Waterproof cycling trousers are a staple for anyone who commutes to work on a regular basis. They offer protection from getting soaked in the rain, which is an uncomfortable way to start your day. There are a few ways to handle this issue, but any solution needs to focus on some additional considerations, which is why we wrote this mini guide!
What to look for in Waterproof Cycling Trousers?
Breathable
You want trousers that are breathable, at least moderately, so you aren’t over-heated. Most waterproof trousers are less breathable than regular biking pants, so over trousers are best used only when required.
Ease of use
In addition to this, you need waterproof pants that are easy to get on and off. You have to get your shoe through the leg hole, which is why many waterproof cycling trousers have lower leg zippers. Just unzip and step out. It makes them easier to put on, as well, which might make you more likely actually to use them when you need them.
Fit for cycling
Since these trousers have to go over the top of your typical cycling trousers, they tend to be a little roomier. Velcro straps on the ankles can help with that and avoid them rubbing against moving parts on the bike. Also, being sure the trousers are made for cycling makes it more likely they fit your bike without causing problems.
Visible and practical
When it is raining, visibility is often the first thing to go so looking for reflective strips can be an excellent idea. Pockets are also useful since you don’t want to dig under the rain trousers to get to your regular ones. So be sure you have some room to toss your keys and phone into, or whatever else you typically carry with you on your daily commute.
Here are some of the well recommended waterproof cycling trousers I came across…
The Best Waterproof Trousers
Altura Nightvision Overtrousers
The Altura Nightvision waterproof cycling trousers are a good pair of overtrousers to have in case of rain. One of the best parts of the design is the zipped lower leg that allows you to slip in and out of them easily without taking off your shoes. The cycling specific design means that even as your leg is bending during pedalling they still remain comfortable. The Velcro at the bottom means that you can tighten them and keep them out of the cranks. Finally the reflective strips help you be seen.
DHB Mono Waterproof Over Trouser
These overtrousers come in black and are perfect for cycling. The waist offers a hook and loop closure so they can be tailored to your fit. There are also Velcro fastenings at the shin and ankle so you can cinch them as tight as needed. Reflective prints are along the leg and on the back so visibility can be maintained by those around you. These trousers offer lots of water protection for your legs. Durable materials are used, along with a seating area that is double reinforced for added comfort.
Mountain Warehouse Spray Over Trouser
The Mountain Warehouse Over Trousers are made of waterproof Isody fabric that is breathable for your comfort. They are full leg trousers and offer a half zip leg for ease of putting on and taking off. Mesh lining is incorporated to give ventilation, and the taped seams ensure no water gets into the trousers as you ride. The heavy duty fabric is great at preventing rips. If you are looking for waterproof trousers on a budget, these will give you the great features you want without breaking your bank.
Gore Bikewear Knee-length Rain Overshorts
Gore Bikewear brings a knee length pair of rain over shorts, which is a bit different from the previous two offerings as it would suit more recreational cyclists. There is a water-resistant seat reinforcement to ensure comfort, as well as pre-shaped knees for easy movement on your bicycle. Zipped legs make these easy to put on and take off without a lot of struggle. These are light and ideal for short or medium distance rides. They also offer a large stow pocket so you can bring everything you need along with you on the ride. The waistband is elastic, and Velcro fastening is easy to use and get going. This pair of over shorts also offers reflective inserts to ensure others on the road see you.
What’s the best pair of waterproof trousers you’ve used? Let us know in the comments below…
See also:
I have a pair of the Alture Nightvision trousers – which are great, but at 6′ 4″ they’re just not long enough for me – any suggestions of alternatives?
Stick them on eBay and grab another pair such as the eVent ones. At 6′ 4” You’ll probably need the XXL according to the sizing guide here.
Contact them & ask them to modify a pair for you. I did this when purchasing a pair of Saloppettes from Páramo. It took 6 weeks, but they only charged an extra £20.
Hi, which company? Dhb or Altura? Thanks!
Páramo!
http://www.paramo-clothing.com/
Regards
Andrei
I found the Altura waterproofs very good. Although the zips break if you are not careful with them.
Any suggestion for snow trousers?
Lol on snow cycling trousers – I’m guessing these listed here will have to do the job!
I’ve had Altura Attack, Endura, dhb and Gore waterproof trousers. The Gore are by far the best, function-wise, as with most of their line. Alturas are a close second, looking and feeling the most like something you’d wear the whole day. The rest I wish I’d never laid eyes on.
Thanks for the heads up! Gore tend to win out in tests though tough to justify the extra money spent
For someone on a particularly tight budget, may I also recommend the Regatta waterproof over-trousers, which sell for around £5.
They are not cycling specific, and might require you to carry a reflective band to keep the bottom seam out of the cranks if you don’t have a chain guard.
But they do sell a kids version which my son uses when I cycle with him to school.
As a ‘use once or twice a year’ sort of over-trousers, you won’t feel too bad keeping them around just in case.
I just checked and apparently the Regatta over-trousers have a RRP of around £15. But can be found from online retailers from as little as £5.
Useful article, especially after cycling in to work through the snow this morning. The rain doesn’t normally bother me too much, but this morning was absoloutely freezing. Definitely putting some of these on the winter wish list!
Glad I got the timing right! It is very cold out there today and yes these trousers to massively help as do knee and arm warmers which you might want to investigate (though I’ve always found them a little pricey)
Andreas, do I recall you mentioning ski trousers previously? The issue I have with cycle-specific togs is that they’re often too baggy and the velcro fasteners come unhinged with wear. Something more fitted and thicker would be great for cold days – suggestions anyone?
That’s right. I’ve relied successfully on a pair of ski trousers that have served me well. Can definitely recommend that to anyone too as long as they don’t get caught in the chain.
used black (£69 iq) tights today as it was snowing, nice and snug, 🙂
I have a pair of these, superb, prob one tof the best i have ever purchased!
http://www.portabletowtruck.com/ – The benefits of a portable tow truck are umpteen. Get a diverse range of features from the tire traction device too. You can even find snow chains alternative so that it will be easy for you when stuck in snow without snow traction devices.
Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite great article.
Altura waterproofs always get my vote, very good gear
Does anyone know if there are any good waterproof cycling leggings for women? I tend to be too small for the waterproof trousers so some good leggings would be ideal.
Castelli Tempesta 3/4 Pants are the best that I have used. Extremely light, breathable, water proof, not flappy, etc. I had Showers Pass pants, but they were too bulky, noisy. Of course the bottom of your trousers get wet, but I use them cycle touring over cycling shorts.
Hi Andreas, Good review but nothing to persuade me to buy another pair of over-trousers. I use ‘Rainlegs’ (£22.80 on Amazon for Large) which I love. They cover your front-side from waist down to just below the knee – the parts which feel the rain the worst. Used with overshoes which extend a bit up your calf, the unprotected upper part of the calf can get wet in the worst conditions – but that soon dries off. If unsure of conditions you can clip the unobtrusive roll round your waist, and then, if it rains, simply stop (no need to dismount), roll Rainlegs down and attach the velcro strip just above each knee and the strap (quick release plastic buckles) around the top of each thigh.
No need to get shoes through stiff material getting them on or off. They’re also useful just walking in the rain. I even use them in wet or cold sportives!
They have reflective highlights and you can get them in high-viz yellow, which might be worthwhile for better visibility in wet conditions when car windows are half misted up.