Rain Pants

You didn't mention the Montbell Versalite Pants but that was my choice when upgrading my rain protection this summer. I can't say they've seen a lot of rain but I do wear them every day during my trips (worn in evening after washing up). So far I am pleased and the weight is impressive at 3.2 ounces in a size small on my scale. Fit is a tad baggy for my slim frame but layering over long underwear is no problem. My Montbell Dynamo pants were a better/slimmer fit as a comparison. Anyway, hopefully others will comment on the models you are leaning towards. With Montbell you cannot go wrong.

For the mostly dry colorado conditions i encounter the versalite's have been great. I'm 6'2 175 and went with a medium. A tad short, but otherwise a good fit. 4.6 for a 3 layer pant is quite good, so if you anticipate wearing them a lot, then that might be the best option. I've used my versalite's for a couple fall packrafting trips, with no gripes. Also had them out on a an alpine run on sunday. I was happy to have them for the short windy ridge section as the sun dipped. Mostly they stay in my pack, but going from no rain pants, they are a very nice insurance for hardly a weight penalty.

I am wanting something a little more durable then the Versalites. I have a pair of Sierra Designs Cloud pants (3.4oz in M) that I will probably continue to take in the Sierra etc, but I am wanting something more durable and breathable for when I have to wear rain pants all day like some days here in the Southeast or Alaska. I was originally thinking 5.5oz Lukes Ultralite GT Packlite pants but I saw they were replaced with heavier eVent. I know people used to rave about Mont Bells Peak Shell Jacket (though I haven't seen it mentioned in a while) so my front runners are the Mont Bell Peak Shell Pants at 4.6oz. Has anyone used these? I haven't heard much about these or the Torrent Flier Pants and not that I am in the market for a shell jacket but the Torrent Flier and Peak Shell look pretty nice too but I never hear people talk about them.

Look into Cabela's Rainy River PacLite pants. I have a pair and they are quite durable. For more breathability try REI's Kimtah eVent pants. They are about the same weight and durability as the Cabela's but a bit more money.

I wouldn't compare the new Peak pants (and jacket) with the old ones, they are considerably different (and that difference is likely why the old Peak shell garments were well regarded). I still have and really like my Peak jacket and pants from the old design. The old Peak pants had side zippers to the knee and a zippered fly and were considerably heavier than the new model. I really liked all the zippers. I use them for fishing trips now and have switched to the Versalite for backpacking. The Peak shell material is much tougher than the Versalite, so would probably still be a good choice for your planned use if you don't mind taking your shoes off to get them on and off.

I don't mind taking my shoes off to put them on and off as I am used to that with the Golite Reeds. Is the fabric different or just the features/fit? The old fabric was supposed to be similar to eVent. I could always go to the Torrent Flier pants made out of Gore Tex Paclite and weighting 6oz but I like the simple design of the peaks.

I am redirecting my old thread to see if anyone has any experience with the newer MontBell Peak Shell jacket or pants.   The older pre 2009 jacket was well regarded and considered very “eVent like” but I haven’t seen much about the newer stuff.

Brad, did you ever end up testing out the Peak Shell pants? If so, what are your impressions? I’m currently looking for what seems like the grail… rainproof, breathable, durable, low-weight. I keep coming across these and am loving the weight, the Paclite ones are nice too.

I have carried them on a trip but not used them. I will be taking them on a trip to WRR the end of this month and will report back.

I am a 33-34 waist and went with a large and they fit great. They are a bit over spec at 5.3oz.

Thanks, went ahead and ordered a pair for myself. Taking them to Sierras next week, if I use them I’ll report back as well.