rain pant suggestions

Hi Adrian,

I think my limit is 8oz for rain pants. But in your neck of the woods I can see that you'd want something pretty good.

Anyone tried the montbell versalites? I guess they are probably the same cut as the peak shell. Not as breathable but cheaper. I might have to go back to the Reeds I think.

You could look at the Montane Atomic DT Pants – 6oz?

Yeah I checked them out… MVTR is only 8,000 which is 'ok' but I'd prefer something a little more breathable. The versalites are 12,000 and the peak shell pants 15,000… if you believe montbell figures, that is.

Has anyone tried windpants instead of rain pants for summer Sierra hiking? I'm looking at Montbell windpants as an alternative to rain pants, that I've carried for years and never yet worn. The blurb says they're "water resistant." Thanks – Barbara

Well the Peak Shell might not be any _worse_ than the Reeds, in terms of fit… but I do think you could size down in the Reeds more easily.

Hi Barbara – I've got some MB windpants, they're not waterproof, it's the same material as a windshirt – just a DWR treatmeant. I haven't worn them hiking (I use them in the evening) but it would be very similar to wearing a windshirt in the rain: won't keep water out, but then again nor does a waterproof shell in hours of constant rain.

One concern would be the thinner fabric: if you slipped and sat on a rock they could be easy to tear, or if your legs are scraping through scrub/undergrowth. Although my MB windshirt has put up with a lot of punishment, for the weight it's surprisingly though.

Yeah I checked them out… MVTR is only 8,000 which is ‘ok’ but I’d prefer something a little more breathable.

I used the Montane Atomic DT pants together with my Haglöfs Haze (Pertex Microlight) here. I did sweat a lot and the Atomic pants got wet on the inside. They’re good but probably not the best if you’re working really hard.

But you can't beat the garbage bag rainskirt for summer hiking. Breaths, is ajustable and can be used as a ground cloth. Not to mention you can replace it every trip! Pair it with a Sea to Summit Poncho Tarp and short of a hurricane, you'll stay dry.

another vote for Golite Reed's. They're reasonably priced, lightweight and pack really small. I spent 8 days in very rainy and very muddy Georgia Appalachian Trail and my legs stayed bone dry and very comfortable. Go for it.

While I agree that for UL rain pants, the Golite Reeds are the gold standard. I just discovered another option today. looking at Salomon trail runners, I noticed they had GT Packlite rain pants that were only 7.5oz. They also had a GT Packlite jacket for 8oz (no pit zips – think OR Zelot)