Which waterproof trousers should you choose for hiking?
In prolonged rain, water-repellent hiking trousers eventually soak through at the thighs, where water runs off your jacket. First decide whether you need to wear your waterproof trousers all day or keep them in your pack. For hours of walking in the rain, choose trousers with a membrane, such as the HOGGAR : heat-sealed seams, articulated knees, three pockets with waterproof zips, including a large thigh pocket, and reinforcements against ski edges and crampons.
If rain is only forecast, keep wearing your hiking trousers and put overtrousers at the bottom of your pack. The TORRENT pulls on over them without removing your shoes, thanks to two full-length zips. Folded away, it fits in a pocket. In the same size, it weighs 60 to 90 g less than the HOGGAR.
Waterproofing and breathability: Cimashell or Ultrashell membrane
The trousers in this selection use two types of membrane. The Cimashell membrane in the HOGGAR and cycling models withstands a 10,000 mm water column and allows 10,000 g of water vapour per m² to pass through in 24 hours. The Ultrashell membrane doubles the waterproof rating to 20,000 mm and delivers eight times the breathability : choose it when you’re climbing quickly in the rain or moving through wind-exposed terrain.
Compare these details on each product page:
- Waterproof rating: 10,000 or 20,000 mm (Schmerber).
- Breathability: 10,000 or 80,000 g/m²/24 h.
- Wind protection: 40 to 60 km/h with Cimashell, 60 to 90 km/h with Ultrashell.
- Putting them on: side or full-length zips mean you can keep your shoes on.
- Weight: around 300 g for mountain overtrousers, nearly 500 g or more for mountaineering.
Waterproof trousers for mountaineering and ski touring
In a couloir, trousers rub against rock, and a crampon lug can snag the fabric. Snow can also get into your boots. The GUIDE PRO PANT is worn as your main layer, with an Ultrashell membrane: its rip-stop fabric resists tearing, and its integrated gaiters keep snow out. Its pockets remain accessible when you’re wearing a harness.
The ADVANCED PANT has a bib design. Its braces replace a waistband that would press beneath a harness, while side zips let you ventilate without taking it off during ski touring climbs. Both models have a RECCO reflector that rescuers can detect in an avalanche; it complements, but does not replace, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
Rain overtrousers for trail running and cycling
On the trail, the overtrousers stay at the bottom of your pack until the first storm. The STORM PRO PANT weighs around 300 g and packs into its own zipped pocket ; its zipped leg openings fit over trail shoes. Wear it on its own or over thermal tights in winter. For the UTMB, our guide to the mandatory waterproof clothing sets out what the rules require for your lower body.
For cycling, the men’s LACANAU and women’s PILAT pull on over trousers or shorts using their zipped side openings, even when you’re wearing cycling shoes. Calf adjusters keep the fabric clear of the chain. Reflective strips make you visible at night.
Women’s and men’s waterproof trousers: models and leg lengths
Most models come in both fits under the same name: HOGGAR, TORRENT, GUIDE PRO PANT and ADVANCED PANT. The STORM PRO PANT is available in a men’s fit. Each fit has its own collection: women’s waterproof trousers and men’s waterproof trousers. For your upper body, see our waterproof jackets.
If you’re under 1.72 m tall in the men’s fit or 1.62 m in the women’s fit, choose the HOGGAR SHORT. Its legs are made shorter from the outset, so you avoid alterations that could compromise the waterproof seams.
