Best Fishing Rain Gear
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Brand
If you are a seasoned outdoorsman, there are certain brands that you might already be familiar with, such as Frogg Toggs and Helly Hansen. Brands such as these are known throughout the out apparel world as being some of the toughest outdoor clothes out there on the market, and they generally sport a pretty affordable price tag. When we saw some of the big names come up in our research, we made sure to get them a look first. Users always feel a little bit better about their purchase when they know that they have a brand name behind them. Plus, these companies have a generally good track record about exchanges and returns- which is an inevitability when shopping for apparel on the internet without the option of trying it on first.
Weather Resistance
What we mean by weather readiness is how well it will hold up in the elements, and how it will perform in keeping you dry. We tested each designs weather readiness by looking at two distinct features- materials used, and user reviews. Materials such as polyester and nylon are great because they are incredibly durable, and they already have some water resistant properties. Most of these designs are then coated with a thin layer of PVC to ensure that water stays on the outside and doesn’t even come into contact with the polyester. After we made sure that each model used superior materials to ensure that they would wick away water, we read what users had to say. Even if a brand claimed that they used the highest quality materials to keep water out, if they didn’t put any extra care into the seams, water could still penetrate. That’s why we read what users had to say because the proof is in the pudding. If there were an overwhelming number of past customers that claimed that water was still able to penetrate through, we typically moved on to the next design.
Comfort
No matter if it’s 90 degrees and sunny, or 5 degrees in the middle of a snowstorm, you always want your clothes to fit comfortably. Just because you are braving it in bad weather doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to be comfortable. That’s why we made sure to select designs that allowed for a full range of motion and has many places for users to be able to adjust the fit. Details like adding neoprene in the cuffs were something that we looked for because it meant that it would provide an excellent seal to keep water out while still feeling comfortable on your wrists and ankles. We were also drawn to design that had vents and mesh lining to keep you cool. Often, with waterproof materials, it can feel a little bit like wearing a plastic trash bag. Even though your skin is dry from the rain, the lack of circulation could have you sweating bullets. Products the utilize covered vents on the back and breast, as well as having a mesh lining will help keep air circulating to your skin while still keeping water out.
Size
Buying clothes without being able to try them on first can be a tricky endeavor. You want to be able to get the size right the first time because even though a company is generous with their return policy, no one likes to make the trek to the post office to return something. Plus, that means that you will have to wait even longer to be able to wear your new clothes. That’s why we selected brands that not only had a very detailed sizing chart, but we also took a look at what past users had to say about the accuracy of the fit. Almost all of the options that we selected for this list had at least 80 percent of users feel that their product fit as expected. The other users that didn’t feel that they fit right usually felt that they were too big. This may be due in part because the company intentionally made them fit a little loose to allow users to layer clothes underneath if they wanted to wear them in the winter months.
Top 10 Picks
1. Frogg Toggs
What we loved most about this product is that it comes with a jacket as well as a pair of pants. It is lightweight, made from strong and pliable materials so that you will remain completely dry without limiting your range of motion- which is important to pull off that perfect cast.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
The jacket and the pants are made from 100 percent Polypropylene, which means that water is simply going to roll right off of the surface. It comes with a hood that is able to be detached if you prefer to wear a different cap, or just don’t mind a little water on your head. The pants cinch at the waist, and they also cinch at the ankles with adjustable velcro straps to fit over shoes or boots easily.
Comfort:
What users really respond to with this design is that it leaves you completely covered from wetness while not limiting your range of motion. The jacket had multiple panels that won’t restrict the way you are moving so that you will still be able to pull off that perfect cast as if you were just wearing a t-shirt.
Sizing:
Users can select from sizes that range from small, and run all the way up to 3XL. About 70 percent of users feel that the fit runs as they expected, while others find that it runs just a little too big.
Summary:
Frogg Toggs is a very respected brand that has been bringing users great quality gear since 1996. What we love most about this is both the pants and the jacket come in at a really affordable price point that leaves you no reason not to give this set a try the next time a rainstorm blows in.
2. Glacier Glove
Every fisherman knows that if their hands aren’t happy, it’s a recipe for an unpleasant afternoon. If you want to keep your hands dry and warm if it happens to be a colder and wet day in late autumn, the Glacier Glove is a perfect solution to keeping your digits warm and dry.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
What’s great about these is that they are made from an incredibly thin (2mm) layer of neoprene that is textures along the outside to ensure that you get a good grip on your gear. It is considered to be 100 percent waterproof so the water just slips off of the surface to leave your hands dry and comfortable.
Comfort:
Users really respond to comfortable and flexible neoprene material. It makes it so that your digits are free to handle all of your gear, and the grip along the outside is perfect, even in wet weather where everything you touch is slippery when wet. Some users find that they aren’t as warm as they would have expected, so if you are working in extreme temperatures, you might want to throw another type of warmer glove on top.
Sizing:
Due to the fact that these are designed to fit like a second skin, the sizing is just a little bit troublesome. If they fit too loose, users will have difficulty handling their gear, and if they are too tight they will lose circulation in their fingers. Glacier Glove offers a sizing chart that uses the measurements of your finger to ensure that you get a great fit. Users can select from sizes that run from extra small all the way to extra large.
Summary:
Keeping your grip dry is a really important aspect of fishing in wet weather conditions. It can be frustrating hooking lures and casting lines when it seems that everything is slipping right out of your hands. The Glacier Glove design is made to be a solution to that problem, and users love the lightweight and waterproof design.
3. Helly Hansen Bib Overalls
Helly Hansen has quite the reputation of crafting excellent outdoor gear that can really take a beating, and their bib overalls are no exception. These are perfect for packing into your equipment bag and throwing them only when the weather starts to get bad.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
The exterior shell of these pants is made from 100 percent polyester, and have a completely waterproof coating to keep water from penetrating your clothes. What’s great about these is that they are big enough that you can slip them on right over your normal clothes so that they can be easily removed when the sun comes out. The straps are adjustable with velcro, and there is a waterproof front pocket on the breast.
Comfort:
Users love that these pants are incredibly lightweight, so popping them into your bag for a ‘just in case’ instance will not weigh you down with a lot of extra bulk. Plus, the adjustable shoulder straps ensure that you can wear them as loose as you want to offer a natural range of motion.
Sizing:
If you often find that companies do not have your size because you are either too small or too large, Helly Hansen ensures that their gear has enough size options available for most sizes. Sizes start at an extra small (which is also good for women that wear under a size 8 in pants) and run all the way up to 6XL.
Summary:
If you want something that you can just pack away into your backpack that you can throw over your regular clothes just in case the weather gets bad, these bib overalls will be a great addition to your next outdoor endeavor. Plus, they are offered at an affordable price point from a much-trusted brand.
4. Rugged Shark Boots
What’s worse than cold and wet fingers? Soggy socks. That’s why we made sure to include a good pair of boots that will keep your feet completely dry, while still offering you a lot of traction to ensure that you don’t slip on a slick dock or while getting out of your boat.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
For a boot to be effective, it needs to be able to completely keep water away from your socks, even if you are splashing in puddles as you make your way to the shoreline. The Rugged Shark Boots are made from 100 percent rubber and have a seamless design to ensure that water stays on the outside, even with rough extended wear over the years. It stands 10.75 inches up your calf with a tapered top to ensure water doesn’t enter through the top.
Comfort:
Many people find that these types of boots don’t offer a lot of comfort and support, but the Rugged Shark design sets out to disprove that. The interior has a removable padded footbed that users find to be incredibly soft and comfortable. The tread on the bottom will ensure that you won’t slip on slick surfaces, and it isn’t as stiff like some of the other rubber boots so you will still have a full range of motion.
Sizing:
About 80 percent of users feel that they fit as they expected. This boot is offered in sizes that start at size 8 and run all the way up to size 13. Some users have reported that they run just a little small, so it may be in your best interest to buy one size larger than you usually wear.
Summary:
When the weather turns bad, your normal sneakers are just not going to cut it in keeping your feet dry. Luckily, the Rugged Shark boots will not only keep your feet dry, but it will also give you the sole comfort that you would find in your favorite pair of sneakers.
5. WindRider
If you have the extra money to spend on this pretty expensive jacket, you will not be disappointed by its performance. In fact, it might be something that you will even want to wear on those cooler sunny days in early autumn. It has a lot of innovative features that will keep you dry and the wind from blowing on your face, but still being very lightweight and easy to wear. The only downside is the expensive price tag that may cost as much as you spent on your winter coat.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
Nothing is going to keep your body drier than the WindRider design. It is made from a completely waterproof outer shell with vents along the backside to keep users from overheating. It also has a fleece lined high collar to keep the wind out of your face. Users love that it is lightweight enough to wear in layers, and the way it was designed makes it perfect for the warm or cool weather, depending on how you wear it.
Comfort:
One thing that we noticed about the WindRider design is that users love the design and comfort of this jacket. It has a lot of pockets that are in all the right places, and all of the zipper and pockets are covered so that they aren’t exposed to the elements. It has a fleece lining that will keep users warm but covered vents in the back to prevent overheating due to the sealed waterproof outer shell.
Sizing:
Many users find that the size runs a little small, but the larger size may be due in part to the fact that it was designed to wear alone, or over existing winter gear in the cooler months. We suggest that if you live in a warm region or often don’t go out in the cold to buy a size smaller than you normally would. If you intend on wearing this over layers of winter clothes, you should buy the size suggested from WindRider’s sizing chart.
Summary:
While this jacket has tons of innovative features to keep you high and dry while out on the water in foul weather, it is important that we mention that design packs a wallop of a price tag. However, if you plan on using this jacket year round, it will be well worth the added cost.
6. Navis Marine
If you are serious about your sport, and a torrential downpour will not tear you away from the water, you might be interested in the Navis Marine design. It is made to be worn in some extreme weather while keeping users completely dry and comfortable. If you have the money to spend on the high price tag, this might be a perfect solution to keeping you dry no matter what the weather.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
Few options out there on the market are prepared to take on extreme weather conditions quite like the Navis Marine jacket and pants. While it may be raining cats and dogs on the outside, your body will be nice and dry and comfortable on the inside of this set. It is made from high quality 100 perfect nylon exterior with neoprene cuffs to keep the water from penetrating. The interior is constructed from 100 perfect nylon with a mesh overlay to promote air circulation and overheating.
Comfort:
What makes this design so comfortable is found in all of the ways that you can adjust it to fit your body perfectly without restricting your range of motion. Users can adjust the waist, hood, and cuffs to fit their body to their preference, and it will help to keep water out as well. The tight hood with a high collar is designed to keep the wind out of your face. The cuffs are made from neoprene which will keep water out without creating a seal that is so tight that it will cut off circulation.
Sizing:
There are some users that feel that it runs just a tad too big, but for the most part, users seem to be pleased with the accuracy of Navis Marine’s sizing chart. This design is made to fit just a little bit baggier than more because a looser fit means that you will have more room to add layers underneath if you want to wear it during the cold winter months.
Summary:
While it does sport a price tag that is higher than most, users feel that it is well worth the added cost. It does an excellent job of keeping users dry and comfortable, and it versatile enough to wear during all 4 seasons.
7. Frogg Toggs Pilot II
Frogg Toggs is making our list yet again with their high-quality Pilot II bibbed pants. These are great because they are incredibly lightweight, but they still have a lot of pockets to hold your gear, and they come in a wide variety of sizes and styles so you can select a pair that matches your personal style.
Read moreWeather Readiness:
The easy fit of these overalls makes them simple to throw into your backpack and pop on when the weather starts to become bad. They are made from 100 percent polyester and every seam is sealed to prevent water from penetrating through the seam lines. The exterior is coated with 3 layers of a waterproof material so while the weather may be wet and nasty on the outside, you will be high and dry on the inside.
Comfort:
The overall come up just a bit higher than some of the others out there on the market, which is great for keeping you dry but may slightly restrict your range of motion. They are designed to fit loosely so you can layer them in the cooler months, and they have adjustable velcro straps at the shoulder so you can adjust them to fit as you feel is comfortable while still keeping you dry.
Sizing:
An impressive 84 percent of past users felt like these overalls fit exactly as they expected. Some users felt that they ran too large, but that might be due in part because they are designed to be baggy so that you can add layers underneath in the cooler months. Users can select from sizes that start at small and run all the way to up 3LX.
Summary:
If you are looking for something that comes from a trusted company that is known for making high-quality gear that will keep you dry and comfortable in any type of weather, the Frogg Toggs Pilot II is going to be a great way to stay dry on your next trip out on the lake.
8. Viking Journeyman
What we liked most about this bibbed pant is that users are able to detach the bib in the even they feel like they do not need it or it feels too constricting. The Journeyman has a little bit more style and polish in the accents in the shoulder straps as well as the color options offered. Plus, it comes in at an affordable price point.
Read moreMaterials:
The exterior of this design is made from 420 Denier nylon that comes in black, dark green, and yellow. It has lined pants that can be worn alone over another pair of pants. The cuffs that the bottom can unzipper to accommodate a pair of boots, and then zippered closed.
Comfort:
Users love that these pants are lined on the inside which made them perfect for wearing alone. The bib is able to be completely detached if you feel like you just need the pants, but if you are in really nasty conditions it can be snapped back into place.
Sizing:
Almost 80 percent of users feel like this design fits as expected. Users can select from sizes that range from small and run all the way up to 4XL.
Summary:
If you need something that is lightweight, and that can be worn a variety of different ways while still keeping you completely dry, these are going to be an excellent option for your needs. Plus, they are one of the most affordable bibbed options out there on the market.
9. Coleman
Coleman is a name you are probably very familiar with since they have been making great quality outdoor gear since they were founded in 1900. This full body suit comes with a pair of waterproof pants and a sharp hooded waterproof jacket that will keep you high and dry no matter how the winds are blowing.
Read moreMaterials:
The most notable feature about this suit is the care that went into ensures that it is completely waterproof. The exterior shell is made from 20mm PVC that also has a very durable nylon lining. The cuffs to the wrists and the ankles are cinched with a drawstring paracord.
Comfort:
What users love most about this design is that it is incredibly lightweight and won't limit your range of motion. Plus, it has a high collar that will keep high winds from stinging your face. The best part about this design is that the jacket has slits in it to allow access to your pants pocket without the need of unbuttoning and taking off your jacket.
Sizing:
Just over 82 perfect of users that wore this set felt that it fit just as expected. Some users felt that it fit just a little too big, but it might be due in part to the fact that Coleman makes it just a tad big so that users will have the option to layer clothes beneath it in the event of cooler weather conditions.
Summary:
If you are in the market for something that is from a trusted brand, is made from high-quality materials, and won’t break the bank- Coleman is an excellent option that users have been relying on for over 100 years.
10. Gempler's
If you want to buy both a pair of bibbed overalls with a matching jacket, Gempler's offers an excellent option that comes in at one of the lowest prices out there on the market. Users will suffer in the quality department a bit, but considering the low price, we feel these are worth a try for those looking to save a little bit of money.
Read moreMaterials:
Both the pants and the jacket are constructed from .20mm PVC-on-nylon with a double layer in places that get more wear and tear such as the elbows and the knees. It has vents along the back to prevent you from overheating and uses hook and loops along the cuff to keep water out.
Comfort:
The downside to the Gempler's design is that it doesn’t have any lining on the interior. The back vent is great at letting air in but not water, but the pants could get a little hot on warmer days due to the lack of vents or lining.
Sizing:
Sizing can be just a little problematic with this design, with about 63 percent of users feeling that it fit as expected. Gempler's doesn’t offer a sizing chart for users to reference, so they just have to kind of take a stab in the dark at their size. From what we gathered, if you do not plan on layering clothes underneath, you need to buy two sizes up. If you don’t plan on layering, you only need to buy one size up.
Summary:
For those that need something lightweight, simple and affordable that they can store in their backpack just in case the weather turns foul, the Gempler's design will keep the rain off your back while still saving you a little bit of money at the same time.
Sources
- 10 Best Rain Gear For Fishing In 2019, Article ,