed for women, can be bought in sizes XXS to 4X in regular and short lengths. I found the Foray to fit loosely but still true to size. Since you typically wear shorts or pants underneath rain pants, I loved the loose fit, which kept me comfortable and allowed me full range of motion.
Beyond being perfectly waterproof, rain pants should be easy to put on while wearing hiking boots. If a rainstorm pulls in while you're on the trail, you don't want to waste time taking them off to put on rain pants. That's why Outdoor Research designed the Foray and Aspire with massive side zippers that run nearly the entire length of the pants. The zipper opened the pants to my mid-thigh, which created a huge opening that my boots slipped through easily. Plus, when pants have big openings like the Foray, there's a smaller chance of you rubbing and stretching the material when shoving your hiking boots through them. This is a big plus for longevity.
These massive zippers also mean that keeping cool is simple. The breathability of these pants was some of the best I tested, thanks to the enormous opening that dumps heat in seconds. Plus, the two-way zipper means you can create an opening as big or as small as you want while maintaining protection from the rain.
Even though I loved these pants, and they're the pair I'll reach for whenever I need to stay dry, they're probably not for everyone. The durable and waterproof fabric, while amazing, does make these the heaviest pants in my testing pool. The pair I tested, which were a size small and regular length, weighed 13.54 ounces. The next heaviest pair I tested was the Arc'teryx Beta Pants (again in a regular-length small) at 11.04 ounces. The Foray pants do, however, pack into themselves to form a package about the size of a toy football, but that still might be too big for backpackers and ultralight hikers.
Another big yellow light is the price. It's no joke to spend $200 on a pair of rain pants; however, if you plan on using rain pants for an extended period, you'll appreciate the performance and features of the Foray and Aspire.
The Outdoor Research Foray and Aspire are no doubt the best rain pants I tested. They're comfortable, durable, fit well and are actually waterproof. The enormous zipper means they're easy to put on and can regulate your temperature extremely well. If you need a pair of rain pants to perform, there's no question you should buy these.
Not everybody will want to spend $200 on rain pants, and that's more than understandable. For folks who need a pair to pack just in case or aren't planning on staying in the rain for too long, the Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip Pants are the perfect option.
Similar to the Outdoor Research Foray and Aspire, these Marmot pants feature a huge zipper that runs the entire length of the pants. Unlike the Outdoor Research pants, the Marmot PreCip Eco can be unzipped into two pieces. A couple of Velcro patches at the waist keep the front and back halves connected if you don't want them to separate once unzipped, but this big opening means these pants can easily be put on while wearing boots and have excellent breathability.
This big zipper is also why the Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip pants won the spot as my budget pick. All other options priced in the same ballpark had much smaller zippers that only opened up to the lower leg, and I had a hard time getting my hiking boots through them.
Besides the long zipper, these Marmot pants perform just well enough and have just the right features to make them the best budget pair. I wish the pant legs were a bit longer, as I had to pay attention to them more than the Foray to ensure my ankles and the top of my boots didn't start peeking out. I also wish the waist had better adjustability with something like a drawstring or bungee, as currently the pants only have two Velcro patches that can sort of act like an adjustment.
The Marmot pants also performed decently well in my shower test, and while they weren't perfect, they did well enough to survive the occasional rainstorm. After five minutes in my artificial downpour, I noticed some slight dampness on the thighs of my shorts. It wasn't a massive amount of water, but some moisture did seep in, which means they weren't as waterproof as the Outdoor Research Foray pants. This makes sense, as the Marmot pants use a 2.5-layer waterproof construction, which isn't as premium as the three-layer build found in the Foray.
While the Marmot's 2.5-layer design was a little less waterproof, it does mean the pants weigh significantly less than the Foray. I weighed them (size small, regular length) at 10.48 ounces, which is heavier than the ultralight options that weighed around 6 ounces but still significantly lighter than the Outdoor Research pair. The other downside of their 2.5-layer build, however, is their comfort. The Marmots have that clammy, sticky feeling that plagues rain jackets, while the Foray and Aspire have a much more comfortable feel.
While they might not keep you dry for hours on end, if you want a pair of budget rain pants that don't feel like a fight to put on, the Marmot PreCip Eco Full-Zip Rain Pants are the ones for you.
A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) I wore each of the seven rain pants in the men's versions and sizing several times to put them through their paces. Here are all the tests I conducted.
Performance
Waterproofness: I wore each pair of rain pants, ensuring all zippers were closed, and stood in the shower for five minutes. I turned around in circles and noted any wet spots once I got out. I also put tissues in each of the pockets to test if they were waterproof too.
Breathability: I rode on a stationary bike for 10 minutes while wearing each pair of pants with any venting zippers fully open. I judged how hot my legs got during and after the bike ride.
Ease of use: I put each pair of rain pants on while wearing big hiking boots, taking note of how difficult or easy it was. I also zipped and unzipped all zippers, fastened any adjustments and worked with each feature of the pants to test how easy they were to use.
Comfort: I put the pants on over shorts so I could feel the material against my skin. I judged how sticky, clammy or uncomfortable each pair felt.
Stretch and mobility: While wearing the pants, I performed multiple squats and stretches to find any tight spots. I also pulled on the fabric with my hands to judge their stretchiness.
Durability: I rubbed the leg of each pair of pants on the same patch of concrete 10 times, then noted any scuffs, holes or other damage.
Design
Packability: I packed down each pair of pants — into integrated stuff sacks if they had them — and scored them based on size.
Fit and adjustability: I wore each pair of pants and judged their fit and length against the others, noting if the pants felt big, small, long or short.
Weight: I weighed each pair of pants on a food scale.
Pockets: I counted and used all the pockets on each pair of pants. I also noted if the pockets were actually waterproof or not.
Sizing and colors: I researched and counted all available sizes and colors for each pair of pants.
Warranty: I researched the warranty of all the pants and ranked them against one another.
By partnering your favorite rain jacket with a sturdy pair of rain pants, you'll be able to stay completely dry in the worst weather. Rain pants might not always seem necessary, but if you're going to spend an extended amount of time in wet weather, or you need to keep your pants dry, they're critical.
First, consider how long you'll be in the rain when shopping for the best rain pants. If you need a pair for quick commutes or times you'll be spending an hour or less in the rain, you don't need to splurge on the best pants. A lighter, more packable pair that might not be as waterproof would do the trick. On the other hand, if you're working outside, camping, backpacking or just spending a long time in the rain, completely waterproof pants with all the best bells and whistles might be more attractive.
Waterproofness
The waterproof technology in rain pants works identically to what's found in rain jackets. You can read more about fabrics, waterproof membranes and how brands layer them in our rain jacket guide, but here's an overview.
The membranes used in rain pants are lightweight, waterproof, windproof and breathable. They work because they have tiny pores that are too small for water to get through but big enough for air vapor to escape. The most popular brand that makes these membranes is Gore-Tex, though many brands make their own versions as well.
When you see that a pair of rain pants is '3L' or '2.5L,' that's referring to the number of layers in the fabric. Pants with two or two and a half layers are typically cheaper, lighter and less durable because they don't have as many layers protecting the waterproof membrane. Three-layer pants, on the other hand, are the most durable and perform the best, but they typically come with a weight and price penalty, and aren't as soft or pliable.
Breathability
Another thing to consider with these waterproof membranes is breathability. While brands tout breathability, it can be difficult for the membrane alone to regulate temperature. Since humidity and outside temperature play a big part in how the hot air your body produces can escape rain jackets and pants, if it's too humid or hot outside, that vapor can become trapped inside your shells. That's why zippers that allow for ventilation are so crucial. Luckily, many rain pants have massive zippers that run the entire length of the pants for ultimate breathability.
Fit and design
Beyond their technical fabrics, certain design elements can make or break a pair of rain pants. Since they'll be worn over shorts or another pair of pants, they need to be loose-fitting and shouldn't restrict your movement. And since they have to fit so loosely, some sort of adjustment at the waist, like a drawstring or bungee, is super helpful.
When searching for rain pants for hiking, traveling, cycling, fishing or golfing, you'll also want to consider how easy they are to put on. Since you probably won't put them on before you head out the door, it's important to find a pair with wide leg openings so your hiking boots or golf shoes don't catch on the fabric. Pants that have longer zippers up the sides make this experience much easier.
The length of your rain pants can be a big factor too. If they're too short, your shoes will be exposed, and even if they're waterproof, rain can enter from the top opening and soak your feet in no time. However, if they're too long, you'll have a ton of fabric scrunched up at your ankles, which can quickly become a serious annoyance. Most rain pants I tested hit the sweet spot where they're long enough to cover my ankles (and stay there), while limiting extra fabric. Many rain pants are offered in short, regular and tall sizes to help accommodate more people.
Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
The sibling to our favorite rain jacket almost topped out my rain pants tests too, but it had one fatal flaw.
Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
During my shower test, the ventilation zippers leaked, letting water in. These pants were a top contender in my testing, but I couldn't overlook the leaking. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L pants are a fantastic pair of trousers. They're easy to put on while wearing boots, the inside is decently comfy, the fit is right and they come in a ton of sizes and lengths. They probably would have been my pick for the best rain pants, except they didn't prove to be perfectly waterproof.
During my shower test, I could feel water coming through one of the side zippers and trickling onto my right calf after a couple of minutes. I even hopped in the shower a second time and made sure the zipper was completely closed, because they were so close to being my top pick. Unfortunately, the second shower test yielded the same result. If these pants had a more water-resistant zipper, they would've been a shoo-in for my favorite rain pants.
Marmot Men's Minimalist Pertex Rain Pants
This solid pair of rain pants was another close contender for our top crown. They were one of only two pairs that were 100% waterproof in my tests.
Marmot Women's Minimalist Pertex Rain Pants
The issue that kept these pants from a top spot? Their side zippers. If they were just a bit longer, it'd be easier to put on the pants while wearing boots and they'd be more breathable. The Marmot Minimalist Pertex Rain Pants were also close to earning a winning spot. They were perfectly waterproof (including their pockets!), didn't feel too clammy against my skin and had a nice belt adjustment at the waist. The side zippers, however, were just too small compared to the others.
Both of our winners can be thrown on and off with little to no resistance when wearing boots, but the leg openings of the Minimalist Pertex pants were just too small. If the zippers extended above the knee, they would be much easier to put on, more breathable and a serious contender for the best rain pants out there.
Outdoor Research Men's Helium Rain Pants
These lightweight pants could be a good choice for hikers, but they aren't as waterproof or protective as I'd like.
Outdoor Research Women's Helium Rain Pants
One of the big downsides to these pants was their length. They were the shortest pair I tested and exposed my ankles to the rain much more than others. The Helium Rain Pants from Outdoor Research were the lightest pair I tested, and neatly pack into themselves for easy transport. For that reason alone, they're a good contender for hikers and travelers in need of protection from the rain. However, I found these pants to be shorter than all the others I tested, which left my ankles and socks exposed to the elements, where they quickly soaked up water.
Plus, the zippers on the sides aren't that big, so putting them on while wearing hiking boots wasn't easy. For the price, we think the Marmot PreCip Eco pants are a better option, although they do weigh more.
Helly Hansen Men's Loke Pants 2.0
These lightweight pants weren't as waterproof as others and had the worst performance in my durability test.
Helly Hansen Women's Loke Pants 2.0
It was also hard to put these pants on while wearing boots due to their small leg openings. Unfortunately, the Helly Hansen pants didn't stand out from the other rain pants I tested. Their 2.5-layer construction meant they felt clammy and sticky on my skin, which could have been overlooked if they could keep water out better. After five minutes in the shower, the sides of my shorts had wet spots, and I could feel some dampness on my lower legs too. The Loke Pants 2.0 would also benefit from a longer zipper so they're easier to put on while wearing boots and a more durable outer fabric, which ripped when I rubbed it on concrete.
How do you wash rain pants?
How do you wash rain pants?
You can and should wash rain pants several times per season, just like your rain jacket. You can use a technical wash like Nikwax and run your machine on cold and delicate. And don't skip throwing them in the dryer either, because the heat can help reactivate your pants' durable water repellent (DWR).
Are rain pants good for snow?
Are rain pants good for snow?
Since rain pants are waterproof, they are good for snow. However, they don't have any insulation, so you should wear base layers and another pair of hiking pants beneath your rain pants if winter is calling your outdoors.
Do rain pants go over regular pants?
Do rain pants go over regular pants?
Yes, rain pants go over regular pants. They're designed with a loose fit so you can easily put them on over the pants you're already wearing without restricting your movement.
Do you need rain pants for backpacking?
Do you need rain pants for backpacking?
You don't necessarily need rain pants for backpacking, but if there's a lot of rain in the forecast and you don't want to hike in wet shorts, they can be helpful.
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted.
For this product review, our outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt wore all seven pairs of rain pants in the shower, while biking and while doing stretches. After taking them on and off several times and examining and testing all their features, he found two worth your money.