I wore my Downpour pants for the first time yesterday and I was surprised how light but breathable and comfortable they were. The forecast called for a lot of rain and that seemed like a good time to finally arrive at work with dry legs (I packed my usual pants in the Chrome Tensile hydro pack I've been using) instead of being wet and splotched with mud — I could skip the non-paved alleys and streets and fun cuts, but that would be no fun.

Other rain pants I've worn, including a large brand based here in Portland, aren't right in different ways, but not the Downpour pants. They don't slide down, or bunch up, they're not bulky or sweaty, they're oddly good, especially paired with 415 Storm boots and Downpour jacket.

When my pants arrived I was skeptical because of how light and non-bulky they are. The booty area is a different fabric from the legs and it looked almost like mesh or nearly transparent. I walked over to the kitchen sink and made a water puddle in that area and watched in amazement as it didn't leak.

Stop reading and order yours.