Stay dry, stay alive
Wet gear turns a cold night into a dangerous one. These twenty picks keep you, your kit, and your camp dry, from a six-ounce shell to a fully submersible duffel and a tarp you can pitch anywhere.
Tiers ($ / $$ / $$$) are relative price bands within this category, not exact prices. Live pricing, stock, and official reviews are always shown on Amazon.
#1 Best SellerRank #1$Jacket and pants that weigh under a pound and pack into their own stuff sack; unbeatable value.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Top RatedRank #2$$NanoPro waterproof-breathable shell with pit zips and a stowable hood; the trail standard.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Top RatedRank #3$70D nylon roll-top with a rigid hypalon closure; the go-to for organizing a pack.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
BombproofRank #4$$70D ripstop with 20,000mm waterproof rating and 19 reinforced tie-outs; bombproof camp cover.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Editor’s ChoiceRank #5$$$Gore-Tex membrane and an aggressive Contagrip sole; light enough for fast miles in the wet.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Best ValueRank #6$Omni-Tech seam-sealed shell that packs into its own pocket; the best budget everyday rain layer.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Best SellerRank #7$500D PVC roll-top pack with padded straps and a waterproof phone case included.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Multi-RoleRank #8$$Insulated poncho that converts to a sleeping bag or underquilt; a true multi-role shelter piece.
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UltralightRank #9$$$Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric at just 6.3 oz; disappears in a pack until the sky opens.
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Best for GroupsRank #10$12x12 polyester tarp with poles-optional pitching; covers a whole picnic table in a downpour.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Top RatedRank #11$$$Full-height Gore-Tex gaiters with a Cordura instep; keeps boots dry through snow and creek crossings.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Premium PickRank #12$$$Fully submersible HydroLok zipper and a laminated high-density nylon shell; overbuilt in the best way.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Best ValueRank #13$Ripstop poncho with grommeted corners that doubles as a ground sheet or emergency tarp.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Best SellerRank #14$$Comfortable out of the box with a Vibram sole and M Select DRY membrane; the most popular boot on the trail.
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Bushcraft FavoriteRank #15$$19 attachment points on a 3x3m square; the bushcraft community favorite for versatile pitches.
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Pack EssentialRank #16$Fitted rain cover with a hipbelt and harness strap to keep it in place in high wind.
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Top RatedRank #17$$DryVent 2.5L shell with pit-zip venting and an adjustable hood; a reliable daily driver.
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Heavy DutyRank #18$$$Commercial-fishing-grade PVC bibs that laugh at sideways rain; built for all-day exposure.
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Cold-Weather PickRank #19$$100% waterproof neoprene and rubber rated to -40F; the homestead and hunting-blind standard.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Kit EssentialRank #20$Waterproof, windproof heat-reflective bivy that weighs 3.8 oz; belongs in every survival kit.
Current price and availability shown on Amazon
Rain gear keeps water off you. A filter makes the water you find safe to drink.
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