MCN's guide to the best waterproof rain riding pants that we've tested

Updated: 23 April 2025

Let’s start with a baseline assumption. When you ride a motorcycle, you need pants. Here’s where it gets complicated. There are riding jeans, riding pants, water-resistant riding pants and more specifically, waterproof riding pants. Not all riding pants protect against rain, but unless you’re touring the Dakar route, you probably live where it rains occasionally. So let’s talk about both water-resistant and waterproof riding pants.

Jump to:

Why waterproof jeans and trousers are useful
What makes a waterproof jean or trouser
What to consider when buying waterproof jeans
Our best reviewed waterproof jeans and trousers
Frequently asked questions
How MCN tests waterproof jeans and troursers

Why waterproof jeans and trousers are useful

Even the Mojave Desert gets about 26 days of measurable rain per year. In other words, waterproof motorcycle clothing is a must for most riders. But that doesn’t mean you need to look like a lobster fisherman. Plenty of water-resistant or waterproof riding pants look great even on sunny days.

What makes a waterproof jean or trouser

Truly waterproof denim jeans or are hard to find, but some options are water-resistant. They’ll hold up in light rain or long enough to withstand short bouts of rain. For genuine waterproofing that will withstand torrential downpours, you will likely need to find some textile riding pants.

Water-resistantjeans can be made from reinforced denim, textile material or even leather. Though leather is rarely waterproof, it can be paired with textile material, membranes or use hydrophobic coatings to help with water resistance.

What to consider when buying waterproof jeans

First, look for the CE safety certification. The highest level is AAA, offering the greatest resistance to abrasion and impacts, which drops to AA, then A. Knee and hip protectors should also be CE approved, and be either Level 1 or the higher Level 2.

Waterproof riding pants should fit over your motorcycle boots, otherwise water runs down your leg, collecting in your boots. Also keep in mind waterproof pants don’t mean waterproof pockets unless it has a sealed zipper. Stow your phones and wallets accordingly.

Our best reviewed waterproof jeans and trousers

Water-resistant Jeans

Bull-It Tactical Icon II Jeans

Water-resistant

Price: $119.99 (was $200)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by Rich Newland for three months and 1,200 miles

"The trade-off between protection, comfort, style and versatility is one that rages almost every time we get on a bike. I’ve tried to get the options down to two set choices over the years: Jacket and jeans, or a textile suit. Even I can usually make a fast decision between only two options.

"My absolute default – even in winter when it’s dry – is riding jeans and a jacket, so having highly protective but comfortable jeans is crucial, especially as I often spend all day in them, either in the saddle or while wandering about having ridden to a destination. I’ve tested a large number over the years, and these Bull-It jobbies are definitely in my top three (Draggin and Spidi make the other two on my podium).

"These Tactical Icon IIs were superbly comfortable from the moment I put them on. Much of that is thanks to the construction and stretchy feel of the material, and the fact that they’re single-layer, meaning they’re almost indistinguishable from normal jeans in terms of weight, flexibility and comfort. Where they differ is that they’re certified AA rated for protection and, if you want to, they can be fitted with knee and hip armor as well. Personally, that’s one of my trade-off items, and I don’t have the armor fitted, but I have ridden with it fitted, and the armor is comfortable in the position. The supplied protectors slot into sewn-in pockets within the jeans which fasten with Velcro closures.

"The armor doesn’t move, sculps well, and doesn’t look cumbersome beneath the material. The armor is CE161 Level 2 at both knee and hip. And while the jeans are single layer, there is a mesh liner to knee height on the front and the aforementioned pockets for armor, but all the extra bits are integrated without rough seams or scratchy panels – so they don’t detract from the feeling of a lightweight jean. On the bike they offer a good connection to the seat – they’re not overly sticky or slippy – and are stretchy enough to offer some give. In hot weather they stay appreciably cool, and they’re just like a normal jean to walk around in.

"They come in sizes 30-44 for men, with different leg lengths available. In my size, they’re ever so slightly large, so try them first. A ladies’ cut is also available (see Tactical Icona II below) in sizes 4-16.

"After 1200 miles and four washes they still look new, and I really like the detailing in terms of the 5-pocket design, branded button – and the use of a proper YKK zip. They look and feel (and perform) like a quality high-end garment, for a price that feels like exceptionally good value."

Pros

Soft to the touch
Pliable material
Comfortable and protective to a high standard

Cons

Try before you buy to ensure a good fit – mine came up large

Comfort

5.0
Practicality

4.0
Looks

5.0
Quality

5.0
Protection

4.0
Value

5.0
Overall

5.0

Construction	Lined Covec
CE rating	AA with level 2 armour at hips and knees

Tactical Oneskin outer shell with premium Covec stretch recovery yarns
Covec high-performance AA stretch denim CE Level II hip and knee armour included
Water resistant finish
Adjustable protector pockets

Waterproof Textiles

Pharao Cedar Textile Trousers

Best budget textile suit

Expert rating:

4.0

Price: $122.14 (was $190)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

Tried and tested by Justin Hayzelden for six months and 3,620 miles

"The Pharao Cedar is essentially two separate suits – an outer Cordura shell for protection, with an inner Clime-Max liner designed to take care of moisture management and warmth. The jacket is cut in the typical long touring style, providing a significant overlap with the textile trousers, and they attach together with a full-length zip. The trousers are equipped with braces for those, like myself, who feel secure with a little extra support."

"The inner suit, or ‘membrane’ as Pharao call it, is fleece lined, and as such is suitably snug – most of the time. It’s fairly lightweight, so while not restricting mobility it does lose effective insulation below 5°C, and on sub zero days left me feeling somewhat chilly. Despite that, I like the fact that I don’t look or feel like Bibendum in a sleeping bag when wearing it."

"Ventilation is excellent, with zipped intake panels on the chest, upper arm and along the thighs, with adjustable exhaust vents at the back. The lack of waterproofing in the outer layer means that it breathes far better than a laminate when worn on its own, but that same factor works against it in the cold."

Find the matching jacket here

Read Justin's full Pharao Cedar Textile Suit review

Pros

Waterproof membrane
It's comfortable to wear
Provides good protection

Cons

Not as warm as it could be
Outer pockets aren't waterproof

Comfort

4.0
Practicality

4.0
Looks

3.0
Quality

4.0
Protection

4.0
Value

5.0
Verdict

4.0

Construction	Condura textile
Type	Touring
CE rating	AA
Armor	CE level 2 hip and knee

Full length connector zip
Direct ventilation and MVS-1 ventilation zips on thighs
Removable, breathable 2-layer membrane thermal lining
Two zip close hand pockets
Waist, lower leg and leg end fitment adjustments

Richa Atlantic 2 Gore-Tex trousers

Price: $790

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

Tried and tested by Dan Sutherland for six months and 7,000 miles

"This is an extremely comfortable set of textiles. The trousers are also good, and when the weather gets colder, they are the better of the two items at keeping me warm. However, despite fitting me in the leg, they are slightly high waisted, meaning they can sometimes dig in a little when sat on the bike, especially when wearing layers underneath. You soon stop noticing it though when on the move, though."

"Although an undeniably expensive set of textiles, I am happy to say that they are some of the comfiest I have ever worn, with supple D3O armor in the shoulders, arms, back, hips, and knees, plus plenty of adjustment points to get things just right. The finish feels quality and rugged, and whilst there’s a five-year warranty, I reckon it will live on far further than that. It’s also one of the few sets of textile kit I’ve used that remains waterproof during serious downpours."

Read our full Richa Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers review of the men's fit version

Pros

Secure fit
Good adjustment
Rugged feel
Impressive waterproofing
Ventilation
Day-long comfort

Cons

Expensive
White shows dirt easily
Jacket could be warmer on winter rides

Comfort

4.0
Practicality

5.0
Looks

3.0
Quality

5.0
Protection

3.0
Value

3.0
Verdict

4.0

Construction	Mix of 2L and 3L Gore-Tex® laminated fabric
Type	Gore-Tex laminated fabric
CE Rating	AA
Armor	D3O Level one hips, and knees

Airtech Control System (ACS) controllable ventilation at key areas
Multiple pockets
Detachable thermal lining
Accordion stretch panels at upper knee and back side
Connecting zip
Abrasion resistant textile on joints

Ladies waterproof riding pants

Ladies’ waterproof riding pants are cut differently with the female shape in mind. Below are our favorites we’ve reviewed so far.

Richa Colorado Textile Trousers

Price: $230

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

The ladies fit version was tested by Saffron Wilson for 5 months and 2,419 miles

"These Richa trousers do what it says on the label. Waterproof, comfortable and warm. Although as you can imagine, I didn’t ride much with the detachable thermo liner as it worked too well, but the D30 knee protectors were comfortable even on the cruiser, and the ventilation zippers were ideal for wet but humid conditions. The other zip pockets were an ideal size for a phone, so they are practical overall too."

"I had a small issue with the leg length that resulted in wet ankles on the odd occasion, but taller boots should help out here. The fit was also bit snug if you needed to throw them on over jeans in sudden rain, nevertheless, they still worked which is a bonus as that’s not what they were designed for. So, there’s nothing to forgive really."

"I like the subdued styling, and the contra glide tech fit was effective at stopping saddle slip without making the trousers too bulky meaning you could easily wear them to walk around in once you hop off the bike. Although the zip-attachment to Richa jackets is a nifty feature, I did forget to detach the jacket more than once, but I’m definitely to blame for that one!"

Pros

They are waterproof
Nice and warm
Comfortable fit and fabric

Cons

Shorter boots may leave you with soggy ankles

Quality

5.0
Value

5.0

Construction	600D nylon Cordura
Armor	Height adjustable D3O at the knee
CE Rating	A

Removable thermal liner
Waterproof
Ventilation zippers

Frequently asked questions

Can I waterproof my jeans myself?

Sprays and wash-in treatments are available for waterproofing jeans, but results are mixed. They help the water bead on the surface, but at speed water always finds a way into seams and gaps, and eventually your skin. Waterproof riding pants have specifically manufactured membranes and sealed seams which work better.

How should I wash waterproof trousers?

The inside label in the pants should include care instructions. They’re not just recommendations, they’re instructions you should follow. Some jeans and pants need to be washed with a specific tech wash.

What boots should I wear with waterproof riding pants?

They should match, meaning they’re water-resistant or waterproof, just like your pants. Remember, tucking pants into boots means water runs into your boots, so boots should fit inside of your pants hem.

How MCN tests waterproof jeans and trousers

The MCN team of expert journalists have decades of experience over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t torture test anything. We use it just like you do in the real world and in all conditions to deliver impartial riding pants buying advice.

MCN covers countless miles each week and tries lots of options in a short space of time. We quickly discover which riding pants feel great, which ones don’t and why.

We only feature summer riding pants we’ve extensively tested. Comparison riding pants will be included if deemed important and relevant. Testing is ongoing and we will continually add gear and products to our site.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

Scoring explained

Products are given a score from 1 to 5 stars. Beyond the ratings tab, you’ll find in-depth info on product and gear performance and attributes.

1 Star – Avoid at all costs.
2 Stars – Barely acceptable.
3 Stars – Average or adequate.
4 Stars – Above average.
5 Stars – Excellent performance.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

- Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.

By Anders Carlson

USA Correspondant Rider, writer and enthusiast since 2006. Currently based in Chicago, USA, Anders writes for numerous titles, including Motorcyclist, Cycle World, Motorcycle Classics and even Road & track once. He enjoys subjecting gear to inadvisable road trips, inhospitable conditions and track days. When away from his desk or the open road, Anders loves restoring vintage 2-stroke bikes as much as actually riding new electric motorcycles.

Motorcycle rider in the rain