Best Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers: Top 5 for Dry Legs

The Chrome Storm pants can, much as the name suggests, withstand commuting in a storm – that’s just how resilient these trousers are, with a 10k mm / 5k mvp waterproof rating. They are built using 100% taped seams and are more of an overtrouser style: you could definitely fit a pair of slim cut trousers or padded cycling shorts underneath for commuting.

The trousers, though slightly baggier in fit, are still very stylish with the added bonus of being very stretchy and maneuverable, keeping you flexible and comfortable while in the saddle.

Other features also include ankle zippers, a water resistant zip pocket (keeping your phone safe and dry) and a reinforced two layer back panel to ensure that the road spray cannot seap through the material on long wet commutes into work.

In Chrome’s own words, ‘the Storm Rain Pant is our ultimate layer for your urban commute’.

If you want a really good all-round waterproof over trouser, then the Berghaus Deluge range is right up there.

As well as the top-notch waterproof material, these trousers also feature an articulated design – primarily intended for “stepping high”, which translates very well into pedalling furiously too.

Getting into these trousers is very easy thanks to the ¾ length side zips – so squeezing past even big chunky boots isn’t a problem. There’s also upper leg venting, which may aid breathability somewhat – after  all finding a good pair of breathable waterproof trousers is usually a big challenge, but one that this pair does well.

Another good thing about the Berghaus overtrousers is that not only are they available in multiple sizes, they’re also available in three different lengths (short 29”, standard 31” and long 31”) which means regardless of whether you’re tall or small – you can find a great fit, without getting the hems stuck under your shoe.

Weighing in at just 390g too, these over trousers feel light whether you’re riding in them or carrying them in a bag. Importantly, Berghaus overtrousers also have zipped side pockets – a feature you shouldn’t underestimate the usefulness of.

One of the challenges relating to waterproof overtrousers is putting them on easily. After all, you’ll often have to do this in a hurry at the side of the road in the event of an unexpected downpour.

The waterproof overtrousers from Mountain Warehouse excel in this regard as they have a half-leg zip, meaning you can easily pull these trousers over your shoes and legs in order to get them on.

I also really like these overtrousers because they’re very hard-wearing with heavy-duty, waterproof Isodry and Polyester fabric.

Again, Mountain Warehouse advertises these as breathable due to their mesh-lining, but this is kind of irrelevant if you’re wearing two pairs of trousers.

The Mountain Warehouse Spray overtrousers have an elasticated waist with drawcord adjustment to ensure they fit you well.

If you want something cheap and cheerful, that will keep you dry, is light, and can easily be thrown in your bag, the Regatta Pack It range is exactly what you need.

Available from just £7.99 (running up to £20 depending on colours and sizes), the Regatta Pack It – can be just that – packed up in a sack and kept in your bag for emergency.

The Regatta Pack It Over Trousers are light as anything and are made from Isolate Lightweight Polyester. They’re apparently also breathable, but these are really designed to go over your existing trousers – so this isn’t really a viable feature.

These waterproof cycling pants from Regatta come in men’s and ladies’ sizes.

Earlier in the year I visited a client for a few a few days and with the unpredictable weather at that point, they kindly gave me a waterproof trouser and jacket set to make use of, the Result Heavyweight Waterproof Jacket and Trouser set.

Now this isn’t the lightest gear you’ll get a hold of, with the whole pack weighing in at around 800g. But I love the convenience of it and throw it in my bag whenever I feel the weather may turn at some point.

It’s a no-thrills but hard-wearing pack.

The trousers have an elastic waist, with holes rather than pockets on the sides – confusing at first but then you realise it’s so you can access the pockets in the trousers underneath. The trousers also have button fasteners on the bottom to help close them in a bit.

The jacket has a couple of hand pockets, but unfortunately there’s no seal on them. However, there is reflective detailing on the front and back of the jacket – ensuring you stay visible even in bad weather. There’s also a couple of back vents on the rear of the jacket to aid breathability, while the hood is elasticated and has a Velcro strip in order to keep it from blowing off in windy conditions. There’s also a double cuff on the sleeves with the underlayer being elasticated to stop you from blowing up like a balloon on your ride.

While this pack isn’t perfect, I love the convenience of having everything together in a small pack that you can throw in to your backpack. It’s also available in six different colours: black, fluorescent yellow, green, navy, red and blue.