Outdoor Research Men’s Foray 3L Rain Pants Review
Waterproof, carbon-neutral rain pants for cool and cold weather
January 6th, 2026
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Our verdict
For anyone looking to get outdoors in cool to cold and rainy weather, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Pants are ones to consider. Whether for a drizzly day hike to a couple-day winter backpacking adventure, the Foray rain pants–which won Best Overall in our Best Rain Pants guide–will keep precipitation and wind out no matter how intense the rain stays.
We tested the OR Foray rain paints across three seasons and just as many states, while hiking, backpacking, and working hundreds of miles along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia and Maine and day hiking in New York. The previous edition was also tested in Uruguay! While we did not test the women’s Aspire for this review, the features and performance are similar.
With an environmentally friendly, recycled nylon construction and an effective PFAS-free Nikwax Direct.Dry waterproofing, the Foray pants are the first technical garment to be certified carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners.
They also boast two-way waterproof ventilation zippers that make it easy to dump surplus heat generated during high-output activity immediately and reduce humidity buildup within the pants. Plus, they’re easily packable into their back pocket, making them easy to travel with or throw in a pack when stormy skies lurk in the weather report.
The Foray rain pants are not especially breathable, which makes them ill-suited for those who run hot, since their excellent ventilation zippers work wonders to dump surplus heat but also allow rain to enter. Additionally, if you’re looking for rain pants on a budget or an ultralight pair of rain pants for summer, seek out your pants elsewhere.
The market price for the Foray pants is $199, and though they can frequently be found on sale, it’s a significant sum. The shortest men’s inseam is allegedly 30” but in reality is close to 31”, and a men’s medium in the regular length weighs a bit shy of a pound.
However, if it fits your budget and you’re looking for a cool and cold-weather pair of rain pants that’s packable, environmentally friendly, and robust enough to stand the test of time, look further into investing in the Foray rain pants.
Men’s Foray
Women’s Aspire
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Outdoor Research Foray Rain Pants Specifications
Price: $199
Weight: 13.6 oz
Fabric: AscentShell Dry 3L
Waterproof rating: 28,000 mm
Face fabric denier: 40 denier recycled nylon
DWR treatment: PFAS-free Nikwax Direct.Dry
Fit type: Relaxed
Adjustments: Drawcord waistband
Leg zips: 3/4-length two-way zipper
Pockets: Zippered side and back pockets
Packability: Packs into back pocket
Sizes: XS-XXXL and short, regular, and tall inseams (run a little long)
Gender-specific versions: Foray (men’s), Aspire (women’s)
Comparison Table
| RAIN PANTS | MSRP* | WEIGHT | WATERPROOFING | PFC / PFAS- FREE | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire 3L Pants Men's Women's |
$199 | 13.6 oz (men's), 13.2 (women's) | bluesign-approved AscentShell Dry 3L; Direct.Dry DWR | Yes | S - XXXL (men's), XXS Short - 4X (women's) |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Men's Women's |
$129 | 11.8 oz (men's), 10.9 (women's) | Waterproof/breathable H2No Performance Standard 3L fabric | Yes | XS - XXL short, regular (men's), XS - XXL regular, short (women's) |
| Marmot PreCip Eco Pants Men's Women's |
$100 | 8 oz (men's), 7 oz (women's) | NanoPro | Yes | S - XXL (men's), XS - XL (women's) |
| Outdoor Research Helium Men's Women's |
$130 | 11.3 oz (men's), 10.23 oz (women's) | bluesign-approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L | No | XS - XXXL short, regular, tall (men's), XXS - XXL regular, short (women's) |
| Arc'teryx Beta Men's Women's |
$300 | 10.86 (men's), 10.92 oz (women's) | 3-L 80-denier GORE-TEX ePE with C-KNIT backer technology | Yes | XS - XL Tall (men's), 00 short - 16 tall (women's) |
Best for
People looking for an environmentally friendly rain pants for use in cool and cold weather
Anyone who needs rain protection for casual to technical pursuits from a dash to the store in the rain for a last-minute lasagna ingredient to winter hiking in the Northeast
Those anticipating time in extended wet conditions where the need to stay dry is as continuous as the downpour, such as wet-weather work or a fall weekend backpacking trip with rain in the forecast
Taller folks, as the shortest possible inseam is supposed to be 30 inches, measures closer to 31, and were slightly too long for me at 5’ 9” when I tested the previous edition of the Foray rain pants
What we liked
The Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain pants are an effective water and windproof shell during use in civilization or way up in the alpine zone
Sufficiently roomy for easy layering, making them useful for winter as well as cool and cold weather hiking
Exquisitely long ventilation zippers that are easy to use while backpacking and dump excess heat generated in seconds
Sustainable pick! The first (!) pants certified carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners, made with a 100% recycled nylon face fabric and PFAS-free waterproofing
What could be better
Not breathable in warm conditions–high output use creates a steam room effect around your legs without taking advantage of the ventilation zippers, which in conditions like windy and hard rain is not an ideal option
Runs a bit large and long, as did the previous edition–customer reviews confirm the same of the current version
Lacks ankle cuff adjustability, which is annoying given the excess fabric that tends to accumulate around the ankles due to their somewhat excessive length and also allows water to splash up your leg when moving through puddles
How we tested
We tested the Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain pants from spring in Virginia through summer in Maine to winter in New York, in conditions ranging from peaceful drizzles that roll slowly in and out of the trees to freezing rain and high winds on mountaintops. The Foray pants accompanied on the early-season cold days working at a hostel along the Appalachian Trail or as fall rolled into the end of our tester’s ridgerunning season up the trail in Maine.
While primarily used for day hiking and cold-weather backpacking, the Foray pants found themselves out walking the dog or running errands frequently as well–and were equally welcome and appreciated in those conditions. A considerable amount of time was also spent standing in the shower clothed in rain gear and pretending to be a sentient shower curtain.
Our tester kindly coerced his taller father to test the Foray pants out in Maine over the summer and New York in the winter, since the pants ran a bit longer than expected. After only a couple wears in moderately rainy conditions he began to covet them, which speaks to the importance of getting something in a size that fits and the quality of the Foray pants overall.
Behind the scenes of a photo-taking session with the Foray rain pants and jacket.
Performance in the field
Waterproofing
The primary function of any pair of rain pants is to protect the wearer from external moisture, and the Outdoor Research Foray does that with ease. In windy extended downpours to freezing rain or a cool, light mist, no precipitation has yet managed to get through the PFC-free Nikwax Direct.Dry Durable Water Repellent (DWR), which is factory applied to the Outdoor Research AscentShell Dry bluesign-approved fabric.
The Foray pants use a three-layer (3L) waterproofing system with a 100% recycled 40-denier nylon face fabric for durability on the outside, waterproof membrane in the middle, and an added softer innermost layer that improves durability. And with effective fully sealed seams and a highly water-resistant zipper, the Foray pants are pretty much stormproof. As of yet, no rain–no matter how strong the wind that accompanied it–has managed to enter the closed zippers.
The Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain pants after frolicking in a dewy field.
Breathability and ventilation
While the Foray’s new Nikwax Durable Water Repellent treatment and Outdoor Research’s AscentShell Dry fabric is excellent at keeping precipitation out of the pants, it does not lend itself well to breathability. They are an excellent shell in cool and cold-weather pursuits, but humidity builds up inside very quickly in warmer conditions, especially during high output activities like backpacking and hiking.
Though the breathability leaves something to be desired, the ventilation zippers are genuinely top-tier– ¾-length two-way zippers that reach from the cuff all the way up to the mid-thigh. They’re easy to operate one handed while hiking uphill in a storm and generating surplus heat, and an excellent way to dump that heat immediately.
Comfort and fit
To allow for greater ease of movement, the Foray pants also are constructed with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch–meaning that there’s more room to bend the knee and squat or climb without fabric pulling–so you’re ready to clamber over rocks and logs at a moment’s notice. This extra room is also beneficial for layering in the coldest weather, but gives the pants a certain baggy look when not used for layering. The adjustable waistband is comfortable when worn over another layer, be they a base layer, jeans, or insulated winter hiking pants, and easy to adjust on the go.
Having a high rise, as these rain pants do, serves an important purpose in rain gear: staying underneath the coverage of whatever rain jacket you’re wearing with them and helping prevent rainwater from running down the back of your pants. However, there’s a catch to the benefits of the super high rise of these pants: your size on the size chart may push you towards a size that is not correct for you, especially if you don’t plan on hiking them up all the way every time you wear them. Consider the length you select with this in mind!
Overall, the Foray pants are a comfortable pick for extended use. For instance, a multi-hour expedition in the woods near your mom’s house in near-constant rain and wind to “take advantage of the conditions.” (Unphotographed due to no one wanted to go with me– except for the Foray pants, my loyal rainy-day companions who were more than happy to shield me from the freezing rain over the course of the walk.)
Though a size large is one too big for me (5’ 9”), they fit my dad (6’) perfectly and he was gracious enough to model them. Please pardon that it is sunny and trust that it was cold enough for them to be a lovely windshell.
Durability
The Outdoor Research Foray pants feature a 40-denier 100% recycled nylon face fabric, which makes them relatively abrasion-resistant in the realm of technical apparel. This particular pair has proven itself highly resistant to thorns and brambles on its journeys, surprising me by not snagging in situations I really expected them to. I anticipate they’ll hold up well during their upcoming winter excursions in Maine.
The ankle cuffs show no signs of abrasion or wear after several months of light to moderate use on well-groomed trails–somewhat impressive given how frequently I tripped over the excess fabric that bunched up around my feet. Again, if you’re above 5’ 9” and keep in mind that these run slightly long, you probably won’t experience that issue.
Weight and packability
The Outdoor Research Foray rain pants are extremely easy to pack into their seam-sealed and storm-zippered mesh back pocket, which also contains an internal carabiner loop for easy access on the outside of a pack or stashed to a clip within.
Though extremely packable, they’re not ultralight–a men’s size medium in a regular length weighs 13.58 oz, which is not particularly heavy alone but an item that would be felt in an ultralighter’s kit. For contrast, the comparable Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain pants in the same size weigh 11.8 oz. That said, most users of these rain pants would find them more than satisfactorily light, and they don’t take up much room in a pack regardless.
Ease of use
The drawstring waistband adjusts easily, even with cold fingers in gloves. Though there are no side pockets, those aren’t that helpful when the waistband is covered by either a rain jacket, a backpack, or both. There is, however, a storm-sealed, zipper-shut back pocket into which the pants pack easily and hang from an internal carabiner loop.
One qualm I have with the Foray pants is that the ankle cuffs are not adjustable. On super wet and muddy trails, this allows water to splash upward easily into the boots and socks. But the snap closure is easy to operate, and they easily accommodate gaiters as well.
It’s easy to get the Foray pants on over most boots–unzipping a couple inches and undoing the snap makes it possible to get them on over any boot with ease. Though it is possible to unzip the pants all the way up to the mid-thigh–the two-way ventilation zipper allows for maximum ventilation and ease of on/off, even over footwear with crampons.
Features
Fully taped seams
The Outdoor Research Foray pants feature fully taped seams, meaning that there is an additional layer of fabric sealing the seams on the interior of the pants which reinforces the waterproofing of the pants.
PFAS-free DWR
The new edition of the Outdoor Research Foray pants is made with Nikwax Direct.Dry Durable Water Repellent (DWR), which is free of forever chemicals known as PFAS. The Foray line is also the first outdoor technical apparel to be certified as carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners.
Suspender compatible
With three loops on the waistband, the Foray rain pants are suspender compatible, allowing the wearer to easily keep the pants up and further seal out rain and snow in cold weather.
Sustainability
Like the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket, the Foray pants’ three-layer fabric system is made from 100% recycled nylon fabric. With its new PFAS-free waterproofing and use of recycled products, the Foray jacket and pants are the first outdoor technical apparel to be certified as carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners.
Outdoor Research has committed to continuing and developing practices that work to bring the outdoor industry to a climate-positive place. These commitments show up in products themselves–the recycled contents and PFAS-free waterproofing found in the Foray pants contribute to lowering the impact of new technical apparel.
Because of these sustainability efforts, the OR Foray/Aspire 3L made our Editors’ Choice Awards: Best Gear of 2025 list.
Outdoor Research Foray Rain Pants vs. Other Rain Pants
The Outdoor Research Foray rain pants are a solid pair of 3L rain pants–they also land towards the heavier and pricier end of the broader rain pants market. The protection they offer from precipitation ranging from light mists to freezing rain is effective and PFAS-free with a 100% recycled nylon face fabric. These features are offered by other brands, such as Marmot, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research.
To select the Foray rain pants would be an investment in a piece of gear that’s designed to last through many adventures and seasons with proper washing and care, and the occasional DWR retreatment– which is an easy way to revitalize any older rain shell that’s no longer keeping rain out as it once did. See our guide to cleaning and repairing shells. There are many rain pants on the market at a range of prices that are perfectly effective for the same type of pursuits, like commuting, hiking, or cycling in cool to cold weather. Price-wise, the Foray pants fall between the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain pants ($129) and the Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants ($300).
Should I buy the Outdoor Research Foray Rain Pants?
Buy if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly, packable pair of rain pants for cool and cold weather use that will last for seasons to come as a shell for hiking, cycling, commuting, or just running around in the rain.
Skip if you’re looking for an ultralight, breathable pair of rain pants for warm weather use or if you wear an inseam shorter than 30” (those who wear a 30” inseam precisely, as I do, would be wise to try these on in-store first if possible).
Where to buy
The Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire 3L Rain Pants are popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Similar Rain Pants
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
Sizes: XS - XXL short, regular (men's), XS - XXL regular, short (women's)
Weight: 11.8 oz (men's), 10.9 (women's)
Waterproof fabric: Waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard 3-layer fabric
PFAS free waterproofing: Yes, made with PFCs/PFAS free DWR coating
Face fabric: 50-denier ECONYL® 100% recycled nylon ripstop face
The Patagonia Torrentshell rain pants are another mid-weight, 3L alternative with highlights that also include a PFAS-free waterproofing treatment and extended ventilation zippers at a lower market price and slightly lower weight. Similar to the Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire Pants, they are not especially breathable but have the ventilation zippers to compensate, and are thus better suited for cooler weather pursuits.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
men's
Women's
Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Pants
Sizes: S - XXL (men's), XS - XL (women's)
Weight: 8 oz (men's), 7 oz (women's)
Waterproof fabric: NanoPro
PFAS free waterproofing: Yes, PFC-free recycled nylon
Face fabric: 100% Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon, Ripstop
The Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Pants, also made with PFAS-free waterproofing and 100% recycled nylon, are a few ounces lighter and more breathable but just as waterproof when compared to the Outdoor Research Foray/Aspire pants. This makes them better suited for warmer weather pursuits as well as cold ones. They’ve become my go-to rain pants over the last couple seasons as I tend to overheat in the less-breathable rain pants out there and find these ones better for all-season use. Plus, they have adjustable elastic ankle cuffs–an extremely useful feature for the splashiest wet-weather use. They’re the winner of Best Affordable in our Best Rain Pants guide.
Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Pants
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the author
Elliot Koeppel graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in History in 2023. He began his six-month thru-hike (and first-ever backpacking trip!) of the Appalachian Trail the next week, where he experienced some of the wettest days of his life in the rainiest year the Northeast has seen in many. Since then, he’s hiked the Colorado Trail, worked in trail hospitality, and was the ridgerunner in the Bigelow Mountain section of the Appalachian Trail during the 2025 season.
Koeppel has been testing a range of thru-hiking apparel and rain gear for Treeline Review since 2023. In his free time, you can find him hiking, rockhounding, making jewelry, or listening to Van Halen.
You can read all of Elliot's stories on his author page.
