The Best Rain Pants for Women to Keep You Dry and Comfortable

Best Overall

The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants

4.6

View On Dick's View On Moosejaw.com View On The North Face

Durable, comfortable, and genuinely waterproof, The North Face’s Women’s Venture 2 Half Zip Pants check all the boxes and are our best overall selection. The rain pants are crafted from durable nylon and treated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish. This combination makes the pants both waterproof and windproof but still breathable enough to keep you comfortable as you exercise whether your workout is walking outside or strength training on your balance board.

Since the pants are lightweight, they're easy to bring with you on the go. And if you get caught in the rain, don’t worry—flexible features, like knee-high zippers and an elastic waistband, make them easy to slip over your gear at a moment’s notice. Once you have the pants on, you can fasten them using an internal waistband drawcord and hook-and-loop closures at the ankles.

For added convenience, the pants come equipped with a set of zippered pockets, which protect your essentials from the elements—or simply warm up your hands. You can also fold your pants inside one of these pockets to save space when you’re not wearing them.

Price at time of publication: $79

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam: 28.5–33.5 inches | Color Options: One | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Yes}

Best Budget

Frogg Toggs Classic Pro Action Rain Pant

View On Amazon View On Walmart

If you’re looking for a pair of no-frills rain pants you can score on a budget, Frogg Toggs has you covered. The brand’s Classic Pro Action Rain Pants are simply designed. They boast an elastic waistband and a set of elastic ankle bands, both of which should be easy to slide over your go-to gear. And once you’ve slipped into the pants, you can secure them in place using the drawcord along the waist and the hook-and-loop closures at the ankles. These are a favorite because the price is right for most budgets, like our top picks of insoles for flat feet.

The pants are both waterproof and windproof, so they should keep your legs protected from the elements. The pants are currently available in five different sizes (S–XXL), as well as two versatile colorways (black and camouflage).

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: S–XXL | Inseam: 30.5–33 inches | Color Options: Two | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Yes}

Best Size Range

L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Pants

View On L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean’s Trail Model Rain Pants aren’t just a great set of rain pants. They’re a great set of rain pants that are available in a particularly inclusive size range. The pants come in eight standard sizes (XS–3X) and five petite sizes (XS–XL petite).

Crafted from two layers—a waterproof nylon shell and a laminate inner lining—the pants promise to feel both protective and breathable. And since they’re lined with adjustable features, like a stretchy waistband and zip-up leg openings, they should be easy to slip over whatever gear you have on. The pants are designed to be lightweight and packable, so they should be easy to bring with you on the go. And they come equipped with a zippered pocket, which you can use to store and protect your essentials.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS–3X | Inseam: Not listed | Color Options: One | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Not listed}

Best Petite

REI Co-op Talusphere Rain Pants Petite

View On REI

Searching for a pair of rain pants with a more petite fit? Look no further. REI Co-op’s Essential Rain Pants Petite comes in four sizes (S–XL), and all of them boast a petite-friendly cut. The pants should be 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 0.75 inches shorter in rise length, and 1 inch shorter in body length than the average pair of rain pants. This means the pants shouldn’t just be short enough for you—they should also fit you better than a pair of classic rain pants that you’ve cuffed at the hems.

Of course, fit isn’t the only thing these pants have to offer. Crafted from lightweight polyester, the pants are both windproof (up to 60 MPH) and waterproof. And since they boast an elastic waistband and a pair of zip-up leg openings, they should be easy to slip into. (You won’t even have to remove your boots)! Even better, these lightweight pants are remarkably packable. When you’re not using them, simply fold them inside their own pocket, and carry them with you on the go.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: S–XL petite | Inseam: 29 inches | Color Options: One | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Yes}

Best Tall

REI Co-op Talusphere Rain Pants Tall

View On REI

If you need a little extra length from your rain paints, consider snagging REI Co-op’s Talusphere Rain Pants Tall. The rain pants are available in three different sizes (M–XL). And thanks to their tall-friendly style, the pants should be 3 inches longer in inseam and 2 inches longer in body length than your average pair of rain pants.

Aside from the extra inches, these pants are about as classic as rain pants come. Crafted from waterproof laminate, the pants should do a great job at keeping the wind and rain out. And since the pants boast an elastic drawcord waistband and zip-up ankles, you shouldn’t have any trouble slipping them over your gear—hiking boots included. The pants also boast a pair of zip-up pockets, which you can use to store your essentials. And when the sun comes out, pack up the pants and slide them inside one of these pockets for easy storage.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: M–XL tall | Inseam: 33 inches | Color Options: One | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Yes}

Best for Hiking

Marmot PreCip Eco Pant

View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com

Lightweight enough to toss in your bag and durable enough to protect you from the elements, Marmot’s PreCip Eco Pants should make an easy addition to your hiking trips. Crafted from durable nylon, the pants should hold up to the wear and tear of your toughest hikes. And since they boast a waterproof finish, they should keep you dry and comfortable—even when it starts to pour.

The pants are equipped with an elastic drawcord waistband and a pair of ankle zippers, so they should be easy to slip over your hiking clothes. And since the ankle cuffs also come equipped with snaps, you can secure the pants snugly around your hiking boots to keep your legs dry and comfortable—and keep out water. The pants also come equipped with three zipper pockets, which you can use to keep your essentials out of the rain.

Snag the pants in one of five different sizes (XS–XL) and in one of three different lengths (short, regular, or long).

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam: 29–33 inches | Color Options: One | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Not listed}

Best for Running

Under Armour UA OutRun the Rain Pants

View On Amazon View On Cabelas.com View On Underarmour.com

Classic rain pants may not be great for running. Why? They can be billowy, noisy, and not particularly breathable. Plus, you’re probably not running in a torrential downpour. So what you really need is a pair of water-resistant workout pants—like Under Armour’s UA OutRun The Rain Pants.

Crafted from a combination of polyester and elastane, the pants should feel soft and stretchy—more like a pair of workout pants than a pair of rain pants. But since the pants come equipped with UA Storm technology, they promise to repel water without sacrificing breathability.

The pants boast other convenient features, like an adjustable drawcord waistband and zip-up ankle cuffs. And they’re lined with reflective details that should enhance your visibility in low-light conditions. The pants are currently available in five different sizes (XS–XL), as well as two different colorways (black and purple).

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam: 28.25 inches | Color Options: Two | Waterproof: No (water-repellant) | Windproof: Not listed}

Best for Cycling

Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Cycling Pants

View On Backcountry.com View On Patagonia.com View On REI

Patagonia’s Dirt Roamer Storm Cycling Pants were specifically designed for cycling in the elements. Fully waterproof, the pants promise to protect you from rain, snow, mud, and more. But thanks to their two-layer design, they should keep you pretty comfortable, too.

On the outside of the pants, you’ll find a durable nylon performance shell. This sturdy shell is designed to keep you dry. And it’s reinforced in key areas—along the knees, at the seat, and at the crotch—to ensure the pants hold up over time. On the inside of the pants, you’ll find a soft knit lining. Crafted from polyester, this lining is designed to keep you comfortable. And since it’s so cozy, you can wear the pants on their own—rather than layering them over your other gear.

As if that wasn't enough, the pants also boast a pair of waterproof zip-up pockets. And they come equipped with knee-high leg openings, which you can unzip to slide the pants over pads and running shoes for all including those of us who need running shoes for knee pain. The pants are currently available in six different sizes (XXS–XL) and two different colorways (black and teal), depending on where you buy them.

Price at time of publication: $299

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–XL | Inseam: 30–32 inches | Color Options: Two | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Not listed}

Best for Commuting

Showers Pass Transit Pants

View On REI View On Showerspass.com

If you ride your bike to work every day, you know how tedious commuting in the rain can be. But Shower Pass’s Transit Pants promise to make it a little easier. Specifically designed for people who commute on their bikes, the pants are flexible enough to comfortably cycle in and loose enough to slip over your work clothes. They’re also lightweight enough to bring with you on the go, so you can pack them in your bag any time you spot rain in the forecast.

Crafted from durable nylon, the pants are sturdy and waterproof. And they’re equipped with a handful of useful features. Along the waistband, you’ll find an adjustable drawcord, which you can loosen or tighten to find your perfect fit. And along the legs of the pants, you’ll find a series of zippers and snaps. Unzip the ankle zippers to conveniently slide the pants over clothes and shoes. Then, zip them back up, and use the snaps to fasten your pant legs securely in place.

The pants are currently available in four different sizes (S–XL). And though they’re designed to be worn over your work clothes, REI recommends sizing up for a more comfortable fit.

Price at time of publication: $135

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: S–XL | Inseam: 30 inches | Color Options: One | Waterproof: Yes | Windproof: Not listed}

Best for Intense Activity

Patagonia Pack Out Tights

View On Dick's View On Patagonia.com

Tackling a high-intensity workout in rain pants is no easy feat. Rain pants can be prone to trapping sweat and heat. Not to mention, they’re also known to make a lot of noise. (And unsurprisingly, both of these features can distract you from the workout you’re trying to tackle.) So if you need some extra rain protection during your next high-energy workout session, consider snagging a pair of water-resistant leggings—like Patagonia’s Pack Out Tights.

Crafted from a polyester and spandex blend, the leggings should feel incredibly soft and stretchy. But since they’re designed with a thick, tapered fit—rather than a skin-tight one—they should feel sturdier and more protective than a traditional pair of leggings. (So even though Patagonia calls them “tights,” you could comfortably wear them as a pair of pants.) Though the tights aren’t waterproof, they are water-repellant enough to get you through a drizzly hike. And they’re lined with pockets that make it easy to store your must-haves.

Score the tights in one of five different sizes (XS–XL) and three different colorways. And consider wearing them during hikes, outdoor workouts, and any other activity that requires flexibility and rain protection.

Price at time of publication: $119

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam: 29 inches | Color Options: Five | Waterproof: No (water-repellant) | Windproof: Not listed}