Best Golf Rain Gear

With increased levels of golf travel and tee sheets heavily booked these days on weekends and peak times—seemingly more often than not—golfers are showing greater willingness than ever to play in foul weather.

For those of us diehards, this means rain gear isn’t just optional, it’s essential. And experts in the field insist the difference between a comfortable (or at least tolerable) round and a miserable one isn’t just whether you have rain gear, but which gear.

Waterproof ratings are a good place to start, but what matters most is ultimately a balance of waterproofing, breathability, and swing-friendly fit. After all, a trash bag might keep you dry, but it sure isn’t going to breathe. Like the golf swing itself, balance is important.

As a primer, here is a quick rundown of the most vital considerations and a look at the latest from some reputable brands.

galvin green
Ames Jacket from Galvin Green

 

Essential Golf Rain Gear Features

 

Water Repellency

Waterproof ratings essentially measure the permeability of the fabric—how much can it take before the water penetrates the membrane? A good rule of thumb is golf gear with a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating and a waterproof rating between 15,000 and 25,000; that will keep you dry in most conditions and still retain its breathability.

Quick Use / Portability

When the weather turns, you want gear that goes on fast: ankle zippers; large hood openings; pullovers or jackets with a clean fit so you can slip your arms in without fumbling. Gear that packs small or attaches to your bag helps too, so you’ve always got it. As an Irish caddie once sagely advised when I wrestled with packing rain gear, “I’d rather have you looking at it than looking for it.”

Freedom of Motion

Golf rain gear at one point in time was notoriously stiff, almost like a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency situation. But comfort is, or at least should be, a non-negotiable today. Stretch knit panels in the back, shoulders, and arms; rain pants that look like regular golf pants; and lightweight flexibility and a lack of bulkiness in the arms, shoulders, and back are essential for allowing us to swing freely.

Details Matter

Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make a big difference. Waterproof seals over zippers and pockets to help keep scorecards, money, and other valuables as dry as possible; a high, zipped collar; and straps around the wrists of the jacket.

 

What’s New & Noteworthy

 

FootJoy

The HydroLite X line delivers performance and the lightest waterproof garment ever produced by FootJoy. This lineup of rain jackets ($225) and pants ($165) is designed for warmer playing conditions and is stretchable, breathable, and easily packable in addition to touches like a waterproof front zipper, seam seals, and waterproof cuffs. There’s also the DryJoys Select ($450) at the high end of performance as well as the HydroTour line ($350) for more severe weather in cooler conditions.

FootJoy HydroLite X
FootJoy HydroLite X Pants

 

Galvin Green

Galvin Green’s GORE-TEX gear helps golfers stay dry in any weather without restricting freedom of movement in the swing. The collection of breathable golf rain suits includes jackets that range from the Ames (sub $400) to the top-end Argus ($729) that’s stretchable, hooded, and aesthetically inspired by streetwear but geared for the course.

golf rain gear
Galvin Green Argus Jacket

 

Adidas

The Ultimate365 Tour Climaproof+ Anorak jacket ($350) and rain pants ($200) are engineered for comfort and unrestricted performance in wet, windy weather. The jacket has a durable ripstop build and a hood for full coverage when the heavy stuff moves in.

adidas golf rain jacket
Adidas Ultimate365 Tour Climaproof+ Anorak Jacket

 

Sun Mountain Sports

The raingear lineup from Sun Mountain Sports starts with the affordable Monsoon line (under $100 each for the soft and lightweight jacket and pants). The Stratus line occupies the midrange, with the Cirque jacket and pants delivering Sun Mountain’s topline combo of waterproofing (20k), breathability, light weight, and quiet—no swishing here when you walk.

rain gear for the golf course
Sun Mountain Sports Monsoon Jacket

 

Zero Restriction

The Power Torque jacket ($340) from Zero Restriction has a 15,000-waterproof rating and multiyear construction to battle the elements, along with features like adjustable Velcro cuffs, waterproof zippers, and an anti-chafe guard for added comfort when you’re zipped to the gills. The jacket also has a packable design to fit into its own pocket.

golf weather gear
Zero Restriction Power Torque Jacket
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Wen Bray
18 days ago

Abacus is the best rain gear brand.

Richard McLean
Reply to  Wen Bray
18 days ago

Just invested in a jacket and half sleeve top, top quality. Literally ordering another for my mate just now .

chrischilds
18 days ago

How about rain gear for short legs? I see that PING has dropped theirs off of their site. What is a 5 8 guy to do?

Brian
Reply to  chrischilds
18 days ago

i am 5′ 7″ and we have a very good tailor that builds suits and he has shortened and hemmed my last 2 pair of rain pants. dont go to a dry cleaner or someone that just does alterations

Cornell Rudov
18 days ago

Thank you for the article. Playing in Florida demands rain gear that breathes and let’s you swing. Thank you again.

Leonard Handzlik
18 days ago

The cost of ANY golf gear is ridiculous. Rain gear is no exception. I personally prefer getting rain gear from non-golf suppliers. Just as effective and at half the price. Sorry guys, but $225 to $400; for a golf jacket is stupid.

Tom
18 days ago

I believe your review missed one of the very best brands available and that is Galway Bay.

Bob Eater
Reply to  Tom
18 days ago

AMEN, Galway is best!!!

Kevin McGrath
Reply to  Bob Eater
18 days ago

I also agree that Galway Bay rain apparel is the best in the market!!

Ian Forrester
16 days ago

New brand coming out of Ireland called HLINC has to be up there. Bought this year and soooo good.

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