8 best waterproof trousers for women 2022 UK - Women's Health UK

They may not be the sexiest piece of kit you're going to invest in this year, but a decent pair of waterproof trousers can transform a run or walk in the drizzle from meh to marvellous.

With different features, fits and waterproofing capabilities, there's a lot to consider when searching for the best pair for you. Prices vary too, with our top picks ranging from around the £40 mark up to £270.

So, if you don't want to let a bit of rain get in the way of your next hike, jog or coffee run, then take a look at the WH Lab's top pairs of women's waterproof trousers, to keep you dry and on top of your game…

What to consider when buying waterproof trousers

Like any piece of must-have kit, there are a few things to consider before you buy:

Waterproofing - Even if you're not planning to wade through muddy waters, keeping dry is paramount if you're planning on training outdoors during the wetter months. Look for trousers that not only keep you protected from the elements, but that wick away any sweat as you train, to keep you comfortable. Think about how you're likely to be using your trousers too; if it's for the odd park run, then your needs will be different than if you're heading to the hills for trail running and 30km hikes.

Packability – Even if you head out in blue skies, a cinematic downpour can come out of nowhere. Lots of waterproof trousers are designed with this in mind, meaning they're lightweight and easy to pack away, and crucially, fit easily over other layers. Some even come with their own bag.

Additional features – Again, your needs will depend on how you plan on using your trousers, but look for extras such as pockets, reflective trims for evening jaunts, or adjustable straps to tailor the fit.

How we test

To save you trawling for your next pair of waterproofs, we've enlisted the help of the WH Lab. Our testing panel put a range waterproof trousers through their paces in a variety of different conditions, from drizzle to downpours.

Each pair was scored on comfort, breathability, design and how much range of movement they allowed during use. The panel also considered how easy they were to put on over shoes or boots, and whether additional design features such as zips and pockets were useful.

Most importantly, waterproofing was assessed by both our testing panel and in the WH Lab. In the Lab, we used a hydrostatic head tester to measure how waterproof the fabric and seams of each pair of trousers were, to see if it matched each brand's claims.

Below are the best waterproof trousers from our extensive testing, so you can feel confident you'll stay dry and comfortable when the weather turns.