Stay Dry with the Best Rain Jackets

I bought my first set of Guidewear years ago right before a month-long fishing trip to Alaska. If you’ve ever been to Alaska in the summer, rain is going to be a thing you need to plan for. The rain gear I had before was less that desirable, as it would soak through after a short while and I’d be wet. The Guidewear is a little pricey, but it works. I still have that set and use it for everything from steelhead fishing in the spring, to ice fishing in the winter. I liked it so much I just bought another set that I plan to keep in the boat. Guidewear is made from GORE-TEX and has fully taped seams and waterproof zippers. The zippers are all oversized to be easily used with gloves on, and the pockets are all easy to reach and big to hold your stuff. Here’s the thing you truly need to know about Guidewear. It was originally designed to be tough and hold up under extreme use. It does just that. I have not been kind to my set and the newer styles hold up just as well. The fit is still perfect and the company seems to have improved the comfort levels.

Tip: Guidewear is perfect for colder weather, but can be too heavy when it’s a warm summer shower.

When it’s warmer out, or when a shower suddenly pops up, you don’t want bulk and you don’t need extreme durability. There are lots of lightweight, packable jackets that fit that need, but my personal pick is the Columbia Glennaker. Why? I have quite a bit of Columbia PFG clothing for fishing and love the fit. When I wanted a packable rain jacket, it seemed natural to try the Glennaker out. It’s a light, nylon jacket with a mesh liner. Nothing too fancy, but it sure fits the bill, and has saved me more than once from getting soaked while out in the boat, or hiking along the trout stream. The pockets are deep and these jackets are available in a wide size range, including big and tall sizes. It’s even nicer that these coats come in under $40! Will this work in an extended downpour? Maybe. I know from past experience with nylon jackets like this that eventually the fabric gets too saturated to repel water anymore. So far, however, I’ve stayed dry in my Columbia Glennaker jacket. It’s Columbia-tested tough and you can’t beat the price or fit.

Tip: I keep mine opened up and hanging when not in use. I pack it down when I leave the house.

Frogg Toggs exploded on the scene a few years back and has grown into a company serious about keeping you dry. They have some really cool technical clothing, but for most of us, our experience with the brand is centered around the original-style suit. When makes Frogg Toggs so special is the weight. The suits weigh hardly anything, and will not add any bulk. The secret is the fabric, an unwoven polypropylene that keeps water out and has minimal weight. The suits come in a wide range of colors and camo patterns, and have been used in my house for things like turkey hunting. Ever been on a bird and had the clouds open up for a few with those spring showers? Yeah, it can stink, but with the Frogg Toggs suit, you’re good to go in minutes. Durability was something I was concerned with, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well it held up, even with my teenage sone using them.

Tip: Avoid snags, as the light material can tear.

You can’t really have a discussion about rain gear without bringing Grunden’s into the conversation. The Buoy X series is the company’s premium line of gear made for serious conditions. Serious anglers rely on Grunden’s Buoy X line and if you take your fishing seriously, and don’t want to get wet, this is how you do it. At the heart of the Buoy X line is the fabric. It is made from 220g/m^2 GORE-TEX 3L Laminate 100% Polyester with Tricot Backer. In real terms, that means it is waterproof and breathable as well as extremely durable. The comfort levels are top notch, too. The fit is active, meaning it flows with you as you move around your boat catching fish. There is a kill switch anchor too, which is especially important with the new regulations that say you have to use a kill switch when the boat is in motion. That’s a safe thing to do as it is, but it’s nice that this line has a spot specifically dedicated for it. The Buoy X line is pricey, but if you spend more time on the water than not, this is something you need.

Tip: Follow all the proper cleaning requirements with this line to help keep everything as good as new.

Everywhere you look these days, you see the HUK logo. The company makes some serious performance fishing apparel and the popularity helps show that it works, too. What we really like about HUK is how the gear fits, with sleeve length and sizing being about perfect for both men and women. My wife loves the stuff I bought her. The Gunwale jacket is a great-fitting packable rain jacket that weighs very little. It has  fully taped seams and zippered pockets. The back extends down with a “storm flap” that helps keep your pants from getting filled with rain when you sit down. It looks nice, too.

Tip: This is a great spring/summer weight jacket, so don’t expect it to keep you too warm in cooler temps.