If you plan on cycling to work or to run errands on your bike year round then a reliable pair of waterproof trousers are close to essential. Designed to slip over your trousers, jeans or cycling shorts, they’ll keep you dry when it rains and also provide some added protection against the wind.
The best waterproof trousers can also be a great addition to your kit when you’re bikepacking or touring. However if you’re undertaking these trips during the spring or summer months then you might want to opt for a lightweight and breathable pair of cycling trousers instead - these tend to work well off the bike too, whether it be around the camp after a day’s riding or while stopping off at a pub to refuel.
We’ve reviewed both waterproof and breathable options and have selected the best performers for this guide. If you’re unsure about the right pair for you, we’ve chosen a variety of styles for you to consider, from those placing a premium on visibility to trousers that focus on stretch and comfort.
Below the reviewed trousers, you’ll find some further information on what to look for when you’re shopping - and for those of you who are looking to complete the set, we have an extensive guide to both the best waterproof jackets and the best commuter jackets .
Good protection in wet weather and cold conditions
+
Three leg lengths in each size
Reasons to avoid
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Very thin fabric may lack durability
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Not easy to pull on over shoes
During our testing, the dhb Flashlight did everything well. They offered decent protection in both windy and rainy weather, they have some good reflective detailing, though perhaps not quite up to the standard of Altura's Nightvision trousers, and breathability is as good as any other out there.
Sizing is comprehensive and dhb offers three different leg lengths in each of the sizes available. Not all manufacturers offer this and if you fall into the category of 'longer-than-average', or 'shorter-than-average' leg length, these will be ticking a box for you.
There is only one ankle adjuster with these, so an additional trouser clip might be a good idea to avoid flapping fabric near the drivetrain.
Their most distinguishing feature is their lightweight, packable nature - they took up very little room in our pannier and would easily fit into a rucksack or bar bag. However, this might work against them- fabric is exceptionally thin so wear-and-tear may well set in quite quickly as a consequence.
These are a pair of trousers to consider if you want something with minimal bulk and weight that will perform in a variety of conditions.
Material : Waterproof-breathable Artex Hardshell 3L ripstop fabric
Waterproof finish : Seam taped for wind and waterproofness
Waistband: Elasticated waistband
Ankle: Cinch straps keep pant legs away from chain and crank
Size: X-Small to XX-Large
Reasons to buy
+
Very, very waterproof - could wear in a monsoon
+
Good adjustability from numerous straps and Velcro fittings
Reasons to avoid
-
Not made from particularly breathable material
The Showers Pass Transit Pants are a fantastic waterproof option with a relaxed fit, as they’re designed to be worn over the top of other clothes. The elasticated waistband is comfortable and even features Velcro fastenings for suspenders/braces - if you're into that!
They're impressively waterproof and kept our legs completely dry through a couple of downpours when riding.
These trousers do not have pockets. The cinch straps around the calf proved extra useful as they kept our tester safe from splash off the road and there are ankle zips to make getting them on and off over shoes a little easier.
The heavy-duty fabric does mean that they're not particularly breathable though and we ended up damp from sweat when worn on dry days.
Size: Waist 28-36", two-three leg lengths per size
Reasons to buy
+
Styled trousers that are practical for riding
+
Wear on and off the bike
+
Subtle and styled riding details
Reasons to avoid
-
No water resistance
-
Rear pockets too small to secure a phone
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Not available in female fit
Rapha's Technical Trousers are a rare beast - practical on the bike and stylish off it. As you'd expect from Rapha these are well-made, great fitting. trousers with some stylish and functional features. There are reflective logos on the inside of the leg, that show when you roll up the cuff for riding, and zipped and button-fastened pocket closures. The narrow leg isn't too prone to getting coated with chain lube.
These aren't full-riding cycling trousers, there's no seamless crotch or waterproofing, the legs aren't tailored for the knee articulation required for riding and the rear zipped pocket isn't big enough to fit some smartphones. Get the trousers wet and they can feel clammy and take a long time to dry, as we found after getting caught in a shower.
Although this makes them less useful on the bike, they look more "normal" off it and the fabric's stretch makes for comfortable riding.
The Rapha Technical Trousers are available in a range of sizes and leg lengths. There's no women's version though.
Very comfortable, especially in lower temperatures
Reasons to avoid
-
DWR will need re-coating
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Not overtrousers
Scottish brand Endura knows a thing or two about foul weather, and its Hummvee II water-resistant trousers are designed exactly to deal with it.
Constructed using Ripstop fabric for durability, these cycling trousers are a great option for anyone looking for water protection across a host of different terrains.
Capable of shrugging off mud and rain, these water-resistant trousers come with an environmentally friendly PFC-Free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, although that will need re-spraying from time to time with one of the best waterproof treatments.
Casual enough to look good off the bike, these cycling trousers also have a seam-free seat, which means that you can ride them without cycling shorts, although they aren't designed to be worn over your non-cycling gear, unlike the Altura Nightvision 3 waterproof cycling trousers, meaning that should you choose to commute in them, you'll need a change of clothes once you get to your end destination.
The Hummvee IIs are compatible with Endura's own Clickfast padded shorts liner and have a Velcro-style ankle closure. We found that this tending to be a bit hit-and-miss over time after it became clogged with muck, making the closure less effective.
The Hummvees feature several pockets, including zipped hand pockets for off-the-bike usability, handy cargo pockets and a large map pocket.
These aren't the most waterproof option that money can buy, but the Hummvee range is notoriously durable and these trousers are no different - there are a lot of reasons that these multi-use cycling trousers could be all you need.
The stretch of the material gives a good fit and allows lots of movement
+
Features and material means they suit lots of activities
+
Good sized, well placed pockets
+
Small pack size to stash as extra layer
Reasons to avoid
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Cut and seams around crotch and rear aren’t flattering
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No reinforced areas where wear is higher
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Press stud waist fastening is small and fiddly
Designed for general outdoor activities, Rapha's Men's Explore Pants don't aim to be fit for just cycling. They're made from a stretchy nylon fabric which gives excellent freedom of movement. The lightweight material is abrasion resistant and DWR treated too so it's water repellent. Plus, the shorter leg length and ankle adjustment means you can keep them away from muddy shoes and filthy chains. As they're not cycling-specific there's not any reinforcement to high-wear areas like the crotch so they won't stand up to regular riding as well as other more dedicated trousers.
There are good-sized zipped pockets on the thigh and deep ones at the front although these aren't so useful on the bike.
We thought that the sizing was small compared to Rapha's other trousers and shorts. We also found the cut of the trousers meant they hung a little awkwardly around the crotch and bum. There's a choice of three colorways and six sizes but no women's version.
Not easy to get on over shoes due to interior gaiter
Altura's Nightvision is the original go-to range to be seen on a bike at night. The large reflective detailing should help make the wearer stand out in low light levels, with beams of light reflecting off the panels across the legs.
Unlike the Endura Hummvee II cycling trousers, these waterproof and windproof cycling trousers pull on over your existing clothing, so they are a great option to have stowed away in your commuting luggage should the weather take a turn for the worse while on the bike or at work.
The Nightvision Women's Overtrousers that we tested don't seem to offer much in terms of tailoring for the female form; expect a very generous fit from these. They will accommodate bulky trousers without issue but petite women will be drowned.
Breathability and waterproofing are both good, keeping you dry in light to moderate rain without causing you to drastically overheat.
If you want a trouser that pulls on over the top of shoes, these aren't the best option; they have an interior gaiter that gets in the way. The gaiter has benefits though; the Nightvisions are good at keeping the cold air out on wintery days.
Two pockets for quick access mean that the trousers are great for not having to open to the elements when trying to get keys/work passes out. However, these are not the best of designs in epic storms; the rain does find its way in.
Altura’s Grid Softshell Pants certainly give off tracksuit bottom vibes – and they do offer a similar degree of versatility, being highly usable for non-cycling activities such as walking, wearing over shorts as well as their more bread-and-butter commuting purposes.
Made from a DWR-coated polyester, the Altura Grid Softshell Pants are lined with a grid-fleece that is designed to trap heat – and they did an excellent job at that. The Softshell pants also have a decent amount of stretch to them, further boosting the comfort both on and off the bike.
As well as being warm and comfortable, we found that the Softshell Pants did indeed offer some protection from light drizzle. In heavy rain, it took about three miles before the fabric ultimately wetted out – although it’s worth noting that some water did seep in through the untaped seams before that point.
Regarding the fit, Altura’s Grid Softshell Pants are long enough for full coverage with no flapping around the ankles. The drawstring waist is high enough for decent coverage of the small of the back and is simple to secure.
Decathlon does the cycling basics at a bargain price and its BTwin range includes some of the best-value waterproof cycling trousers you can buy.
When we tested the 100 City Cycling Rain Overtrousers, the unique, integrated shoe covers, that prevent the rain you’ve kept off your legs from ending up in your shoes as well as offering protection for your feet from road spray, really impressed. A wide split up the side of the leg end makes these easy to pull on over shoes. You need to make sure that the trousers vs shoe size ratio works for you though. It's also worth avoiding walking too much with the covers on; they are not the most durable.
The overtrousers come with taped seams and have been lab-tested with 60 litres of water per square metre sprayed at them for two hours, which Decathlon says simulates an average downpour. During our testing we found that this performance quickly deteriorates. However, they are still good for moderate rain.
BTwin says that it's used a more environmentally friendly dying process, giving these some eco credentials.
There isn't the level of reflective detailing which can be found on the Altura Nightvision waterproof trousers, but there are loops for lights on each leg. Again, testing these proved that they are limited- a light with a narrow clip was required.
Do waterproof cycling commuter pants stay waterproof?
This all depends on the fabric they are made from and if there is any surface treatment. You'll find that most durable water-repellent treatments will wash off after a while and you will need to re-apply a DWR treatment to rejuvenate their waterproofing.
What cut and fit is best for commuter pants / trousers?
The best waterproof bicycle commuter pants / trousers will generally have a fairly relaxed fit and will prioritise keeping the water out. While you might find some casual fit options that can be worn on and off the bike, many are a pull-over design that you can wear over other trousers or shorts and remove after your ride. You'll also find that many are unisex. For many women, this might pose fit issues.
While most overtrousers are marketed as rainy weather garments, they can be a great additional layer in extremely cold conditions too. Keeping your hardworking leg muscles warm in the depths of winter is invaluable.
When you’re riding a bike, you’ll be bent over rather than standing upright. It's therefore useful to have a cut that’s higher at the back than at the front, so you’ve got adequate coverage of your rear end, with plenty of overlap with your upper half clothing to stop rain from getting in from above and spray from below.
It’s also a good idea to look for bicycle commuter pants / trousers that are wide enough at the knees not to get in the way as you pedal, but tight enough at the ankle not to get caught in your gears. Leg length adjustment is useful to help keep the ends of your trousers out of the way.
(Image credit: Getty Images - Halfpoint)
How breathable do commuter pants / trousers need to be?
It’s easy to get hot when you’re cycling. Since you’ll usually be wearing a waterproof top as well as your waterproof cycling trousers, that means that you can easily get sweaty, particularly if it’s warm and humid.
A pair of the best waterproof cycling trousers made of breathable fabric will let sweat out better, helping to keep you more comfortable as you ride. See our guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets for more on waterproofing and breathability.
How important are sealed seams?
The most waterproof bicycle commuter pants will be seam-sealed. That’s where there’s waterproof tape applied over the seams to prevent water ingress through the stitching. Water entry through the seams is something that can occur in prolonged downpours, with the extra pressure due to your forward movement helping the water to force its way in.
But some people prefer greater breathability over complete weather sealing. Wetting out the inside of your commuter pants / trousers from sweat is hardly better than getting wet from the rain.
The most expensive waterproof trousers will balance both needs. If you're going cheaper, it's best to consider whether you want something that will keep you dry but that will quickly heat up if you press on the pace, or whether you'd prefer the risk of getting a little wet if it means your skin feels more comfortable.
How we test
To put these products through their paces, Cycling Weekly testers rode in rain and bad weather to evaluate their waterproofness as well as to assess breathability and comfort. Fit is, of course, subjective but the trousers were tried on over their usual cycling gear as well as more normal clothing that might be worn for commuting. The best trousers provide unobtrusive protection from the weather on the bike and packability for when not needed.
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Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015, covering cycling tech, new bikes and product testing. Since then, he’s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website.
He’s been cycling for a lot longer than that though and his travels by bike have taken him all around Europe and to California. He’s been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs.
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