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The rain sometimes improves a bite, but it can also take the fun out of being on the water unless you have rain gear for fishing. Many beginning anglers make the mistake of buying subpar rain gear, figuring that it’ll be “good enough” or that they won’t ever get caught in a bad storm. That’s a mistake, and one of my fishing mentor pointed out to me early in my fishing career. When I asked him what I should buy with some extra cash, figuring he’d suggest a particular rod or reel, he replied bluntly: “The best rain gear you can afford.”
At that time, in the mid-1990s, there were relatively few top-notch options made specifically for anglers. Today, we live in a golden age of rain gear. Whether you want a heavy parka or light jacket, bibs or pants, there’s an option out there that will keep you dry. From my years of covering professional bass tournaments and as a tournament angler, I’ve tested nearly all the rain suit options on the market. Here are my picks for the best rain gear for fishing.
- Best for Fly Fishing: Simms Challenger
- Best for Women: Gill Women’s Coastal
- Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite
- Best for Saltwater: Grundens Ironclad
- Best Packable: Simms Flyweight
- Best Ultralight: Free Fly Headwind Jacket
- Best for Cold Weather: Stormr Strykr
- Best for Big Guys: AFTCO Big Guy Hydronaut
How We Chose the Best Rain Gear for Fishing
I’ve worn my rain gear in snowy bass tournaments and in 98-degree temperatures in the Amazonian jungle. Most importantly, I keep at least one set in my boat at all times, ready to go. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always take the best care of my gear, crumpling them all up in a ball and putting them away wet, but the best gear is remarkably forgiving. As noted above, get the best you can afford or you’ll end up buying more in the not-too-distant future. Ideally, you should look forward to fishing in the rain and the potentially positive impacts on the bite.
Best Rain Gear for Fishing: Reviews & Recommendations
Best for Fly Fishing: Simms Challenger
Key Features
- Durable two-layer Toray shell with DWR finish
- Shell made of fully recycled material
- Waterproof, breathable
- Comfortable polyester lining
- Adjustable storm hood rolls up behind collar
- Zippered chest pocket with interior sunglasses chamois
- Drawcord bottom hem with kill switch D-ring attachment
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ample pockets
- Comfortable, breathable
- Fit nicely over waders
- Jacket shell fully recycled material
Cons
- Not fully sealed
- Not heavy duty
It can be a challenge to find rain gear that fits properly over waders, provides day long insulation, and is also comfortable. The Challenger rain gear from Simms checks all those boxes, at a relatively reasonable price point. Simms has had this line of rain gear for several years but it recently underwent an overhaul that includes using fully recycled material in the outer shell. While this could lead to some speculation about performance, I didn’t notice a difference throughout an entire season of heavy use. The fact that this rain gear is both sustainable and performs is impressive.
The Challenger jacket is also surprisingly warm for being so light, and it kept me warm throughout long days on the water. The fleece-lined pockets are one of my favorite features and gave my numb digits relief while fishing in sub-freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, the pocket interiors are not fully waterproof, so be careful not to have them zipped down during heavy rainfall.
The Challenger jacket shines when wading or fly fishing off a raft or drift boat. Its extra length and numerous adjustment points provide for a solid upper shell over waders while being lightweight and agile enough to cast and move about comfortably.
The Challenger Rain Suit is an excellent option for anglers looking for comfort and warmth without extra bulk. While I wouldn’t recommend it for bushwhacking into a remote creek, it’s the perfect rain gear for an everyday angler who wants to stay dry and comfortable without being weighed down or dropping a fortune. If you need a durable and extremely waterproof rain suit, check out the Simms CX. —Kevin Hughes
Best for Women: Gill Women’s Coastal
Key Features
- XPLORE two-layer fabric construction
- Hi-Viz hood with two-way adjustment system
- Jacket available in Ocean Blue or bright red
Pros
- Built specifically for female body shapes
- XPel stain-resistant technology
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Bibs only available in graphite color
For decades women who wanted premium angling rain gear had to buy products tailored to a generic male physique. Gradually, that’s changed, and Gill has led the way with this high-quality trouser and parka set made specifically for female bodies. These aren’t just generic rain gear that fit women well, they’re one of the best rain gear for fishing—highly water-repellent, stain-resistant, and breathable. My wife, who’d worn ill-fitting male-centric gear for years, was thrilled with her Gill gear, and literally cried when it disappeared on a trip. It meant that much to her ability to withstand the elements. Fortunately, she quickly got another Gill suit, and while it’s not inexpensive, it still cost less than many comparable suits—many of which do not block out the elements nearly as well.
Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite
Key Features
- Adjustable hood with cord locks
- Storm flap over front jacket zipper
- Elastic cuffs and waist
Pros
- Lightweight material is remarkably durable
- Highly compressible and packable
- Elastic waist and wide cuffs make it easy to put on
Cons
- Lacks features like lined pockets available in more expensive rain gear
There are inexpensive rainsuits, and there are cheap rain suits—and no one can call this offering from frogg toggs cheap. It does a fantastic job of keeping the elements out at a fraction of the competition’s. You may give up some features, but the price point allows you to purchase multiples, so you’ll never get caught out in the elements. Want proof that it works? Plenty of top tournament anglers I’ve interviewed and fished with can afford the pricier best rain gear for fishing, but they choose this option because it allows for great comfort without sacrificing waterproofness. One important thing to note is that while the Ultra-Lites are one of the best rain gear fishing, they aren’t the most durable. If you’re going to be hiking through brush or are planning a trip to Alaska, invest in a more durable set of fishing rain gear.
Best for Saltwater: Grundens Ironclad
Key Features
- 100 percent nylon with film lamination and Teflon
- Shingled neoprene cuff
- Seamless shoulder, neck, and side construction
Pros
- Reinforced knees and cuffs to stand up to decks and other abrasive surfaces
- Hi-visibility yellow fabric for emergency situations
- Sizes from XS to 3X available
Cons
- Hood not vented
The Grundens name is synonymous with saltwater durability, and while they’ve been making inroads in freshwater markets in recent years, the proof of their bulletproof quality resides in their salty heritage. You see their suits on deckhands from the party boats of the northeast as well as the commercial crabbers off Alaska. Outdoor Life staff writer, Tyler Freel, even used Grundens Tourney rain gear while caribou hunting in Alaska.
Historically durable rain gear were bulky, non-breathable suits that could be hosed off and ready to go again. Now, the stain resistance and reinforcements persist, but with added breathability and comfort. Grundens offers a wide range of collections and various price points, but the Ironclad set is the most feature-packed of the bunch. If you want the best rain gear for fishing in saltwater, or extreme conditions they are the ones to buy.
Best Packable: Simms Flyweight
Key Features
- Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
- Dark stone and storm colors
- Zippered chest pockets and hand pockets
Pros
- Gore-Tex reliability
- Adjustable brimmed hood sheds rain when pulled up
- Self-stowing pouch with clips to attach to Simms waders and packs
Cons
- More expensive than many other packable suits
Whether you’re traveling into the Amazon rainforest or the Alaskan bush, you may be limited on packing weight and space, but you’re nevertheless almost certainly going to be exposed to the elements. That makes premier and packable fishing rain gear a must-have. Even if you never visit either of those places, you still may not be in a position to bring a bulky suit wherever you go. Simms has sacrificed nothing in constructing their Flyweight products, yet they take up minimal space. If I’ve learned one thing over 40 years of fishing is that you never leave home without some sort of rain protection, and the diminutive size of this set means you’ll always have space to stuff it. The components fit securely and keep the rain out.
Best Ultralight: Free Fly Headwind Jacket
Free Fly
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight
- Topped with DWR finish for water resistance
- Packs down to a minimal size
Pros
- Articulated hood for maximum vision
- Subtle, natural colors
- Wide range of sizes from S to XXL
Cons
- No matching rain pants
If you’re not sure that you’ll need protection from the rain, but want some insurance, this super-packable jacket is capable and takes up almost no space. The Headwind Jacket is so paper-thin that it doesn’t feel like it should be able to repel any level of wind or rain, but somehow it does. I’ve worn it for a day of walking around Charleston in a downpour, as well as multiple days of fishing in tropical climates and it hasn’t let me down.
The fabric may feel like it’s made for a drugstore poncho, but this is space age stuff and carries features — like an articulated hood and full-motion sleeves — only found in the highest quality rain protection. Throw it in your luggage, your car, your briefcase, or a fanny pack and you’ll always have some protection. It’s not ideal alone for colder climates, but you’ll be surprised at how often it saves you from showing up drenched or heading into the marina with chattering teeth.
Best for Cold Weather: Stormr Strykr
Stormr
Key Features
- Neoprene core
- Three layers including water repellent outer shell
Pros
- Form-fitting adjustable hood
- Sealed seams
- 5 pounds of positive buoyancy
Cons
- Not 100 percent waterproof, just water-repellent
This suit has more mobility than a snowmobile suit, yet keeps anglers every bit as dry and comfortable even in sub-freezing conditions. I first learned about the Strykr suit at Grand Lake for a Bassmaster Classic where it was 9 degrees at takeoff. No matter what I did, I couldn’t stay both warm and mobile, yet the pros wearing this were moving around their boats as if it were summertime. I bought one immediately afterward, and I wear it every time I fish if the temperatures will not get above 40. What’s really nice is that you don’t need significant layers underneath — just a sweatshirt and jeans are enough to keep you warm.
It’ll take some getting used to, because the neoprene is more form-fitting than traditional rain suits, but that will happen in short order. It has neoprene cuffs and Velcro in all the right places to prevent moisture creep, and there’s even positive floatation to help you get back in the boat should you fall in. The seams are glued, stitched, and taped so that you can be sure your cell phone and other valuables don’t get destroyed. Even if you just use it a few times a year, this one is well worth the investment, and compared to other raingear it’s not terribly costly.
Best for Big Guys: AFTCO Big Guy Hydronaut
Key Features
- Two layer 100 percent nylon shell with 100 percent polyester mesh lining
- Vented hood
- Rubberized internal sleeve cuffs
- Optional camera mount
- Sizes: 3XL to 5X
Pros
- Comfortable adjustable shoulder system
- Adjustable leakproof side zippers on bibs
- Sizes up to 5X available
Cons
- Only comes in charcoal
- No tall sizes
AFTCO has a legendary history in saltwater, and they’ve made a heavy push in recent years to provide clothing aimed at freshwater anglers. This suit covers fresh and saltwater, and it’ll also cover up big guys without restricting their motion. The bibs cover your full chest, and both the bibs and the parkas provide pockets in all the right places. They’re easy-on, easy-off, and offer a full range of angler-specific options—like a place to mount your action camera and a pocket specifically made for pliers, so you don’t have to dig to find them when you need them most. Comfort shouldn’t mean that you have to sacrifice functionality, no matter your size, and guys up to 5X will appreciate that this rain suit is the best of all worlds.
Things to Consider Before Buying Rain Gear for Fishing
The best rain gear for fishing is gear you’ll have for a long time, so consider the options carefully and choose wisely. Here are some factors consider when making your choice.
Pants vs. Bibs
I strongly believe that all other things being equal, bibs will keep you drier than pants and that makes them an obvious choice for most situations. However, I also get that they’re harder to get on and off, they make it harder to relieve yourself, and they tend to be bulkier. Don’t sacrifice breathability or dryness, but figure out which you’ll want to keep on through the rain.
Jacket vs. Parka
A parka will hang lower across your back, which means your butt won’t get wet if you sit on a damp seat, but again, it’s typically heavier and a bit more restrictive.
Price Point
What can you afford to spend? Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be pennywise and pound foolish. Believe me, early in my fishing life I bought a bargain basement, untested rain suit, and quickly found out that it wasn’t much better than having nothing at all. It was a sunk cost, and it’s long been relegated to the dustbin of history and replaced by better gear.
What Features Matter
If you use a GoPro or another action camera, a proper mounting point may be critical, but if you don’t it may just get in the way. In cold weather, fleece-lined hand warming pockets are essential but maybe not so much if you live in Florida. Most of these features cannot be ordered a la carte, so find the one that has all of your “must haves” and fewer of your “don’t needs.”
FAQs
Anglers use a wide range of rain gear for fishing, but the most common are bibs and jackets made from goretex or rubber. Top brands are Simms, Grundens, and frogg toggs.
Rain gear for fishing can cost between $50 to $1,000 for a bib and jacket set. More expensive rain gear fits better, keeps you dry longer, and is more durable. Inexpensive rain gear works well for emergencies or occasional use.
The best warm weather rain gear is lightweight and breathable. Consider the frogg toggs Ultra-Lite or the Grundens Tourney for warm weather rain protection.
Final Thoughts
You could send me on a fishing trip to the desert in the dry season, and I’d still take one along a rainsuit. Squalls seemingly have a way of popping up when they’re least expected, and even if it’s not cold you can quickly get uncomfortable. In a worst-case scenario, you could suffer from hypothermia. So, invest in the best rain gear for fishing and you’ll never have to worry about rain ruining your day.
- Best for Fly Fishing: Simms Challenger
- Best for Big Guys: AFTCO Big Guy Hydronaut
- Best for Women: Gill Women’s Coastal
- Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite
- Best for Saltwater: Grundens Ironclad
- Best Packable: Simms Flyweight
- Best Ultralight: Free Fly Headwind Jacket
- Best for Cold Weather: Stormr Strykr
