Medically Reviewed by: Fliss Freeborn
The Rab Women's Downpour Eco Pants recently won the 'Best in Test' award for our best women's waterproof trousers group test. And on first glance, they seem like an unlikely winner: they're not dressed up to the nines with fancy features like RECCO, they don't offer the gold-standard waterproofing of GoreTex Pro, and are made with a 2.5 layer construction, rather than the standard 3.
However, this plucky underdog has won our award for being a bit like a cheese and ham toastie: simple, economical no-fuss and, for the vast majority of the time, exactly what you want when you're cold and wet.
Sure, you could have the fancy three course GoreTex meal, but for most scenarios, it's overkill and leaves you wondering where all your money went.
Dodgy allegories aside, the Rab Downpour Eco Pants offer a good a blend of sustainability, packability and great all-round performance, complete with a brilliant, non baggy fit for female outdoor enthusiasts.
They're also brilliant value, with a reasonably accessible price point in comparison to others. Here's an in-depth review of how these trousers perform based on technical details and real-world application.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Great fit
- Very waterproof
- Well priced for the breathability and sustainability aspects
Cons
- Material is slightly less durable than Mountain Equipment Makalu
| RRP: | £100 / $105 |
| Materials: | Recycled Pertex Shield Revolve 2.5-Layer construction waterproof technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (50D) |
| Full zip: | Yes |
| Sizes: | XS-2XL |
| Leg lengths: | Short, regular, long |
| Weight: | 260g / 9.2 oz |
Materials and eco-credentials
Rab has crafted the Downpour Eco Pants using Pertex Revolve, which is a 20D recycled polyester fabric. This material marks a significant step toward sustainability, being both recycled and fully recyclable, allowing the trousers to be part of a circular economy.
The fabric uses a 2.5-layer construction, meaning that it combines a waterproof breathable membrane with a protective layer on the inside, which eliminates the need for a separate liner. This design reduces weight while maintaining durability.
The other main eco-credential of these pants is Rab's use of a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish. PFCs are harmful chemicals often used in outdoor gear for water resistance, but they have been linked to long-term environmental damage.
By opting for a PFC-free alternative, Rab maintains waterproofing without compromising on environmental responsibility.
Waterproofing and breathability
With a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of 20,000mm, the Downpour Eco Pants are designed to withstand heavy rain.
A hydrostatic head above 10,000mm is typically considered waterproof enough for heavy outdoor use, and the 20,000mm rating ensures you're protected from the heaviest downpours. This is enhanced by the taped seams, which prevent water ingress through stitching.
Equally important is the breathability rating of 20,000g/m²/24hr. This ensures that during activities like hiking or climbing, where you may build up heat, moisture vapour from sweat can escape, keeping you comfortable and dry inside the trousers.
The balance of waterproofing and breathability makes these pants versatile, suitable for everything from intense treks in unpredictable weather to casual hikes in good old drizzle.
Comfort and fit
Rab has designed these trousers with versatility in mind, giving them a regular fit that accommodates various body shapes, including my small, robust frame.
The elasticated waistband with an adjustable drawcord ensures a snug fit, allowing the wearer to adjust them to their comfort level.
The trousers feature YKK zips on the sides, which allow for easy on-off access, even when wearing boots. This is especially useful when the weather changes suddenly, and you need to quickly add or remove the waterproof layer.
They are available in both full and half zip options. Full-length zips offer better ventilation and easier access. However half-zips still serve well for most users who prioritise packability and convenience over extensive ventilation control.
The other plus here is the range of leg lengths these come in. As I'm on the shorter side, I'm thrilled that I don't have to roll these up to stop them dragging on the floor - I can simply order a small inseam length. Regular and long options are also available.
Performance in the field (and on the coast paths)
At just 205g, the Downpour Eco Pants are incredibly lightweight and pack down easily into a backpack, making them ideal as an emergency layer for unpredictable weather.
Their light weight and compactness make them especially suited to those who want to minimise gear load, such as through-hikers or backpackers looking to stay light and agile.
During my four week testing period, they kept us dry and comfortable on all my outings, beading up nicely and being quick and easy to take on and off when the weather demanded it.
I was impressed by the breathability in addition to the waterproofing. Plus, as an added bonus, these don't rustle at all when worn, which I know can drive some of my walking companions completely mad.
For extreme winter conditions or multi-day expeditions in very harsh environments, you may want to opt for a heavier-duty alternative than the Downpour pants.
Still, for most users, these trousers strike the perfect balance between protection and weight and work excellently for the majority of the hiking that we'll ever do.
Durability
The Pertex Revolve fabric is designed to be lightweight and eco-friendly. It’s important to note that the 2.5-layer construction may not provide the same long-term durability as heavier 3-layer waterproof trousers, but for regular day hikers and those on moderate adventures, the Downpour Eco Pants hold up well.
And of course, while these trousers will handle occasional scrapes and general wear from hiking, those who frequently trek through dense, thorny forests or rough terrain might need to be more cautious.
Features
Although light on features, there are a couple of nice things to mention about the Downpour Eco Pants.
The reflective logo on the trousers is a safety feature that adds visibility during low-light conditions, such as early morning or evening hikes.
The side zip is YKK, and well-built, gliding effortlessly without getting snagged at all.
I'd recommend the full zip version for those with heavier duty hiking boots, but the half zip works well for trainers or light walking boots. I also like the drawstring toggle, which seems well built.
Other than that, the main feature of these waterproof trousers is the waterproof bit, and the trousers bit, which we seem to have covered already.
Value and verdict
The Rab Women’s Downpour Eco Pants offer an excellent blend of eco-conscious design, reliable waterproofing and practical features.
Their lightweight nature and packability make them ideal for hikers who prioritize minimalism but still need solid wet-weather protection.
With an RRP of £130 (and the half zip being slightly cheaper than this), these also represent very good value for money.
While they may not have the durability of heavier waterproof trousers, this is also reflected in the price point: the Downpours are around half of what you'd pay for Gore-Tex, and do just as good a job.
Overall, their eco-friendly construction, breathability and waterproofing make them a great choice for most outdoor activities.
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About the author
Fliss Freeborn is a writer for LFTO who lives in rainy Glasgow. She has spent a fair chunk of her life getting wet, and knows exactly what makes for a good pair of waterproof trousers, with fit and comfort being just as important and waterproofing and breathability.