Most people think “any old waterproof trousers will do” for camping or hiking. I used to be one of them until a storm in the Lake District left me with damp pants and a grumpy mood for hours.
Lesson learned: the right pair of waterproof trousers can make or break your time outdoors, whether you’re slogging through Scottish drizzle or pitching up after a muddy festival.
In this guide, I will walk you through what matters and which kit actually keeps you dry. I’ll break things down so you can skip the rookie mistakes and get trousers that genuinely work for British weather.
Why Waterproof Trousers Matter?
Getting your legs soaked isn’t just annoying – it can ruin your whole day outdoors. Imagine trying to cook breakfast at a windy campsite while your jeans cling to your skin, cold and heavy. Or cycling home as rain creeps into your socks because your “rainproof” trousers gave up after ten minutes.
Staying dry below the waist helps you stay warm, avoid chafing, and actually enjoy what you’re doing. Whether you’re hiking through the Peaks, walking the dog in sideways rain, or just wrangling kids at a soggy campsite, dry trousers make a huge difference.
They may not be the flashiest bit of kit, but they’re one of the most useful. If you spend any real time outdoors in the UK, waterproof trousers are well worth the investment.
Top Features to Look For
There are hundreds of trousers out there, and there’s a big difference between “water-resistant” and the ones you can trust when the heavens open. Before you buy, here’s what to check for:
- Waterproof rating: Look for numbers above 10,000mm hydrostatic head. Anything less can leak in prolonged rain.
- Seam sealing: Fully taped seams block leaks at the stitch lines. This is vital in sideways rain.
- Breathability: Memories of sweaty plastic overtrousers? Find numbers above 5,000g/m² for breathability, or go for known membranes (Gore-Tex, eVent, Pertex Shield, etc).
- Comfort and fit: Articulated knees, adjustable waists, and a cut that fits over actual walking trousers (not just running tights) make a difference on the move.
- Pockets: Waterproof pockets are gold for your phone, map, or snack. If you’ll only wear them over shorts, you might not care about pockets.
- Zips: Full-length or at least ¾ length side zips let you pull trousers over muddy boots without a wrestling match.
- Weight and pack size: If you want just-in-case rain protection, get a packable pair you won’t notice in your rucksack.
Some of this sounds technical. If in doubt, ask yourself: can I comfortably haul myself up a stile or jump a ditch, or can I see this splitting or flapping in a gale?
Best Waterproof Trousers in 2025 – Quick Overview
Solognac R900 Trouser
Best For: Rugged use, campsite wear
Weight: ~1 kg
Waterproof Rating: 5,000 mm
Breathability: Low (vented via side zips)
Cons: Heavy, not for hot weather
Berghaus Paclite Trouser
Best For: Lightweight hillwalks, travel
Weight: 228 g
Waterproof Rating: Gore-Tex Paclite
Breathability: Excellent
Cons: Thin fabric, premium price
Rab Downpour Trouser
Best For: All-rounder, everyday walking
Weight: 205 g
Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm
Breathability: Very good
Cons: Zips only to knee, no reinforcement
Rohan Ventus Trouser
Best For: Commuting, serious hill use
Weight: 370 g
Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm
Breathability: 20,000 g/m²/day
Cons: Slim fit, heavier than others
Marmot PreCip Eco Trouser
Best For: Budget-friendly and eco gear
Weight: ~250 g
Waterproof Rating: NanoPro Eco
Breathability: Moderate–Good
Cons: No ankle drawcords, slightly noisy
5 Best Waterproof Trousers: Detailed Review
Solognac R900 – Best Rugged Waterproof Trousers
If you need tough waterproof trousers that can take a beating, the Solognac R900 are a solid choice. Weighing around 1kg, they’re heavier than light rain pants, but offer double-layered protection on thighs, knees, and calves – perfect for kneeling down or bush-bashing. With taped zips on roomy pockets, they feel serious – almost commando-ready.
They’re fully waterproof (5,000 mm rating), though not highly breathable. Thankfully, long side zips let you pull in cool air when it gets too warm. I wore mine at the campsite all day in drippy UK weather and stayed dry and comfortable. Just note: on hot summer hikes, they feel too warm.
Berghaus Paclite – Best Lightweight Over-Trousers
Travel light but stay dry with Berghaus Paclite trousers. Weighing just 228g (men’s), they pack down tiny into their own sack. Despite their lightweight, they’re made with GORE-TEX Paclite membrane. With this, rain will just bead off beautifully, even in hosepipe tests.
They do a great job at letting sweat escape, so you won't feel clammy under them. Zips run both ways, making them easy to put on over boots and useful for cooling off. They lack rugged features, but for most walks and travel, they’re all you need.
Rab Downpour – Great All-Round Waterproof Trousers
You don’t need to drop a ton of cash for decent rain protection. The Rab Downpour waterproof trousers are frequently under £60, weigh just over 200g, and will keep you dry on soggy dog walks or occasional hike days.
Thanks to Pertex Shield 2.5-layer fabric, the Rab Downpour trousers are tough. They pack down really small and work well as over-trousers in any wet weather.
Side zips go to the knee, making them easier to put on, though they’re not full-length like the Paclite’s. The fit moves well with you, and they stood up to driving rain on daily morning walks with no leaks or sweat build-up. Great value—especially if you just missed the pricier Paclite.
Rohan Ventus Waterproof Overtrousers
The Rohan Ventus are top-tier waterproof trousers that strike an impressive balance of protection, breathability, and smart design. Made from 3‑layer Barricade fabric, they boast a hefty 36,880 mm waterproof rating and 24,332 g/m²/day breathability. This means they’ll stay dry in heavy rain and let moisture out during tougher hikes. The exterior has a durable water-repellent finish, so rain forms droplets and runs off instead of soaking in.
Design wise, the full-length two-way AquaGuard zips mean you can easily slip them on over wet boots, without fuss. A nifty pack-away mesh pouch built into a side pocket lets you store them neatly when not in use.
There’s even a small hook at each leg cuff to clip onto your boot laces, keeping out splashes. At around 370 g, they’re not the lightest, but still small enough to stow without clutter. These look sharp, perform well, and show off Rohan’s attention to detail. They are great for walking, commuting, or weekend trips.
Marmot PreCip Eco Waterproof Trousers
The Marmot PreCip Eco trousers offer a lot for their price, and they're eco-friendly too. Using NanoPro Eco fabric made from recycled nylon, they’re light (around 250 g for men’s), packable, and waterproof thanks to Marmot’s sealed seams and DWR treatment. Full ankle zips make taking them on and off a breeze, even with hiking boots.
Reviewers say they kept dry and comfy throughout heavy rain, while the fabric stays quiet and soft against the skin. A CleverHiker test found them comfortable on long hikes, with breathability good enough for moderate activity (even without pit zips). They also survived a brush with brambles thanks to ripstop fabric.
Thumbs‑up features include eco-friendly build, zippered pockets, easy boot access, and solid waterproofing. Downsides? They’re a bit baggy, noisier than some, and not ultra-durable. Still, they’re a reliable, well-priced choice that handles wet adventures without fuss.
Price Versus Value
It’s a myth that you have to spend over £150 for decent waterproof trousers. If you’re likely to only break them out for a surprise cloudburst on a camping trip, a solid pair under £50–70 will see you right.
Heavier users such as regular hikers, bikers, and guides will get value from the extra breathability, tougher fabrics, and sealed waterproof pockets of more expensive kit. Buy once, cry once. I’ve worn through budget plastics in a season, but my old Gore-Tex trousers are still going strong years on – cost less in the long run.
Care and Maintenance Advice
Look after your waterproof trousers and they’ll look after you. Always shake off mud when you get home and air them dry. Stashing them wet guarantees that dreadful wet-dog smell and mould.
Wash with a specialist cleaner (like Nikwax or Granger’s), not ordinary detergent, which wrecks the water-repellent coating. Most trousers need the DWR (that’s “durable water repellent”) topping up now and again, especially if you notice the rain no longer beads and runs off.
Most importantly: stuff them in your pack every time, even on “sunny” trips. I’ve camped in Cornwall looking at cloudless skies, then woken at 3 am to horizontal rain lashing straight through the tent zip. My legs stayed dry, but only thanks to remembering my waterproof trousers this time.
Final Thoughts
Cutting corners with waterproof trousers never pays off – not in a British summer, anyway. Pick kit that fits your plans, feels good to wear, and has the waterproofing credentials for our unpredictable weather. Read reviews by people who’ve actually worn the kit in a downpour, not just in a fitting room.
If you only buy one thing new for your next trip, make it decent waterproof trousers. Your legs – and your tent-mates – will thank you. Stay dry out there.
