Best Versatile Gore-Tex rain Pants

For a lightweight, super waterproof pair of all-purpose Gore-Tex hiking rain pants, grab the Outdoor Research M’s Foray and W’s Aspire pants.

These are the rain pants we prefer for seriously wet backcountry conditions. We choose them when all-day rain is in the forecast, and they’ve accompanied us all over the PNW. But they do great with any rainy outdoor activities, such as camping, or even just walking around the park.

• Weight: 10.7 oz
• Price: $180
• Fabric: 2.5L, 50D polyester Gore-Tex Paclite
• Side Zippers: ¾ length
• Pros: Gore-Tex. ¾ side zippers. Excellent venting.
• Cons: Mid-tier weight.

Features

Built with 2.5L Gore-Tex Paclite, this is a good version of a widely replicated formula. The double separating ¾ length zippers run from ankle to mid-thigh. This allows for excellent ventilation as you hike in them. It also gives you the ability to take the rain pants on or off over shoes, even large ones.

Other features include an adjustable waist, and the ability to stuff down into their own back pocket.

Foray/Aspire are constructed with 50D polyester, which holds up well to abuse. However, we must ding them for being a bit on the heavy side. They’re too heavy to justify packing in less you expect lots of rain.

Verdict

All said and done, the Outdoor Research Foray and Aspire are an excellent and versatile pair of all purpose Gore-Tex rain pants. They are suitable for all outdoor activities, not just hiking and backpacking.

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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.