[Stefan]

I am in the market for some rainpants. Need recommendations: I will be doing bushwacking with the pants. I want side zips if possible. I would like them to be light, but I would rather have them last going through brush as I do. I will not be using them in rain deluges as I have a very high end pair of bibs that will do just fine for that. So basically I am looking for a lightweight but durable fabric that isn't so necessarily rainproof. Any recommendations?

[Louis VI]

When I was a kid, those who reigned used hose for pants. Boy, I tell ya, thems were the days, 'till them pesky peasants went and uprised like a bunch of tectonic plates.

[MooseAndSquirrel]

Take a look at Cascade Designs rainpants (they also make a hooded jacket). I've had a couple pairs over the years and for such lightweight coated nylon they seem to hold up pretty well. They fold up into their own pocket, as does the jacket. Their cheap enough ($30 each?) that when the seams start to fail you can either duct tape them as I did and keep using them for years or toss them- that's their main failing, the seams in the seat bottom area & in general aren't really rugged. No side or ankle zips, just elastic at the cuffs and waist- it's basic gear. I got mine at REI, check out Campmor too for their own line of rain gear- they might be a good deal.

[MooseAndSquirrel]

Just read about your accident, best of luck with your recovery-take care.