What started as that fun hunt can quickly devolve into a soaked experience if you’re unprepared for the rain. Just imagine being miles away from your vehicle, hearing nature’s song of raindrops and crunching leaves, and slowly leaking into your clothes. What began as an exhilarating adventure has just turned into an endurance test.
More than just keeping dry, the right hunting rain gear comes with comfort, mobility, and stealth throughout the pursuit. With all the options available, how do you know which gear will perform under pressure?
With these five practical tips, you’ll find exactly what you need to choose the best hunting rain gear to help you stay dry and focused against whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Whether battling through thick forests or waiting silently in the marsh, the right gear can be your best friend.
Contents
1. Check Waterproof and Breathability
The primary function of any rain gear used for hunting is to keep you dry. But, of course, staying dry on the outside is only half the battle. If your gear traps moisture and sweat inside, you’ll be just as uncomfortable in short order as if the rain-soaked you. That’s why waterproofing and breathability go hand in hand.
The best hunting rain gear deals with this by using materials that are a trade-off between waterproof protection and breathability. God for gear that can block off rain while allowing sweat to evaporate. One that helps tiny sweat-vapor molecules to escape while keeping larger water droplets from entering. This prevents any moisture build-up inside your clothing while keeping the rain out.
Select gear with a polyethene membrane or similar technology for the more extreme ones. These materials sacrifice some breathability for better waterproofing that would be ideal to use in conditions where hard rain exists.
2. Select Gear Based on Your Environment and Climate
Different hunting environments and seasons indeed call for different types of rain gear. The rain gear you’ll use in a spring turkey hunt in the South isn’t the same as that applied to late-season elk hunting in the Rockies. That, in turn, means considering the specific climate and topography where you’ll be hunting when choosing your rain gear.
In areas where the weather is perpetually wet and hard, like Alaska or the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want to break out heavier, more robust rain gear. Meanwhile, jackets with high waterproof ratings—above 20,000mm—can be manufactured with reinforced materials to keep you dry in torrential downpours.
The key is to find the gear that offers the right level of waterproofing for your environment without adding bulk or weight. There’s much to be said for ruggedness in gear, but for hunting, stealth and mobility come first.
3. Pay Attention to Noise and Mobility
The material of your rain gear makes all the difference in the field in being quiet; many times, it’s the difference between success or a blown hunt. When stalking game—especially deer or elk—any noise from your clothing can easily alert animals to your presence. Because of that, it’s really important to opt for rain gear made from quiet fabrics.
Certain waterproof materials, such as nylon or polyester, are extremely loud when they rub together. A better choice would be rain gear made from soft-shell fabrics—designed for quietness—or those with fleece-lined materials.
Plus, rain gear should offer a full range of motion. Features such as articulated knees, stretch fabrics, and adjustable cuffs will make this possible and ensure your gear doesn’t get in the way when you have to draw your bow or shoulder your rifle.
4. Durability and Reinforced Seams Are Key
Another important factor in the selection of hunting rain gear is durability. Hunting usually involves trekking on rough terrain, crawling through underbrush, and sitting for hours in wet or muddy conditions. Your rain gear must be strong enough to bear all this torture without tearing or letting leaks in.
Among the most important features to look at is reinforced seams: usually, the seams in some rain gear are the weakest because they might leak or allow water to seep. Any high-quality hunting rain gear must possess fully taped or welded seams, closed off to prevent leaks.
In addition to seam protection, reinforced areas on the elbows, knees, and seat provide added durability for some rain gear. This extra protection will be especially welcome when you kneel or sit for extended periods.
5. Weight and Packability
Weight and packability are other factors you should consider when hunting rain gear. You wouldn’t want to be stuck carrying heavy, bulky gears that slow you down or occupy too much space in your pack. Happily, many of today’s rain jackets and pants are designed to be lightweight and compressible, easily stowed away when not in use.
Conversely, when you’ll be outside in a rainstorm for a very long period, you’ll have to sacrifice some of your weight savings for more durability.
Bottom Line
There’s no single choice for the best hunting rain gear. Your environment, the type of game you are after, and personal preferences will all combine to determine what’s right for you.
You should consider waterproofing, breathability, quietness, durability, and packability to keep you dry, comfortable, and focused on the hunt. Whether you’re battling the rain in backcountry Alaska or just dodging a drizzle on a turkey hunt, proper rain gear equips you for whatever weather throws you.
