Bottom Line
The Zpacks Vertice rain pants (men’s / women’s) are made for ultralight hikers who want a compact, waterproof backup layer with as little extra hardware as possible. The wide legs allow easy movement and accommodate insulating layers, while the stripped-down design occupies little pack space. That simplicity is appealing on maintained backpacking routes where rain pants spend much of the day packed away.
We wore these pants during misty Colorado mountain outings and in wet conditions near Lake Superior. The membrane blocked outside rain, and the loose cut gave us good freedom of motion. Nothing about the design feels suited to repeated scraping against sharp brush or rocks, however. The face fabric is exceptionally thin.
There are no pockets or ventilation zippers, and you generally need to remove footwear to pull the pants on or off. For ounce counters, those are reasonable sacrifices. For people who repeatedly change rain layers or spend long hours wearing them, the Torrentshell or Rainier offers more everyday utility. Find our other picks in the best rain pants guide.
How We Tested
Our field testing included approximately 60 days of outings in Colorado’s Indian Peaks and damp hiking near Lake Superior. We evaluated shell performance in mist and rain, movement over layered clothing, packing convenience, and exposure to wooded trails. Abrasion on a Colorado outing also informed our durability assessment.
Quick Specs
Zpacks Vertice
Best Ultralight Rain Pants for Hiking & Backpacking
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $160
Weight: 1 oz. / 2.5 oz.(men’s / women’s)
Zipper Length: None
Pros
- Extremely light and compact
- Roomy enough for layers
- Good freedom of movement
- Simple drawstring waist
- Effective basic waterproof barrier
Cons
- Fragile thin face fabric
- No pockets or leg zippers
- Footwear removal required
- Loose, boxy appearance
Comfort & Mobility
Wide legs make these pants easy to move in on rolling mountain trails. We could layer them over hiking clothing without the restrictive feeling that can come with slim shells, and the light material was barely noticeable during walking.
That relaxed shape is practical rather than tailored. The tricot-backed waterproof membrane is designed to move moisture away from the skin, which adds comfort when the wide legs are worn over heavier hiking pants. Hikers accustomed to fitted technical apparel may dislike how loose it looks, but for quick weather coverage over different layers, the extra volume works.
Comfort & Mobility Score: 4.6/5.0
Weather Resistance
The Vertice kept outside moisture away during damp mountain hiking. Its waterproof membrane performed the job expected of an emergency shell without requiring a heavy outer fabric.
That does not make it the ideal choice for rough, prolonged exposure. The published testing involved misty Indian Peaks trails and wet hiking near Lake Superior, not an extended severe-storm expedition. Thin waterproof fabric can lose its integrity if cut or abraded, which makes careful route selection important. We would be more confident taking a Torrentshell into dense wet brush.
Weather Resistance Score: 4.2/5.0
Ventilation
The Vertice has no side openings or ankle zippers. Air circulates somewhat through the wide leg shape, but if you want vents, there are not for you.
This lack of hardware both saves weight and makes on-off changes slower: footwear must come off. Even when the wide cuffs simplify layering, the pants cannot be opened selectively at the thighs during a hot climb. For warm, wet trips with frequent changes between rain and sunshine, the inconvenience is more noticeable than it would be on a cool, steady hiking day.
The loose fit can feel airy while walking, but that is not equivalent to controlled ventilation. When a warm climb follows a wet stretch, there is no thigh zipper to open while maintaining coverage elsewhere. Removing the pants is a more disruptive choice, especially once footwear and gaiters are wet. That distinction becomes important on routes where conditions alternate frequently.
Ventilation Score: 4.2/5.0
Weight
Zpacks lists the Vertice at 2.5 ounces for both men’s and women’s versions. These are manufacturer-listed weights, not our own measured results.
The practical conclusion is nonetheless clear: the Vertice is built to reduce both packed weight and space. That advantage matters most to backpackers who carry a shell for emergency weather and rarely need all the pockets or side openings of more elaborate models. The published review describes a packed size about as small as a bar of soap, illustrating why the model appeals to ounce-conscious thru-hikers.
The simplicity that gets the Vertice to its remarkably low listed weight also explains its limited convenience. Leaving out pockets and long side openings saves hardware and bulk, but means carrying small items elsewhere and taking more time to change. On a long maintained-trail backpacking trip, that may be an excellent exchange; for repeated stop-and-go day hikes, it may not be.
Weight Score: 4.7/5.0
Durability
The ultrathin 7-denier material is the reason these pants pack so well and also their clearest limitation. The published testing emphasizes the thin face fabric’s vulnerability to snags in rocky or brushy terrain; we would use extra care around branches and rough surfaces.
For well-maintained trails, this is an understandable trade. The published review recommends carrying repair tape because the 7-denier shell can snag during rough travel. That is a preventive recommendation, not a claim that the test pair suffered documented damage. Off-trail hikers, climbers, and anyone who frequently kneels on rock should choose a heavier face fabric rather than expect this minimalist layer to tolerate the same punishment.
Durability Score: 4.3/5.0
Should You Buy the Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants?
The Vertice is an especially logical purchase for thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers following established trails. Its roomy fit, waterproofing, and tiny packed size make it easy to keep rain coverage in the pack.
Do not choose it for pockets, convenient boot-on changes, technical scrambling, or brushy routes. Saving weight is only worthwhile when the thinner fabric and lack of closures suit the way you actually hike.
What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?
The Zpacks Vertice rain pants are pretty incredible for ultralight gear. Here are some other top lightweight picks from our rain pants gear guide.
Outdoor Research Helium Review: The Helium provides another lightweight, compact approach, with a rear pocket and short ankle openings missing from the Vertice. Its Pertex Shield fabric is designed for a little more resilience, though it still lacks the ventilation and heavy-duty feel of bigger shells. Choose it when you want a few conveniences without a full-featured design.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review: The Torrentshell is much more protective on rocky, brushy hikes. We deliberately rubbed its three-layer shell on boulders without serious damage, and its side openings make changes over shoes considerably easier. The extra bulk and weight make less sense if the pants live in a pack most of the time.
REI Trailmade Review: The Trailmade is a less expensive entry point for occasional rain protection, with a broader everyday size range. Its thin material also raises durability concerns, and it does not match the Vertice’s minimalist weight focus. It is the better choice when budget matters more than shaving every ounce.
