Rain Pants, Rain Skirts, and Rain Kilts

Lower-body rain protection in hiking systems is implemented through different garment types, each with characteristic advantages and trade-offs. Traditional rain pants provide full coverage from waist to ankle using waterproof or waterproof-breathable fabrics. They are often chosen for conditions where cold rain, strong wind, or dense vegetation are expected. Many designs incorporate articulated knees, adjustable cuffs, and zippers along the legs to allow ventilation and ease of use over footwear.

Rain skirts and kilts consist of wrap-around panels that typically extend from the waist to somewhere between the knee and lower calf. They are noted in ultralight backpacking discussions for offering substantial ventilation and lower weight compared with full pants, while still limiting direct rainfall on upper legs and shorts. However, they leave the lower legs more exposed, which may or may not be acceptable depending on temperature, wind, and vegetation.

In some warm or humid regions, hikers describe a preference for omitting lower-body rain-specific garments altogether, instead relying on quick-drying shorts or pants that can become wet and then dry rapidly when conditions improve. In such cases, rain protection may be focused on the torso and core, while acknowledging that legs will are often wet during precipitation events.

Terrain, presence of insects, and likelihood of contact with thorny plants or abrasive rock also influence garment selection. Heavier fabrics or reinforced panels on rain pants may be favored in rugged environments, while lighter textiles and minimalist features are often selected for long-distance travel where weight is a primary concern. These variations reflect different strategies rather than a single recommended approach.