Are you ready to hit the beach? Whether you’re planning a relaxing day trip or an adventurous week-long vacation, there’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun and enjoying the sand between your toes. But before you head out, make sure you’re fully prepared with the right beach accessories to ensure your trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Waterproof trousers not only keep your legs dry and comfortable while you go hunting, fishing, biking, camping, or trekking on vacation, but they also protect your legs from scratches and cold water.
Waterproof pants are a great addition to your outdoor activities wardrobe, whether you choose full-on ski pants with insulated layers and a stylish look or a pair of overpants to use in case the weather changes.
Consider the following before purchasing a pair of protective pants for your next outdoor trip
Water Resistance:
If you’re out in the wild, your pants should be water-resistant enough to keep your legs safe. No matter if you’re walking in the rain or trekking through streams and standing water, they should keep your legs dry.
Outdoor pants can be waterproofed by a coating or a membrane, and the level of protection they give you depends on which one is used. Membranes are thought to be very water-resistant, but they still let your skin breathe. When combined with sealed seams, it is very unlikely that any water will get on your skin.
Bottom Line:
Waterproof coatings also do a great job of keeping out rain and snow, but the coating can start to break down after a while.
Comfort
A successful mix of water resistance on the exterior and a soft, warm, and moisture-wicking lining on the inside makes for a pair of waterproof pants that are pleasant to wear.
Even though you want a fleece lining or a well-insulated thermal layer to feel soft and warm on your legs, you don’t want to feel cold, hot, or sticky once you start to sweat. Moisture-wicking linings will help keep you dry and comfortable by preventing sweat from building up.
How comfortable your waterproof pants are will also depend a lot on how they are made. Look for pants with an elastic waist and belt loops so you can make them fit you perfectly. Pants that are too tight or that you have to keep adjusting will slow you down and get annoying after a while.
Waistband
The majority of waterproof pants have an elasticized waist that is easy to slip on over casual attire or a thermal base layer. Even though these are comfortable and useful and are made to fit people of all sizes,
they can feel bulky and less sleek around the waist. Belt loops are also helpful because they let you tie the elastic in to keep your pants in place when you’re out in the weather.
Consider wearing pants with a bibbed front and braces to hold them up if you want to engage in more strenuous activities or traverse more challenging terrain. Most ski pants and salopettes are made this way so that you can move freely on the slopes.
They are more streamlined and have a slimmer shape. The bibs and braces sit close to the body, which makes it easier to put your ski jacket over them.
Features
Some of your outdoor gear promises the world but doesn’t always deliver. If you want extra features on your waterproof pants, there are only a few that will really help. For example, zipper pockets are a good way to keep your most important and small personal items close at hand and safe from rain.
A second layer of protection is provided by pockets with flaps covering the zippers; sturdy zippers prevent water from penetrating. Leg zips are also helpful if you want to wear your pants over your hiking boots. If you want to wear your pants over your ski boots, you might want to look for pants with knee-length zippers or two-way zippers.
If you plan to use your waterproofs hard while hiking, you should also make sure they have reinforced or patched knees. Darts let you move freely, and extra layers of fabric around the knees will keep them from getting holes even after miles and miles of exploring.
Fit
A pair of waterproof pants can be worn as a standard pair of pants or can be worn thinner to fit over your outfit. No matter which type you like, make sure you buy the right size for your body and the right style for the activities you want to do.
Although you will need enough room to walk about freely, you should avoid wearing extremely baggy pants since they can catch the wind like sails and eventually cause you difficulty in windy and damp conditions.
Also, make sure your pants are the right length. If they are too short, rain and wind will get in at the bottom. If they are too long, you will either trip over them or have to roll them up all the time as you walk.
Even though there is no hard and fast rule about how your waterproof pants should fit, choose a pair with the right size waistband and legs that are the right style and length for you.
Fabric
Strong enough to last the trip without weighing you down are requirements for waterproof trousers. Look for fabrics that can handle the wear and tear of outdoor activities in cold and wet weather and that won’t rip, tear, or bobble when you start running.
A must-have for preventing sweat buildup that can make you feel overly hot or cause it to quickly turn very chilly against your skin are fabrics that let your legs breathe.
Although lighter waterproof fabrics may not be as breathable and may be better suited for short hikes and emergencies, thicker fabrics often provide higher levels of protection from the weather and the environment.
Tip: The seams are an important part of keeping water away from your skin, so choose pants with sealed or taped seams to stop water from getting in.
