Updated March 2023
With rain in the forecast, many hunters avoid the woods, dreading the thought of getting wet and the discomfort that comes with it. But what happens when you’re on a multi-day hunt and you can’t afford to waste any days not hunting? This is where quality rain gear can make or break a hunt. Quality rain gear allows you stay in the field longer, while other hunters leave to get hot coffee. The longer you can stay dry and comfortable, the better your chances for tagging a trophy animal. On top of this, there are many benefits to hunting in the rain that lead to increased deer movement. This article will cover what to look for in a quality set of rain gear and reviews of some of the best rain gear available.
List of Recommended Rain Gear for Bowhunting
- Frogg Toggs Classic All-Sport Rain Suit
- SITKA Gear Downpour Jacket and Pants
- Cabela’s Space Rain Jacket and Pants
- ScentBlocker Drencher Jacket and Pants
- Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 Rain Suit
- Badlands Bail Waterproof Jacket and Pants
- First Lite Vapor Stormlight Ultralight Rain Jacket
- Redhead Squaltex Scentinel Bone Dry Jacket and Pants
- Cabela’s MTO50 Quiet Pack Rain Jacket and Pants
- Under Armour Gore-Tex Essential Hybrid Jacket and Pants
- Kryptek Jupiter Waterproof Jacket and Pants
- Arcturus Ripstop Rain Poncho
How to Choose Rain Gear and Things to Consider When Purchasing
- Waterproof vs. Water Resistant – Although they sound the same, there is a considerable difference between waterproof and water-resistant material. Waterproof means that the material is impermeable to water, offering the highest level of protection. Water resistant means that the material is able to resist the penetration of water up to a certain point, but not completely. In short, waterproof is the way to go as it provides 100% dryness. Gore-Tex material is the gold standard of waterproofing and breathability and is guaranteed to keep you completely dry.
- Weight – Rain gear comes in a variety of thicknesses, weights and insulation levels. If weight and bulkiness is a concern, sticking with a packable rain suit is your best option. A lightweight rain gear set is probably best if you plan on hiking long distances. Alternatively, an insulated rain gear set should be considered if you will be hunting in mostly cold and wet conditions where weight is less of a concern.
- Breathability – Some rain gear is more breathable than others. Breathability is important to allow moisture to escape when you are sweating so you stay dry underneath. Gore-Tex is a great material that provides 100% waterproofing and is also breathable.
- Material – It is important to pay attention to the material of rain gear. Some materials are louder and crunchier than others, which is important when you are bowhunting. Material such as polyester is almost completely quiet and will prevent spooking deer.
- Price – Rain gear varies drastically in price, mostly based on how dry it will keep you. A basic poncho can cost under $20, whereas a full Gore-Tex jacket and pants set comes with a premium price tag and can cost over $500. The good news is that there are options for just about any budget.
12 Best Rain Gear Options for Bowhunting
1. Frogg Toggs Classic All-Sport Rain Suit – The All-Sport rain suit by Frogg Toggs is constructed with a polypropylene non-woven fabric that is waterproof, wind resistant and breathable. The full length jacket is long enough to fit over pants to avoid runoff and the pants feature an elastic waist with adjustable leg openings. This lightweight, yet durable rain suit by Frogg Toggs is completely flexible and made to keep you dry at an affordable price.
2. SITKA Gear Downpour Jacket – The SITKA Downpour Jacket is a premium 3-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket that is constructed with 100% waterproof laminate that is breathable, yet minimally built for easy storage. This jacket is specifically designed with a longer back to help shed water when in the seated position. The tapered forearms and elbows reduce string contact while maximizing range of motion. This whitetail-specific jacket has a waterproof harness pass-through port making it wearable with a treestand harness. The Downpour jacket also has a matching pair of pants.
3. Cabela’s Space Rain Jacket – Cabela’s Space Rain Jacket is one of the smallest, lightest and packable rain suits available. This jacket also has a matching pair of pants. The Space Rain suit takes up minimal space and is both compact and portable, making it perfect for keeping in a backpack without taking up much room. The 100% waterproof and breathable design keeps you completely dry and is constructed with a 4-way stretch fabric for increased mobility and range of motion. The 4-inch extended drop tail of the jacket helps keep runoff away from your legs. If you’re looking for an effective rain suit that is small and easy to transport, this is your best option.
4. ScentBlocker Drencher Jacket – The ScentBlocker Drencher Jacket is a lightweight and breathable jacket that also has a matching pair of pants. This rain suit combines ScentBlocker’s odor control technology with their completely waterproof RainBlocker material that has taped seams for added protection. The soft brushed fabric makes it quiet while also keeping you warm and dry. The Drencher jacket is designed to keep you totally dry and able to stay out longer in the field.
5. Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 Rain Suit – The Ultra-Lite 2 rain suit by Frogg Toggs is another favorite of hunters and outdoorsman alike. The thin, non-woven fabric provides superior protection to the elements and is both waterproof and wind-resistant. The lightweight design of this rain suit compresses easily and is perfect for backpacks. On top of this, the Ultra-Lite 2 is completely breathable to eliminate sweat and keep you dry underneath.
6. Badlands Bail Waterproof Jacket – This Bail waterproof jacket by Badlands is an ultra-light rain shell that packs down into its own pocket. The 100% waterproof design features 2.5 layers of waterproof material with reinforced waterproofing on zippers and seams. Weighing in at under a pound, this jacket is perfect for bringing with you on a hunt when you don’t know what weather conditions may be and is nice to have when that surprise storm rolls in. This jacket also has a matching pair of pants.
7. First Lite Vapor Stormlight Ultralight Rain Jacket – The First Light Vapor Stormlight Jacket is a premium ultra-light rain jacket that weighs in at just 12 ounces, making it hardly noticeable when you are wearing it, or when packed away. This jacket features First Light’s Active Carbon Technology to maintain optimal core body temperature for added warmth. The stretch fabric of this jacket allows for increased range of motion and comfort.
8. Redhead Squaltex Scentinel Bone Dry Jacket – The Squaltex Scentinel Bone Dry Jacket by Readhead is a budget-friendly full rain suit that combines scent control technology with 100% waterproofing. This combined with its polyester shell makes it incredibly quite for close encounters with game. The Squaltex Scentinel jacket also has a matching pair of pants. For a full rain suit that is completely waterproof, windproof, breathable and conceals scent, this product is an excellent option at its price point.
9. Cabela’s MTO50 Quiet Pack Rain Jacket – If you’re looking for a premium rain suit with the assurance of the Gore-Tex name at a price that won’t break the bank, look no further. Cabela’s MTO50 Quiet Pack rain jacket and pants comes equipped with unbeatable Gore-Tex waterproofing making it 100% waterproof and breathable. This jacket is designed to keep you dry on the outside and comfortable on the inside. Its low profile makes it easy to store and put on over other clothes the moment you need it. On top of all this, the soft polyester finish makes it as quiet as a regular fleece.
10. Under Armour Gore-Tex Essential Hybrid Jacket – The Essential Hybrid jacket by Under Armour combines Under Armour’s Storm technology with the reliability of Gore-Tex. This fully breathable jacket shields you from wind and water and is 100% waterproof. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable and easy to store away. The Essential Hybrid jacket is made for hunting in the worst conditions and is tough enough to keep you completely dry in any situation. This jacket also has a matching pair of pants.
11. Kryptek Jupiter Waterproof Jacket – The Kryptek Jupiter waterproof jacket is available with a matching pair of pants and features fast-wicking and quick-drying material. This easily packable rain suit makes it convenient to bring along on any hunt. The Juniper rain suit features a 100% waterproof design that is fully breathable and is comfortable enough to be worn all day. If you’re looking for a quality rain suit from a trusted brand that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent option.
12. Arcturus Ripstop Rain Poncho – For some, a full-blown jacket and pants rain gear set is not needed. This camouflage rain poncho is a perfect option at a low price. For rain emergencies, this lightweight and compact poncho is made to keep you dry. The extra-large length and hood keep you covered and shielded from the elements. This poncho also features heavy-duty ripstop nylon for added durability.
RELATED: 10 Best Rubber Hunting Boots to Keep Your Feet Dry
As you have read, rain gear varies greatly by quality and price. There are even products such as a treestand umbrella that can be used in combination with rain gear. In the rain gear market, price is often times an indicator of a product’s quality and ability to keep you dry. Gore-Tex remains the gold standard of waterproofing and breathability, which is generally recommended if you can afford it. After reading this article, you should now be prepared to make the best decision for your next set of rain gear. For related articles, check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!