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The Best Women's Rain Pants
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No matter what kind of outdoor adventure is in store — hiking, biking, or even just sightseeing — you already know how important it is to have a rain jacket on standby. But when the weather turns soggy, water-logged pants can really put a damper on your day. To save yourself from that frustration, the best women’s rain pants will come with the level of water protection you need to keep you dry and comfortable for the weather you’ll be facing.
First, a note on rain pant materials. Nylon and polyester are the most common and are considered to be water-resistant, which means you’ll be kept dry but could eventually get some soak-through. That’s why you’ll want to look for a pair that’s coated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish, meaning they’ll shed water instead of absorbing it. Of course, DWR coating won’t last forever, and may not protect you in a torrential downpour.
That’s where true waterproof pants come in. If you want a pair that’s really impervious to water, your best bet will be to look for a brand that has a proprietary fabric technology (like Omni-Tech) that’s designed with multiple layers (including the aforementioned DWR-coated membrane) to guarantee waterproof performance. Alternatively, an option made of neoprene will be waterproof but not very breathable, so it might be more ideal for sports like kayaking, beach volleyball, or paddleboarding.
The last thing to consider is style. For hiking and other long treks, a looser fit that can move with you is key. A packable rain pant is invaluable to have on hand for unpredictable travel conditions, especially if they work across warm and cold temperatures (though you could always layer). Either way, don’t underestimate the convenience of pockets or additional features like drawstrings or Velcro closures to ensure you stay comfortable. And if the weather turns gusty — as it often does with rain — you’ll appreciate it if your pants are also wind resistant.
Up ahead, four of the best rain pants for women on Amazon!
1. The Overall Best Rain Pants
Backed by over 1,400 perfect five-star ratings, the Storm Surge rain pants were designed by Columbia, an iconic outdoor brand based in the Pacific Northwest — which means you can trust they know a thing or two about wet weather. This pair is crafted from a nylon shell and a polyester lining and comes from the brand’s Omni-Tech collection of fully waterproof wears, made with a multi-layer construction designed to keep you dry in rain or snow, as well as windy conditions. Because they’re created from such a lightweight material, they’re easy to pack and will work for a variety of climates (they’re even breathable with a mesh lining that will release excess heat and moisture) and outdoor activities — in fact, several reviewers specifically mentioned cycling, writing that the adjustable Velcro cuff straps were great at keeping the pants from catching in their bike chain. If there’s one downside, it’s that there’s only one tiny inside pocket (about the size of a key).
- Dryness level: Waterproof
- Available sizes: X-Small Short — X-Large (available in short sizes); X-Large — 3X
- Available colors: 1
2. The Runner-Up: A Quick-Drying Pair With Plenty Of Pockets
Created from a nylon-spandex blend that’s coated with a DWR finish, these Eddie Bauer hiking pants repel water efficiently — but if they’re submerged and soaked, they’ll dry quickly, too. While the brand doesn’t make any claims about wind resistance, some reviewers have confirmed that this pair has effectively kept the wind out. They also offer UPF 50+ protection and have two side pockets, as well as two front zippered pockets. They’re finished with belt loops, a zippered fly, and a button closure. Best of all? They were manufactured in partnership with BLUESIGN, ensuring a sustainable and safe textile production that’s environmentally conscious.
- Dryness level: Water-repellant
- Available sizes: 0 — 24 (including petite and tall sizes)
- Available colors: 12
3. The Best Rain Pants On A Budget
Thanks to their ultra-lightweight construction and included storage pouch, these affordable rain pants are great for carrying in your backpack or jacket pocket and can easily be pulled on over your regular pants, leggings, or shorts when the weather suddenly turns rainy. Made from a breathable polyester material that’s coated with a proprietary watertight membrane, they are ideal for light-to-average amounts of rainfall, but may not stand up to heavier conditions (though, according to some reviewers, they will keep the wind out). Likewise, they have Velcro-adjustable cuffs, taped seams, and an elastic waistband. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they have side slits to give you access to the pockets on your base layer — some shoppers have noted that water has seeped in through these spots, and suggested affixing Velcro tabs to keep them closed.
- Dryness level: Water-repellant
- Available sizes: 2 — 18
- Available colors: 4
4. The Best Rain Pants For Water Sports
Similar to a wetsuit, these nylon and neoprene leggings will keep you warm and dry whether you’re splashed while canoeing or are fully submerged playing water sports. With a thickness of 2 millimeters, they also offer UV protection and some reviewers have noted that they defend against bug bites and wind, as well. Finished with a drawstring waist and stirrup cuffs, they’ll stay snug and secure all day long (and so will any items you place in the side pocket). And, while neoprene may not be the conventional go-to for a pair of bike pants, if you are looking for more legging-style rain pants for cycling, a handful of Amazon fans pointed out that these work especially well keeping you dry and warm during cold-weather showers.
- Dryness level: Waterproof
- Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
- Available colors: 1
5. The Best Insulated Rain Pants
When you’re faced with chilly weather, a pair of insulated, water-repellant pants is crucial. These come backed by over 20,000 five-star ratings (no typo) and it’s all thanks to the technical details: They were created with a woven polyester fabric coated in a DWR finish and insulated to a temperature rating of -20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they offer wind-resistant protection and have adjustable Velcro tabs at the waist to ensure the elements are kept at bay. The cuffs are reinforced with scuff-resistant ballistic panels and are zipped to allow for the easy on-and-off of boots. Lastly, these pants feature two side pockets, belt loops, and an O-ring at the front to hold keys, gloves, or any other small necessities.
- Dryness level: Water-repellant
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X (including petite and tall options)
- Available colors: 21
