If you’re considering buying Macpac waterproof pants, they’re a solid option.
Most people who come into Macpac are looking for rain pants that are suitable for:
- multi-day hikes and/or
- commuting
For most people, there’ll be an option you can buy at Macpac (or online) that works for your situation.
These are the Nazomi’s.
Having spent a couple of years working at Macpac on the shop store, I’ve gotten to know the Macpac rain pants well, and have heard a lot of first-hand feedback which I’ll use in this post.
We’ll cover the following (you can click the links to jump straight to that section):
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1. Comparison Table Of Macpac Rain Pants
2. More Details About Each Of The Rain Pants
3. FAQs About Rain Pants
Let’s get into it.
1. QUICK LOOK AT THE MACPAC RAIN PANTS
Note: For the listed weights, that is for a Men's medium and kid's size 10.
ADULTS | ||||
| PACK-IT PANT | 2,000 | 2,000 | 100% Nylon | 170 |
| JETSTREAM | 5,000 | 5,000 | Reflex™ 100% Nylon | 240 |
| NAZOMI | 10,000 | 10,000 | Pertex® Shield Pro 100% Nylon | 160 |
KIDS | ||||
| PACK-IT PANT | 2,000 | 2,000 | 100% Nylon 85 g/m² (solid colours) 100% Polyester 90 g/m² (printed colours) | 90 |
| JETSTREAM | 5,000 | 3,000 | 100% Polyester (PU clear coat) | 180 |
2. MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE MACPAC WATERPROOF PANTS
ADULT PANTS
NAZOMI
The Nazomi Rain Pants have a great reputation, firstly with the NZ Alpine Team who helped wear them, and from all the happy customers since. These pants are pricey, but they’re a great rain pant.
They’re lightweight, don’t make much noise – if any, and keep you dry thanks to the 3-layer Pertex Sheild Pro material. At only 150 grams, and with the ability to fold them into the internal mesh pocket they are a winner as they are super breathable…yet windproof.
The long zipper makes them easy to put on over your hiking clothes so you don’t lose valuable time taking your boots off to put on your pants…and getting wet in the meantime. And the elasticated waistband ensures a comfy fit.
For the everyday human, these are extremely durable, but if you’re going bushbashing on the regular, you’ll be testing that durability out. Many GodZone competitors use the Nazomi pants for how good they are…but won’t be surprised if they get a bit ripped up at the end of the day. But, God Zone competitors are a special breed of human.
The only real downside? No pockets.
You can buy them online at Macpac NZ and Macpac AU.
JETSTREAM
Featuring Reflex™2.5 layer, these nylon rainpants meet the requirement for most mandatory gear lists as they’re fully seam sealed and have a 5,000 HH waterproof rating. They’re easy to put on, and you can adjust the cuffs.
If you’re a fair weather hiker (or any activity), who won’t be dealing with rain that often these are a great option. They’re not as expensive as the Nazomis, but they will do what they need to. They have a pocket which is cool, but not all backpacks will make access to said pocket easy.
They’re still a lightweight item overall, and the bonus is they fold into the back pocket.
These waterproof rain pants are ideal for hiking trips and rainy day activities.
You can buy them online at Macpac NZ and Macpac AU.
PACK IT PANTS
With a waterproof rating of 2,000 HH, Macpac doesn’t consider these too be waterproof but rather showerproof (a minimum 5,000HH rating is required to be waterproof.
That said, if you want rain pants from Macpac that are functional, probably on’t nee to be used, and are on the lower end price wise the Pack It Pants are for you. They are good for commuting as well ad have one back pocket.
They’re not the most breathable item, so if you do any activity that’s high intensity, you’ll feel the sweat coming in.
They also come in fun colours. But one annoying part about the pants is trying to get them back in the pocket. It’s a tight fit!
You can buy them online at Macpac NZ and Macpac AU.
KID’S RAIN PANTS
JETSTREAM
If your child is becoming a hiker, then the Jetstream rainpants are a good option to start buying products that work. They meet the requirements for Macpac’s waterproof ratings, and while they’re not that breathable, that’s not a concern for most kids.
Again, they’re easy to put on which is great for kids…especially if the rain comes out of nowhere. And the relaxed fit means they can wrap up in warm layers underneath. If they’re just going with shorts under the rain pants, the mesh lining will keep them comfy.
You can buy them online at Macpac NZ and Macpac AU.
PACK IT PANTS
For those who just need a pair of rain pants or their kids, but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Pack It Pants are the goto option at Macpac. They’re showerproof rather than waterproof, but it’s not often a kid will be needing super waterproof pants to spend a day in solid rain.
They’re easy to use, lightweight, and packs down small so if there’s a chance there could be rain in your day, they work as an ‘if need be’ option.
Simple and effective. Ideal for use in mild weather conditions.
You can buy them online at Macpac NZ and Macpac AU.
3. FAQ’S ABOUT MACPAC RAIN PANTS
I don’t mind if my shorts get wet, do I need rain pants?
It depends, and you’ll see a lot of people who wear a good rain jacket to keep their top dry, but don’t mind about getting their legs wet. If it’s wet and cold, having a pair of waterproof pants to put on suddenly becomes invaluable. They’re not exactly the heaviest item and are small to carry.
From experience, this is what some people do if they don’t really want to buy waterproof pants and might not use them on a hike. You could buy them, and wrap them up in plastic with the tags on. If you need them, use them! If not, you can then return them (double-check the return policy first).
Does the level of waterproofness matter?
Yes. If you look at the adult pants, specifically the Pack It Pants vs the Nazomi, the Nazomi’s are going to put up with all sorts of rain (20,000) vs the Pack It Pants which really are only good for showers. Any time there’s heavier rain, you’re not going to fare well.
If you’re interested in learning more about what the levels of waterproof mean and what they are, this post is a good introduction.
Do I need to get a bigger size?
The waterproof pants from Macpac are designed to be true to fit. If you’re usually a medium, you can buy medium waterproof pants and the relaxed fit ensures you can wear them comfortably with other layers underneath.
Are Macpac waterproof pants windproof?
While the primary purpose of the pants is to be waterproof, they’re also windproof. This makes them a good option to put in the pack if cold winds are expected throughout the day.
The Macpac rain pants range is limited at the moment, but some good specialist options are coming soon. That said, for most of you, one of the Macpac waterproof pants in the existing range will suit your needs.
If you have any questions about these, email jub@churnewzealand.com. For more reviews, check out all the products I’ve reviewed here.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.