Choosing the best waterproof rain pants for cycling doesn't have to be difficult.

As leaders in technical cycling outerwear, Showers Pass offers a variety of waterproof cycling pants utilizing different fabrics and features for different intended uses. The price range you see among waterproof rain pants does not just relate to the level of waterproofness. It also relates to breathability and special features like vents, zippers, pockets, and reflective trims.

Not every cyclist needs a carbon fiber race bike, and
not every cyclist wants to spend as much on rain pants as they do on their bike. We believe our line of waterproof outerwear offers best-in-class fabrics and features at every price level.

Read this guide to find out which type of rain pants will work the best for your needs and budget.

Criteria to Consider

The quality and performance of any type of rain gear can be measured on the following criteria:

1. How waterproof are the rain pants? Is the fabric waterproof and are all the seams sealed?

2. How breathable are the rain pants? This determines whether or not you are likely to start sweating while wearing the waterproof garment.

3. How durable are the rain pants? How many years of use will you get out of them? Take this aspect into account when you are shopping on a budget.

4. How lightweight or packable are the rain pants? The weight of waterproof outerwear is important to some but not all. People often incorrectly associate lightweight fabric with breathability. Our lightest weight rain pants (Storm Pants) are in fact our least breathable rain pants. Typically, reduced weight in rain pants means reduced durability.

5. How visible or reflective are the rain pants? High visibility, especially while cycling in the rain and/or at night, can help to keep you safe by making you more visible to motorists and all road users.

Compare Our Rain Pants

Learn more about the breathable and waterproof ratings at the bottom of this page.

Men's Pants Comparison

  • Features
  • Fabric Type
  • Breathable Rating
  • Waterproof Rating
  • Seam Taped
  • Visibility Rating
  • Weight
  • Fit Style
  • Refuge Pants
  • Elite 3-Layer
  • Yes
  • 13.7 oz
  • Regular
  • Timberline Pants
  • Artex 3-Layer
  • Yes
  • 10.1 oz
  • Trim
  • Club Visible Pants
  • Artex 3-Layer
  • Yes
  • 12.7 oz
  • Full
  • Transit Pants
  • Artex 3-Layer
  • Yes
  • 11.3 oz
  • Full
  • Storm Pants
  • 2-layer
  • Yes
  • 7.5 oz
  • Trim
  • Skyline Pants
  • Elite 3-Layer
  • Some (not waterproof)
  • 13.7oz
  • Trim
  • Rogue Pants
  • Nylon & Spandex
  • No
  • 17.3 oz
  • Regular
  • Apex Pants
  • Nylon & Spandex
  • No
  • 17.3 oz
  • Trim
  • Track Pants
  • Polyester, Spandex & Nylon
  • No
  • 15.3 oz
  • Trim

Versatile, Reinforced, Full Featured Refuge Pants

Club Convertable: Ready for All Season Commuting

Transit Pants: for Reliably Comfortable Rides

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How to Choose the Best Rain Pants?

Rating Scale Explained

Ratings Scale Explained

Breathable Scale

1 STAR fabrics rate at least 1,000g/m2/day. Great for pre-race warm-ups or unexpected cloud bursts, but not recommended for long fast paced rides or warmer conditions.

2 STAR fabrics rate at least 5,000g/m2/day. This provides some moisture vapor transfer, but if you’re riding hard enough to sweat, especially in cold and rainy conditions, you will probably see some condensation on the inside of the garment.

3 STAR fabrics rate at least 10,000g/m2/day, and the garments have some venting capability. Most people can stay comfortable in these garments, especially if they take advantage of venting capabilities like pit or core vents, 2-way front zippers, or open cuffs.

4 STAR fabrics rate at least 10,000g/m2/day, might have wicking linings, and the garments have multiple venting options. Wicking linings aid in the efficiency of moisture vapor transfer and provide a drier next-to-skin feel. Venting options like pit or core vents, 2-way front zippers, or open cuffs allow you to adjust airflow.

5 STAR, Industry leading breathability here. At least 15,000g/m2/day, wicking linings, and multiple venting options. For high output activities in varying conditions, this is the way to go!

Waterproof Scale

1 STAR garments will at least be treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish and/or have a tight weave and design that will provide some water repellency. Great for short rides in light/intermittent precipitation.

2 STAR garments will use fabrics rated 3,000mm-10,000mm or even higher, but might have strategic panels of non-waterproof fabric, or unsealed seams. Generally designed to be waterproof in the areas where you’re most likely to get hit by raindrops and road spray, but not designed to keep you completely dry in a downpour.

3 STAR garments use only fabrics rated at least 10,000mm, but might not be entirely seam sealed. These will keep you dry in most conditions, but you might see localized areas of leakage in extended downpours.

4 STAR garments will use only fabrics rated 3,000-15,000mm, and have taped or welded seams. Bring on the rain, snow, wind, sleet, hail, drizzle, fog, and mud. If all your vents, zippers, cuffs and collar are sealed, these garments should keep the elements out for most rides.

5 STAR garments will have fabrics rated at least 15,000mm, and have taped or welded seams. If you’re going to be out in nasty weather for extended periods of time, these are the garments for you! Just make sure to seal all your vents, zippers, cuffs and collar before stepping out into a downpour.