Are Rain Pants Necessary?

Pfft !. Ruahine nettles don't sniff you out & hunt you down. Wouldn't rate the Rivets as activewear-rainwear. But as a wind-breaker, insect-proof, getting on for evening extra layer, they suit my use. As stated, not into rain overtrousers while on the move.

That rivets range has some interesting stuff. As said by someone else the pants dont need to be as waterproof as the coat and I did use the pants shown for quite a while but now have some mountain designs ones. The jackets though come in 2 types. The one that matches the pants is rubbish. Wont keep you dry indoors on a drissly day but the blue pvc coated nylon one is everything proof and indestructible. Only problem is the everything proof works both ways and sweat does not get out ever. I used one for a while till I got a gortex and put the old coat in the back of the 4wd. Last time I used it I found the box of recovery gear sitting on top of it which bent the zip toggle but the coat is still 100% waterproof