Rain pants are more versatile and lightweight than ski pants.While both ski pants and rain pants are designed to protect the lower body from the elements, there are some key differences between the two.Ski pants are typically made from a thicker, more durable material that can withstand heavy wear and tear on the slopes. In contrast, rain pants for hiking are usually made from a light-weight material that can be easily packed away when not in use.While you can get non-insulated ‘shell’ style ski pants these still tend to be fairly bulky and more expensive than a pair of rain pants.