If you’re addicted to fishing, then you’re not what some anglers refer to as a “fair-weather fisherman”, you’re the guy who’s out there no matter what the weather brings.
Wind and rain are the two elements that we fishermen experience the most and there is nothing worse than walking up a river or sitting by a lake soaking wet and cold due to the wind chill.
No one lasts too long in these conditions, and packing up and going home becomes a more pleasant thought with every raindrop that falls. But, it doesn’t have to be this way if you’re wearing the best rain gear for fishing.
Our Best Rain Gear For Fishing
When you’re wearing great fishing rain gear you’re dry, you’re warm and impervious to the elements as you continue to hunt your catch. Choosing the right waterproof fishing suits and jackets to buy is not an easy task, there are so many options and prices depending on the quality you can afford.
Join me, as we take a look at the best rain gear in 2022, specifically for anglers. My reviews not only cover rainy or cold conditions but also the best lightweight jackets and options for various types of fishing.
HUK Gunwale Rain Water & Windproof Jacket – My Best Lightweight Jacket Pick!
The HUK Gunwale Rain Water & Windproof Jacket is one of the best lightweight rain jackets for fishing you might find on the market.
While I am flats fishing or fly fishing this is the jacket I use especially during the warmer climates. While being a professional fishing guide it’s this jacket that keeps me not only dry but also able to move freely and instruct beginners much easier.
This jacket is built from a 100% nylon shell with DWR (durable water repellent) finish for excellent wind and waterproofing. This jacket is built to keep you dry and comfortable and it delivers every time, shedding water no matter how heavy the rain gets.
Beneath the wind/waterproof outer layer are two further layers that are designed for moisture-wicking and breathability. By being breathable, the jacket lets hot air escape within so you don’t overheat while being active in the rain.
The moisture-wicking layer actively picks up sweat and transfers it to the surface where it leaves the jacket. This not only ensures you aren’t getting wet from the inside and thus stay warm but it also means you won’t overheat either.
This rain jacket for fishing all comes with a storm hood that is fully adjustable, zipper hand pockets for gear and warming, and there are even pit zips in case you need to dump heat quickly.
Another great thing about this rain gear for fishing is how light and packable it is. You can fold it into its own pocket and it just weighs 1 lb, so taking it around the world is easy.
Overall, this is a durable, lightweight jacket that is going to keep you warm and dry while you’re fishing. The only negative is that can be quite noisy when you move around in it.
Pros
- Very affordable for the quality
- Breathable to ensure you don’t overheat
- Excellent waterproofing and well-sealed seams
- Moisture wicking inner layer to remove sweat
- Durable build that lasts
- Light and packs into itself for portability
- Pit zips so you can dump heat quickly
- Hood and zipper pockets for extra protection
Cons
- Can be noisy to move around in
Specs
Type: Jacket
Material: 100% 3 layer nylon shell with DWR finish
Waterproofing: 10K/15K waterproof/breathability rating
Packed Weight: 1 lb
Hood: Yes, adjustable with storm flap
Simms Freestone Jacket – My Best Overall Jacket Pick!
The Simms Freestone Jacket is one of the best heavy rain gear fishing jackets you can find on the planet! Simms’ quality can not be denied as when they make something, it does what it’s meant to and it lasts, plus it comes with a lifetime warranty!
Built from a 3-layer Toray laminate with a full DWR Coating, this jacket is built to handle the most torrential rain and wind around and still keep you warm and dry. It’s excellently sealed to stop any leaks, the zippers are top quality, and the DWR coating lasts and works.
The two inner layers actively help the fabric breathe and wick moisture, letting hot air out without breaking the waterproof membrane and moving sweat from your body to the atmosphere to keep you dry and warm.
While this is an expensive rain jacket, it does come with some extras like fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, large chest pockets with built-in tool retractors, and a storm hood with a brim. The hood provides amazing coverage and the brim holds up so that your sunglasses stay dry and you can fish through the rain.
Overall, this is one of the most durably built and waterproof rain jackets for fishing around and while it is expensive, you will probably have it for life and never be wet next to the water again.
Pros
- Excellent pockets for fishing gear
- Super durable build
- Built-in tool retractors
- Exceptionally waterproof and windproof
- Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets
- Breathable to keep you cool & dry
- Storm hood with a brim for fishing in the rain
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- A little bulky to carry around
- Quite expensive
Specs
Type: Jacket
Material: 3-layer Toray laminate
Waterproofing: Full DWR Coating
Packed Weight: 1.5 lbs
Hood: Yes, adjustable
Riverruns Fishing Wading Jacket – My Best Budget Jacket Pick!
The Riverruns Fishing Wading Jacket is a solid budget option for anyone looking for some semi-decent rain gear for fishing that is also kind of affordable.
This rain jacket is built with triple-layer nylon and comes with a waterproof rating of 8000 mm which is the same as a tent.
It handles a solid dose of rain but there are complaints about it not being waterproof on day 2 of solid rain, and it takes ages to dry – but this is what you get when shopping on a budget. The sleeves also seem to absorb water so be sure not to put them too deep into the river.
It’s also a breathable jacket that allows heat to leave so you stay comfortable and it’s also windproof to keep you warm when a stiff cold breeze comes across you.
This jacket is loaded with pockets, 9 in total including one waterproof internal pocket for your valuables. You’ll also find tool attachment points and fly patches on the two main gear pockets too along with a large back pocket for maps or lunch.
Overall, this jacket does the job for a day of wet fishing and has great pockets but it doesn’t handle extended fishing trips in the rain. It is also quite heavy and bulky to carry around while waiting for the bad weather to arrive so you can put it on.
Pros
- Very affordable for all budgets
- 9 pockets for all your fishing accessories
- Internal waterproof pocket for valuables
- Fly patches & tool attachments
- Good waterproofing for a day of hard rain
- Keeps you warm in cold places
- Breathable to keep you from overheating
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Doesn’t stay waterproof for extended days in the rain
- Sleeves seem to absorb water
Specs
Type: Jacket
Material: Triple layer nylon
Waterproofing: > 8000mm
Packed Weight: 2.5 lbs
Hood: Yes, adjustable
WindRider Ice Fishing Suit – My Best Ice Fishing Suit Pick!
If you’re planning to go ice fishing at Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, or fishing in areas with extreme cold like winter in Washington and Oregon, then you’re going to need a serious suit to keep you warm.
The WindRider Ice Fishing Suit is built to keep any fishermen warm while they’re walking on ice, dropping baits in the snow, and dealing with frosty wind chill. It’s built with 3M insulation to keep you warm no matter the weather and it will even keep you afloat if you fall into the icy cold water.
The outside of the suit is incredibly waterproof and windproof, it has dual zippers that allow you to dump heat when needed, and special zippers so you can pee without stripping down and getting cold in the process.
You’ll find fleece-lined hand warmer pockets on this jacket along with large chest pockets and thigh pockets for fishing gear, plus internal insulated chest pockets that you can access from the outside.
The built quality on this suit is also excellent and it comes with reinforced knee pads so they last no matter how much ice you need to kneel on.
Overall, this is an amazing suit for cold-weather fishing, particularly ice fishing. It is probably too warm to use outside of these freezing temperatures plus it is bulky and heavy making it hard to store and travel with.
Best For Ice Fishing
Pros
- Durably built to last
- 3M layer of insulation for warmth
- Excellent waterproofing
- Double zippers for breathability
- Built-in floatation for any accidents
- Lots of pockets for fishing gear
- Handwarmer pockets
Cons
- Too warm for non-ice fishing trips
- Quite expensive
- Super heavy and bulky to store/pack
Specs
Type: Suit
Material: Nylon
Waterproofing: Full
Packed Weight: 9.7 lbs
Hood: Removable & insulated
Town & Field Rain Suits for Fishing – My Best Lightweight Rain Suit Pick!
If you’re looking for a light rain gear suit for fishing that is also affordable then the Town & Field Rain Suits for Fishing might be right up your alley.
These rain suits are made from polyurethane finished with a DWR coating which makes them both extremely light and good in weather.
Being light means you can have the suit in your backpack ready in case some serious wind and rain comes in, and when you put it on, it’s super comfortable and easy to move around in too.
Its main flaw is how waterproof it is. This rain suit, being so light, holds up well in bursts of rain but if you’re fishing in torrential rain all day, chances are you are going to get wet. On the plus side though, it does block the wind and dry quickly too. The hood and collar are also great for giving you more protection too.
While this is both light and affordable, you might not think it would be durable but it is, so this is one that lasts. It does have some sizing issues so be sure to read the size guides and act accordingly.
Pros
- Lightweight and super packable
- Very affordable for the quality
- Durable and will last
- Super comfortable to wear
- Excellent for high winds
- Good waterproofing for short bursts of rain
Cons
- Sizes are hit and miss
- Light and not great in hours of heavy rain
Specs
Type: Suit
Material: Polyurethane
Waterproofing: DWR
Packed Weight: 2 lbs
Hood: Yes, adjustable
Navis Marine Bass Fishing Rain Gear Suits – My Best Overall Fishing Suit Pick!
The Navis Marine Bass Fishing Rain Gear Suits are a great middle-ground when it comes to price while delivering excellent weather protection for anglers fishing in most environments.
These rain suits are made from nylon and polyester with a DWR coating that provides a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm – more than most tents. This kind of rating not only keeps you dry in heavy rain that just won’t quit but it also blocks extreme winds at the same time.
This rain suit is light and super comfortable to wear, making it easy to move around in while you’re fishing and it won’t overload your backpack either, which is ideal as you can take it anywhere.
The rain suit comes with a large hood for excellent protection from the elements and it has adjustable cuffs too to ensure you can lock in your dryness too. There are also some very well-placed pockets and gear attachment points on the suit so you always have access to the things you need quickly.
Overall, this is a solid rain suit and while most of them are durable and last, some have experience of them ripping quickly, but this is very rare.
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing so you stay dry
- Durable build that lasts
- Adjustable cuffs and hood for good coverage
- Comfortable to wear
- Quite durable to handle lots of fishing
- Great pockets and placement for gear
- Blocks strong winds well too
Cons
- Quality can be hit and miss
Specs
Type: Suit
Material: Nylon/Polyester
Waterproofing: 20,000 mm
Packed Weight: 1.85 lbs
Hood: Yes, adjustable
Drying Out
Thanks very much for reading my article, I hope you enjoyed it and now know which bit of rain gear will be best for you. There is nothing worse than being wet and cold on the bank or on the boat, and this rain gear will ensure it never happens.
If you’re still wondering which bit of rain gear to go for I would suggest the HUK Gunwale Rain Water & Windproof Jacket for fly fishermen or flats fishermen in warmer climates or the Simms Freestone Jacket for anyone wading or fishing in colder climates.
As far as the suits go, the Navis Marine Bass Fishing Rain Gear Suits is a great all-rounder but you’ll need the WindRider Ice Fishing Suit for extreme cold weather.
Check out my other articles on fishing accessories here! This section covers fishing chairs, vests, and more fishing gear-related articles for all types of anglers.
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