In every outdoor activity, the weather is one of the things that we always take into account. We want to be always prepared to face every weather condition, especially when the weather can become unpredictable. To do this, we buy all the necessary tools and equipment that would keep us safe, warm, and comfortable in our activity.
Every angler finds it necessary to own a jacket that would give protection in cold and bad weather. Not only does a jacket keep one warm, but it can also make one more productive. However, we can’t buy just any jackets. We need to choose properly and make sure that the one we’re buying is of excellent quality and, at the same time, affordable – we need the best one for fishing. This article will review several top jackets and suit models to help you choose the best rain jacket for fishing. Also, this will guide you in identifying the essential factors to consider when you’re trying to buy one.
Things to Consider in Buying a Rain Gear
Indeed, before going on fishing activity, we’ve asked, “What should I wear for cold weather fishing?” And, of course, along with this is a question on what are the factors that you need to take into account as you’re choosing what you need to wear. Here are several things that you need to consider in your attempt to choose the best rain jacket for fishing:
Types of Weather Protection
The rain jacket you would be buying could either be waterproof or water-resistant. For waterproof jackets, they could be breathable or non-breathable. Here are the differences:
Waterproof/Breathable
Waterproof rainwear can prevent rain from getting through to your skin. Now, what does it mean for a jacket to be breathable? It simply means that the jacket can transfer sweat vapor from inside to outside, considering that the colder, drier air outside could attract the warm, moist air inside. This is best when you are very mobile, as it prevents your sweat from soaking you.
Waterproof/Nonbreathable
This works essentially the same as the most waterproof jacket. The only difference is that you could get soaked with sweat if you use this while doing some physical activity, as it does not move the sweat out. This is appropriate when you’re only sitting or standing. This is also cheaper than waterproof/breathable jackets.
Water-resistant
Water-resistant raingear is breathable but can handle only light rain and only for a brief time, unlike waterproof jackets.
Types of Weather Shells
Shells refer to the garment material used for a jacket or a poncho. This is worth noting since you need to consider that which could best match your needs and situation:
Insulated Shell
These types are usually seam-sealed and very waterproof. Their puffiness makes sure to keep you warm.
Hybrid Shell
Is a combination of soft or hard shells, making it the most flexible type.
Hard Shell
This type is stiffer than softshell jackets and is most waterproof gears. However, hard shells are not insulated.
Soft Shell
Unlike hard shell raingear, this has an insulating layer and is water-resistant. While breathability is more outstanding, it provides lesser protection from wind, cold, or rain than hard shells.
Features to Consider
Hood Design
Usually, hoods contain brims and could be adjusted in the sides or back to be compatible with one’s head size. Some jackets have hoods that can be zipped off, while others can be stowed in the collar.
Zippers
This is an essential part of every jacket. They are found in pockets, front openings, and even by the collar. You would want zippers that prevent water from seeping through it, so look for rubberized coatings or storm flaps. The tradeoff, however, is that coated or laminated zippers are difficult to zip.
Seam Taping
Raingear requires fully taped seams, considering that jacket construction involves a lot of seams. Ensure that all of the seams are taped when buying a jacket, and make sure that the construction is durable. However, full taped seaming is not an assurance that the jacket is durable, so this should also match other factors you need to consider.
Vents
Although there are breathable jackets, you also need extra vents, for strenuous activity would get you too perspired. Some rain jackets have pit zips or underarm vents, while others have torso pockets with mesh liners that serve as additional vents.
Adjustment Features
Some jackets have drawcords by the waist for adjustment and also to accommodate the wearer’s size. Aside from this, drawcords from the wrist may also be among the features of some jackets. These adjustments assure tight closer that would further protect you from rain and cold that could penetrate even the tiniest of the openings. If you want more ventilation, you could also easily loosen these adjustments.
Pockets
Pockets are essential for storage. Some jackets have plenty of them – which could be helpful if you’re bringing a lot of tools – while some feature the common hand pockets. Nowadays, rain jackets have closed pockets with cord ports that would allow you to listen to music through your devices. Some pockets are made inaccessible for pickpockets. You will want to consider this if you’re concerned about your belongings getting robbed.
Packability
You don’t want rain gear that’s very difficult to store and could add considerable weight to what you’re already carrying. Look for a packable and lightweight jacket that has all the necessary features.
Best Rain Gear for Fishing Reviews
Putting all these into consideration, you can now decide on what jacket to buy by checking these top fishing jackets that you can choose from:
1. Grundéns Dark and Stormy Fishing Jacket
This jacket is appropriate for rain and bad weather protection considering that it’s waterproof and breathable, meaning it could stand even heavy rain without you having to get wet and, at the same time, preventing you from sweating inside. Also, considering its fit, it allows you to move a lot, which is helpful for rigorous activities like chasing big games. It also has the useful features we always look for in jackets like sealed seams and useful zippers. Secured and durable, this is also easy to adjust.
This jacket has a stretch wind/water skirt that can seal out moisture and cold air below. It has five large zippered pockets, a waterproof front zipper, an adjustable hem with push buttons, and neoprene cuffs that are adjustable as well.
Pros
- Useful zippers
- Easy to adjust
- Secured and lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
- Items in the outer chest part might get wet
2. Huk Next Level All Weather Jacket
This jacket is excellent when your activity requires too much movement as this is very stretchable yet exceptionally lightweight, making it easy to pack and carry around. Aside from being 100% waterproof, this is also 100% windproof, providing you enough protection from bad and cold weather. Its breathability could keep moisture out when you’re already sweating too much.
Waterproof for 10,000 mm and breathable for 5,000g shell. Features a three-piece articulated hood that you can conveniently remove when it’s not needed. Its cuff also features hinged lock-down closure to prevent water from penetrating. The collar utilizes a venting system.
Pros
- Windproof
- Great hood features
- Remarkable adjustment features
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- It might not work for freezing situations
3. STORMR Aero Mid-Weight Jacket
This product is used to keep your legs warm during harsh weather. One important aspect of this is the comfort that it provides and its flexibility, allowing one to do several movements without feeling any irritation. It can easily be secured in your legs, and it has several essential adjustment features like straps, coated zippers, and pockets.
The material of this jacket is DWR treated, waterproof at 20,000 mm, breathable at 20,000g/m2, and comprises three layers. It also features neoprene wrist seals, high volume pockets, internal waist adjustments, and adjustable hoods.
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
Cons
- A bit pricey
4. STORMR Men’s Typhoon Jacket
This jacket features a very simple design but is constructed with durability considering its neoprene material. This is made for great maneuverability and, of course, assurance that you will be protected from any bad weather or rain. The downside, however, is that this jacket features only a few pockets and lacks adjustability. Its hood may be adjusted, though through drawcords. One great thing is that its seams are securely sealed, including its zippers, preventing rain from getting through to your skin. Its waistband may also be adjusted and has two interior cord locks.
This jacket features glued, thermal taped, and blind-stitch seams to ensure protection. It is waterproof and, at the same time, windproof, featuring high-stretch materials like neoprene and contains positive buoyancy. This jacket is also layered up with base layers.
Pros
- Sealed and solid zippers
- Windproof
- Allows more movements
- Durable material
Cons
- Few adjustabilities
- Few pockets for storage
5. Frogg Toggs Java Hellbender Fly & Wading Jacket
What’s remarkable about this jacket is its affordability. At this low price point, however, you are assured of the product’s longevity and quality. It features two chest pockets that could be useful for storing some of your tools and items. Its hoods could also cover your head entirely, and you can adjust it to accommodate your head size. Aside from this flexibility, this jacket is also very comfortable and lightweight, made for easy packing. To help get the moisture out, this jacket has a full-zip front closure, storm flap, and rain gutter.
This jacket is made out of 100% nylon. It employs DriPore 2 gen technology for its construction and design. Aside from its chest and two more miscellaneous pockets, it has adjustable sleeve openings made of neoprene. This jacket features two front accessories D-rings as well.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Two large chest pockets for storage
- Durable construction
- More affordable
Cons
- Not salt waterproof
6. Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit
This jacket is best for traveling, considering its lightweight material, packability, and breathability, allowing more movements. While this does not necessarily promise a more durable material, this jacket has a lot of useful features like its removable hood, its parka-cut, as well as its open-waist design. Also, the openings of the pants are easily adjustable. One downside, however, is that it features lesser pockets for storage. These jackets and pants are made out of 100% polypropylene.
You can choose from around five colors and designs. Waterproof and bearable, it could keep water from sipping through and could let your sweat out of the jacket.
Pros
- More designs to choose
- Allows more movement
- Waterproof
Cons
- It does not have any pockets for storage
- Durability is not assured
7. WindRider Pro Rain Jacket
Not only will this jacket keep you warm, dry, and protected, it will also allow you much storage. WindRider Pro Rain Jacket has two extra deep lower pockets with Velcro and two zipper chest pockets where you can store most of your essential belongings. It is high-collared with seams that are fully taped and storm flaps that are doubled. Its zippers are also fully sealed to make it secure. The adjustability of this jacket is also great with its inner cuffs that make sure water doesn’t run off your sleeve.
This jacket is made of polyester, and you can choose between three colors. It is waterproof and breathable with its roll-a-way hood. Aside from the outer pockets, this jacket also features inner pockets for storage. WindRider Pro Jackets are designed in Minnesota.
Pros
- Plenty of storage
- Roll-a-way hood
- Adjustable and packable
Cons
- A bit pricey
8. Helly Hansen Workwear Deluxe Rain Jacket
This jacket is among the most affordable of all your possible options. Its Impertech fabric allows the jacket to be waterproof and promises some durability. Because its fabric material can easily be stretched, you can move a lot when using this. However, it only has limited front pockets, so it can’t store a lot of things. Its cuffs can also be adjusted through Velcro.
Helly Hansen Workwear is made out of polyester with its stretch polyurethane coating. This type of jacket is a bloodborne pathogen tester with seam construction made durable and secured by MicroWeld. Its hood can be tucked in the jacket’s collar as well.
Pros
- Simple design
- Affordable
- Stretchability
Cons
- It does not have much storage
FAQs
What Is Waterproof Material?
The term “waterproof” means that the garment repels water. But what does it mean exactly? A product may claim to be waterproof if it keeps water away from the body, but it may still get wet if the wearer gets too close to the rain or snow. If you’re planning on wearing a jacket while fishing, then you should look for a jacket that says it’s waterproof because it’ll protect you from getting wet.
What Is Breathable Material?
When we talk about breathable materials, we’re talking about fabrics that allow moisture vapor to pass through them. Moisture vapor is the gas molecules that come out of our bodies when we perspire. When we wear clothes that are breathable, they let these gases escape without letting the liquid water inside the clothing pass through. This prevents us from becoming cold and clammy.
If you want to know whether a particular article of clothing is breathable, check the label. You can find this information on the tag attached to the item. Look for the words “breathable” or “breathing”.
Do I Need to Take a Rain Jacket for Fishing?
You don’t need a rain jacket for every single outing. But if you plan on going out into the rain, then you might want to consider bringing one along. In case you do end up getting caught outside in bad weather, having a raincoat available will help you stay comfortable.
If you’re looking for something more than just a raincoat, then you might want a windbreaker instead. These jackets usually offer a little more protection against the elements. They’re also better suited for colder days.
How Do I Choose the Right Rain Jacket?
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the right rain jacket. The first thing you need to think about is how often you plan on taking this jacket out. If you plan on taking it out once or twice a year, then you probably won’t need anything special. However, if you plan on taking it outdoors several times per week, then you’ll definitely want something a bit sturdier.
Conclusion
There are indeed a couple of things that you need to consider when choosing the proper rain gear for you. Taking all these into account, you also need to consider how much it would cost you. All it takes is a balance between price and quality. With all the factors you need to consider stated above, you can now decide on what brand of jacket you are buying, given your options. Look for what will give you much of the comfort and protection you need in your outdoor activity.