Waterproof & Rain Pants for Hiking and Outdoor Use
Waterproof and rain pants are designed to protect against rain, wet vegetation, spray and changing weather during hiking, fishing, travel and other outdoor activities. This collection includes lightweight rain overtrousers and more protective waterproof pants for wetter conditions.
Which Waterproof Pants Fit Your Trip?
Fishing with prolonged exposure to rain and spray: FHM Guard Competition is a waterproof fishing bib with a manufacturer-stated 3-layer Dermizax membrane rated at 20,000 mm. This is a more coverage-focused fishing option than packable hiking overtrousers.
Lightweight hiking rain protection: FHM Explorer uses 2.5-layer TorayDelfy (10,000 mm waterproofness, 10,000 g/m²/24h breathability) and weighs 250 g in size XL.
Minimal emergency pack weight: Naturehike NH21YJ003 overtrousers have supplier-stated waterproofness of at least 8,000 mmH2O and weigh approximately 193 g in size L.
Selection basis: ACTIVE Shopify supplier specifications, not independent Outfish tests. Reference garment weights refer to different sizes and should not be compared as an identical-size test. Check exact fit and availability; DWR alone is not a waterproof membrane.
How to Choose Waterproof Pants
Waterproof rating: check the stated waterproof performance and seam construction for the level of rain protection you need.
Breathability: important for hiking and active movement, especially when rain pants are worn for longer periods.
Packability: lightweight rain overtrousers are useful as emergency protection carried in a backpack.
Fit and layering: leave enough room to wear the pants over hiking trousers or thermal layers without restricting movement.
Rain Pants or Softshell Pants?
Dedicated waterproof pants are the better choice for sustained rain and wet conditions. Hiking and softshell pants usually offer better breathability, stretch and comfort in dry or lightly wet weather, but DWR treatment alone is not a substitute for full waterproof protection.
Read our waterproof clothing guide for more detail on waterproof ratings, breathability, DWR and layering. To understand the difference between weather-resistant softshell and full rain protection, see our softshell vs hardshell guide.
