Need ultralight hiking rain pants? Our TOP 5 guide has you covered.
Choose a lightweight, compact design for easy carrying, adjustable features for the right fit, and breathability for comfort during activities. Keep reading to learn more.
Key Specs
Weight: 3.52 ounces (100 grams)
Waterproof Rating: 15,000 HH
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Small pack size
CONS
❌ No pockets
The Montane Minimus Nano Pull-Over Waterproof Pants are a fantastic choice for those seeking the ultimate lightweight rain protection while hiking. These trousers are super light, making them perfect for hikers who want to move fast and light.
They won’t add extra weight to your pack, which is great for long journeys. These pants are made from a special fabric that keeps rain out while still letting your skin breathe, so you stay dry without feeling sweaty. And don’t worry about that annoying “noisy” sound – these pants are comfy and quiet.
Key Specs
Weight: 8.11 ounces (230 grams)
Waterproof Rating: 20,000 HH
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Great waterproof rating
✅ Great fit
CONS
❌ Not the lightest option
The Mountain Equipment Women’s Ultralight Hiking Rain Pants are a fantastic choice for those who want freedom of movement on the trails. The pants fit well and have special knee design for easy bending.
The special fabric keeps you dry in the rain, and it’s lightweight so you won’t feel weighed down. The full-length zippers make them easy to put on over boots, especially when the weather gets rough.
Key Specs
Weight: 7.4 ounces (210 grams)
Waterproof Rating: 10,000 HH
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Warm
✅ Durable
CONS
❌ Runs small
The Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Pant is a fantastic choice for environmentally-conscious hikers seeking lightweight rain protection. These pants are built to last, thanks to their sturdy fabric and special coating. They’ll keep you comfortable and dry during planned hikes in rainy weather and serve as a handy backup in case of unexpected downpours.
The pants come with smart features like taped seams to prevent leaks, ankle zips for easy boot access, and pockets for quick storage. The elastic waist ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
Key Specs
Weight: 7.23 ounces (205 grams)
Waterproof Rating: 20,000 HH
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Great material
✅ Great warranty
CONS
❌ Runs small
The Rab Downpour Eco Pants are a top pick for eco-friendly hikers looking for lightweight rain protection. Made from recycled materials, they’re designed to minimize environmental impact. With convenient knee-length zips and an elastic waist, they’re easy to slip on over layers and boots when the rain hits.
These soft, lightweight, and packable pants offer impressive waterproofing and breathability, ideal for ultralight hiking and hillwalking. We suggest considering a size up for a better fit.
Key Specs
Weight: 11.88 ounces (337 grams)
Waterproof Rating: N/A
Price: $
PROS
✅ Affordable
✅ Comfortable
CONS
❌ Relatively heavy
❌ No waterproof rating available
The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants are a must for hikers who need quick protection from sudden storms. Easy to put on over boots, they shield you from rain and wind while allowing breathability.
The waterproof seams, adjustable zippers, and drawcords keep you dry and comfortable. With handy features like pockets and an elastic waist, these pants are designed for movement.
Remember, they might run a bit large.
When selecting hiking rain pants, it’s crucial to focus on a few key factors.
First, ensure they fit well, considering you might wear them over other layers, and they should be long enough to cover your shoes without bunching up.
Look for features like adjustable waistbands, long leg zips for easy wear, durability for long-lasting use, pockets with zips for keeping your dry items dry, and the ability to cinch the pant legs to keep mud and leeches out.
Pay attention to the fabric, as it affects breathability and performance. Price depends on how often you hike in rainy conditions; if it’s frequent, investing in high-quality rain pants is a wise choice, while occasional use can make budget-friendly options suitable.
Properly chosen rain pants will keep you dry and comfortable during your hikes.
If you are looking for a rain jacket, you can check out our guide here, where we list the TOP 5 lightest rain jackets.
