The best women’s waterproof trousers, tested by a female outdoor expert

The Rab Women’s Downpour Eco Pants offer a perfect balance of eco-friendly construction and high-performance rain protection, making them ideal for any hiker who values sustainability.

I had the chance to put these waterproof trousers to the test on a classic rainy day in the Scottish Highlands, where the weather flipped from drizzly to torrential in a matter of hours – exactly the kind of conditions where the Downpour Eco Pants thrive.

Made from 100% recycled Pertex Shield fabric, these pants feel lightweight and breathable, but don’t be fooled, they kept me bone dry throughout hours of relentless rain.

With fully taped seams and a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating, water simply beaded off the surface. And it's always nice to know that when you’re trudging through boggy terrain, your gear isn’t leaking harmful chemicals into the environment.

They're also very breathable for trousers at this price point with a score of 25,000g MVTR.

The full-length zips were a lifesaver when the rain came in and I needed to pull them on fast. I easily slipped them on over my hiking boots during a break and once on the move again, they didn’t cling or rustle too much. Instead, they just offered practical, no-fuss rain protection.

Plus, they packed down to almost nothing, stashing easily away once the skies cleared.

Rab’s commitment to sustainability really shows in these trousers, from the recycled materials to their Fair Wear certification.

For eco-conscious adventurers facing the unpredictable British weather, the Downpour Eco Pants are the perfect companion. They're highly practical, impressively durable and do their bit for the planet.

Decathlon's Quechua Women's Waterproof Mountain Walking Over-Trousers MH500 are a solid option for hikers seeking great value for money.

I had the opportunity to test them on a wet, windy hill walk and, for the £39.99 price point, they performed exceptionally well. These trousers offer full waterproofing with a 2.5-layer membrane, keeping the rain out even in persistent downpours.

The adjustable waistband and half-leg zips made them easy to slip on over boots during a mid-hike rainstorm and they packed down small into our bag when no longer needed.

While they may lack some of the advanced features of pricier options (and they're not the most flattering on the waist), they offer impressive durability and comfort at an affordable price, proving you don’t need to break the bank for reliable wet weather gear.

Considering they're designed for mountain walking and tough conditions, these over-trousers stand up well to wear and tear (I thought they did well for sliding down a wet, grassy hill in).

That makes them an excellent investment for occasional hikers, or those looking for a budget-friendly, reliable pair of waterproof trousers.

If you're looking for dependable rain protection that won’t stretch the budget, the MH500 trousers deliver excellent value and practical design at a fraction of the cost of high-end options.

The Montane Women's Solution Waterproof Pants are a fantastic choice for those who value quiet, unobtrusive gear on the trail.

When I tested them on a particularly wet day in the Trossachs in Scotland, I was impressed by how noiseless they were, even while hiking through dense undergrowth. Unlike many waterproof trousers that rustle with every step, these provide a quieter experience.

Technically speaking, the Solution pants are constructed from 3-layer Gore-Tex Active fabric (100% recycled), offering exceptional waterproof protection (a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm) while maintaining breathability (RET < 5).

This high level of breathability ensures you stay dry inside and out, even during more strenuous hikes, without getting clammy or overheating.

The micro-taped seams and YKK AquaGuard zips ensure the pants are both lightweight and fully weatherproof, keeping moisture out without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.

I'd say these trousers run large, even with a baggy, overside fit, so size down where you can. The other reason they're also not quite up there with our best in test, despite performing excellently for waterproofing and breathability, is that they only come in one leg length, which I found to be too long.

But if you're between 5'4" and 5'8", and after waterproof overtrousers that combine high-performance waterproofing with quiet, all-day comfort and great sustainability credentials, the Montane Women's Solution Pants deliver excellent results.

The Mountain Equipment Makalu Women's Pant is the most technical trouser in this group test, making it a top choice for serious walkers.

I tested them during a rainy few days in Scotland's Glencoe and, thanks to their 3-layer Gore-Tex construction and 28,000mm hydrostatic head, I stayed dry even through intense rain.

The 75D fabric adds durability, ensuring these trousers can handle tough, wet terrain without compromising comfort. They'd also be appropriate for light winter scrambling and possibly even the odd ski tour.

Breathability is also a strong feature, with moisture build-up kept to a minimum during high-energy ascents. This is complemented by the full-length side zips, which allow for rapid ventilation when needed and make layering over boots hassle-free.

The smoothness of the zip operation ensures you can adjust airflow on the go, ideal for changing conditions. On top of that, the pants’ PFC-free DWR coating provides eco-friendly water repellency, reflecting Mountain Equipment's commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining a high level of performance.

For hikers who regularly face unpredictable, wet conditions, the Makalu Women's Pant offers outstanding protection without sacrificing breathability.

Whether you're navigating challenging trails or enduring sudden downpours, these pants deliver the comfort and waterproofing needed to stay focused on your adventure. Yes, you're paying a little more for them than other pairs, but they'll last a long time and won't get soaked through at all.

With their rugged construction and thoughtful design, they’re a smart investment for year-round hiking and mountain scrambles.

It's no secret that we're fans of the big P here at LFTO due to the brand's strong commitment to sustainability. And indeed, I've found the Patagonia Women’s Granite Crest Rain Pants live up to that reputation while performing excellently, too.

Made from 100% recycled nylon, these trousers feature a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard shell, providing durable, waterproof protection while minimising their environmental impact.

Patagonia’s dedication to eco-friendly production is further rammed home by the use of a PFC-free DWR finish, which avoids harmful chemicals typically found in waterproof coatings.

The pants aren’t just about sustainability, though. They’re also designed with a flattering, feminine fit that ensures you look great while staying dry.

Unlike bulkier overtrousers, the Granite Crest Rain Pants have a sleek design that contours the body without sacrificing freedom of movement. In other words, your bum will look great.

These trousers allow for full mobility while maintaining a stylish, low-profile silhouette, but be warned if you're especially long in the torso as these do sit low on the waist. Additionally, the flattering fit means they don't have much wiggle room in the crotch area either, so this is definitely not one for the lads.

During testing, these held up brilliantly against wet weather, and the micro-taped seams ensured no water got through.

The breathability was another key feature, keeping us comfortable and sweat-free, even during more strenuous parts of the walk. The waistband is also easily adjustable and the side zips make for easy ventilation, helping regulate body temperature on warmer, wet days.

It’s rare to find waterproof trousers that offer such a high level of technical performance while aligning with values of environmental stewardship – and yes, you'll be paying for it.

These come in with a RRP of £200 ($229), the same price as the Mountain Equipment ones and for slightly less technical ability. However, these are a buy-it-once item and with any luck will last you for years to come.

The Arc'teryx Women's Beta Pant is designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking top-level performance and practicality in all conditions.

Such outdoor enthusiasts must also have reasonably deep pockets, as these bad boys do not come cheap. At £280 ($300), they're the most expensive pair of waterproof trousers in our roundup.

So, what do you get for all that cash? Well, these trousers are made from Gore-Tex Pro, a leading material known for its waterproof, windproof, and breathable properties. It's essentially a brand guarantee that you won't get wet.

During testing, the Beta Pants lived up to this promise, providing excellent weather protection without any overheating, thanks to the breathable properties of Gore-Tex pro.

A particularly useful feature is the full-length leg zips, which allow for easy on-and-off access, even over bulky boots. The waist zip adds another layer of convenience, especially for quick adjustments when layering or taking breaks during long treks.

Both features give these trousers a level of usability that isn't offered by any other pair, as you can whip these on and off in a matter of seconds, rather than fannying about standing on one leg.

The articulated knees and reinforced patches ensure full mobility and durability, even on more rugged terrain. Whether you're scrambling over rocks or trudging through wet forests, the Beta Pants allow for easy movement while protecting against wear and tear.

Despite their technical prowess, Arc'teryx doesn't skimp on style, offering a fun purple colour option that’s both bold and practical. The pop of colour is a refreshing break from the typical black and grey hiking gear, adding a touch of personality without compromising on durability or performance.

That said, I'd keep them for snowier days or rocky paths as bog-bashing in lilac is never going to be a good plan. Choose the black if it's going to be muddy!

For hikers and mountaineers who need serious gear but also appreciate ease of use and style, the Arc'teryx Beta Pant offers a good balance.

With its advanced waterproofing, full-length zips and a cool colour option, these pants are ideal for those who need both functionality and flair in their outdoor wardrobe.

How much of that £280 ($300) is paying for the dead bird logo on the side? We'll leave that to you to answer.

At just £35 on sale, the Craghoppers Ascent Overtrousers offer excellent waterproofing and comfort, making them a great choice for anyone seeking affordable wet-weather gear. While do they lack some of the features found in premium models, their performance and practicality more than justify the price.

Made from a lightweight AQUADRY fabric, these waterproof troos feel surprisingly comfortable, and avoid the stiff, crinkly texture often associated with waterproofs - that sound drives us made when going uphill! Netted pockets provide useful ventilation, though the zips don’t extend above the knee, which can make it tricky to pull them on over large boots or crampons.

On a rainy commute, the waterproofing was faultless, keeping our tester, Laura, completely dry even in heavy rain. However, the limited ventilation meant her thighs got sweaty during prolonged effort, which could be an issue for high-intensity activities.

The fit is roomy, with a super-high waist that offers great coverage and comfort, especially for those needing extra space, such as during pregnancy. However, the leg length is unusually long—even at 5'9", our tester found them a bit excessive.

Cyclists may also miss adjustable features like velcro straps or poppers to secure the ankles, though tucking the trousers into socks or using cycle clips can help.

For their price, the Ascent Overtrousers deliver dependable performance and practicality. While they may not have all the extras, they’re an excellent value for casual walkers, commuters, or anyone wanting to stay dry on a budget.

Like Grangers, this is also water-based and PFC-free. It too is a very effective cleaner of outdoor and technical garments. Being honest, there's not much separating the effectiveness of Grangers and Nikwax.

This water-based fabric cleaning is ideal for any technical or waterproof fabric, including Gore-Tex. It's highly concentrated too, so a little goes a long way. It's also bluesign approved and PFC-free.