Looking for The Best Rain Gear Near You This Year

Looking for The Best Rain Gear Near You This Year

Compare Prices and Styles at Local Outdoor Stores

With rainy weather on the horizon, it’s time to stock up on quality rain gear so you can stay dry and comfortable when the showers start. Shopping for rain jackets and pants at local outdoor stores is a great option to find the perfect gear for your needs while supporting local businesses.

Visiting brick-and-mortar outdoor retailers gives you the advantage of trying on different raincoat styles and sizes to get the right fit. A rain jacket or pants that are too baggy or too tight will be uncomfortable and may not keep you as well protected from the wet elements.

Outdoor store sales associates can provide recommendations based on the latest rain jacket designs and innovative waterproof fabrics. They can point out key features like adjustable hoods, zippered pockets, ventilation systems, and sealed seams that prevent leaks. Trying on rain gear in person helps you assess the breathability, weight, and mobility of different options.

Comparing selections and prices across multiple local outdoor stores allows you to find the best deals on quality brands of rainwear. While shopping in person, you can closely inspect the workmanship and materials of different rain jackets and bibs within your budget.

Beyond outdoor specialty shops, local sporting goods, workwear, and army surplus stores also carry durable rain coats, pants, and suits. Check out their selections to compare costs and find discounts on gear from top manufacturers like Marmot, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Carhartt, and more.

For the widest selection of waterproof jackets, pants, suits, boots, and accessories, visit larger local outdoor retailers. Their extensive inventories allow you to find specialized products like lightweight backpacking rain gear, heavy duty fishing bibs, or waterproof yet breathable athletic outerwear.

By shopping for rainwear at local stores instead of just ordering online, you can test out products first-hand while supporting local businesses. Comparing selections and prices in person makes it easier to find affordable, high-quality rain gear from trusted brands before wet weather hits.

Check Out Rain Jackets and Pants from Top Brands

When investing in rain gear to keep you dry this season, it’s worth looking into top outdoor apparel brands that specialize in waterproof clothing. Leading manufacturers like Marmot, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Columbia, REI, and The North Face offer high-quality rain jackets and pants made with innovative fabrics and designs.

For lightweight and breathable options, look at jackets and pants made with Gore-Tex materials pioneered by W.L. Gore & Associates. Gore-Tex infuses clothing with durable waterproof protection while allowing sweat vapor to escape.

Popular models like the Marmot Precip and Patagonia Torrentshell jackets provide affordable Gore-Tex rain protection under $100. For pants, the Outdoor Research Foray Gore-Tex style offers waterproofing for around $160.

For heavy-duty rain gear built to withstand rugged use, Carhartt’s duck canvas bibs and jackets get top marks from construction and field workers. Frogg Toggs also makes durable and roomy jackets and pants perfect for fishing, hiking, and camping.

Athletes and runners should check out jackets with ventilation features like the Columbia Outdry Ex Reign for maintaining cool comfort on soggy training days. Look for pants with elastic or drawstring waists so you can move freely.

For chilling, windy rainstorms, get a jacket with insulation like The North Face Venture 2 that seals out drafts. Or layer a water-resistant shell over a fleece jacket for extra warmth and versatility.

Finding rain gear that fits your needs depends on the brands and specific models you choose. Heading to local outdoor stores lets you compare top name-brand jackets and pants to find the right balance of cost, weather protection, durability, and mobility.

Trusting quality rainwear from industry leaders like Marmot, Patagonia, and Columbia is a worthwhile investment. Their innovative fabrics, contemporary designs, and waterproof technology will keep you comfortably dry in the fiercest downpours.

Consider a Rain Suit for Full Waterproof Protection

For complete coverage when working or playing in the pouring rain, consider investing in a rain suit rather than just a separate jacket and pants. Rain suits are designed to keep you continuously dry from head to toe.

Full rain suit sets include a hooded, long-sleeved jacket and a pair of rain pants, usually made of waterproof treated nylon or polyester. When worn together, they seal out moisture through sealed seams and storm flaps that cover the zipper openings.

The top benefit of a rain suit over a separate jacket and pants is that it eliminates any risk of your torso or back getting wet from rain dripping into the space between the two pieces. A full suit connects the jacket directly to the pants to close any gap.

For people who spend long periods working outdoors in the elements like farmers, fishers, and construction crews, a rain suit is a worthwhile investment for staying dry and comfortable. It provides non-stop protection when you’re busy and active.

Athletes and sports fans can benefit from full body rain suits as well. They’re ideal for joggers, cyclists, and hikers in the rain. Stadium goers and tailgaters will appreciate staying dry in the stands in a hooded rain suit.

When shopping for a rain suit, look for models with plenty of ventilation and taped seams to reduce condensation build-up inside. Waterproof zippers on jackets and ankle zippers on pants also come in handy for easily taking suits off and on.

You can find inexpensive rain suits for around $30-60 from brands like Body Glove and Frogg Toggs. Higher-end suits from outdoor companies like Columbia and Marmot cost $100-200 but come with more features and durable fabrics.

A full rain suit requires a bit more of an initial investment than separate rain jacket and pants, but delivers non-stop wet weather protection. For anyone spending long hours working or playing outdoors in the rain, the complete coverage a suit provides makes it a worthwhile purchase.

Choose Breathable Fabrics Like Gore-Tex for Comfort

When selecting rain jackets and pants, pay attention to the fabric technology used. Modern waterproof yet breathable fabrics can keep you dry without causing overheating, sweatiness and condensation when worn.

One of the most innovative rainwear fabrics is Gore-Tex, engineered by W.L. Gore & Associates. Gore-Tex membranes contain over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square inch that block raindrops from getting in while allowing water vapor from sweat to escape.

The microporous structure makes Gore-Tex jackets and pants completely waterproof while remaining highly breathable. This helps regulate your body temperature to keep you cool and comfortable, even during active use in muggy conditions.

While a bit more expensive than other fabrics, Gore-Tex offers an optimal combination of water protection, breathability, durability, and wind resistance. Brands like Marmot, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Arc’teryx use it extensively in their top rainwear.

Other proprietary waterproof, breathable fabrics provide similar benefits. For example, Columbia’s OutDry Extreme features a permanent water-repellent outer layer and wicking inner layer to keep you dry. REI uses a breathable Dry.Q Elite 2.5 layer fabric in its jackets.

Cheaper polyurethane-coated nylon and polyester rain jackets and pants can keep moisture out but will feel hot, sticky, and damp inside when you work up a sweat. Stick with a breathable fabric like Gore-Tex for true all-day comfort.

Trying on rainwear made with Gore-Tex versus cheaper fabrics at your local outdoor retailer will quickly demonstrate the tangible comfort difference. While more of an investment upfront, you’ll appreciate the breathability during extended use in wet conditions.

Don’t settle for a subpar rain jacket or pants that traps sweat inside. Choose high-performance waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex to stay cool and comfortable even in heavy downpours.

Get Rain Bibs for Protection When Working Outside

If you routinely work outdoors in inclement weather, rain bibs are a worthwhile investment for keeping your lower half dry and clean.

Rain bibs are waterproof pants that pull on over your clothes and secure with adjustable shoulder straps. They cover your legs completely and seal in the front with storm flaps over heavy-duty zippers or snaps.

The top benefit of bib-style rain pants over regular pants is that they extend up higher over your torso for full coverage when bending, squatting, and reaching. Outdoor laborers appreciate the extra protection.

Made of coated nylon or PVC materials, rain bibs shield against mud, soil, grass, grease, and grime. They allow you to kneel and move freely without soaking or ruining your clothes.

Brands like Carhartt, Dickies, Helly Hansen, and Grundens make sturdy rain bibs purpose-built for construction crews, landscapers, mechanics, farmers, and surveyors who work in wet, mucky conditions.

Look for bibs with convenient cargo pockets, D-ring tool holders, and reflective detailing for safety. Bibs with vented foam knees provide cushioning and breathability when kneeling for long periods.

For lighter duty yardwork and gardening, less expensive vinyl and polyester rain bibs from Stanley and CLC work well. Well-fitting adjustable shoulder straps prevent them from slipping down while you’re active.

If your job or hobby keeps you outdoors routinely facing the elements, quality rain bibs are a smart investment. They’ll provide complete leg and torso protection to keep you drier, warmer, and cleaner.

Find Stylish and Functional Raincoats for Daily Wear

When you need reliable rain protection for walking, commuting, and errands, look for a high-quality raincoat that combines waterproof performance with versatile styling.

Preferably knee-length with a hood, a day-to-day raincoat should be roomy enough to layer over your outfits but also fitted enough not to feel bulky. Look for modern coat silhouettes and details like princess seams for a flattering shape.

Breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex or coated nylon provide lightweight, no-nonsense water repellency without making you feel sticky or damp inside. Sealed seams prevent drips and leaks.

For commuting and walking in the rain, look for convenient features like zippered side pockets to secure small items and packable hoods you can tuck away on dry days. Snap closures allow for venting.

Styles like single-breasted trench coats work well for the office or formal occasions. Casual anorak and parka-style coats offer versatility for everyday wear. Bold colors and prints let you make rainy weather fashion statements.

Trusted outdoor brands like Patagonia, Marmot, and Columbia make high-performing raincoats suited for city life. You can also find dressier options from Burberry, London Fog, and Anne Klein.

A tailored, lightweight raincoat that covers your upper body while allowing mobility and reflecting your personal style makes rainy days a little brighter. Visit local outdoor and department stores to compare options.

Look for Jackets With Hoods to Keep Your Head Dry

When shopping for rain jackets, prioritize options with hoods that fully shield your head from the elements. A fixed or adjustable hood provides critical protection from pounding rain and makes a jacket more versatile.

Hooded rain jackets allow you to venture outdoors in relative comfort without needing an umbrella or separate hat. The hood blocks water from dripping down your face and getting your hair wet.

Fixed hoods built permanently into the jacket collar offer reliable coverage. Detachable hoods give you the option to remove them on mild or dry days. For maximum adaptability, choose jackets with adjustable hoods you can tighten or loosen.

Ideal hoods have stiff, reinforced brims that maintain their shape and standoff from your face. This helps visibility while also allowing breathability. Storm flaps, drawcords, and chin guards seal out wind-driven rain.

Look for hoods that are helmet-compatible if you’ll be wearing them while cycling, rock climbing, or mountaineering. Make sure hood adjustments accommodate a bike or climbing helmet underneath.

Quality outdoor brands like Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Patagonia engineer their hoods for maximum protection and movement. Less expensive jackets often skimp on hood quality and versatility.

Don’t settle for a subpar rain jacket with no hood or a flimsy hood that collapses and drips. A durable, well-fitting hood that keeps your head bone dry is worth the investment.

Make Sure Seams Are Sealed to Prevent Leaks

When shopping for rain jackets and pants, inspect technical features like sealed seams that prevent water from seeping in and soaking you. Waterproof gear won’t live up to its name if moisture leaks through unsealed stitching.

On higher-end jackets and pants, critical seams will be sealed with waterproof tape on the inside, forming an impenetrable moisture barrier. Fully taped seams provide the best protection.

Some technical garments undergo specialized seam sealing techniques like Gore-Seam tape on Gore-Tex gear or Thermatek on The North Face clothing. This reinforced sealing prevents pinholes and leaks under pressure.

Cheaper rainwear often has seams that are only partially sealed or unsealed. Partial sealing just covers the most vulnerable areas while leaving other seams exposed. Unsealed seams rely solely on fabric coatings for water resistance.

Partially sealed and unsealed seams inevitably leak over time as coatings wear off and stitching gets stressed. For guaranteed dryness, insist on fully sealed or taped seams throughout.

Closely check the inside of rain jacket and pants seams and feel for taped edges. Seam tape has a slightly rubbery texture. Highlight any overlooked sealing issues to retailers.

Taking the time to ensure all seams are fully sealed will reward you with rainwear that repels moisture rather than leaking it inside. Don’t settle for corner-cutting construction.

Pick Bright Colors for Visibility on Rainy Days

When selecting rain jackets and pants, consider choosing high-visibility colors to help you stand out on gray, rainy days. Vivid colors improve your safety and visibility to motorists in low light.

The best rainwear colors for enhanced visibility are glossy yellows, oranges, reds, greens, or blues. Reflective accents add even more nighttime visibility when illuminated.

Bold solid colors or color-blocked designs give you a constant bright presence as you walk, cycle, or work on overcast days with poor visibility. Passing vehicles can spot you more easily.

High-visibility rainwear is especially important if you frequently walk along roadways without sidewalks or cycle on narrow shoulders. Contrasting colors alert drivers to your location.

For outdoor work crews, high-visibility rain bibs and jackets prevent accidents around job sites with moving equipment and vehicles. Safety regulations often mandate highly visible workwear.

Standing out on the sidelines at rainy sporting events also benefits from brightly colored rain suits. You’ll stay visible to players and spectators navigating crowded bleachers.

Brands like Helly Hansen, Carhartt, and Reflections incorporate high-visibility colors and reflective detailing into their designs. Look for jackets with 360-degree reflective striping.

Choosing rain gear in bright, eye-catching tones provides an extra level of protection. Don’t camouflage yourself in dreary gray or black rainwear.

Look for Adjustable Features to Get the Perfect Fit

Well-fitting rainwear performs and protects better, so look for jackets and pants with adjustable elements you can tailor to your body shape and size. Adjustability features help achieve the ideal fit.

Jackets benefit from adjustable hoods you can tighten or loosen to maintain visibility without sagging over your face. Adjustable cuffs and hems seal out drafts while accommodating layering underneath.

Choose jackets with adjustable waist cords or drawstrings that cinch in for a trimmer silhouette. Side cinch cords also customize the fit in the torso and prevent billowing.

For rain pants, look for adjustable leg openings you can tighten over boots or waders. Elastic or adjustable waistbands allow you to adapt the fit in response to bigger meals or extra underlayers.

Suspenders on bib-style rain pants should be fully adjustable to achieve an optimal fit. Bibs ride up if the straps don’t match your proportions.

Trying on rainwear with adjustable elements lets you play with the fit before buying to make sure you can achieve full coverage without restrictive tightness or excessive loose material.

Major outdoor brands like Marmot, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research incorporate adjustability into their designs for dialing in the perfect fit.

Don’t settle for non-adjustable rainwear that leaves you drowned in baggy material or restricts your mobility. Seek out options to customize for your needs.

Check the Waterproof and Breathability Ratings

When evaluating rain jackets and pants, take note of the specific waterproofing and breathability ratings, which indicate how well gear protects from wetness versus overheating.

Waterproofness is measured in millimeters on a scale indicating the height of water a fabric can withstand before leaking. 15,000mm to 20,000mm is ideal for heavy rain. Under 10,000mm offers only light rain protection.

Breathability is measured in grams reflecting the amount of water vapor that can pass through fabric per square meter over 24 hours. Around 15,000-20,000g/m2 provides adequate ventilation for active use.

Quality rainwear from Marmot, Outdoor Research, Patagonia and other specialty brands displays these ratings prominently on tags and online product info. Rating terminology can vary between manufacturers.

Pay close attention to waterproof ratings on jackets, as leakage often occurs if ratings fall below 10,000mm. Focus more on breathability with rain pants to avoid overheating.

Comparing ratings between products gives you a more standardized metric to judge expected performance. Evaluating ratings will correlate closely with real-world testing.

Beware very high ratings that seem exaggerated. 30,000mm waterproofing may look better on paper but doesn’t reflect much added benefit over 20,000mm.

Letting waterproof and breathability ratings guide your rainwear purchases helps remove some of the guesswork. The numbers provide helpful insight when evaluating options.

Get Rain Gear That Packs Down Small for Travel

If you need rain protection while hiking, backpacking, or traveling, prioritize jackets and pants designed to compress down into your luggage without taking up much space.

Lightweight nylon rain shells with minimal insulation compress down the smallest when packed. Higher-end waterproof/breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex are ideal for their performance and packability.

Jackets should stuff down into their own pocket or integrated stow pouch. Pants that fold down to hip size work better than full-length. Durable ripstop nylon holds up well when packed.

Outdoor brands like Marmot, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research make their shell jackets and pants packable for traveling adventurers. Features like zippered side pockets and adjustable hoods don’t add bulk.

If you’ll be packing rain gear frequently, don’t choose heavy rubberized or PVC styles that take up maximum space. Seek light, thin, and breathable fabrics instead.

It’s useful to try packing down different rain jackets and pants at the store to assess compressed size. Fold and roll pieces to determine real-world packability.

You don’t want bulky rainwear monopolizing precious space in your luggage. Pick packable styles that compress down for on-the-go weather protection anywhere.

Consider Athletic Rain Gear for Sports Practices

Playing sports and training outdoors in the rain requires high-performance rainwear built to withstand athletic activity. Specialized athletic rain jackets and pants allow movement while shedding moisture.

Look for athletic rain gear made with light, breathable fabrics like microfiber polyester that won’t cling to your skin when active. Seamless construction enhances range of motion.

Jackets benefit from underarm vents and mesh lining that release heat and sweat vapor on high-exertion runs or rides. Adjustable hoods and cuffs seal out moisture while accommodating motion.

Pants and bibs should have articulated knees that contour to natural movement. Stretchy elastic waistbands and cuffs prevent ride up and keep rain from running down legs.

Reflective elements and bright colors are key for visibility on overcast days. Zippered pockets securely hold essentials like keys and fuel gels.

Brands like Pearl Izumi, Marmot, and Helly Hansen design high-performance rainwear for training, cycling, and playing through storms while staying cool and dry.

Trying on athletic rain gear allows you to simulate movement and ensure unrestricted mobility. Utilize outdoor store treadmills and stationary bikes while testing pieces.

With the right athletic-tuned rainwear, bad weather won’t deter you from training. Seek out technical features that maximize performance while protecting from the elements.

Buy Windproof Options for Chilly, Wet Weather

Wind and rain together can create miserably cold conditions. Look for windproof rain jackets and pants designed to retain warmth in blustery storms.

Windproof rain gear uses tightly woven outer fabric layers that act as wind barriers. Inner insulation layers like fleece trap body heat to prevent chill.

Jackets benefit from snug hoods, tall collars, adjustable cuffs, and drawcords that seal out biting wind. Bib pants provide full leg coverage and warmth.

Hardshell rain jackets from Marmot, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research incorporate windproofing for active pursuits like winter hiking, sailing, and mountaineering. Carhartt makes rugged wind-resistant bibs.

In seriously cold rain, layer windproof jackets over insulated parkas and rain pants over fleece long johns for warmth. Wool socks add insulation in boots.

Trying on windproof rainwear demonstrates how well drafts are blocked while allowing breathability. Move around to test jacket and pant coverage when reaching or crouching.

Don’t assume regular rain gear will retain warmth in wind and chilling rain. Seek specific windproof or wind-resistant options that protect you from the amplified cold.

Opt for Lightweight Nylon or Polyester Fabrics

When shopping for rain jackets and pants, stick with lightweight nylon or polyester shells for versatile durability, packability, and mobility.

Compared to rubber, plastic, and heavy vinyl materials, nylon and polyester are more breathable, flexible, and comfortable against the skin when sweating.

Modern technical nylon/poly fabrics like Gore-Tex, Pertex Shield+, and H2No are waterproof yet weigh just a few ounces for easy packing. They dry quickly after getting wet.

Uncoated nylon and polyester still repel light-moderate rain. For heavy downpours, look for durable water repellent (DWR) chemical coatings that maintain breathability.

Ripstop nylon and polyester woven with reinforced interlocking fibers resist tearing when caught on branches or brush. This adds durability.

Outdoor brands like Marmot and Outdoor Research utilize high-quality nylon and polyester to balance weight, weather protection, breathability, and mobility.

Try moving around in nylon/poly rain layers and cheaper vinyl or plastic styles to feel the difference. Focus on unrestricted mobility.

Unless you need absolute waterproofing for marine use, lightweight nylon and polyester rainwear offers versatility for active lifestyles in most conditions.