IF you’re planning any kind of outdoor pursuit, whether a hike, a long walk, camping or even a long motorbike ride, you’re going to need a pair of the best waterproof trousers.
Usually made from a polyester or nylon blend material, they’re the only way to keep you from soaking through, making them essential for staying warm for as long as possible.
Anyone who’s had to endure a sudden downpour without waterproof trousers will know how difficult it is. So whether you opt for a full-on waterproof single layer, or opt for a pair of overtrousers, you can rest assured knowing you’ve prepared for the weather as best you can.
From buying tips to the best waterproof trousers on the market, here’s the full lowdown on this outdoorsy staple.
Best waterproof trousers at a glance
- Best value: Regatta
- Most feature-packed: 33,000ft
- Best budget: Quechua
- Most stylish: Rains
- Most comfortable: Dickies
Regatta
- Mens Pack It Outdoor Waterproof Over Trousers, from £13.46 at Amazon – buy here
Regatta’s lightweight waterproof overtrousers are great value for money. I’ve worn them over jeans on multiple motorbike rides in both light rain and torrential weather, and they’ve kept me dry underneath every single time.
They’re made from a light, single layer of polyester, and don’t look like much, but they perform flawlessly and do exactly the job they were made for.
Due to the light, single layer of fabric, they roll up incredibly small too and can be stashed away in the included waterproof drawstring pouch, which ensures they’ll take up minimal room in a bag.
One thing to note though: the trousers come with two slanted gaps on either side, which allow you to reach inside the pockets of your actual trousers underneath.
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When it’s really pouring down, wear the trousers backwards, otherwise water will get through the gaps.
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33,000 ft
- 33,000ft WaterproofLightweight Breathable Rain Overtrousers, £32.99 – buy here
If Regatta’s overtrousers are the simple, no fuss pair, 33,000ft’s waterproof bottoms are the feature-packed, do-it-all ones.
Made from a more heavyweight 100% nylon, they work perfectly as a sole pair of trousers, and come with a range of details that will help you stay dry while also making your life easier.
The fabric itself comes fully seam-sealed inside, while a built-in TPU membrane provides increased water protection. There’s also an inner lining made from a breathable mesh fabric, which absorbs sweat and redistributes it away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long.
Elsewhere, the hems come with a zip fastening, so you can wear them over boots, while reflective piping ensures you’re visible to oncoming traffic in the dark.
Quechua
- Hiking Lightweight Waterproof Overtrousers, £39.99 – buy here
Coming in black or dark blue, Quechua’s waterproof over trousers feature a comfortable fit, a drawstring waist and zipped cuffs, making them easy to take on and off.
Rains
- Rain pants, £65 – buy here
Rains is well known for its waterproof outerwear, and these trousers boast the same attention to detail with a light PU fabric, drawstring waist and comfortable, regular fit.
Dickies
- Dickies Mens Raintite Trouser, £16.99 – buy here
Available in dark green or navy blue, Dickies’ Raintite trousers pretty much do what they say on the tin. Adjustable studs on the hem ensure they work with heavier boots, and a light waterproof polyester fabric keeps you dry underneath.
Mountain Warehouse
- Downpour Mens Waterproof Trousers, £49.99 at Mountain Warehouse – buy here
Coming in classic black, Mountain Warehouse’s Downpour trousers come with taped seams, half-leg zips and a mesh lining, ensuring they’re more breathable than most.
Arc’Teryx
- Rampart pants, £115 at Arc'teryx – buy here
At the more luxurious end of the market is this Arc’Teryx pair. Cut to a classic cargo shape, with twin side pockets, they’re made from a soft-shell, stretch fabric which has been designed to be both waterproof and exceptionally comfortable.
Peter Storm
- Storm Waterproof Trousers, £33 at Go Outdoors – buy here
This Peter Storm pair has everything you need from a pair of waterproof trousers. Made from a light 100% polyester, they feature side leg zips, an elasticated waist and knee darts for improved movement.
Brasher
- Men’s Waterproof Overtrousers, £29.97 at Blacks – buy here
Offering great value for money, Brasher’s trousers are both waterproof and breathable, with a rain-resistant outer layer and a soft mesh lining for improved breathability.
Trespass
- Unisex Packaway Waterproof trousers, £19.99 – buy here
Waterproof to 5000mm, and with taped seams and a full elasticated waist, this Trespass pair will have your back. Super lightweight, they pack away into a small mesh pouch for easy storage when on the go.
What to look out for in the best waterproof trousers for men
Trousers vs overtrousers
There are two main types of waterproof trousers: those which are heavier and designed to be worn on their own, and overtrousers, which are lighter in weight and designed to be worn over an existing pair of trousers.
There are a couple of points to consider here. If you know the weather is going to be bad from the outset, and you’re prepared to wear trousers which are a little heavier in weight, then it might be wise to invest in proper, full-on waterproof trousers.
These are usually made from a slightly thicker polyester or nylon fabric, but apart from this, they will be designed in the same manner as regular trousers. They might have pockets, zipped compartments and a zip-up fly, and can work with all manner of other pieces from parkas, knitwear and other layers.
Overtrousers differ in that they are much lighter, and are designed to be worn over another pair of bottoms. They are therefore usually wider in cut, so they can accommodate trousers or jeans underneath, and typically come with an elasticated waist and no fly. They’re great if you need protection from the rain in a pinch, and can usually pack down really small, easily fitting in the bottom of a backpack or duffel. If you’re planning a trip and the weather looks ok, with chances of rain, this is likely the best option for you.
Details
There are a few other things you may want to consider when investing in waterproof trousers. You might, for example, need a pair of trousers with pockets, in which case overtrousers (which usually have none) are out of the question.
Some of the heavier waterproof trousers on the other hand have regular slanted pockets on the hip and two at the back. But other designs have thigh pockets, or zipped compartments which are ideal for storing your essentials and keeping your hands free on a hike.
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You should also think about the waistband of the trousers. Do you want something more traditional, with a regular button and zip fastening and belt loops, or might you be after something more technical, with a drawstring waistband?
A regular waistband will give the trousers a slightly smarter look, making them more versatile and easier to combine with other items of clothing in a casual context. Drawstring waterproof trousers on the other hand are more comfortable, and might be better for hiking in, but are not as smart and won’t combine quite as well with casualwear.
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