slomatt
Adventurer
Next month I'm getting re-certified in wilderness and remote first aid, and since part of the class is outdoors (and assuming California gets some rain) I'm thinking it would be a good time to get a pair of waterproof pants. These pants would also be used for working around the house in the rain (ex, cleaning gutters), camping, possibly spring skiing, commuting on the bike, etc.
I've been looking at some of the options and have come up with the following "must haves"
- Cost ~$70 or less (somewhat flexible)
- Waterproof, not just water resistant
- Breathable
- Dark color (grey or black)
Nice to haves:
- Lightweight
- Easy to put on without removing boots
- Not ridiculous looking
- Lightweight
Here are the options I'm considering.
Marmot Precip Pant ~$55
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K7L3ZU...UTF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=INBDGZU1CBIAM
These hit all the must haves and in addition have a nice set of pockets, zip down over boots, have a limited lifetime warranty, and are apparently pretty sturdy. I've had good luck with Marmot products in the past. For $5-10 more they have a full zip version which would be easier to put on, but has more opportunities for leaks.
Frogg Toggs ToadSkinz ~$40
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KW558U...TF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=I2JVYJHLOZO5J1
These also hit all the must haves. Downsides are the lack of pockets and the odd looking material. Frogg Toggs also makes a very inexpensive pant for $20 called the Pro Action, but the reviews on these are hit and miss. Also I had never heard of this company before, they seem to be aimed at the motorcycle market.
Helly Hansen Voss Pant ~$35
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N17PCA...TF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=I20YR5VHMOPHDI
These meet the must haves except for breathability, but they don't look great. I have a HH soft jacket that I've been very happy with so I have confidence in the company.
Columbia Regen Pant ~$35
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058YHXS0...TF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=I2YMBXCF1EZ1QQ
Columbia makes good gear and these seem to be a solid option. Negatives are that they have no pockets and some people report the drawstring waist starts to low-ride after a while.
At this point I'm leaning towards the Marmot or Columbia pants, but I'm very interested in your opinions on these and any other products you would suggest.
And, while we talking rain if anybody has a recommendation for a water proof baseball hat I'd love to hear it. I wear glasses and it is nice to have a hat brim stuck out from under my jackets hood to keep the rain out of my face.
Thanks.
- Matt
I've been looking at some of the options and have come up with the following "must haves"
- Cost ~$70 or less (somewhat flexible)
- Waterproof, not just water resistant
- Breathable
- Dark color (grey or black)
Nice to haves:
- Lightweight
- Easy to put on without removing boots
- Not ridiculous looking
- Lightweight
Here are the options I'm considering.
Marmot Precip Pant ~$55
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K7L3ZU...UTF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=INBDGZU1CBIAM
These hit all the must haves and in addition have a nice set of pockets, zip down over boots, have a limited lifetime warranty, and are apparently pretty sturdy. I've had good luck with Marmot products in the past. For $5-10 more they have a full zip version which would be easier to put on, but has more opportunities for leaks.
Frogg Toggs ToadSkinz ~$40
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KW558U...TF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=I2JVYJHLOZO5J1
These also hit all the must haves. Downsides are the lack of pockets and the odd looking material. Frogg Toggs also makes a very inexpensive pant for $20 called the Pro Action, but the reviews on these are hit and miss. Also I had never heard of this company before, they seem to be aimed at the motorcycle market.
Helly Hansen Voss Pant ~$35
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N17PCA...TF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=I20YR5VHMOPHDI
These meet the must haves except for breathability, but they don't look great. I have a HH soft jacket that I've been very happy with so I have confidence in the company.
Columbia Regen Pant ~$35
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058YHXS0...TF8&colid=35E2JVCKJKEAV&coliid=I2YMBXCF1EZ1QQ
Columbia makes good gear and these seem to be a solid option. Negatives are that they have no pockets and some people report the drawstring waist starts to low-ride after a while.
At this point I'm leaning towards the Marmot or Columbia pants, but I'm very interested in your opinions on these and any other products you would suggest.
And, while we talking rain if anybody has a recommendation for a water proof baseball hat I'd love to hear it. I wear glasses and it is nice to have a hat brim stuck out from under my jackets hood to keep the rain out of my face.
Thanks.
- Matt