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Best Columbia Pants Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
Waterproof pants will often be worn over other clothes, so make sure the fit is appropriate as the outside layer on your lower half. Proper water protection will often require that the cuffs, waistband, and even collar are adjustable, which can aid in a custom fit. The layer closest to your skin should have moisture wicking capabilities. In cold weather, you need an insulation layer and a weatherproof outer shell. Some of our picks can take care of all of these needs, with the right combination of materials, fit, and ventilation.
Adjustability can be a big plus. Drawstring waistbands can allow for instantly tightened or loosened fit, of which your preferences may vary as you go from activity to activity. If you are doing heavy exercising, from a tougher trail to a good long run, you will want something that gives you more freedom to move than, for example, casual warm-weather cotton pants.
Materials
Synthetic materials can provide varying grades of weatherproofing. Even those pants that are not completely waterproof can still keep moisture away from the skin with moisture-wicking technology and, when they do actually get wet, most synthetic fibers will dry quickly.
Fabrics are also rated for various sun protection factors. The UV protection is often just as critical as water resistance and although it’s often overlooked when considering non-beachwear, we hope that you will keep it in mind year round in all your activities.
It can be uncomfortable to wear pants that just feel like a rubber shell. If that is a concern for you, look for pants that have polyester or other soft fabric linings. This will be a huge boost to the comfort rating of your pants, especially if you won’t be wearing them over another layer.
Durability
Ripstop nylon is extremely durable and resists tearing. Double and triple stitched seams are also good indicators of lasting craftsmanship. Reinforcement in “key” areas can also help cushion and protect when crawling or sliding up and along rocks and trails. Long lasting materials are also key when you are investing in good quality outdoor gear. You need to move freely without worrying about runs and holes ruining your fun.
Versatility
Season(s)
In the late winter/early spring, you might start out your day needing long pants and end the day wishing you had something lighter. Lightweight but protective long pants can help with temperature fluctuations, as can convertible pants. Obviously, the variety of lengths in Columbia’s pants line gives a myriad of options for every climate and season. One of our picks even has completely removable legs!
Sport/Activity
Obviously, every activity will have its own ideal clothing. There are pants that are more suitable for walking, running, hitting the trails, and doing all of these activities in snow versus rain or sunshine. We tried to keep in mind the wide breadth of activities that our readers engage in so that there is a good selection for everyone.
Also, let’s be real…we want to have function and fashion. Not all of our time is spent outside, so the look of these pants is also a critical piece of our evaluation. When you’re hanging out at the lodge after a day on the slopes, you want to be able to relax in comfortable and stylish gear.
Water Resistance
Waterproof clothing needs to be completely waterproof, including the cuffs, seams, and closures. You also need proper ventilation because as you go about your active day, you will likely sweat, and true waterproof material can keep moisture in just as well as it keeps moisture out. You’ll have a serious comfort issue if you can’t dry off or have the moisture wicked away.
Top 10 Picks
1. Columbia Rebel Roamer
You can wear the Rebel Roamer line of Columbia Pants when you are going to be in harsh weather. These pants are completely waterproof so that your legs do not end up getting soaked if you find yourself in heavy rain or storm. The also disperse heat so that you don't end up feeling as if your legs are baking in an oven while you are wearing these pants.
Waterproof
These pants are fully waterproof. This makes them an ideal choice for pants to wear if you are going to get exposed to rain or water. The seems are also fully sealed so that water does not leak through them.
Adjustable Leg Opening
The adjustable leg openings also assist with waterproofing the pants. You can close these legs tightly around your ankles or boots so that water does not seep up into the pants through the leg openings.
Cost and Value
These pants have an average price which makes them an excellent value. They are the perfect choice for pants to wear when you are expecting to get sprayed with water and need to stay dry.
2. Columbia Anytime Outdoor Capri
These Capri pants are great for warmer weather where you need to stay a little cooler. They are made almost completely out of nylon so that your body stays cool and dry. The fabric resists stains and liquids but it also dries quickly if it does get soaked. Your skin is also protected from the sun while you are wearing these pants which is a great benefit on a sunny day.
Drawstring Waist
You will never have to worry about these pants falling down thanks to the drawstring located at the waist. The drawstring lets you pull the pants tightly so that they don't sag on your hips or fall down altogether.
Nylon Blend
These pants are made from a blend of 96 percent nylon and 4 percent elastane fabric. The result is a material that resists water and other liquids. This allows the pants to resist stains but also dry quickly when they get wet.
Cost and Value
You should expect to see these capri pants at a below average price. They get their value by offering features such as water-repelling fabric that drys quickly. The pants are also comfortable and fit well thanks to the drawstring.
3. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible
Sometimes the day can start off cool but it can warm up significantly in the afternoon. These days can be hard to dress for since you need pants in the morning and evening but you need shorts in the afternoon. These convertible pants are the ideal solution for such days because you can remove the legs when it gets warm and then wear them as shorts to stay cool.
Removable Legs
The pant legs are removable from these pants with a zipper. This allows you to convert these pants into shorts when it gets too warm to wear them as pants. The feature is excellent for in between seasons.
Cargo Pockets
Both sides of these pants have cargo pockets that close with a zipper. This feature allows you to store plenty of small items in the pocket in a secure fashion. It is great for items such as a phone or keys.
Cost and Value
These convertible pants have an average price for Columbia pants. They get their value by being convertible between pants and shorts which allows you to better regulate your temperature on days that shift between cool and warm.
4. Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut
The Anytime Outdoor line of pants is the perfect pair of pants for general usage. They are great for wearing outdoors as well. These nylon pants fit great thanks to the elastic drawstring and the waist and they help you stay cool by breathing well. They are designed for all sorts of weather because they resist UV in the sun and they resist water in the rain.
UPF 50 Protection
Spending time in the sun can be a lot of fun but almost nobody likes getting a sunburn. These pants are great for the sunny weather because they protect you against harmful UV radiation. They are rated to UPF 50.
Water Repellent
You won't have to worry about getting soaked in a light rain. The nylon fabric that these pants are made out of repelling water rather than absorbing it. This feature helps you continue to feel comfortable in a light rain.
Cost and Value
These pants have an average price which makes them a great value. You will see features such as UV sun protection and water-repelling fabric at an affordable price. The pants are long lasting and also look great.
5. Columbia Saturday Trail
These pants are great for wearing outdoors while doing mild exercise or walking. They are fully convertible into capri pants which allows you to stay cool when you start feeling too warm. The material is made out of stretch nylon which provides you with a tight fit. They also protect your skin from UV radiation which is a great feature to have on bright sunny days.
Convertable
These pants feature legs that roll up which allows you to convert them into capri pants. This feature allows you to adjust the look and style of the pants and it allows you to stay cooler if you start feeling hot.
Security Pocket
These pants also feature a security pocket that closes with a zipper. A pocket is a great place for you to hold items such as keys or a smartphone without having to worry about them falling out of the pocket.
Cost and Value
These pants have a price that is higher than the average. They get their value by offering high-end features such as being convertible pants, offering a security pocket, and by providing UV protection.
6. Columbia Cascades Explorer
These pants are great to wear on a warmer day in the late spring or the early fall. They are fully nylon pants that allow the pants to wick away moisture quickly which allows your legs to stay dry while you are wearing them. The pants also repel liquids so that you can stay dry in light rain. The material also provides you with UV protection.
Nylon Material
These pants are made out of nylon material which offers a number of benefits. For example, nylon repels liquids which prevent water from a light rain from getting absorbed into the pants. It also dries quickly if they do get wet.
Removable Belt
The pants also come with a belt which allows you to get a snug fit around your waist. This allows you to prevent the pants from sagging or falling down while you wear them. You can also remove the belt.
Cost and Value
These pants have a price that is slightly above the average when compared to other Columbia pants. They get their value by offering many of the features found in similar pants such as quick-drying fabric and UV protection.
7. Columbia Bugaboo II
These pants are a great choice for Columbia pants for when you are planning on hitting the ski slopes or just for playing in the snow. These are warm and yet they are completely waterproof which prevents water caused by melting snow from penetrating into the pants. This allows your legs to stay both warm and dry which makes time outdoors more enjoyable.
Waterproof
One of the main features that these pants have to offer is that they are totally waterproof. This allows you to stay dry in wet conditions which makes these pants highly ideal for weather that is both wet and cold.
Adjustabble Waist
You won't need to worry about these pants falling down thanks to the adjustable waist. These pants can be adjusted so that they don't sag or fall down while you are wearing them.
Cost and Value
You should expect to pay a price that is well above the average for these pants. The reason is that they are snow pants that are designed to keep you dry and warm in the cold weather. Extra insulation results in a higher price.
8. Columbia Ultimate ROC
These ROC pants are a great choice for casual wear or for wearing outdoors. They offer features such as water resistance and sun protection. You will feel comfortable while you wearing these pants because they are made out of 100 percent cotton fabric. The fabric allows these pants to feel soft while also providing flexibility. People who spend time in the sunshine will appreciate the UPF 50 sun protection.
Water Resistant
These pants are water resistant which allows them to resist stains or help you stay dry in the rain. The result is a pair of pants that will continue to look great even if you wear them on a regular basis.
Cotton
You will feel great while wearing these pants because they are made out of 100 percent cotton fabric. Cotton is soft and it breathes great which allows the pants to wick away moisture from your skin.
Cost and Value
You should expect to see a price that is well below the average for these pants. They are an excellent value because they are inexpensive, look great, and they resist stains.
9. Columbia Storm Surge
These pants are designed to keep you dry in even the heaviest of rains. They are completely waterproof so that water from heavy rains or sprays do not penetrate the pants and soak your legs. The interior lining is breathable and feels soft against the skin which makes these pants comfortable to wear. You can also adjust the leg openings so that water doesn't creep up into the pant legs.
Waterproof
These pants have a heavy duty shell that is made out of 70D Nylon. The nylon allows the pants to block water from penetrating into the interior of the pants while still allowing the pants to breathe.
Polyester Lining
You won't feel as if you are wearing a rubber shell thanks to the polyester lining. The polyester lining is soft and provides you with moisture-wicking benefits. This allows your body to remove perspiration from your skin and help you feel comfortable.
Cost and Value
These pants have a price that is slightly higher than average. They are a great value because these pants are comfortable as well as waterproof. This allows you to feel comfortable as you stay dry in heavy rains.
10. Columbia Original ROC
This is another pair of pants that is excellent for the hot sun. They are made out of 100 percent cotton which allows the pants to breathe well and help you stay cooler in warm weather. These pants offer you UV protection so that your skin is protected from sun damage. You will feel comfortable while wearing these pants because the cotton fabric helps them stay extra soft.
UPF 50+
These pants help protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. They have a UPF 50+ rating so you should not need to worry about your legs getting a sunburn while you are wearing these pants.
Durability
The material used to make these pants is thick and strong enough to last the hardest of activities. The pants are made out of 100 percent cotton which keeps them soft and yet strong enough for hitting the trails.
Cost and Value
These pants have a cost that is below the average which makes them an excellent value for the money. They are soft and durable pants that are inexpensive yet suitable for many uses cases.
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