Rain pants recommendations

September 27, 2022 2:39 PM

I'm looking for a light pair of rain pants that are similar to a lightweight rain jacket for water resistance. Is there anything like this? Thanks!
posted by jtothes to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (11 answers total)

There are quite a few waterproof rain pants designed for cycling, although I'm sure they'd keep you dry for other activities as well
posted by zombiedance at 2:52 PM on September 27, 2022

At least 3 options from Columbia: Camo waterproof pants; women's waterproof; men's waterproof
posted by hydra77 at 3:16 PM on September 27, 2022

REI has quite a few options, and Outdoor Gear Lab has some buying advice.
posted by box at 3:28 PM on September 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

Rain pants for hiking. I have a pair from Columbia that live in my backpack.
posted by COD at 3:55 PM on September 27, 2022

Another option to consider, depending on how much rain you're planning for ("lightweight") is rain chaps. I'm a little on the sweaty side, and full-leg rain pants have always made me miserable while not even keeping me dry because I get clammy from the inside. I now have two pair of Rainlegs, which are cycling-specific, but I wear them on non-bike excursions when warranted. They are little use in torrential rain, but where I've lived the last 5 years the rain has never been torrential.
posted by xueexueg at 4:20 PM on September 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

Depending on your desired usage, you might also consider a rain skirt (intended for hiking) or rain chaps (intended for cycling). Both are lighter and better ventilated than full-coverage rain pants, and easier to take on/off.
posted by introcosm at 4:21 PM on September 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

What I use for this is wool pants.
posted by aniola at 4:59 PM on September 27, 2022 [1 favorite]

full-leg rain pants have always made me miserable while not even keeping me dry because I get clammy from the inside.

I have found rain pants to be better in theory than practice. I second the rain chaps or wool pants suggestions, or consider switching out altogether to a rain poncho.
posted by fairmettle at 11:12 PM on September 27, 2022

Outdoor companies such as REI and LL Bean make these, I have a pair and wear them sometimes, mostly on days with absolute downpours - wool pants will not work in that situation, you'll stay warm but be just as wet. A poncho will also leave the pants below the knee wet.

Your preference really depends on how much rain you're taking about and how hot you get in waterproof clothing. Rain pants work for me, they may or may not for you.
posted by epanalepsis at 6:18 AM on September 28, 2022 [2 favorites]

I wear Marmot Precip full zip rain pants for wet dog walks and they are great. When I wore my first pair out - mainly due to careless laundering habits - I replaced them with the same thing.

I’ve linked to the men’s version - I have the women’s but they have the same features. I love the full zip leg for the times I forget and put my boots on before my pants.

They keep me dry and comfortable and are breathable enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing a trash bag.
posted by hilaryjade at 8:11 AM on September 28, 2022 [1 favorite]

Look at Alpkits rain pants
posted by mathiu at 9:38 AM on September 28, 2022