Best rain pants with stretch

Stretchy hiking rain pants are trending among outdoor gear brands, and the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch are the lightest weight pair at 8.3 oz for a men’s medium. Shop now.

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• Weight: 8.3 oz
• Price: $140
• Fabric: 2.5L BD Dry, two-way stretch
• Side Zippers: Ankle
• Pros: Lightweight. Slightly stretchy and movement accommodating. More comfortable than average.
• Cons: Solid waterproofness, average breathability. Unimpressive waist cinching mechanism.

Construction & Features

Stretch comes with pros and cons, but considering how much we move our legs while hiking, it definitely adds comfort and is appreciated.

Notably, this is a two-way stretch. When we say stretch, we’re not talking about how it feels to move in a pair of leggings. It’s more like a light touch of stretch that adds some extra comfort and mobility. But this comes with a few downsides as well. First off, stretchy materials tend to be less durable, and repeatedly stretching the membrane is unlikely to be good for the longevity of the garment’s waterproofness.

As far as features go, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch pants have ankle zips and a zippered back pocket that can hold the entire garment when compressed. The waist cinching mechanism is not the most secure, and requires tying a slippery hitch to fasten it closed, which can be a bit annoying.

Verdict

These aren’t the most impressive rain pants for hiking in terms of weight, but they have the best weight and value among rain pants with stretch properties. The Black Diamond StormLine Pants are good all-around performers.

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Compare these to the other best rain pants of the year, and don’t miss our guide to the best rain jackets.