On each leg, you’ll find two-way zips that stretch from the bottom, all the way up to the waistband, making it easy to pull them on over boots, while also allowing you to ventilate by unzipping from the top. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. Knee length zips on the legs help mitigate this, but it would have been more helpful if they came up further.

The Montane Minimus waterproof hiking pants are some of the best lightweight trousers available for UK hikers. When the rain is really coming down and your only pair of waterproofs have decided that they much prefer being in several parts, flapping freely in the wind, this is a total day ruiner.

As a general rule, the general style of the trouser isn’t something that matters enormously in terms of performance, it’s the quality of the waterproof trousers that we really care about. I.M Pant, Rab’s submission comes with long two-way zips on the outside of the leg, making it easy to pull them on over boots or open them up to provide venting. There are, unfortunately, no zips with these trousers, making them a little difficult to pull over boots in a downpour. The trousers are available in men’s sizes XS-XXXL with 3 different leg lengths and women’s sizes 8-20, again with 3 different leg lengths.

Breathability is job number 2 on the requirement list of waterproof trousers and helps to prevent moisture building inside the trousers. Rob was the editor of Adventure Travel magazine between 2016-2019 and is now a freelance contributor. Utilising the GORE-TEX® membrane, the Maitland Overtrousers from Berghaus are completely waterproof and highly breathable.Unlike many of the other pairs in this review, they have a narrow profile too, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing parachute pants. Depending on what you are intending to use the trousers for, typical areas to look out for include toughness, packability and insulation should be considered.

Speaking of the rucksack, the packability of the waterproof trousers, particularly the overtrousers, is an important factor to consider. Waterproof overtrousers are best for those days where the odd shower is expected whereas all day trousers are for those bad weather days unlikely to let up.If you’re aiming to be navigating wild terrain and scrambling in the rain, the tougher trousers are going to be the best bet. They need to keep the weather out, obviously, but we also like them to be lightweight and packable in the hope of good weather, at which point they’ll be living in your pack. There are two main types of waterproof trousers that should be in every serious hiker’s chest of drawers, overtrousers and wear-all-day trousers.

Articulated knees ensure good range of movement, while the elastic waistband and webbed belt offer a comfortable fit. Instead, a pair of waterproof trousers that fit neatly over your walking trousers without compromising movement is the goal.The trousers have a good, slim profile, so they don’t catch the wind, while elastic ankle cuffs help close out the elements. Any walker, climber or mountaineer that has had the pleasure (or displeasure) of slipping on a pair of walking trousers will be all too familiar with just how big of a difference quality makes in the adverse weather experience. These mens walking trousers from Berghaus are perfect for protecting you against unpredictable weather. Waterproof trousers might not be the most fashionable pieces of kit, but you’ll be thankful you have them when the heavens open.