By: Angela Fulo
We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular waterproof pants and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
Where to buy Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants:
Amazon
The Columbia Storm Surge Rain Pants for women are appreciated for their breathability and non-bulky fit. Yet they allow for layering without sacrificing style.
Suitable for a range of activities, from hiking to boating, they offer protection while maintaining comfort. The fit is generally true to size, suitable for various body types, and the fabric, though slightly stiff for waterproofing, is softer than competitors.
These pants are an excellent choice for anyone needing reliable rain gear for active or everyday use. They have a more sustainable production certification with a durability that matches its price.
Things we like:
-
There’s a secret pocket by the waistband for tiny valuables -
Velcro enclosures at the ankles mean smaller shoes don't have to be removed when putting them on.
-
NIce waterproofing vs breathability balance
-
There’s a drawstring adjustment by the elastic waistband for a snug fit
-
Works well with a base layer
Things we don't like:
-
No pockets -
No side zip opening
Where to buy Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants:
Amazon
- Materials: Nylon Shell, Polyester Lining
- Waterproofness: 10,000 mm
- Breathability: 10,000 g/m2/24 hr.
- Pockets: Small Secret Pocket
- Colors: Black
- Sizes: XS-3XL
Construction and Design
Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants come with a relaxed fit to accommodate base layers. It’s crafted with a nylon shell and polyester lining to ensure that you stay dry and warm without clamminess building up. Even though there’s good breathability (more on that later), don’t expect that much stretchiness from the nylon material. MIER, and Rdruko Waterproof Pants are great examples if you need something for mobility. They have a 4-way stretch fabric for more freedom of movement.
These women’s waterproof pants have an elastic waistband with a drawcord for on the fly adjustment. It offers a snug fit to keep up with your movements, whether you’re active skiing or harrowing downpours to your workplace. You’ll also notice a secret pocket inside along the waistband that you can use to keep any small items secure and close to your body.
Check out the TBMPOY Waterproof Pants if you need more pockets. It has zipped side pockets for extra room for keys, mints, and change.
Now, the Storm Surge has Velcro tabs at the ankles. It gives you the option to customize how you would like it to fit. These waterproof pants also sit well over ski boots without any hassle. Hem adjustment is a feature that other models lack, making adjustments impossible. You’ll also find different designs like drawcord (see Trailside Supply Co.) or snaps (see Columbia Bugaboo II).
Storm Surge vs. Trailside Supply Co. Vs. Bugaboo II
Related Reviews
Overall, Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants has an excellent construction that can withstand time. The relaxed fit and simplicity of its design make it lightweight rain gear. But if you want feature-jammed waterproof pants, this might not be the best choice for you.
Waterproofness and Breathability
Under the nylon shell, these waterproof pants have Columbia’s Omni-Tech Membrane. It’s the magic behind Storm Surge’s capacity to keep out water while providing breathability at the same time.
It’s got 10,000 mm waterproofness which translates to high water resistance against heavy downpours and snow. But keep in mind that with enough pressure and prolonged exposure, your waterproof pants might start soaking up moisture.
If you need to run errands or do chores while it rains, you can count that Storm Surge will keep you dry. It’s also a great option if you’re one of us who find beauty in monsoon cloudburst and capture it from different angles.
They have a profile that’s minimal enough to be a permanent fixture in your bag without taking up too much space. This comes in handy, in particular in the PNW rain belt, when rain clouds converge with little or no warning.
The Storm Surge waterproof pants serve with a 10,000 g/m2/24 hr. rating for breathability. It means it still allows water vapor to pass through from the inside to avoid making you muggy while allowing enough air to penetrate through. It’s the ideal option for skiing without going out of the trail, plus the polyester lining offers additional warmth and breathability with a base layer underneath.
Overall, Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants performs with balanced waterproofness and breathability. It’s not for hardcore torrential storms. But for urban daily use? They’ll pass the test with flying colors.
GORE-TEX waterproof pants are better alternatives if you want a workhorse that can go head-on with unforgiving downpours. Maybe you’re working on the field, camping, or hiking. Check out Marmot Men’s Minimalists and its Paclite technology with around 28,000 mm waterproof rating and 15-25,000 g/m2/24 hr. breathability.
Ease of Use
These Columbia waterproof pants offer a practical design. Although there’s nothing special about them, Storm Surge is easy to use and adjust, which we appreciate. You can move enough since there’s a bit of spare room with its relaxed fit. Some customers complain about how Storm Surge has a weird fit, but we didn’t have that trouble so far. The only thing we would like added is side zippers from the hem upwards, so there’s no need to take your shoes off to remove them.
Having these side zips also aids in ventilation when the weather is way too unpredictable- one minute it’s raining heavily, and the sun’s out again in another. It’s a valuable feature we loved in Marmot Men’s Minimalist and 5Oaks Waterproof Pants. It’s convenient, especially when you’re out in tropical environments. Columbia’s Silver Ridge took it to another level. You can literally unzip and detach the entire length from above the knee down to dump accumulated heat.
But when it comes to no-BS effortless rain protection from unexpected rain, Storm Surge waterproof pants are ready for a quick snatch and pull.
Can’t make up your mind? Check out these waterproof pants and decide which one is the best.
Summary
Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants is a reasonably priced reliable rain gear for at least $50. It serves with solid construction and a straightforward design, making it super easy to use.
It’s not the best of the rest, but these waterproof pants can deal with anything from drizzles to downpours and everything in-between as long as you avoid prolonged exposure. Storm Surge is a practical option for the daily urban warrior and outdoor enthusiasts short on funds.
Not satisfied with its performance? Take a look at more waterproof pants here!
Buy these waterproof pants if:
- Want a pair of waterproof pants worth its price
- Only need them for everyday use, i.e., commute to work, school, run errands
- Looking for reliable waterproof pants that are not too heavy and bulky
- Materials: Nylon Shell, Polyester Lining
- Waterproofness: 10,000 mm
- Breathability: 10,000 g/m2/24 hr.
- Pockets: Small Secret Pocket
- Colors: Black
- Sizes: XS-3XL
Things we like:
-
There’s a secret pocket by the waistband for tiny valuables
-
Velcro enclosures at the ankles mean smaller shoes don't have to be removed when putting them on.
-
NIce waterproofing vs breathability balance
-
There’s a drawstring adjustment by the elastic waistband for a snug fit
-
Works well with a base layer
Things we don't like:
-
No pockets
-
No side zip opening
Frequently asked questions about Columbia Storm Surge Waterproof Pants
First and foremost, look if there’s any special care tag attached to your waterproof pants. But as a general rule, empty the pockets and leave them open. If there are any Velcro tabs, ensure that they’re correctly attached. Let it roll in a regular cycle with detergent and warm water. Lastly, dry it in a low heat setting or hang it outside.
Important note: Use waterproof gear-specific detergent if possible. Normal ones work against oil, and the DWR coating in your waterproof pants is almost identical. Using strong/wrong powder may thin DWR. If not, completely wash it away.
Here are our best picks:
Comfortable: Arctix Men’s Snow Sports Cargo
UV-Resistant: Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge
Protects the Knees: Gash Hao Waterproof
For Outdoor Sport: 4ucycling Windproof
For Hiking & Climbing: TBMPOY Waterproof Hiking
Casual: PrAna Stretch Zion
Best Budget: Jessie Kidden Waterproof
Coat every inch outside using DWR spray while holding it around five inches away from the fabric. It applies to gear that already has a DWR coating and needs reapplication, such as snow pants. If you need to add water protection to casual fabrics like cotton, we recommend using wax-based sprays.
It’s best to buy from a physical store to try out the waterproof pants before forking any money. But if you’re purchasing online, REI, Amazon, EVO, and Backcountry have a wide selection of great waterproof pants.
Remember to look closely at what previous customers are saying and invest some time checking out in-depth reviews. You avoid waterproof pants that don’t serve their purpose, collecting dust at the corner.
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