I used to think tossing a rain jacket in my bag was all the preparation I needed for possible wet weather.
But in the past few years, after several expedition cruises and hiking trips, I've learned firsthand the importance of high-quality waterproof gear. And that’s significantly different from something labeled as merely water-resistant.
The latter can handle a few splashes or a light shower, but only something truly waterproof will keep you dry during sustained heavy rain. And when you're out on a hike and it starts to pour, that detail really matters.
For that reason, I choose waterproof gear whenever possible. These items may cost more, but if you follow the care instructions, they can be part of your gear closet for years to come. Here are the favorites that my family uses to stay dry, including jackets, shoes, and accessories for campouts, boats, and any other potentially rainy adventure.
In this article
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Jacket
When I pack a rain jacket, the Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Jacket is my go-to. It’s ultralight and packs into itself, so I can just throw it in a bag and forget about it until I need it. And at just 7 ounces, it doesn’t add much weight to my bag at all.
Salomon rates this jacket at 10,000 mm of waterproofing, meaning the fabric can withstand a column of water up to 10,000 mm before leaking. That’s pretty secure.
I also like the back vent, which prevents you from feeling like you are in a sauna, which is a common issue with waterproof gear. I also appreciate the ability to cinch the waist for a good fit and the length that hits at the hip, so my underlayers stay dry without limiting leg movement.
ForgeLine Sespe River Rain Jacket
When my teens have a campout and rain is expected, the ForgeLine Sespe River Rain Jacket is what I send them out wearing.
ForgeLine rates its four-layer, PFAS-free, silicone-coated fabric as "waterproof" and uses waterproof zippers on all closures to prevent leaks. Better yet, the jacket also has adjustable closures that seal off gaps where rain likes to sneak in, such as the hood, cuffs, and hem.
It also has two zippered hand pockets and an internal chest pocket, so you don't have to sacrifice storage for weather protection. Lightweight and packable, this travel-friendly jacket isn't stiff, making it easy to move in rainy weather.
Arc'teryx Beta Pant
When I was preparing for an expedition cruise that would have us jumping off a rigid-inflatable boat on "wet landings," the packing list recommended waterproof pants. Living in sunny California, I didn't have this in my gear kit yet. I did some research and landed on the Arc'teryx Beta Pant.
Rated as waterproof, windproof, and breathable, these pants use a PFAS-free GORE-TEX laminate to keep the weather out. And they fulfilled their promise.
I thought they were plenty long enough for me at 5-foot-8, and the stretchy waist left room for a few layers underneath while still allowing plenty of movement.
When we got to land, I was able to unzip the bottom of my pants to take them off without having to sit down or remove my boots, which was also convenient.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat
Even if your rain jacket has a hood, water can easily seep in, and strong gusts of wind can blow it off. A better strategy would be to wear a proper hat.
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat is one of those pieces of rain gear I'm always glad I brought along for a day of hiking or kayaking. As someone who wears glasses, nothing is more annoying than constantly wiping off rain. This hat, however, has a 3.5-inch brim that keeps rain off my face, while the 6-inch neck cape covers the area a regular rain jacket often leaves exposed.
The split brim also makes it easy to pack away when you're done for the day (as you don't get a weird fold that never goes away), and at 2.9 ounces, it won't add much weight to your backpack.
The hat is rated 100 percent waterproof with a 10,000 mm waterproof membrane and a UPF 50+ rating so you can use it when the sun comes out, too.
Merrell Agility Peak 6 GORE-TEX
Before I started investing in quality rain gear, I thought that anything with a GORE-TEX designation was just an excuse to charge more. Now, I know better.
GORE-TEX apparel offers high-performance weather protection, and it’s known for being durable, breathable, and waterproof. But not only does it block water from entering, it also allows internal sweat vapor to escape. This is especially important when you're looking for a waterproof shoe for a day on the trails so you're not left with hot, sweaty toes.
That’s why I wear the Merrell Agility Peak 6 GORE-TEX, which features a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram Megagrip outsoles that grip wet and uneven surfaces. I've found this kind of low-profile waterproof trail shoe particularly useful for travel because I can wear it on the plane and hiking without dedicating precious suitcase space to another pair of footwear.
Teva Hurricane Trailsetter GTX
My teen sons prefer a sleeker look in footwear, so we went with the Teva Hurricane Trailsetter GTX for them.
This waterproof shoe uses a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof liner, which gives waterproof protection without the bulk of a traditional hiking or rain boot.
The feature that stands out most to them, though, is the speed-lace system, which provides an especially secure fit. I, however, like the grippy bottom. It offers strong traction on wet streets and trails, so I can rest easier knowing they’re less likely to be hurt. And for even more ankle stability, this shoe also comes in a higher-cut version.
Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch
We think a lot about how to waterproof our clothes, but accessories deserve attention, too. When I know I'm heading out on a boat day, a kayaking excursion, or even a day at the pool, I pack the Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch.
I have the larger iPhone model, and this is one of the few waterproof pouches I've found that lets me skip removing my heavy-duty case before popping my phone in.
Pelican rates it IP68, which measures how well a device resists dust and water. The first number is rated on a 0-6 scale for dust, and the second on a 0-9 scale for water, with higher numbers indicating better protection. So, based on those numbers, this one is top-of-the-line for underwater submersion.
It also has built-in cushions to help the pouch float if you lose your grip, and a clear window to use the touchscreen without removing it. The detachable lanyard lets me stay hands-free while keeping my phone secure around my neck.
Nestout Portable Battery
You might not think to include a waterproof power bank in your travel kit, but if my trip involves camping, the Nestout Portable Battery is always in my gear bag.
This waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant portable charger ensures your devices stay reliably juiced up, no matter what remote landscape you find yourself in or what the weather forecast calls for.
I always want to be prepared to recharge my devices on the go, and Nestout rates this battery as IP67 waterproof and dustproof. It also has an internal cushion to protect against drops.
The Shortcut
Waterproof and water-resistant labels aren't interchangeable; only the former can actually prevent precipitation from penetrating, so it’s important to look for gear with a manufacturer-backed waterproof rating.
The best rain gear does more than keep water out, though. Additional features matter as much as the exterior shell, such as sealed zippers, adjustable cuffs, breathable membranes, and grippy soles.
Check the rating to learn how the product you are considering holds up against dust and water under testing.
