Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

The Salomon Bonatti rain pants are a top choice for folks searching for a fully waterproof rain pant that offers mobility, ankle zips, and a precise fit. The elastic waistband is very comfortable and can be adjusted with a drawstring. The single-layer fabric is not only lightweight but also completely waterproof. The ankle zips provide ventilation for your lower legs and make it easy to put on or take off the Bonattis over waterproof boots. 

Considering these positives, they are still designed to be ultralight, so the Bonattis don’t have any pockets. The ankle zips and single-layer fabric only provide limited ventilation, which means condensation will likely build up inside. If you’re seeking more mechanical ventilation options or a multi-layered fabric design, be sure to explore other choices in our guide to the best rain pants. However, if you want an ultralight rain pant with a thoughtful design, the Salomon Bonattis is the right choice.

How We Tested

We tested the Salomon Bonatti’s for several months in the Front Range area of Colorado, enduring thunderous rain squalls and even a hailstorm. We also pushed the Bonatti’s through a shower test and pooled water fabric test to simulate the toughest conditions possible.

Comfort & Mobility

For such a slim profile fit, we were exhilarated to find that the Salomon Bonattis excelled in mobility and comfort. The standout feature is the stretchy waistband with a drawstring tightening system, which worked perfectly when squatting or kneeling to tie boots, without any restrictions or feeling like being punched in the gut. The ankle zippers are long enough that we could take the Bonattis on and off over heavy waterproof boots, a feature rarely seen in ultralight rain pants. 

The only area where the Salomon Bonatti’s lack comfort is in its ventilation – the ankle zips only offer limited airflow, and the single-layer fabric is so waterproof that you’ll likely sweat during more intense activity. But the upside is – you’ll stay warm even in near-freezing conditions.

Weather Resistance

The waterproof and weather-resistant features of the Salomon Bonattis are exceptional for such lightweight rain pants. We tested them during brief but intense thunder cells common in the Colorado front range and found they kept us both warm and dry. 

We even took them into our showers to ensure they received extended exposure to direct rain pressure, where we found no fabric penetration or leakage at the zippers. We also conducted a direct water pooling test on the fabric, letting a puddle of water sit on it for over an hour, and we found the fabric to be 100% waterproof.

Ventilation

Ventilation might be the downfall of the Salomon Bonattis when compared to other rain pants in our full guide. Their slimmer profile fit offers great comfort and maneuverability for hiking and biking, but it restricts airflow. The ankle zips are a nice feature on such an ultralight pair of pants and provide some mechanical ventilation for your lower legs, but they do little for the upper legs and hips, where most heat is generated, especially during movement uphill. 

These would be great for colder weather trips or for those who tend to get cold easily, but if you plan to do a lot of hiking in your rain pants or tend to stay warm, you might want to consider heavier pants with thigh-length zips for better ventilation options.

Weight

When it comes to weight, you can’t get much lighter than the Salomon Bonattis. Weighing only 4.3 ounces, the Bonattis are an excellent option for backpacking or bikepacking trips where total pack weight matters. Their simple one-layer design rolls up into a compact shape, making packability top-notch for those aiming to travel with smaller backpacks. 

If you’re looking for the most extreme ultralight gear, check out the Zpacks Vertice rain pants. However, if you want ultralight rain pants with ankle zips that make it easy to slip them on and off over full-sized boots, the Salomon Bonattis are an excellent choice option.

Durability

We were pleasantly surprised at the durability and toughness of the Salomon Bonattis during our testing. The AdvancedSkin Dry material used for the single layer construction not only withstood scrambling on microcrystal embedded rock and trudging through brushy terrain, but it simply *feels* burly to the touch for such an ultralight fabric. Even after multiple rounds of testing we didn’t find a single source of abrasion, puncture, or rip. 

Our main concern is the ankle zips since they are on the smaller side and prone to dirt and sand getting inside. While we didn’t encounter any issues with the Bonattis during our time with them, we recommend cleaning the ankle zips after every adventure to ensure they last longer long-term.

Should You Buy the Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Rain Pants?

The Salomon Bonattis are a high-value choice for those seeking an ultralight pair of rain pants that provide both comfortable movement and the benefits of ankle zips. 

Their ability to easily slip on and off over heavy boots, the elastic waistband, and high level of waterproofness make them a no-brainer for anyone seeking rain pants for backpacking or bikepacking trips. We have many other options in our guide to the best rain pants.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

The Salomon Bonattis are a top lightweight choice on our guide to the best rain pants. Here are some other options that might fit your rainy-weather adventures:

Zpacks Vertice Review: Very close relative to the Zpacks Versalites Rain Pants, but the Vertice uses even lighter and more breathable fabric, without ankle zips.

Outdoor Research Helium Review: For adventurers looking for a more durable option that is still light on the pack, the Helium pants are an excellent choice.

REI Rainier Review: If you want something durable and affordable, the Rainier pants provide great weatherproofing and comfort. They have full zippers for easy on-and-off and a more robust build, making them ideal for tougher conditions.