We might not particularly like wearing them, but a pair of reliably waterproof trousers are an indispensable item of kit for hillwalking in the rainy British mountains. When the heavens open, a good pair of overtrousers can be quickly thrown on, helping to protect your legs and keep your nice walking trousers dry.
Without overtrousers, rain will soak your everyday trousers, leak through to your undergarments and - ultimately - turn your hike into a disgustingly soggy slog. But not all waterproof trousers are created equal. Cheaper pairs can only cope with a light shower or two; higher quality pairs will keep you bone dry in the most torrential of downpours.
What are the best waterproof trousers of 2024?
Best in test: Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants
Best Value: Berghaus Paclite Pant
Best option under £100: Keela Lightning Pro
Best waterproof trousers for winter mountaineering: Berghaus MTN Seeker GTX Pant
Editor's Note: We last updated this article on 02/09/24, adding six new products tested in the Lake District earlier this year. Only the top-end mountain trousers from Berghaus have made it through this year's update, though they've been beaten to the top of the podium by Montane's new Phase trousers which are ultralight and excellent in all weather.
How we tested the best waterproof trousers
Our tester James Forrest was tasked with finding the best waterproof trousers for hillwalking, hiking and backpacking. Being based in the Lake District, James has no shortage of rainfall, and gave each pair several soggy outings in no time. The advantage of sending him six pairs at once is James' acute ability to compare and contrast their performance, as you'll have noticed throughout this article.
He put in a lot of demanding miles to find out not just how waterproof they are, but how breathable, comfortable, and durable they are too. We also scrutinised each option for its sustainability credentials.
James has been one of our main gear testers for the last five years and is one of the first people we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth forensic analysis.
Read more on how we test here.
We've put together our recommendations for the best waterproof hiking trousers. In addition, to help you when looking around for waterproof hiking trousers, we have included a buying guide with a list of important features to consider.
The best waterproof trousers reviewed:
The Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants are made from a 40-denier Gore-Tex Performance Shell, offering reliable waterproof protection with a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm. These 3-layer pants feature sealed seams and water-repellent YKK Aquaguard zippers with an internal storm flap for enhanced durability and waterproofing.
Breathability is rated at RET <9, which is good, but the pants can feel slightly clammy during intense activity. However, the ¾-length, two-way side zippers provide excellent ventilation, running from the top of the thigh to the ankle. The fit is snug yet comfortable, with an elasticated waistband and adjustable ankle cuffs for a secure, streamlined fit.
Weighing 340g in a men’s small, the Phase Pants are not the lightest option but are compact enough to pack into a 20x10cm space. They strike a balance between protection and comfort, though they are only available in regular leg length, so any particularly short or tall hikers may struggle to get the right fit for their body shapes.
These pants are compatible with Montane braces, offering additional versatility for winter conditions. Despite lacking pockets, they perform well in challenging weather (they’re compatible with Montane braces if you want to turn them into salopette-style winter-ready overtrousers), making them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros
- 3-layer design
- Gore-Tex technology
- Very protective
- Good features
Cons
- Expensive
- Overkill for many scenarios
- Slightly on the heavy side
| Men’s sizes | XS-XXL |
| Women’s sizes | 8-16 |
| Versions | N/A |
| Weight | 340g (men’s small) |
The Berghaus Paclite Pant utilizes Gore-Tex's lightweight and packable Paclite technology, making it ideal for "back-up shells." This 2.5-layer construction features an external face fabric, waterproof membrane, and a thin liner, balancing weight, comfort, and waterproofing. Despite being less robust than 3-layer shells, these trousers are durable, with a hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm, ensuring top-tier waterproofing.
These overtrousers feel soft and supple in use, move well with your body, and certainly don’t weigh you down. Breathability is excellent, with an official RET score of <6. The pants feature ¾-length, two-way side zippers for superior ventilation. Weighing just 211g in a men's small, they are ultralight and pack down compactly into a mesh stuff sack.
The fit is true to size with a streamlined, athletic cut, offering comfort without feeling tight. You don’t get any pockets with the Berghaus Paclite Pant, but that’s no great loss. The waistband is elasticated with a drawcord for a secure fit, while ankle cuffs have press stud buttons, though they offer limited adjustability.
The Paclite Pant is comfortable, breathable, and easy to wear, making it a top choice for hillwalkers. It's also responsibly made, with over 90% of the fabrics being bluesign approved, aligning with Berghaus' "Made Kinder" criteria for environmentally friendly production.
Pros
- UItralight
- Very packable
- Very comfortable
- Gore-Tex Paclite technology
Cons
- Lack some ruggedness
- Long-term durability is questionable
| Men’s sizes: | XS-XXXL |
| Women’s sizes: | 8-20 |
| Versions: | Short, standard, long |
| Weight: | 211g (men’s small) |
The Keela Lightning Pro overtrousers are made from the brand's Rainlife 2000 fabric, a recycled waterproof and breathable ripstop nylon. With fully taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of 7,000mm, these trousers provide decent waterproofing, suitable for light showers and short bursts of heavy rain, but may not perform well in extreme weather. The 2-layer construction is typical for budget options, offering less durability than pricier 2.5-layer or 3-layer trousers.
Breathability is rated at 6,000g/m²/24hr, which is adequate but not outstanding, and the lack of ventilation options might make them less comfortable in warmer conditions. At 245g, they are impressively lightweight and pack down compactly to 25x8cm.
Designed as unisex, the Lightning Pro trousers come in waist sizes from 28” to 44” with various leg lengths, ensuring a good fit for most. They offer a streamlined, athletic fit with room for layering. The Keela Lightning Pros have some pretty good features, despite the low price. These include a fully elasticated waistband with a shockcord toggle, reinforced seat for durability, reflective trims, and 35cm ankle zippers with a bellows-style design. However, the design makes it challenging to put on or remove the trousers while wearing boots. Overall, they are a good value option for light use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Packable
- Good features
Cons
- Poor hydrostatic head rating
- Poor breathability rating
- No venting options
- Difficult to put on and off
| Unisex sizes | 28”-44” |
| Versions | Short, regular, long |
| Weight | 245g (32”, regular leg length) |
Berghaus' Extrem range made a reappearance in winter 2022/23. Having tested some of the range in the snow-covered Cairngorms, the MTN Seeker GTX Pant stood out to us as one of our favourites of the whole range. The MTN Seeker gear is aimed at winter hillwalkers who also like a little mountaineering.
To make the MTN Seeker GTX Pant as good as they are, Berghaus has employed 3-layer Gore-Tex Performance for top-end weatherproofing, breathability, and durability.
The side zips are three-quarter length, and the waistband has an elasticated back with belt loops and braces attachments so you can secure them how you like.
Obviously, these high-performance and expensive waterproof trousers aren't necessary for everyone. But for keen winter hikers, they're excellent. Happily, the MTN Seeker GTX Pant is also available in black for a more subtle look.
Pros
- Tough
- Useful multi-use waistband design
- Great for alpine conditions
- Supported by Repairhaus
Cons
- Overkill for most users
| Weight | 416g |
| Fit | Regular |
| Material | Majority bluesign-approved nylon 3-layer Gore-Tex Performance (28,000mm HH) |
| Men's sizes | XS - XXL |
| Women's sizes | 8 - 18 |
The Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 overtrousers are a budget-friendly alternative to Gore-Tex, priced at £140. Made from Pertex Shield, a 40-denier polyamide with a recycled face fabric, they offer strong waterproof protection with a 20,000mm hydrostatic rating. Tested in the Lake District, they kept us dry in the rain, with YKK Aquaguard zippers and sealed seams enhancing water resistance.
These trousers use a 2.5-layer construction, prioritizing lightness and packability over long-term durability, making them ideal for those seeking lightweight gear. The breathability rating is excellent at 20,000g/m²/24hr, and the full-length, two-way side zippers offer great ventilation options. At 315g (men’s medium), they pack down compactly.
Fit is true to size, with flexibility to accommodate layers underneath, and the 2.5-layer design ensures comfort without the stiffness of 3-layer trousers. Rab offers various sizing options to suit different body shapes. The waistband is half-elasticated with a simple drawcord, and while the trousers lack pockets, this reduces the risk of water ingress. The ankle cuffs are adjustable with a toggle, though it can be a bit fiddly.
Rab’s excellent ‘Material Facts’ initiative – which lists the total recycled content (measured by weight) of every Rab product, in a bid for environmental transparency – outlines that 42% of the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 is recycled. contributing to Rab’s strong environmental credentials.
Pros
- Recycled content
- Impressive stats
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Full-length zippers
- Superb ventilation
Cons
- Only 2.5-layer construction
- Long-term durability unknown
| Men’s sizes | S-XL |
| Women’s sizes | 8-16 |
| Versions | Short, regular, long |
| Weight | 315g (men’s medium) |
Although expensive, the construction, performance and design of these shell pants is definitely top-tier The Arc’teryx Beta Pant is made from Gore-Tex Performance fabric with C-Knit backer technology, combining durability with a lightweight feel. This 3-layer construction, featuring a smooth nylon outer, an ePTFE waterproof membrane, and a soft circular knit inner layer, ensures long-term waterproofing and comfort. With a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm, these pants are built to keep you dry in extreme conditions.
Ventilation is excellent, thanks to full-length, two-way side zippers that allow easy on-and-off access over boots and adjustable airflow. While Gore-Tex no longer publishes breathability ratings, the Beta Pant is comparable to similar 3-layer pants in terms of breathability, though slightly heavier at 326g (men’s small). The pants pack down to a compact size, making them easy to carry.
The fit is true to size, with an athletic cut that moves well with the body. Articulated patterning and a gusseted crotch enhance mobility, while the partly elasticated waistband and drawstring offer a decent fit, though a toggle would be preferred. The ankle cuffs feature a drawcord for secure boot integration and laminated instep patches for durability. The pants have a zippered fly but no pockets, focusing on function over additional features.
Pros
- 3-layer design
- Gore-Tex technology
- Full-length zippers
- Durable protection
Cons
- Poor waist drawstring design
- No stormflap on full-length zippers
| Men's sizes | XS-XL |
| Women's sizes | XS-XXL |
| Versions | Short, regular, tall |
| Weight | 326g (men's small) |
The Craghoppers Ascent Over Trousers offer solid waterproof performance at a budget-friendly £60, using Craghoppers' AquaDry technology with a 15,000mm hydrostatic head rating. While not as high as premium options like those from Rab or Montane, AquaDry provides reliable protection in moderate to heavy rain. The trousers are made from 100% polyamide with fully taped seams, a PFC-free DWR coating, and Craghoppers' eco-friendly H20Shield for added water resistance.
However, the 2-layer construction and basic seam sealing may affect long-term durability. Breathability is decent with a 10,000g/m²/24hr rating, but limited ventilation options could lead to discomfort in warmer conditions. The trousers include two handwarmer pockets, which some may see as a potential water ingress risk.
Weighing just 262g, they are lightweight and packable, with a handy stuff sack included. The unisex fit is slightly baggy, allowing for layering, but may feel boxy and less technical. Available in a wide range of sizes from XS to XXL, the Ascents feature an elasticated waistband and Velcro-adjustable ankle cuffs for a secure fit. Overall, they are a great value option with commendable eco-credentials (approximately 130g of recycled material – made from recycling plastic bottles into polyester – is used in the manufacturing of this product), and ideal for those on a budget.
Pros
- Good eco credentials
- Superb price
- 15,000mm hydrostatic head for only £60
Cons
- Side zippers could be longer
- Not great venting options
- Cheaper materials and design
| Unisex sizes | XS-XXL |
| Versions | Short, regular, long |
| Weight | 262g (unisex small) |
How to choose your pair of waterproof trousers
For an indication of how waterproof overtrousers really are, check their hydrostatic head (HH) rating – the technical measurement of waterproofing. Premium-end gear has a 20,000mm HH or higher, which means a 20m column of water can stand on the fabric before water penetrates it. For premium waterproofing, all seams should be taped too.
In terms of construction technique, waterproof trousers are generally categorised as 2, 2.5 or 3-layer, depending on how the waterproof layer is attached to other layers. For poor weather, 3-layer overtrousers are the most durable, with the waterproof layer sandwiched between a face fabric and inner scrim.
Waterproof overtrousers can feel clammy and sweat-inducing, so breathable fabrics are designed to keep rain out but simultaneously allow sweat to escape. Breathability is commonly measured in two ways: an MVTR (moisture vapour transmission rate) in g/m²/24hr, with a higher figure indicating better breathability (20,000g/m²/24hr is considered a premium score); or a RET (resistance to evaporative heat transfer) score, with (confusingly) a lower figure indicating better breathability (a RET value of 0-6 is considered very good).
It’s worth also considering the weight, fabric durability and fit of overtrousers before buying. Where possible, it’s best to try for size in a shop to ensure the sizing suits your leg length and waist size. The fit should be snug and comfy, with no excess, flappy fabric – but not restrictive either. Try to find a happy balance.
The main features to look out for are in a pair of overtrousers are zippers, waistbands and ankle cuffs. Side zippers make it easier to pull on overtrousers over chunky hiking boots and also offer a means of venting heat – although remember that overtrouser venting is a somewhat flawed concept, creating an unavoidable water ingress risk. Full-length zips from ankle to hip are the most convenient and versatile for both venting and getting on and off.
In terms of waistband designs, some trousers are elasticated and feature drawcords for cinching in a fine-tuned fit around the waist. At the ankle cuffs, some pairs are basic with no features at all, while others have Velcro straps, drawcord toggles or press stud buttons for tightening, and reinforced patches of materials to increase durability around high-wear areas.
Do you need waterproof trousers?
Waterproof trousers come in very useful when it's cold and wet. In a summer rain shower when it's not that cold, they're not usually unnecessary.
Whether worn all day or kept in your pack on an 'as needed' basis, reliable waterproof trousers do a stellar job of keep out icy rain and biting winds.
How to wear waterproof trousers
Waterproof trousers are often referred to as overtrousers, which tells you what you need to know in terms of how to wear them.
Often with a relaxed fit and long side zips, waterproof trousers are designed to be pull on easily over your existing legwear. But if the knees are articulated they can be designed to fit a little closer.
That said, there are some highly water-repellent trousers that are designed to be worn as regular trousers. These are normally made from a softshell material and have a slimmer fit.
Waterproofing and breathability
The hydrostatic head (HH) figures tell you how waterproof a fabric is. Some waterproof trousers keep you dry in a light shower (about 10,000mm HH); some in a torrential downpour (about 15,000-20,000mm HH); and others will keep the water out even if kneeling in a puddle or the snow (at least 20,000mm HH).
Waterproof trousers need to be breathable enough to let hot air and moisture escape, or you could still end up uncomfortably damp. Higher-priced waterproof trousers use tough, breathable 3-layer laminated fabrics. Mesh linings improve breathability but make a trousers heavy and can snag when you are putting the trousers on over boots. A lightweight or cheaper trouser may use 2-layer or 2.5-layer fabrics that tend to show condensation a little more.
Are waterproof trousers lightweight?
As a shell, waterproof trousers are generally quite packable. Though, the tougher and heavier the fabric, the less packable they are. By the same token, very light and packable options don't have as much prolonged weather protection and durability.
Why do waterproof trouser have long side zips?
Leg zips make it easier to pull on waterproof trousers over chunky hiking boots and also offer a means of venting heat. Full-length zips from ankle to hip are the most convenient, while shorter zips that only go from ankle to knee can still require some wrestling to get them on.
Durability and type
Waterproof trousers should be tough enough to cope with the terrain you intend to use them on. Look for an extra panel of material inside the ankle if you are going to be really hammering this area on mountain walks.
Regular waist-height trousers are suitable for general hillwalking in all seasons, but more technical winter mountaineering salopettes offer beneficial upper body protection. A drawcord allows extra control of fit, while Velcro tabs, press studs or belt loops allow further enhancement of security. The ability to attach braces is ideal for scrambling or mountaineering.
How to care for and maintain your waterproof trousers
The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish added to waterproof outdoor clothing needs to be maintained. Over time, the finish that was added during the manufacturing process wears off. If you don't maintain it, water will not bead on the surface of the material as it should, and instead, begin to seep through.
When you notice this starting to occur, it's time to restore the DWR on your gear. The products we recommend come from Granger's. In addition to being good value, easy to apply, and effective, Granger's products are Bluesign-approved and PFC/fluorocarbon-free.
Granger's Performance Repel Plus is a fantastic spray for all waterproof fabrics. Apply it after a wash, using Granger's Performance Wash instead of regular washing liquid. Nikwax also has similar and equally effective versions that are PFC-free, too.
About the author
James Forrest is a prolific peak bagger and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK.
He writes regular features and route guides for Trail and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.
James reviews every type of outdoor kit for Trail and is a real authority on everything you need for wild camping and packing light for a multi-day walk.