6 best waterproof trousers for rainy hikes this autumn, tested (original) (raw)
1
Best waterproof trousers for women
Keela Lightning Trousers
Score: 87/100
These unisex trousers from Keela scored well with our panel, thanks to clever design details such as handy adjustable velcro straps and a zip around the ankles to keep out rain and mud on those countryside jaunts. There’s also a reflective trim for darker mornings.
If you’re on the shorter side, these are a good option, as they’re sold in short, regular, or long lengths. Music to our ears!
Note, while our testers liked being able to access their inside trouser pockets via the pocket openings, the snap closure isn't fully watertight, so the odd drop of rain may creep in.
2
Runner-up waterproof trousers for women
Berghaus Women's Deluge 2.0 Overtrousers
Score: 84/100
Whatever the time of year, it's not uncommon for us to get days of non-stop rain. Enter the Berghaus Deluge trousers, which are designed for, well, deluges.
They got a thumbs up from our testers for their waterproofing skills and design features – they have side zips and poppers – particularly among some of our taller testers.
A good investment for colder months, they scored well for durability and washed well, which is key if you're out on muddy hikes.
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Best waterproof trousers for heavy rain
ARC'TERYX Women's Beta Pant Waterproof trousers
Score: 81/100
The priciest pair of trousers on our list, these are made with trusty Gore-Tex fabric.
Claiming to be lightweight, windproof, waterproof and breathable, they are designed with all weather conditions in mind, from light drizzle and heavy rain to snow and sleet. And they don’t disappoint.
Our testers rated them highly for their waterproof credentials, which they said protected them from heavy rain showers. What’s more, they dried quickly, so no wandering around in heavy, sodden trousers.
4
Best waterproof trousers for light rain
Jack Wolfskin Rainy Day Pants
Score: 80/100
Heading out for a walk in milder conditions, but want to be protected from rain? These unisex trousers from Jack Wolfskin are a smart choice according to our testing panel.
Extremely lightweight (a medium pair weighs just 170g), they’re perfect for milder weather, and dry pretty quickly if you do get caught in a light shower while you’re out.
They also come with their own handy little carry bag for when you want to shed a layer. With no pockets, our panel did miss having somewhere to keep their keys, though.
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5
Best waterproof trousers for walking
Regatta Women's Highton Waterproof Overtrousers
Score: 76/100
These stylish trousers are made from recycled plastic water bottles. Our testers rated their waterproofing capabilities as well as some of the design aspects, such as the zipped pockets and part-elasticated waistband (no one wants that digging in mid-country walk).
Our panel thought they were best suited to walking, as opposed to anything more dynamic, due to the limitations of the fabric. We also suggest they are worn over leggings or thinner fabric trousers as opposed to jeans, due to their slim fit.
6
Best budget waterproof trousers
Regatta Women's Pack It Waterproof Overtrousers
Score: 75/100
If you’re after a budget-friendly pair of trousers, then look no further. These lightweight waterproofs from Regatta are a sound choice for shorter walks in the drizzle. Think a quick trip to the shops or getting your steps in with the dog.
If you’re someone who goes for lots of runs, no matter the weather, then these are probably not for you. While our testers rated them for affordability, they don’t have some of the design features other pairs do, and if you’re on the go and need to pop them on over boots, you may struggle.
Also note that they come up on the smaller side, so go for a size up to be safe.
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The verdict on waterproof trousers
Comfy, reflective and extremely waterproof, Keela's Lightning Trousers are our winning pick for all your outdoorsy adventures.
Our runner-up pair, the Berghaus Women's Deluge 2.0 Overtrousers, are an excellent investment for the chillier months.
And if you don’t want to spend too much, then Regatta's Women's Pack It Waterproof Overtrousers are a savvy buy for under £25.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
In our hunt for the best waterproof trousers, we recruited a panel of adventurers to brave the elements and put a range of popular styles to the test.
Our former group fitness tester manager Yanar Alkayat pulled together all the feedback, assessing products against their claims, to give each pair of trousers a final score.
Our senior health and wellness writer Priyankaa Joshi has written hundreds of reviews and is a keen hiker herself, so knows a thing or two about what makes a quality pair of waterproof trousers. Priyankaa is also currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification.
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.
She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.
Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.