In this guide we’ll look at the best rain gear for fishing.
We’ve compared waterproofing, breathability, comfort and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Rain Gear for Fishing?
More Detailed Fishing Rain Gear Reviews
Coleman PVC/Nylon Fishing Rain Suit
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Coleman PVC/Nylon Fishing Rain Suit Review
This simple suit gets the job done effectively at a very competitive price point. It was my first purchase of fishing rain gear, and it’s stood the test of time. Made of waterproof 20mm PVC with a nylon lining, the Coleman suit has kept me completely dry, even in heavy rain. The suit includes both a jacket (with hood) and pants.
There are two large pockets for storage, plus two slit pockets allow you access to your pant pockets underneath. The hood, cuffs, and waist are all adjustable to ensure good fit and comfort, plus front and back vents allow airflow. With some base layers underneath, this rain suit does a fantastic job keeping you warm even in cold, windy, and inclement weather.
Finally, the Coleman suit is relatively lightweight; I find it pretty easy to move around it, and despite this, it’s still quite durable.
Bottom line: A fantastic option if you want an full body rain suit that performs reliably at a reasonable price. It gets my vote for the best fishing rain gear for the money. It’s also among the best rain gear for commercial fishing, thanks to its function, performance, durability, and comfort.
Frogg Toggs Pilot II Guide Fishing Rain Jacket
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Frogg Toggs Pilot II Guide Fishing Rain Jacket Review
With its removable hood and adjustable waist, the Frogg Toggs jacket can be adapted for maximum fit and comfort. I like the adjustability of this rain jacket, since I can wear it comfortably either on its own, or layered over other sweaters or light jackets.
There are chest and handwarmer pockets for storage. The handwarmer pockets are a lifesaver on cold wet days. The jacket also has some D-rings, which are useful for attaching tools.
This jacket combines good air circulation with solid waterproofing, including splash-resistant zippers. It features multiple layers of material: The outer layer is a Teflon DWR-coated polyester which is durable and lightweight. The middle layer is made of Dri2Pore, which is super waterproof. And the inner layer is a soft tricot fabric.
Given how warm, waterproof, and durable this coat is, it’s also impressively lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. Overall, the Frogg Toggs Pilot II holds up great in cold, windy, wet weather and will keep you dry and warm. I often pack it along with me on trips to Alaska, especially when I’m planning on salmon fishing.
WindRider Pro Foul Weather Fishing Gear
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WindRider Pro Foul Weather Fishing Gear Review
This full-body rain suit—including bibs and jacket—is seriously effective and extremely convenient for any angler. First of all, there’s tons of storage, starting with four chest pockets, two of which are fleece-lined for warming up your hands. Two thigh pockets provide additional storage for various tools and accessories. Altogether, you’ve got 13 pockets in this jacket/bibs combo.
In addition, the WindRider suit is very comfortable, which is important for long days outside. The shoulders and ankles are adjustable to ensure a perfect fit, and the fabric repels water while also letting your skin breathe. The high fleece-lined collar keeps your neck warm, and the sleeve cuffs are designed to keep water out.
The suit also features reinforced knees for great durability. I’ve worn mine out in some pretty rough conditions, and so far the material has been up to the challenge with no major wear and tear. The double zippers are another awesome feature—these allow you to empty any water out of the bibs without removing them. The WindRider is on the more expensive side, but in my opinion it’s worth the investment.
Frogg Toggs Toadz Firebelly Fishing Rain Jacket
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Frogg Toggs Toadz Firebelly Fishing Rain Jacket Review
Rounding out my list is an awesome rain jacket at a relatively affordable price. This zippered coat is rain and windproof, made from durable but lightweight material.
With its elastic waist and adjustable neoprene cuffs, this jacket can easily be adjusted for comfort and fit. It has zippered front and chest pockets that offer plenty of storage, and there are also handwarmer pockets.
Bottom line: this Frogg Toggs jacket offers solid quality and value, combining thoughtful design features with impressive durability. When I’m fishing, I like to pair it with some waders and a merino wool base layer, and it also does the job when hiking or hunting.
Fishing Rain Gear Buying Guide
Which factors should you consider when buying fishing rain gear? How should you prioritize? This section will discuss some major factors and help you decide which rain gear is right for you.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is obviously an incredibly important feature of a rain jacket—probably the most important feature. The rain gear listed here all performs very well in rainy and inclement weather.
The Frogg Toggs Pilot II jacket, for example, boasts multilayered fabric including Teflon DWR-coated polyester and a middle layer of Dri2Pore material, plus splash-resistant zippers. My top pick, the Coleman Rain ,Suit, is made of PVC; it seals the water out without springing leaks.
Windproofing
On windy days, you’ll enjoy having a rain jacket that doubles as a decent windbreaker. I’ve chosen options that I think provide both wind- and waterproofing, since these two factors are essential for having fun on fishing trips in rough weather.
Jackets like the Frogg Toggs Toadz Firebelly work well for cutting the wind.
Breathability
Breathability is always a concern when I’m buying a raincoat—I need a material that keeps the water OUT but does not trap sweat IN. That’s another reason I live the Navis Marine Coastal Sailing Jacket, which has ventilation to keep air moving and let your body breathe.
Pockets
I can never have too many pockets, especially when fishing. I always end up filling them up with things: tools, bait, extra hooks, extra lien and leader, sinkers, snacks, and so on. The WindRider bibs and jacket performs especially well in this category, but the others on this list have ample pocket storage too.
Comfort
Overall comfort can’t be overestimated. If you feel awkward and uncomfortable, you’ll be in for some really short fishing trips. Most importantly, pay attention to the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines before ordering. If possible, try some on in person to see how effortless you can walk and move around.
You can also look for features like adjustable cuffs, waists, and hoods, which let you tailor your rain gear to your body.
Finally, lightweight, flexible, breathable material is a big help in letting you move around fluidly without feeling weighed down. I’ve chosen the five rain jackets/suits here with this in mind.
Conclusion
While there are no guarantees that you’ll stay 100% dry while fishing (there’s a lot of water involved after all), this rain gear is as close as you can get to that guarantee. Since investing in some decent rain gear for myself, I’ve found that I go fishing much more often since my plans are no longer derailed by rainy days.