Best Cheap Rain Pants for Hiking

10 Best Cheap Rain Pants for Hiking (Budget-Friendly)

Every adrenaline junkie should have a pair of rain pants in their kit. Their multi-functionality keeps you safe and toasty in the wilderness, keeping you dry when the heavens open and cutting the wind when the skies close.

When it’s raining or snowing, you’ll want something that will keep you dry and warm. Ventilation is an important feature of the best rainpants, as it prevents you from becoming overheated while you’re active. When not in use, you want a pair of pants that can be tucked away easily.

Reviewers have chosen to focus on rain pant designs and features from a wide range of manufacturers. The ones we’ve chosen are lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant to varying degrees. Using six essential measures, we compare the performance of each product while backpacking, hiking, and climbing.

A few of the most important ones are water resistance, ease of use, breathability, and ventilation. This is where the winners of our awards and recommendations come from. Read on to find out how each product stacks up against the rest. Let us begin, shall we?

1. Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Pants

As soon as you start looking for pants that are both waterproof and breathable, the price tends to rise quickly. For this reason, We advise hikers on a budget to opt for poor breathability.

For those who intend to hike a lot in the rain, we suggest spending a little more money and getting a pair of pants with better ventilation.

The best hiking gear comes from Outdoor Research Hiking brands. When it comes to waterproof and breathable gear, they always offer insane value for money.

Waterproof, with good breathability and ankle zippers, these pants include ripstop fabric and are seam-taped. As a result, these pants offer a lot for not much more money than the rest of the selections. We’d suggest these pants to any hiker who has the means to pay for them.

The size is the only massive concern with these pants. Do some research on the sizing before you buy anything.

Where to purchase Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Pants?

You can get the Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Pants here on Amazon.

2. Marmot Precip Eco

In addition to being made of 100% recycled material and featuring twin slider zips on both legs, these Marmot Precip Eco pants also have velcro waistband straps and metal ankle snaps for extra security and durability. They can be closed tight to keep out the rain or opened wide to let in some fresh air on hot days.

Compared to Gore-Tex, Pertex, or eVent waterproofing, Marmot uses NanoPro in several apparel items. Marmot uses NanoPro in several of its apparel items. When you buy these pants, you’ll know that you’re doing your part to help the environment because of the word “Eco.”

Velcro at the hips secures the zipper and ensures that the trousers fit around your waist, while the elastic waistband stretches to fit. You can easily layer up in these pants because of their loose style.

Since the pants can be opened completely in both directions, from hip to foot, they’re much more breathable when you need to get rid of some built-up heat. They have two zipped hand pockets and one zippered back pocket that are easily accessible. In general, they are heavier than other rain pants in our evaluation, but their environmental history makes them an excellent pick.

Pros:

  • Excellent baggy fit with plenty of room for layering
  • Two functional hand pockets and one back pocket
  • Zips the Entire Length – Excellent for circulating hot air

Cons:

  • It does not fold into itself

Where to purchase Marmot Precip Eco?

You can get the Marmot Precip Eco here on Amazon.

3. Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

When it comes to rain trousers, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is a no-brainer in terms of comfort. As well as being simple to move around in, the fabric is also quiet to move around in.

For ventilation, these trousers also include full-length zippers that are easy to put on and take off. You can move freely thanks to the supple, flexible fabric.

Ultralight pants, despite their compact shape and superior ventilation, are heavier and bulkier. The men’s pants have a built-in belt, but the women’s pants don’t, so we’d want better pockets and a built-in belt.

These pants have a good look to them. Lightweight rain trousers made of materials like these will likely become increasingly common in the future, thanks in part to the excellent performance characteristics of the silent stretch fabric.

Pros:

  • Cozy
  • Soft
  • Developed in the Belt (mens)
  • Zipper the Entire Length
  • Compact – Fits comfortably in one’s pocket

Cons:

  • A Little Hefty
  • Pockets on the Average Side

Where to purchase Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic?

You can get the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic here on Amazon.

4. Marmot Bantamweight

The Marmot Bantamweight is comprised of a thin, elastic material that is simple to move in and quite breathable, making it a great choice for short hikes.

With a backpack’s hip belt, the waistline is especially comfy. However, because they are so light, you must use extreme caution when handling them. Despite this, they are nonetheless quite comfy, light, and packable.

Despite their compact size, these ultralight rain pants aren’t as durable as some of the other rain trousers in this review. Because of the small zippers, the pants are light, but putting them on is more difficult without taking off your shoes.

These pants are less durable than others because of their lightweight, thin material. Zippers make it tough to put on and take off these pants without removing your shoes first. As a whole, we appreciate these ultra-light stretch rain pants. However, they are becoming increasingly difficult to locate, so acquire yours while you can.

Pros:

  • Compact Pack Size
  • Extremely comfy
  • Ultralightweight

Cons:

  • Short zips make it difficult to put on and take off pants
  • Not as durable as some of the other pants reviewed in this article
  • Increasingly tough to locate in the majority of stores

Where to purchase Marmot Bantamweight?

You can get the Marmot Bantamweight here on Amazon.

5. Arc’teryx Zeta SL

For a wonderful combination of lightweight and durability, the Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Trousers are built of sturdier and more substantial materials than other rain pants.

They’ll look and feel great thanks to their slim, natural-looking fit. In addition to being ultra-lightweight, these pants pack down to a teeny, tiny size. The strengthened cuffs and good breathability make them long-lasting.

It’s easy to slip on and take off, thanks to the lengthy zips. These rain trousers lack pockets, but they otherwise have a lot going for them. Overall, this is one of the best camping rain pants because of how light it is. They’re a solid, long-lasting alternative.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Sturdy
  • Excellent fit
  • Superb lengthy zips

Cons:

  • Without pockets
  • Feel a bit tight

Where to purchase Arc’teryx Zeta SL?

You can get the Arc’teryx Zeta SL here on Amazon.

6. REI Rainier Full-Zip

The REI Rainier Full-Zip (men’s / women’s) are a fantastic all-around choice if weight isn’t your primary concern. They’re well-built and offer all the features you could possibly need. Great hand pockets, full zippers, and a drawcord at the waist keep the Rainier Pants from falling down.

The Rainier Pants are best used when weight isn’t an issue, as they’re thicker and heavier than other options. Overall, the Rainier rain pants are well-made and among the most cost-effective options available.

Pros: Reasonably priced, full-length zippers for ventilation and easy on/off, hand pockets that fold up into their own pocket

Cons: Heavier/bulkier than others, less pleasant against the skin than others.

Where to purchase REI Rainier Full-Zip?

You can get the REI Rainier Full-Zip here on REI.

7. REI XeroDry GTX

XeroDry GTX from REI is a high-quality alternative at a reasonable price point. REI The outer fabric is softer and quieter than other rain trousers, making it a more comfortable option. It’s a little more difficult to slip on these pants without removing your shoes because they only have ankle-length zippers.

However, if you’re looking for high-quality trousers that are both lightweight and durable, the XeroDry is one of the best options available at this price point.

Pros:

  • Sturdy
  • Soft
  • Compact
  • Pockets on the hand
  • Hook for shoelaces
  • Compress themselves into their own pocket

Cons:

  • Ventilation is restricted
  • Due to the short zippers, it is more difficult to put on/take off without removing shoes.
  • Cord lock on waistband detaches

Where to purchase REI XeroDry GTX?

You can get the REI XeroDry GTX here on REI.

8. Paradox Waterproof Breathable Rain Pants

The Paradox Waterproof Breathable Rain Pants are another excellent option for hiking in the rain. It was assumed that the pants would be breathable, but this was not the case. However, as previously said, it is nearly hard to obtain a pair of pants that is both waterproof and breathable at this price.

However, it is somewhat more expensive than the Mountain Warehouse Pakka Rain Pants and less high-quality than the Marmot Precip Pant. However, this might be an excellent choice for a middle ground option.

It would be best if you realized that only the Men’s version of these pants appears to contain hidden pockets, despite the fact that they claim to. Unfortunately, the pockets are missing from the women’s pants. Some reviewers complained that these pants were excessively wide, so exercise caution while ordering.

Where to purchase Paradox Waterproof Breathable Rain Pants?

You can get the Paradox Waterproof Breathable Rain Pants here on Amazon.

9. Mountain Warehouse Pakka Rain Pants

These trousers are an excellent choice for a low-cost pair of rain pants because they are sturdy without breaking the bank. You’ll be astonished to discover a nice pair of rain trousers for this low of a price.

Waterproof and cheap, these pants are far from ideal. Because of this, these pants should be included on this list.

The following are the core elements:

Waterproof: This outerwear’s ISODRY rainproof fabric will keep you dry no matter what the weather brings.

Taped Seams: This garment’s sewn seams have been taped for further protection. Ankle circumference can be adjusted by means of a hook and loop fastener.

A drawstring bag is ideal for transporting: If you’re on a tight budget, this is the product to go!

Where to purchase Mountain Warehouse Pakka Rain Pants?

You can get the Mountain Warehouse Pakka Rain Pants here on Amazon.

10. Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Overpants

You’ll love these pants if you’re into scrambling, climbing, or a challenging trail. Your pants may come into contact with rocks while trekking or climbing. Your rain pants will be ruined in no time if this occurs. Except for Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Overpants, made of ripstop fabric.

As previously stated, these pants are extremely water-resistant and only somewhat perspiration-permeable. Nevertheless, the ripstop fabric is the primary benefit of these products. As far as waterproof/ripstop pants go, these had to be the least expensive option. Since this is the case, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it made the list.

A ventilation system is also included with these pants. Because of this, these pants aren’t classed as “breathable.” This is a really reasonable price, however.

Where to purchase Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Overpants?

You can get the Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Overpants here on Amazon.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts!

Rain pants that are suitable for hiking don’t have to cost a fortune. Cheap rain pants are absolutely available. A mountaineer’s problem is compounded by the potential for rapid deterioration of their trousers. Ripstop pants are required for mountaineering.

If you want more ventilation, the only true reason to spend more money on rain pants is that they’re more expensive. But even the most expensive rain trousers aren’t always as breathable as you’d expect. It is therefore advisable to invest in some reasonably priced, high-quality, breathable rain pants.

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