With an elasticated waist and zipped ankle adjusters, you will be able to achieve a perfect fit that keeps you moving during stormy walks and hikes. There are Velcro attachments at the ankles, while the elastic waist means they are comfortable to wear. Waterproof trousers might not be the most fashionable pieces of kit, but you’ll be thankful you have them when the heavens open.

On the flip side, when you aren’t wearing extra layers the fabric can flap in the wind a fair bit, as the fit is quite loose.The Gore-Tex fabric is top-notch and ensures that the trousers are not only fully waterproof but breathable too. Couple this with positive reviews about how comfy the trousers are, and it’s no wonder Mountain Equipment achieved top marks for value for money. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners, who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them.

The toughness, linked causally with durability, is what we look for when we know our waterproof trousers are going to take a bit of beating. There aren’t any ventilation zips to counteract this, but on days in cooler temperatures (which, let’s face it, is a lot of the year in the UK), they should be fine. Owners raved about how comfortable they found their hiking trousers and how quickly they dry after a downpour.Walkers will be pleased to find an elasticated waist with an adjustable, lockable drawcord to keep a snug fit that we look for in a good pair of trousers. Vaude’s commitment to sustainability and fair working conditions has always made me sit up and take notice of what the company is doing, but the Yaras Rain Zip Pants II shows that product development is also something that the brand does very well.

You only really need one pair of waterproof trousers, two maximum – it really pays to bite the bullet and invest in good, truly waterproof equipment. While some walking trousers (see the best women’s walking trousers and men’s walking trousers in our recent reviews) come with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, this isn’t going to offer enough protection in heavy or sustained downpours.Beyond that, the trousers are very comfortable to wear (they are worn on their own, as opposed to standalone trousers), though they can get quite warm. If you’re aiming to be navigating wild terrain and scrambling in the rain, the tougher trousers are going to be the best bet.