11 best waterproof trousers for women, approved by the GHI panel
They may not be the chicest piece of kit you're going to invest in this year, but the best waterproof trousers can transform a hike, dog walk or cycle from damp and depressing to comfy and dry.
With different features, fits and waterproofing capabilities, there’s a lot to consider when searching for the best pair for you. Prices vary too, with our top picks ranging from around the £20 mark up to £250.
Not sure where to begin? Panic not, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts enlisted a panel of keen testers to put a range of designs from popular brands to the test. Read on for the pairs that will keep you dry, comfy and on top of your game.
The best waterproof trousers for women in 2025
Whether you’re after some budget-friendly trousers to pop on for your next rainy day walk, or you want to splash out on an all-weather pair for hiking or trail running, take a look at our list of winners below, and keep scrolling down for our detailed reviews.
What to consider before buying
Like any new buys, you have to weigh up price, design and any additional features required. So before you make a decision, there are a few things to consider.
Waterproofing
What are you going to be wearing your new trousers for? If it’s for the odd walk around the park in light showers, then you'll likely have a lot more options to choose from than if you’re an avid hiker who needs serious protection from the elements. You may also want to consider sweat-wicking capabilities if you tend to get a bit hot when you're out and about.
Packability
We do love the British weather, particularly the fact you can have blue skies minutes after a heavy burst of rain. With that in mind, some trousers come with little bags to pack them away – handy if you’re out for a long country walk.
Additional features
While waterproof claims are important, additional design features can take a pair of trousers from good to great. Our advice? Look for pockets and an adjustable waistband. Reflective trimmings are useful if you tend to be out early in the morning or in the evening with the dog, for example.
How we test waterproof trousers
Our GHI panel put a range of waterproof trousers through their paces to find the ones guaranteed to help you stay dry on your next outing. Each pair was tested in a variety of conditions, from light rain to downpours, and assessed for comfort, breathability, design and the range of movement they allowed.
Here’s how they were scored.
Ease of use: Our testers were asked to put the trousers on over their shoes or boots, as well as wearing them for a range of different exercises, to get a good sense of their comfort and wearability.
Design: Each pair was rated for design and style. Our testers gave bonus points for extra features such as zipped pockets, reflective panels, toggles to adjust the fit, and carry bags to pack the trousers away when you’re on the go.
Performance: From sweat-wicking to water resistance, our panel rated each pair on its performance when it came to staying dry, paying attention to pockets or seams. They also washed them to see how they fared.
Back in the GHI lab, our experts used a hydrostatic head tester to measure the water resistance of the fabric and seams, to see if the trousers lived up to their waterproofing claims.
Lightning Trousers
Score: 87/100
These unisex trousers from Keela scored well with our panel, thanks to clever design details such as handy adjustable velcro straps and a zip around the ankles to keep out rain and mud on those countryside jaunts. There’s also a reflective trim for darker mornings.
If you’re on the shorter side, these are a good option, as they’re sold in short, regular, or long lengths. Music to our ears!
Note, while our testers liked being able to access their inside trouser pockets via the pocket openings, the snap closure isn't fully watertight, so the odd drop of rain may creep in.
Melodic II Trousers
Score: 86/100
Look elsewhere if you’re heading out in torrential conditions, but for outdoorsy adventures in light rain and showers – whether you’re pottering about in the garden or taking the dog for a walk – this aesthetically pleasing pair from Dare2B ticks all the boxes.
Panellists rated the flattering design, noting that they looked more like everyday trousers instead of waterproofs. “They looked so good, I wore them to the pub after my dog walk,” said one tester, while another commented: “They made my bum look really good!”
They boast adjustable features around the waist and ankles to help you achieve the perfect fit, the fabric is stretchy and comfortable to walk in for hours on end, plus there are plenty of pockets for all your essentials.
Women's Deluge 2.0 Overtrousers
Score: 84/100
Whatever the time of year, it's not uncommon for us to get days of non-stop rain. Enter the Berghaus Deluge trousers, which are designed for, well, deluges.
They got a thumbs up from our testers for their waterproofing skills and design features – they have side zips and poppers – particularly among some of our taller testers.
A good investment for colder months, they scored well for durability and washed well, which is key if you're out on muddy hikes.
Women’s Rainlife 5000 Trousers
Score: 84/100
Another Keela offering, this pair from the brand scored highly for their waterproof capabilities (one tester even survived a storm and came back bone dry) as well as breathability. “I remained dry and comfortable, there no was no dampness on my body at all,” said one tester.
There’s an elasticated waist, belt loops and a zip that runs from the bottom of the trousers to the knee, making them a cinch to pull on, even with muddy boots. There’s also a storm flap for extra protection against the elements. There are no pockets, instead the trousers feature sealable openings for easy access to any pockets underneath.
Like the Lightning trousers, they come in short, regular and tall lengths to suit all needs. They might not look the most stylish but if you’re after a pair of functional, high-performing waterproofs, you can’t go wrong.
Kiwi Pro II Waterproof Trousers
Score: 84/100
Flattering style? Check. Excellent weatherproofing capabilities? Yep. Lightweight material? You bet. All in all, our testing panel rated this pair from Craghoppers well across the board, making them a go-to for all manner of outdoor pursuits.
Our panel found they performed well in heavy rain and windy conditions, they dried in a flash and remained breathable during more intense activities. “I didn’t overheat or feel sweaty during a brisk hike,” said one satisfied tester.
Thanks to the soft, stretchy fabric and elasticated waist, the trousers proved supremely comfortable, and there were no irritating rustling sounds. Some panel members loved the streamlined fit on the legs, while others would have preferred a wide leg design with openings around the ankles for easy on and off. Still, everyone would recommend them to friends.
Women's Beta Pant Waterproof trousers
Score: 81/100
The priciest pair of trousers on our list, these are made with trusty waterproof Gore-Tex fabric.
Claiming to be lightweight, windproof, waterproof and breathable, they are designed with all weather conditions in mind, from light drizzle and heavy rain to snow and sleet. And they don’t disappoint.
Our testers rated them highly for their waterproof credentials, which they said protected them from heavy rain showers. What’s more, they dried quickly, so no wandering around in heavy, sodden trousers.
Spray Womens Waterproof Overtrousers
Score: 80/100
If you find yourself between sizes, it’s worth opting for a pair of waterproof trousers with adjustable features. This simple but effective design from our pals at Mountain Warehouse boasts an elasticated, drawstring waist to suit most bodies, and they’re available in a shorter leg length – handy if you’re on the petite side.
They’re made from heavy duty ripstop fabric for durability and feature IsoDry technology to keep you dry whether you’re cycling, walking or letting your hair down at a festival. Sure enough, testers said they lived up to their waterproof claims. There’s a mesh lining for breathability while half leg zips mean you can slip them on and off over muddy shoes with ease.
Some testers would have liked a more flattering, figure-hugging design while others found them a tad noisy, but these are minor gripes for an otherwise exceptional piece of kit.
£29.99 at mountainwarehouse.com
Rainy Day Pants
Score: 80/100
Heading out for a walk in milder conditions, but want to be protected from rain? These unisex trousers from Jack Wolfskin are a smart choice according to our testing panel.
Extremely lightweight (a medium pair weighs just 170g), they’re perfect for the spring an summer months, and dry pretty quickly if you do get caught in a light shower while you’re out.
They also come with their own handy little carry bag for when you want to shed a layer. With no pockets, our panel did miss having somewhere to keep their keys, though.
Women's Aden Rain Pants
Score: 79/100
The Norwegian brand is known for its high-quality, technical sportwear, so it’s hardly surprising its waterproof trousers went down a treat with panel members. They performed brilliantly in the comfort stakes, with one tester saying: “They were so comfy to walk in, I barely noticed them.”
The clever design features the brand’s unique HELLY TECH® protection fabric and fully taped seams to keep the wind and rain at bay, along with a quick-dry lining for ultimate warmth and a zipped pocket for your valuables. They were a cinch to get on and off, with an elasticated waist and poppers around the ankles.
The only downside? Several testers found the sizing hit and missing, with some noting that the trousers were very large, while others finding them too snug. We’d recommend consulting the brand’s sizing guide to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Women's Highton Waterproof Overtrousers
Score: 76/100
These stylish trousers are made from recycled plastic water bottles. Our testers rated their waterproofing capabilities as well as some of the design aspects, such as the zipped pockets and part-elasticated waistband (no one wants that digging in mid-country walk).
Our panel thought they were best suited to walking, as opposed to anything more dynamic, due to the limitations of the fabric. We also suggest they are worn over leggings or thinner fabric trousers as opposed to jeans, due to their slim fit.
Women's Pack It Waterproof Overtrousers
Score: 75/100
If you’re after a budget-friendly pair of trousers, then look no further. These lightweight waterproofs from Regatta are a sound choice for shorter walks in the drizzle. Think a quick trip to the shops or getting your steps in with the dog.
If you’re someone who goes for lots of runs, no matter the weather, then these are probably not for you. While our testers rated them for affordability, they don’t have some of the design features other pairs do, and if you’re on the go and need to pop them on over boots, you may struggle.
Also note that they come up on the smaller side, so go for a size up to be safe.
The verdict on waterproof trousers
Comfy, reflective and extremely waterproof, Keela's Lightning Trousers are our winning pick for all your outdoorsy adventures.
The Berghaus Women's Deluge 2.0 Overtrousers, are an excellent investment for the chillier months.
And if you don’t want to spend too much, then Regatta's Women's Pack It Waterproof Overtrousers are a savvy buy for under £15.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
In our hunt for the best waterproof trousers, we recruited a panel of adventurers to brave the elements and put a range of popular styles to the test.
Our health and wellness tester Kim Hawley pulled together all the feedback, assessing products against their claims, to give each pair of trousers a final score.
Our senior health and wellness writer Priyankaa Joshi has written hundreds of reviews and is a keen hiker herself, so knows a thing or two about what makes a quality pair of waterproof trousers. Priyankaa is also currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification.
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