Waterproof Pants

Featured review by Nick Mesarhakis

My first Arc'teryx hardshell. Let's see if it fits the bill...

Haven't used it that much on purpose since hardshells are my last resort, especially when it comes to pants. Why? Well, primarily because of the extra weight and secondly because of the whole process of getting in and out of in the field. I think of hardshells like a pair of crampons: use them only when needed and not for the whole duration of the hike. Hardshells are the bane for many hikers because they usually don't work the way they are supposed to and eventually get you clammy or even wet if it fails and water finds it's way inside.

Read more: Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant reviews (4)

Reviewed by Alicia MacLeay

Patagonia's PowSlayer Bibs are a premium, lightweight yet durable, waterproof snowsports pants for the backcountry-focused skier and rider. They work equally well for inbounds and side-country trips too. Their Gore-Tex Pro fabric keeps out all types of precipitation—not just powder—reliably and comfortably all day long. With a 100-percent recycled face fabric, they bring together environmental credibility with technical waterproof/breathable performance. At $599 the PowSlayer's MSRP is decidedly steep, but if you spend your winters on snow and they fit your budget (or you find them on sale) they're an excellent long-term option. Plus, with their solid construction, recycled fabric, and Patagonia's customer service and repairs program they're a worthy investment for the dedicated skier and rider. Note that overall sizing is roomy, and they're more of a high-waisted pant versus traditional bib though.

  About The Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs, corresponding Pants, and Powslayer Jacket are lightweight, packable, waterproof Gore-Tex Pro shells designed for backcountry touring, but which work well for inbounds snowsports as well. According to Patagonia, they feature "the first 100 percent recycled nylon face fabric to deliver the highest level of durable waterproof/breathable and windproof protection available." Bibs Weight: men's 20.6 oz / women's 19.9 oz (my women's medium also weigh 19.9 oz) Pants Weight: men's 19.3 oz / women's 17.5 oz Material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop Gore-Tex Pro fabric Fit and Comfort The PowSlayer bib and pants are very similar, with the bibs being more of a high-waisted pant with adjustable suspender straps.

Read more: Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs review (1)

Featured review by Jovan Sakovic

Great for all outdoor activity, very durable and comfortable. Best for hiking, trekking, rock climbing and ice climbing. Recommend it for all climbing activity.

Fit & Comfort: Perfect fit for legs and very comfortable. Adjustability: Garment  can be adjusted with cuffs and cords. Water Resistance: It's waterproof and can hold on whole day on rain. Breathability: Breathable, garment vents during activity. Moisture: The material wicks sweat away from  skin. Warmth: At cold condition it keeps you warm while active and little bit while at rest. But if you put something beneath it is OK. Layering: Only one layer but OK. Abrasion: Not a all. Maybe little bit on knees because of rock climbing.

Read more: Marmot Minimalist Pant reviews (2)

Reviewed by Shannon

The Alpha SV Bib is the perfect compliment to the Alpha SV Jacket. Lightweight, waterproof, and durable. This bib has waterproof zippers that run the length of the legs, and have two-way zippers that allow for venting or removal in a flash. Arc'teryx has placed a durable laminate material at the cuff of the inside pant to reduce crampon damage, and they also placed drawstrings at the ankle for makeshift gaiters. There is a midrift drawstring to shape the fit. There is an internal pocket for sunscreen/power bar and two outer pockets for your hands.

Read more: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Bib review (1)

Reviewed by KiwiKlimber

A light and waterproof pair of rain pants that have some nice stretch to them, making them easy to move in and take along for multiple outdoor pursuits. I found them best when hiking and camping, with enough room for thin layers underneath, but a little maxed out when wearing thicker layers underneath.

Construction & Durability:In my experience, there are typically two kinds of rain pants, either a) ultralight and easily rip when stretched too far, brushed up against vegetation, etc, or b) super durable, ultra GoreTex’d out and really heavy. Black Diamond has made a pair that is neither of those, but instead, is both light and durable, fashioned with its BD.dry solution that meets the company’s claim of being a “waterproof/breathable/windproof solution.”   Fit and Comfort: Quick reference:  In case words you can’t decipher my hand-drawn sketch, I have a 32.5" waist and a 34" inseam, so like many (most) companies, Black Diamond doesn’t have a perfect size for me in these pants since they sell them from XS-XL.

Read more: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Pant review (1)

Reviewed by Alpine1

Lightweight and well-made, but won't take much abuse.

Recently got the Stretch Ozonic Pants (men's medium, short) and put them to the test on a climb of Mt St Helens the other day. Needed some lightweight basic wind and rain protection. They fit that bill. Didn't take up much pack space and were easy to get on and off over boots. Fit was very good and fabric was helpfully stretchy. I liked the feel of it. The only downside was that the seat didn't hold up well to the enjoyably long butt glissade in the soft corny snow from the summit. Too much wear; not torn, but almost.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pant review (1)

Featured review by FrauStranger

The Amundsen Peak Knickerbockers are designed to stand up to some of the most extreme winter conditions on earth. The quality of construction and materials is obvious out of the box and comes through in the wearing experience. They'll stand up to any winter condition and are surprisingly wearable during the summer, too. A great investment if you prefer fewer, high-quality pieces in your outdoor gear collection.

LoneStranger was lucky enough to be assigned the Men's Peak Knickerbockers for review by Trailspace's Review Corps. However, the first pair Amundsen sent was a Women's large. Since they fit me, Amundsen was kind enough to let me try them out. You can read LoneStranger's more comprehensive review with all the technical specs here.  LoneStranger has more opportunity for adventure than I do and we didn't have too much cold, snowy weather left in the season when these arrived. The first time I wore these was snow tubing with my daughter.

Read more: Amundsen Peak Knickerbockers reviews (2)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

The Alpine Houdini is a compact, lightweight all-season pant that is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and lives up to the Patagonia name. These durable storm pants are ideal for hikers, bikers, runners, or anyone who spends lots of time outside and that needs emergency rain/snow protection in a compact, lightweight package.

Patagonia regularly breaks barriers when it comes to function and innovation in the world of outdoor apparel. It feels to me like they have always been there for the outdoor enthusiast. One of the newest additions to Patagonia’s product line are the Alpine Houdini Pants, joining the Houdini range of pants, vests, jackets, and pullover jackets. They are constructed to be waterproof, windproof, breathable, and durable. No small feat, this is difficult to accomplish with a product that weighs in at under 5.5 ounces and costs under 130 bucks.

Read more: Patagonia Alpine Houdini Pants review (1)

Reviewed by El Eaton

A severe condition hard shell, drop-seat pant for winter climbers, alpinists, and ski-mountaineers. Used in all the previously mentioned as well as long winter hikes, snowshoeing, and backcountry Nordic skiing. Workmanship is excellent, Colour schemes limited, Internal powder gaiters along with kevlar instep protectors for protection against skis and crampons + errant snowshoes.

image courtesy Jöttnar Fit & Comfort I'm 6'2" (187cms) and the large size fits surprisingly well. They don't feel like a pair of swishy-swishy "fabric balloons" on your legs. They feel like hiking pants; it's kinda unreal. There's enough room in the crotch for a good step up when climbing and your waistline doesn't feel as if it needs choking to keep them up, mainly in part because of the braces.  The knees are reinforced and ergonomically designed bringing a welcome addition if you are out hiking and/or climbing in winter months or sitting down at a summit or campfire.

Read more: Jöttnar Valdyr Pants review (1)

Reviewed by Tam McTavish

The only large style soft shell bibs, these are a great for all aerobic winter activities.

The Dawn Patrol bibs are a really great option for a lot of activities. They fit pretty tight around the legs, similar to most soft shells like the Gamma MX or the Patagonia Knifeblades or Adze. It has minor adjustments on the hem, but not huge. This means that you can't No gaiter or anything. They can also be adjusted by the shoulder suspenders. It's not much of a huge change though. Due to descent stretch these pants handle dynamic movement really well. Skiing, and climbing I have never had any complaints, even for mixed climbing.

Read more: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Bib review (1)