Montbell Versalite Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

If you prefer a simplified clothing system, the Montbell Versalite (men’s / women’s) pants are one of our favorite minimalist options in our guide to the best rain pants. They weigh about the same as a protein bar and pack down into a small stuff sack, making them the ideal quick shell for hiking and backpacking in summer. 

The Versalites are breathable and comfortable due to their ultralight material and wide legs. Although they don’t have zippers for ventilation, we find they’re incredibly breathable compared to options that weigh three to four times as much. Despite their more slimming fit, these pants still feel roomy enough to move freely without feeling weighed down.

We appreciate the cinch cords at the ankles, which are simple but effective for keeping out debris and moisture. The same mechanism at the waist gives a bit more comfort and an accurate fit if you’re riding out the afternoon thunderstorm or strolling through an evening cloudburst.

The thin material certainly isn’t as durable as some, but it makes the Versalites feel airy, comfortable, and more pleasant to wear than most. The other downside is that these pants are a bit expensive for such a bare-bones design.

That said, you are truly getting one of the lightest, top-tier pairs of rain pants on the market. They are as unfussy as they are utilitarian, and if your top priority is keeping your base weight low, these pants are worth the investment.

How We Tested

Over a 60-day period, we tested the Versalites in soggy winter rains, frigid temps, and afternoon storms along Colorado’s Front Range. They also passed the rain tests in Minnesota on the North Country Trail. Finally, a complete gear analysis included hosing the rain pants down to time how long they resisted wetting through.

Comfort & Mobility

The Versalites bring great comfort and mobility to active pursuits. The lightweight, stretchy fabric allows for easy movement on hikes, scrambling, or navigating uneven terrain. They don’t feel bulky or restrictive, giving you the flexibility you need to keep up your pace without feeling weighed down. Our Minnesota tester notched long, hilly miles on the North Country Trail in the Versalites without a hitch.

The minimalist design, while simple, contributes to overall comfort. The waistband features a soft, adjustable elastic that sits snugly without digging in, and the pants fit well over base layers or other clothing. The fabric also provides some breathability, reducing that clammy feeling you can get from heavier rain pants.

That said, they don’t have zippers or vents for adjustable airflow, so if you’re exerting yourself heavily in warm, wet conditions, they may not provide as much ventilation as some other options. But for most hiking or backpacking situations, the Versalite rain pants offer solid comfort and ample mobility.

Weather Resistance

These pants are an excellent pick when it comes to weather resistance, especially for their lightweight design. The 2-layer fabric is waterproof and breathable, offering solid protection against rain/wind without internal overheating. No matter if you’re caught in a light drizzle or a heavier downpour, these pants will keep you dry and comfortable.

The fabric’s breathability helps prevent moisture buildup inside, a big plus when ticking off lots of hilly miles or when you’re working up a sweat during a hike/climb.

However, they may not hold up as well in prolonged, heavy rain compared to more robust, multi-layer options. That said, the combination of fully taped seams and 10D DWR-treated ripstop nylon still do an impressive job of keeping the elements out.

For most conditions, the Versalite pants are highly effective at blocking wind and rain. They’re not the heaviest-duty option, but for active outdoor use in moderate to light rain, they offer reliable weather resistance without adding too much weight to your pack.

Ventilation

The Montbell Versalites offer decent ventilation for their ultralight design, but they’re not built with advanced venting features like zippers or mesh panels. Instead, the breathability of the lightweight, 10D 2-layer windstopper fabric by GORE-TEX plays a key role in allowing moisture to escape and keeping you comfortable during high-output hikes. 

The pants’ wide-cut design also contributes to ventilation, providing some airflow as you walk, though it’s not quite as effective as pants with zippered vents. While they won’t offer as much cooling as fully vented rain pants, they strike a good balance for moderate exertion in mild to moderate rain.

For most users, especially those who don’t run internally hot, the Versalite pants perform well. If you’re expecting intense rain or very hot, humid conditions, however, the lack of extra ventilation options might be a bit of a limitation.

Weight

These pants are a standout pick when it comes to weight and a great choice for minimizing pack load. At just around 3.2 ounces, they’re incredibly light for a pair of fully functional rain pants. This weight savings doesn’t come at the expense of performance, either—despite their lightness, they still offer solid weather protection and comfort for active use.

For backpackers, thru-hikers, and minimalist adventurers, the Versalite pants are a great option when every ounce counts. They pack down small and stash easily in a pack, taking up little space until you need them.

That said, while they’re among the lightest rain pants out there, this also means they’re thinner than heavier-duty options. They won’t hold up as well in extreme conditions, but for moderate rain or less rugged terrain, the weight-to-performance ratio is excellent. If you’re prioritizing weight savings, the Versalite pants are a fantastic choice.

Durability

The Montbell Versalite rain pants offer a level of durability that’s expected for an ultralight design. Simply put, they are not as rugged as some heavier-duty rain pants. If you expect to brush against rocks/branches, these are not the pants for you.

The 10D 2-layer fabric holds up well to normal use, providing reliable protection against rain and light wind. They’re perfect for well-maintained trails and less abrasive environments, offering a balance of durability and lightweight performance.

Downside: The thin material does make them more susceptible to wear and tear, especially in rougher conditions. If you’re hiking through dense brush, rocky terrain, or thorny areas, you’ll want to be cautious, as the pants can snag or tear more easily than heavier, more robust rain gear.

While not the toughest option out there, the Versalite pants can last a long time with proper care. For lightweight adventurers who prioritize packability and weather protection over extreme durability, they offer a good trade-off.

Should You Buy the Montbell Versalite Rain Pants?

The Montbell Versalite rain pants are designed for ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, and adventurers who prioritize minimal weight without sacrificing essential weather protection. They’re perfect for those who stick to well-maintained trails or moderate conditions where weight savings and breathability are more important than durability in harsh environments.

These pants are an excellent value for active users who want a reliable, packable option for moderate rain and wind protection. They’re lightweight, functional, and easy to stow in your pack, making them an ideal choice for minimalists. However, if you’re heading into rugged, bushwhacking terrain or facing extended, heavy rain, they might not be the best fit due to their thinner material.

These are no-frills, lightweight rain pant that offers solid performance in moderate conditions, but they may not stand up to the most extreme environments or anyone who trashes their gear.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

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

Zpacks Vertice Review: Very close relative to the Versalites, but the Vertice uses even lighter and more breathable fabric.

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

REI CO-OP Ranier Review: If you want something durable yet affordable, the Rainier pants offer excellent weatherproofing and comfort. They feature full zippers for easier on-and-off and have a sturdier build, making them a good choice for those expecting more challenging conditions.