The Best Waterproof Hunting Pants | Men's & Women's Lightweight Clothes, Camo Gear

waterproof hunting pants for men womenQuiet, Light, & Ready for Rain: The Best Hunting Pants Trusted by European Hunters

Stalking red deer through Scottish glens. Waiting motionless for wild boar in Romanian forests. Wading through chest-high grass after pheasants in Bavaria. I’ve done it all - and if there’s one bit of gear I won’t compromise on, it’s my trousers. Hillman’s lightweight waterproof hunting pants have kept me dry, quiet, and comfortable more times than I can count. They’re not just waterproof, they breathe properly, move with your body, and don’t flap about like bin liners in the wind.

Lightweight Hunting Pants for Rain That Actually Perform

best waterproof hunting pants for rainChasing ducks through flooded reed beds? Tracking red deer in wet mountain terrain? Our waterproof camo pants keep you dry without the stiff, noisy shell. These hunting clothes are built specifically for the way you hunt, whether you're after roe deer, wild boar, or working your way through thick cover for pheasants and partridge.

We've developed the most breathable waterproof hunting rainwear, using advanced nanofiber electro-spun membrane tech that keeps you dry, sized perfectly for men's, women's, and youth's comfort.

For every hunt, from spring to winter, our lightweight waterproof hunting pants deliver when standard gear falls short.

What Makes Hillman’s Waterproof Hunting Pants Stand Out

waterproof hunting pants 5wl Alpha100% Waterproof Shell & Fully Seam-Taped Protection

Hillman doesn’t mess about when it comes to staying dry. These trousers aren’t just “water-resistant” in fair weather; they’re fully waterproof, top to bottom. Every seam is taped, every zipper sealed, so even if you’re belly-crawling through soaked grass or caught in an alpine downpour, you’re still dry underneath. Unlike cheaper kit that just beads water for a bit, this is proper protection that holds up season after season. I've worn mine through bogs and storms, and not once did they soak through. Solid bit of kit.

Dryhunt® Nanomembrane – The Breathability Game Changer

You know that clammy feeling when your rain gear keeps water out but traps sweat in? Dryhunt® fixes that. It’s Hillman’s own high-tech membrane, and it actually lets heat and moisture escape while still blocking out rain, snow, and sleet. Feels a bit like magic, to be honest. I’ve hiked uphill in pouring rain and still stayed dry on the inside. Plus, it’s so light and flexible you hardly feel like you’re wearing a shell at all. Perfect when you’re pushing hard through the forest or scrambling over rough ground.

DURASUEDE – Silent, Tough & Thorn-Resistant

This stuff’s a real game changer in the woods. DURASUEDE feels soft like suede, but don’t let that fool you, it’s seriously tough. It doesn't rustle like plastic trousers when you move, so you stay quiet even in brittle leaves or tight cover. I’ve pushed through hawthorn hedges and crawled past brambles without a snag. The fabric absorbs sound instead of bouncing it around, so you stay stealthy. Ideal when stalking wary game or creeping into position at first light.

camo hunting pants for rain and hunting jackets

Termovent® Climatronic – Heat Control

Ever work up a sweat on a chilly morning stalk then freeze the second you stop moving? That’s where Termovent® comes in. Hillman thought this through with full-length zips down the legs and venting around the waist. Just crack them open on the move to dump heat fast, then seal back up when the wind picks up. It’s saved me more than once on steep hikes or long sits. Keeps your body temp steady so you don’t get that hot-sweaty-then-chilled cycle that ruins a good hunt.

Ergo® Cut & Varilock® Closure

Hillman’s Ergo® cut is tailored to mirror natural body movements, providing unrestricted mobility whether you’re kneeling, crouching, or scrambling over obstacles. This anatomical shaping reduces fabric bunching and discomfort during extended hunts. The Varilock® closure system allows you to adjust the waistband precisely, accommodating extra layers or slim fits without sacrificing comfort. This versatility is especially appreciated in unpredictable weather when you might add or remove insulating layers on the fly.

YKK® AquaGuard Zips & DWR C0 Finish

Hillman knows zippers can be the weak spot when rain hits hard. That’s why they use YKK® AquaGuard zips on these pants: top-quality stuff that keeps water out no matter how heavy the downpour. They slide smoothly every time and don’t get stuck or worn down after a season of dragging through brambles or pulling on and off boots. I’ve put mine through some real wet days, and those zips held strong, no leaks, no fuss.

Stay Dry and Agile: Our Best Hunting Pants & Bibs

ultra-lightweight hunting pants 5WLThe 5WL Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Hunting Pants: The Ultimate Active Shell

The 5WL pants are a featherweight champion for active hunters who need waterproof protection without bulk. With sizes 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60, they fit most body types comfortably. With the durable Dryhunt® membrane, fully taped seams, and YKK® AquaGuard zips, these pants shrug off rain and sweat alike. DURASUEDE panels on knees and seat provide durability and silence, while Termovent® vents stop you from overheating on the move. The Varilock® waistband means a perfect fit, whether you’re layering or going minimalist.

  • 100% waterproof & breathable
  • Lightweight and packable (~560 g)
  • Noise-reducing DURASUEDE panels
  • Easy ventilation with Termovent® zips
  • Adjustable, ergonomic fit with Varilock®

5WL Camo Version. Blend Seamlessly Into the Forest

waterproof hunting pants in camouflageAll the features and tech of the standard 5WL pants, but with a realistic European forest camouflage print designed for multi-season use. The pattern blends perfectly into deciduous and coniferous backgrounds, making it easier to get close to wary deer, boar, and other game.

This camo option is just right for hunters who want solid technical gear without giving up on staying well hidden. The print’s tough as nails, it holds its colour even after plenty of rough use and wet days in the field. Whether you’re sitting tight on a still hunt or sneaking through thick leaves and undergrowth, these camo pants keep you dry and out of sight.

How Do I Choose the Right Size?

lightweight waterproof hunting pantsLet’s face it - hunting gear that doesn’t fit right is a real pain in the backside. Before you order, take a minute to measure properly and think about how you'll layer up in the field.

  1. Measure your waist and hips in your base layer, not over thick winter trousers.
  2. Compare with the Hillman size chart. Sizes run from EU 44 all the way to 60, including plus sizes and youth fits.
  3. If you’re between sizes or wearing layers, size up. The Varilock® waist lets you snug it down for a perfect fit.
  4. For maximum comfort, consider leaving a little extra room around knees and hips if you expect to move a lot or layer underneath.

Insider tip: I always size up slightly if hunting in cold seasons with multiple thermal layers. The adjustable waistband makes it easy to keep a tight fit without sacrificing freedom of movement.

Which Pants for Which Season & Game?

waterproof hunting trousersSpring Trekking or Alpine Roe Deer

Spring hunting in Europe can be a bit of a wild card. One minute you’re following roe deer across open alpine ridges, the next you’re trudging through thawing bogs. Snow might still hang around in the shady spots, and icy meltwater can make footing tricky. Keeping dry without overheating is absolutely crucial. And if you’re after capercaillie in those dense forested hills, you know how important it is to move quietly and breathe easily.
Recommendation: The 5WL Ultra-Lightweight pants offer waterproofing and ventilation, so they are perfect for this kind of rugged terrain.

Mid-Summer Thunderstorms or Duck Blinds

You might wake up to sunshine, but by mid-afternoon there’s a downpour rolling in from the west. Whether you're belly-crawling through reeds after ducks or checking wild boar tracks before dusk, summer hunts demand gear that breathes when it’s hot but keeps you bone-dry in a sudden soak. And let’s not forget the biting insects in marshland – tight weaves matter.
Recommendation: Choose the 5WL trousers for general mobility in the wet, or go with the Camo version in thicker vegetation or waterfowl setups.

Autumn Fallow or Red Deer

Autumn in the forest is magical – golden leaves underfoot, crisp air, and that tension in the lungs as you close in on a rutting stag. But it’s also noisy, and a crunch at the wrong time means the game’s over. You need absolute silence in movement, especially for still-hunting or stalking through bracken and brush. Winds start to bite at dawn, but by noon, it’s warm again.
Recommendation: The XPR hunting trousers are built for silent moves and wind-blocking comfort without the bulk.

Winter Wild Boar Drives or High Seats

Winter boar hunting in Eastern Europe isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’re either planted for hours in a freezing high seat or beating the woods with dogs and drivers through snow-draped forests. Cold seeps in fast when you're static, but you’ll also need mobility when you charge through icy branches or kneel for a clean shot. Comfort and warmth become survival tools, not luxuries.
Recommendation: Hillman’s 6OL Matrix pants with insulation, waterproofing, and full-leg protection are unmatched for extreme cold-weather hunting.

Other Hillman Essentials for All-Weather Hunts

best hunting pants and jacketsThe right pants are just the start. Pair your 5WL trousers with Hillman’s 5WL Ultralight Waterproof Jacket: same Dryhunt® tech, same fully seam-taped performance. It packs tiny in your rucksack, and once you zip it up, wind and rain won’t stand a chance.

Need a hunting bag that can handle all seasons, too? The Argo Water-Resistant Backpack has got your back, literally. It’s quiet, camo-covered, and designed to resist everything from swamp mist to snow flurries. With smart internal organisation and silent magnetic buckles, you won’t be fumbling when a shot presents itself.

And don't forget your boots. Hillman’s waterproof hunting boots grip like claws and move silently as a cat, even on wet pine needles. Once you've got this kit dialled in, you're set for any madness European weather throws your way, from September drizzle in the Balkans to January frost in the Carpathians.

FAQ – Your Hunting Rain Pants Questions Answered

lightweight hunting pants for rain

1. Are these pants completely waterproof?

Yes. The 5WL features a 100% waterproof shell with fully taped seams and a Dryhunt® membrane that blocks out everything from mountain downpours to soggy forest floor splash.

2. Can I wear them over boots?

Absolutely. They’ve got full-length YKK AquaGuard® side zips so you can pull them on or off over boots, even with muddy soles or bulky gaiters.

3. Are they heavy?

Not in the slightest. At just 560 g, they’re some of the lightest waterproof hunting trousers out there - easy to carry, easy to forget you're even wearing them.

4. Do they breathe well?

Yes. Dryhunt® and Termovent® are designed to push moisture out fast. You’ll stay dry from both the outside and inside, even during long hikes or hill climbs.

5. Do they work for women and teens?

Definitely, sizes run from EU 44 to 60, and the ergonomic fit works across different body types. Women, youth, and slim hunters find the adjustable Varilock® waist especially helpful.

6. Can I layer under them?

You bet. These are shell pants made for layering. In winter, throw on your merino thermals underneath; they’ll fit comfortably without feeling tight.

7. What’s the difference between 5WL and 6OL?

The 5WL is a lightweight, breathable rain shell perfect for active hunts. The 6OL has built-in insulation (Matrix®), Thermovent®, and bib-style coverage for cold sits or snow hunts.

8. How do I wash them?

Easy does it: cold water, no softeners. Hang to dry. After a few serious outings, reapply a DWR C0 spray to keep water beading off.

9. Is Dryhunt® better than Gore-Tex?

For hunting? Many say yes. It breathes better under movement, dries faster, and feels quieter in the brush. Real-world field use beats lab tests every time.

10. Do they rustle or make noise?

Not at all. The DuraSuede™ face fabric is whisper-quiet. You can kneel, crawl, or shift in your stand without alerting anything within earshot.

11. Will they hold up to thorns or rocks?

Yes. The outer is abrasion-resistant and built for tough ground. You can stalk through blackberry thickets or rocky alpine terrain without worrying about tears.

12. What if I’m between sizes?

Go a size up. Better to have room for layering. The Varilock® system lets you cinch them snug around the waist anyway.