#5 on this list
Downpour Eco Pant - Women's
Rab
The Rab Downpour Eco Pant is aimed squarely at backpackers and weekend hikers seeking an accessible, environmentally conscious shell. Rab built these pants using recycled polyester face fabric and membrane, eliminating fluorocarbons from the water-repellent finish. They serve hikers who need dependable protection against passing storms without committing alpine-level money to a secondary gear piece. Across independent field tests, the Downpour Eco earns solid marks for practicality. The fabric feels soft against bare skin compared to crunchy plastic-style pants, and the knee-length side zippers give decent venting and accommodate most trail hiking boots. It offers reliable waterproof performance for moderate rain events and day-to-day mountain weather. Because it relies on a standard 2.5-layer recycled laminate, it does have breathability limits during high-output climbs. In warm, muggy downpours, condensation will inevitably build up on the interior. The material is tough enough for regular trail hiking, but it is not intended for rugged alpine scree or continuous sub-freezing mountaineering. At its price point, it stands out as an honest, eco-friendly value. **Highlights** - Fully recycled polyester fabric and membrane construction - Fluorocarbon-free DWR finish - Deep side zippers with protective storm flaps - Comfortable, non-crinkly fabric hand feel - Elasticized waistband with drawcord adjustment **Watch-outs** - Breathability lags behind premium three-layer membranes during hard efforts - Modest abrasion resistance not meant for rough scrambling
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#6 on this list
PreCip Eco Pants
Marmot
The Marmot PreCip Eco Pants are among the most recognized entry-level rain shells on the trail, designed for day hikers, campers, and budget-minded backpackers. For years, the PreCip franchise has served as the baseline standard for functional outdoor wet-weather gear. This updated Eco version maintains the classic design while shifting to recycled face fabrics and a PFC-free finish. Field testing highlights its straightforward utility. The pants feature ankle-to-calf side zippers that allow you to slip them over mid-cut boots without taking footwear off in the mud. Zippered hand pockets provide convenient storage for small trail necessities—a feature frequently omitted on ultralight alternatives. It packs down neatly into its own pocket and checks all the boxes for intermittent storm protection. The primary limitation of the PreCip Eco is breathability. Its 2.5-layer NanoPro coating can feel sticky against sweaty legs during strenuous ascents or humid summer showers. Over multiple seasons of heavy use, interior polyurethane coatings are also known to flake if not washed and stored carefully. Still, for occasional rain protection, it delivers dependable utility at a very accessible price. **Highlights** - Time-tested NanoPro recycled nylon waterproof fabric - Ankle side zippers with snap closures for easy boot clearance - Zippered front hand pockets for practical trail storage - Packs into its own pocket for compact transport - Broad size range accommodates a wide variety of layering systems **Watch-outs** - Interior can feel clammy against bare legs under high exertion - Internal laminate coating can degrade over years of heavy packing and washing
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Downpour Eco Pant - Women's | PreCip Eco Pants |
|---|---|---|
| Stated Weight | 7.2 oz (approx. 205 g) | — |
| Fabric Type | 2.5-layer recycled polyester | — |
| Membrane | Recycled Proflex / Pertex Shield poly | — |
| DWR Finish | Fluorocarbon-free DWR | — |
| Zippers | Knee-length side zips with storm flaps | — |
| Waist Style | Elasticated waist with drawcord adjustment | — |
| MSRP | Around $110 | — |
| Weight | — | 8 oz (men's M), 7 oz (women's M) |
| Fabric Tech | — | 2.5-layer Marmot NanoPro microporous coating |
| Face Fabric | — | 100% recycled nylon ripstop with PFC-free DWR |
| Sizing | — | Men's S–XXL, Women's XS–XL |
| Ankle Zippers | — | Calf-length side zippers with snap cuffs |
| Pockets | — | Two zippered hand pockets; stows in pocket |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Downpour Eco Pant - Women's
- Fully recycled fabric and membrane reduces environmental footprint
- Soft, quiet hand feel compared to crinkly budget rain shells
- Knee-length zips allow fast pull-on over standard hiking shoes
- Generous storm flaps shield side zips from wind-driven moisture
- Lightweight pack profile takes up minimal pack volume
- 2.5-layer build can feel clammy during high-output climbs
- Lacks reinforced kick patches for rugged off-trail use
- Side zips stop at the knee, limiting full-length venting
PreCip Eco Pants
- Exceptional value for full-featured, taped waterproof protection
- Calf-length side zippers make pulling over hiking footwear easy
- Packs neatly inside its own pocket for compact transport
- Includes twin zippered hand pockets omitted on many budget shells
- Internal coating feels clammy against bare legs under exertion
- Modest breathability makes steep climbs sweaty in warm rains
- Microporous PU coating can flake over years without regular care
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.