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Paddle pants: The 7 best models 2024?

by Laura

paddle pants
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Real paddle fans know it all too well: especially in fall and spring, everyone gets wet, cold and dirty quickly on tours. But with the right clothing, you can relax and take precautions. Paddle pants are the best example of this.

Which paddle ports are good?

Choosing the right pants is not that easy. A few points need to be considered in order to find the right model for the individual user. In our recommendations, we show you which paddle pants score points with their perfect fit and robust material. Our Checklist shows what else to look out for when buying. These tips will help you find the best paddle pants for the 2024 season in no time at all.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best paddle pants 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important.
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular paddle pants at a glance.
  4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about paddle pants.

The best paddle shorts 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. best paddle pants for white water

High quality
Palm Atom*

The Palm Atom paddle pants have a water column of 20,000 mm and are reinforced at the knees and seat. The neoprene waistband is adjustable with a Velcro fastener so that water cannot penetrate from above. It is available in sizes from S to XXL.

What we like:

  • Breathability
  • Longevity
  • Wearing comfort
  • Weight
What we don’t like:

  • Price

Why we like it: These paddle pants impress with their robust and breathable XP 3-layer material. The adjustable neoprene waistband also makes them very comfortable. It also weighs just 760 g in size L.

Recommended for: These durable dry pants are ideal for whitewater rafting and freestyle kayaking.

2. best paddle pants for women in summer

Inexpensive
perfeclan ladies neoprene paddle pants*

    The pants are made of neoprene and offer high durability and longevity. The adjustable zipper allows individual adjustment to any body shape. The 1.5 mm thick material also dries quickly and has good thermal performance. However, customers are bothered by the smell of the material.

    What we like:

    • Wearing comfort
    • Adjustability
    • Heat output
    • Price
    What we don’t like:

    • Odor

    Why we like it: The Perfeclan paddle pants offer excellent value for money. The stretch of the soft material makes the trousers very comfortable to wear. A Velcro fastener is attached to the lower back for additional adjustability.

    Recommended for: These paddle pants for women are particularly suitable for summer.

    3. best paddle pants for men in fall/winter/spring

    Versatile
    NRS Freefall*

    The NRS paddling trousers are completely waterproof thanks to the multi-layer material and also offer pleasant warmth. It has practical pockets that completely protect the contents from water. However, the thick material does not make the pants as breathable as other models.

    What we like:

    • Watertightness
    • Robustness
    • Freedom of movement
    • Bags
    What we don’t like:

    • Breathability

    Why we like it: The NRS Freefall Dry Pant is an all-rounder among dry pants. The cut is flexible enough to fit well both sitting and standing. The socks made of 4-layer Eclipse material prevent moisture from getting into the pants through the legs.

    Recommended for: These pants are ideal for SUP and kayaking in cold weather.

    4. best paddle pants for women in fall/winter/spring

    Warm
    NRS Endurance Semidry Pants*

      The NRS Endurance Splash is a semi-dry pant that is very hard-wearing. The fabric is water-repellent but breathable and Velcro fasteners at the hips and a hook & loop system at the ankles prevent excessive water ingress at the openings.

      What we like:

      • Robustness
      • Heat output
      • Wearing comfort
      • Watertightness
      What we don’t like:

      • Cut

      Why we like it: These paddle pants impress with their durable material, which is additionally reinforced on the seat and knees. The elastic waistband gives them a comfortable fit, although the trousers are cut slightly wider. It also has a waterproof zippered pocket.

      Recommended for: These women’s pants are ideal for whitewater paddling or SUP in cold water.

      5. best paddle pants for kids

      Practical
      Palm Vector*

      The Palm Vector trousers are made of 2-layer nylon, which is waterproof and tear-resistant thanks to a PU coating. It has neoprene cuffs that can be adjusted with Velcro fasteners. In addition, it weighs only 272 g (size M) and has a very small pack size.

      What we like:

      • Wearing comfort
      • Breathability
      • Watertightness
      • Weight
      What we don’t like:

      • Price

      Why we like it: These children’s paddle pants impress with their flexible cut, which does not restrict movement. It offers a good balance between breathability and thermal insulation, making it suitable for use in all seasons. For children’s trousers, however, they tend to be in the higher price segment.

      Recommended for: The Palm Vector Pant is the ideal entry-level model for children who are planning kayak tours or light whitewater trips.

      6. best robust paddle pants

      Dungarees
      NRS Sidewinder Bib*

        These paddle pants from the NRS brand impress with their 4-layer material, which makes them extremely robust and waterproof. Although they are heavier than most paddle pants at a weight of approx. 1 kg, the elastic material with the adjustable belt makes them very comfortable to wear.

        What we like:

        • Wearing comfort
        • Watertightness
        • Height
        • Longevity
        What we don’t like:

        • Price

        Why we like it: The NRS Sidewinder Bib overalls ensure that water is guaranteed not to enter via the torso. The outer material is abrasion-resistant and waterproof, but breathable. Two side adjustment straps make it easy to adjust the fit.

        Recommended for: In addition to paddlers, anglers in particular also like these pants.

        7. best waterproof paddle pants for women

        Reliable
        Palm Atom Lady*

        The women's dry pants Palm Atom Lady are ideally adapted to the wider hips of a woman. The double chimney is compatible with a paddle jacket, which is why the combination of the two keeps you very warm. The socks are fully taped on the inside so that no water can penetrate.

        What we like:

        • Watertightness
        • Robustness
        • Freedom of movement
        • Breathability
        What we don’t like:

        • Weight

        Why we like it: These paddle pants are extremely durable thanks to the 4-layer reinforced nylon material. The neoprene waistband ensures a comfortable fit, but with a weight of 700 g it is still slightly heavier than most of the models in our review.

        Recommended for: This women’s model is ideal when a particularly waterproof paddle pant is needed for all purposes and seasons.

        Paddle pants Checklist: These features are important

        • Fit: Dry pants fit comfortably, do not pinch and do not rub against the skin. It is important to choose a model that matches the gender, i.e. for men or women, and not a unisex model.
        • Material: The material must always be water-repellent. Those who go on whitewater tours or are very active in water sports can also opt for fully waterproof dry pants.
        • Waterproofness: Paddle pants are not always waterproof, but they are at least water-repellent. This makes it washable and keeps out splashes and light rain.
        • Style: There are long, wide, colorful, plain-colored paddle pants with booties and sporty paddle shorts. Depending on the season and your preferences, you can choose from many styles. Nevertheless, a healthy balance of attractive appearance and functionality must be ensured.
        • Price: The price of paddle pants varies depending on the manufacturer, type of pants and additional functions:
          • Inexpensive paddle pants: from around 30 $ are minimalist models, which usually have fewer functions than higher-quality pants. Nevertheless, they deliver what they promise and are robust and durable enough to fulfill their purpose.
          • Expensive paddle pants: from around 200 $ often offer better performance and durability and are made from advanced materials to keep you extra warm or dry, for example.

          It is important to find a good balance between price and quality in order to find the paddle pants that meet the requirements without breaking the budget.

        Did you know? The most popular wooden paddles 2024?

        Bestsellers: The most popular paddle pants

        What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

        (**Last update 2024-12-05)

        FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

        What is suitable as paddle pants?

        If you want to stay dry in a kayak or canoe, you can use different types of pants. There are robust paddling pants made of coated cotton, wetsuit pants known from surfing or SUP, gardening and fishing pants. On the other hand, rain pants or weatherproof sports leggings with a softshell coating are also suitable.

        What material are paddle pants made of?

        An important property of the material is its durability. It must be durable, robust and resistant to environmental influences. Manufacturers usually use neoprene or special coatings, such as soft shell, for other materials.

        How warm are paddle pants?

        It all depends on which model you choose. There are completely waterproof paddle pants that trap a lot of heat inside Wetsuit pants, on the other hand, are more suitable for higher temperatures (depending on their thickness), as they do not keep the water away from the body, but merely use body heat to regulate the temperature.

        Which is the best paddle pant?

        There is no one best model. It always depends on the user and the intended use. Fit, accessories, warmth, material and cut all play a role. Ideally, a woman should choose different pants in summer than in fall, and again not the same model as for men.

        What do sustainable paddle pants cost?

        Sustainable labels include Patagonia, Vaude and Fjallraven. Pants produced with respect for nature are available from around 100 $. (e.g. here).

        Where can I buy paddle pants?

        Paddle pants can be found in specialist water sports stores such as denk-outdoor.de. However, these pants are also available in sports stores or on Amazon.de.

        What alternatives are there to paddle pants?

        You can buy all kinds of pants from stores like Globetrotter. In general, instead of paddling pants, you can also ask for pants for SUP, surfing, sailing or active hiking.

        Is there a Consumer Reports or Öko Test on paddle pants?

        There is no current test winner or test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test for paddle pants. Nevertheless, the bestseller list includes the most popular models for men, women and children.

        Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

        *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

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        Laura

        Beach and snorkeling expert
        Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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