Edited by: Jordan Fuller
Reviewed by: John MarshallLast Update:
The Rundown:
Best Overall: Adidas Climastorm Rain Jacket
“For a breathable rain jacket that offers water and wind protection, the Adidas Climastorm Rain Jacket is your best choice!”
Runner-up Choice: Nike Academy 18 Rain Jacket
“Lightweight and heavy duty, the Nike Academy 18 Rain Jacket is one of the best luxury jackets available on the market!”
Best Rain Pants: Columbia Rebel Roamer Rain Pants
“For the best golf pants that offer water-resistance with breathability, the Columbia Rebel Roamer Rain Pants is the perfect option. It has flexible material that moves with your lower body during the swing.”
A golfer’s worst nightmare on the course is being in the middle of a great round and then stumbling into an unexpected rainstorm. The rain can create water-soaked clothes that ruin a round.
By having rain gear in your bag ready, it will provide a water-resistant shell over the top of your clothing keeping you dry, comfortable, and happy over the remainder of your day at the course despite a downpour.
Lightweight and easy to pack, the best golf waterproofs, especially in wet weather areas, gives you a surefire way to keep bad weather from ravaging your round.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2021-01-20. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown:
- Featured Recommendations
- 10 Best Golf Rain Gear in 2021
- Best Golf Rain Gear Jackets
- Best Golf Rain Gear Pants
- Things to Consider When Buying a Golf Rain Gear
- Questions & Answers
- How important is water-resistant gear?
- Can I machine wash my golf rain gear?
- Why should I add a rain gear to my bag?
- Is golf rain gear too big for my golf bag?
- Can I play in the rain with water-resistant golf rain gear?
- Can I wear different layers underneath the rain gear?
- Why does my golf rain gear absorb water after a year of use?
- How should I store it when it’s not in use?
- Why use golf-specific rain gear instead of just a rain jacket?
- How important is water-resistant gear?
10 Best Golf Rain Gear in 2021
Best Golf Rain Gear Jackets
Adidas Climastorm
Best overall: Best rain jacket for all golfers
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PROS
- Full zipper with mock neck that protects your upper body from the wind and cold
- Patented Climastorm technology provides wind protection to keep your arms and chest warm
- Side seam pockets keep your tees and scorecard dry and close to your body
CONS
- For fans of a pullover, this zippered jacket may fall short of expectations
Adidas consistently offers golfers outstanding golfing attire, and their Climastorm jacket is no exception. Not only does the jacket provide excellent water and wind protection, but it remains one of the most highly breathable rain jackets available on the market.
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The quarter-zip jacket can seal itself off to hold in warmth or open to give you even more breathability. As with most gear, golfers want to know how the jacket performs on the course, and we can safely say this is one of the best garments for repelling water and keeping the flow of your swing.
The jacket features a full zip with a mock neck, making it stylish and wearable if your club has strict clothing rules. A lightweight marvel, the adidas Climastorm is delightful.
Nike Academy 18
Runner-up choice: Best luxury gear jacket for low handicappers
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PROS
- Jacket is lightweight with waterproof material as its foundation
- Slimmer fit allows better flow with swing and less restriction
- Heart of a heavy duty jacket, but the soul of light, dependable gear
CONS
- Athletic cut, so slimmer than baggy jackets, may need a larger size
Nike has abandoned making golf clubs, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t producing some of the finest golf apparel for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Their Academy 18 provides unbelievable protection from wind and rain while giving the golfer a top that works well with the body during the swing.
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The jacket is fully zippered and also offers a collapsible hood that can be bound with velcro. Even if it is not raining during your round, the Academy 18 provides warmth or cuts the wind down on breezier days.
Vents underneath the shoulders keep the jacket’s breathability high throughout your round. And two zippered front-facing pockets provide quick access to your scorecard and other essentials.
One of the best luxury jackets you’ll find available, Nike Academy 18 provides an exceptional experience.
TSLA Jacket
Best softshell water-resistant pullover for golfers
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PROS
- Body of jacket made from polyester, spandex and other flexible materials
- Multiple pockets for secure storage of your golfing accessories
- Velcro cuffs provide closure to keep water out and your arms dry
CONS
- Heavier material for golfers in colder climate, might not be ideal for warmer weather golfers
If you are looking for a heavier gear jacket that moves easily with your swing, then the TSLA Jacket might be the right one for your game. Made with a micro-fleece lining that uses various flexible materials, the full-zip jacket offers three zippered pockets.
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The best feature of the TSLA Jacket is the waist-cinching drawcord that allows for a more athletic fit. When you want premium performance from your apparel, it is best if the garment works with the body, and the TSLA Jacket certainly provides that advantage for all golfers.
The heavier material does give this jacket more wearability away from the club, but that shouldn’t diminish the great job it does repelling water while keeping you warm and dry.
The TSLA Jacket not only works well on the course but is stylish enough to turn heads off the links.
Nike Dry Half-Zip Golf Top
Most stylish golf top for advanced golfers
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PROS
- Excellent water-resistant fabric provide lightweight feel and stylish look
- High collar allows top to meet clothing restrictions at most upscale golf clubs
- Vented collar allows golfer to stay cool and dry with dependable breathability
CONS
- Muli-functional top that provides more athletic fit, so bigger golfers need to size up
Another outstanding Nike top makes our list as the Dry Half-Zip Golf Top offers an attractive and athletic cut coupled with water-resistant and excellent breathability.
The jacket utilizes Nike’s patented Dry fabric as its base. As a result, the jacket repels water while providing a relaxed and comfortable experience when wearing it on the course.
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This jacket won’t fight against your body as you swing but rather works as a second skin to stay cool and dry.
With a half zipper and a high collar, this golf top will meet the clothing requirements at most golf clubs. And don’t worry if you think the jacket might get too hot, underneath the collar, a vent helps provide additional breathability.
The Nike Dry Half-Zip Golf Top helps keep you dry while aiding your golfing performance.
Under Armour Storm
Best lightweight gear jacket for all level of golfers
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PROS
- 100% polyester build allows golfers to machine wash with regularity with no shape loss
- Storm technology repels water from surface of jacket without losing breathability
- Mesh lining on inside of jacket helps keep body cool and dry during rain
CONS
- Look of a more athletic top, than traditional gear
Under Armour has long made exceptional athletic wear, and their dive into golfing attire has certainly blossomed in recent years. One of their jackets, the Storm, makes our list as one of the best rain gear jackets.
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The Under Armour Storm is definitely the lightest jacket on the list, and the thinness of the garment might be a turn off for some golfers. But the jacket’s performance is really the story here, and the Storm Jacket keeps water away from your inner shirt and skin for a comfortable and cool day on the links.
A full-zip top, the Storm also features two zippered pockets to help you keep your valuables or golf accessories dry during a shower. The mesh lining that covers the inside of the Storm Jacket also elevates the breathability and fluidness of the garment.
Best Golf Rain Gear Pants
Columbia Rebel Roamer Rain Pants
Outstanding breathability and flexibility for your swing
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PROS
- Made from 100% nylon that breathes well for comfortable wearing during wet rounds
- Flexible material that moves with your lower body during the swing
- Omni-Tech technology provides water-resistance with breathability
CONS
- These pants provide a baggy fit which might not be great for golfers who want a slim fit
The Columbia Rebel Roamer Rain Pants provides outstanding performance at a very affordable price.
The Rebel Roamer pants move well with the body, and the 100% nylon construction keeps the pants crisp even after you’ve had them in your bag for months.
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These pants have a baggy fit, but with the need for room to allow for the movement of your swing, the extra space doesn’t feel cumbersome.
Other features with the Rebel Roamer include two side zipper pockets that keep your scorecard and tees completely dry. Golfers will also find that these pants fit relatively close to Columbia’s size chart.
For all golfers, the point of rain gear is to keep moisture away from your socks and legs, and these Columbia pants do the job with style.
Acme Projects Rain Pants
Exceptional waterproof pants with fantastic breathability
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PROS
- Highly rated waterproofing treatment keeps moisture away from the inside of the pants
- Affordable with terrific function, great for not only golfing but other outdoor activities
- Velcro closure at bottom of leg cut off room for water to sneak into your socks
CONS
- No zippers on pockets leave them exposed to elements, so you probably don’t want to carry phones and valuables in them
Acme Projects has long made water-resistant rain gear at an affordable price for all levels of golfers. Their rain pants provide durability and protection that undoubtedly exceed their price point.
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The pants offer highly rated waterproofing and breathability. Instead of feeling suffocated, you’ll really enjoy the elastic waistband that assists with a comfortable fit and the velcro closure at the bottom of the legs that keeps moisture away from your socks.
The best part of the Acme Projects Rain Pants is how light and easy to fold they are to store in your bag. You won’t notice these pants at all if you regularly walk the course carrying your golf bag.
Versatile and functional, the rain pants from Acme Projects deliver outstanding value for your dollar.
Marmot PreCip Pant
Best Slim Fit Pants on Market
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PROS
- Lightweight, nylon pant provides exceptional barrier between water and inside the pant
- Full-length zippered pockets utilize a storm flap to protect your valuables and accessories completely
- Elastic waistband provides a snug fit for golfers who like a slim fit pant
CONS
- The slim fit of the pant, may not work well for bigger golfers
The Marmot PreCip Pant is easily the best slim fit golf rain pant you’ll find anywhere. These incredibly lightweight pants provide outstanding comfort and exceptional protection in wind, rain, and other weather elements on the course.
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The pants feature an elastic waistband for a snug fit plus full zippered pockets for safe storage. The pockets also have a storm flap that adds another layer of protection to keep your valuables dry during an unexpected rain shower.
It is worth noting that the fit of the Marmot pants is slim. While the slim fit helps the pants move well during walking and swinging the club, golfers with larger frames may need a more baggy pair of pants.
Versatile and high performing, the Marmot PreCip Pant is worth adding to your bag.
adidas Climastorm Provisional Rain Pant
Best waterproof gear pant for advanced golfers
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PROS
- Loose fit provides flexibility with your swing and with each step you take on the course
- Drawstring closure helps cinch the pants for a bespoke fit at the waist
- Lightweight, machine washable material wears well over time
CONS
- Bottom of pants may be a bit loose for golfers who prefer elastic on cuff
The adidas Climastorm Provisional Rain Pant provides a fusion of high-quality material and first-rate waterproofing technology. The polyester-based rain pant is specifically designed to help you stay dry on the course.
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Adidas has loaded the Climastorm Provisional Pants with side seam pockets, drawstring closure with elastic on the waist, and a velcro cinch on the legs to keep water off your socks and legs.
We noticed that the bottom of the leg does play a little looser than we’d like, but it does work well with the pants’ overall flow and freedom.
If you want gear that is loose and comfortable and does not restrict your lower body, then there’s no better pant on our list than the Climastorm Provisional Rain Pant.
Helly-Hansen Rain Pant
Most stylish rain pant for frequent golfers
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PROS
- Dual material blend provides durability and breathability to the rain pant
- Machine washable material allows you to keep the pants looking sharp year-round
- These pants are excellent in the wind as the material blocks and keeps legs dry
CONS
- Although stylish, these pants do look like regular golf pants and less like rain pants
If you are in the market for rain pants that hold a stylishness and look that works on and off the course, then the Helly-Hansen Rain Pant is just the pant you are looking to add to your closet or bag.
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These pants offer incredible waterproof protection with breathability that keeps you dry and very cool. Even on muggy days, these Helly-Hansen pants won’t create sweaty legs because of the first-rate venting.
The pants do have a button in front and belt loops along the waistband to give the Helly-Hansen pants a more traditional look. This look provides the pants more leeway when you need to wear them off the course or to an outdoor function.
Great when you need to stay dry on the course, but sharp enough to wear them after your round, the Helly-Hansen Rain Pant provides comfort and performance.
Things to Consider When Buying a Golf Rain Gear
Waterproof
Waterproof rain gear repels and removes water from the exterior of the garment. Through design and chemical coating, waterproofing forces water to bead and run off the fabric, leaving your interior clothing and skin dry throughout the round. Staying dry during your round is vital to keeping focused on your swing and executing your plan on each hole.
Rainproof
Much like waterproofing, rainproof rain gear works hard to keep the water away from the interior of the garment. For golfers who play in rainy areas, a rainproof top and pants is a must have in the golf bag. By removing the chance that you’ll become wet through your rainproof gear, you remove any distraction for accomplishing a low score.
Windproof
Rain gear that offers windproof elements, keeps the wind off of your skin. Rather becoming cold on windy, crisp days, the material deflects the wind and offers a barrier that keeps your skin comfortable. While most rain gear works hard to keep you dry, advanced materials also work well to prevent the wind from penetrating the gear’s fabric. Windproof gear offers outstanding versatility to keep you comfortable, minimizing the effects of the bad weather around you as you play.
Breathability
Breathability in rain gear is very important because it allows the skin to stay cool without becoming soaked in water. Modern gear offers strategically placed vents to allow air to flow through the garment but with maximum waterproofing. On humid days where rain is periodic, keeping the rain gear on while you play, reduces hassles and allows you to focus solely on your game.
Comfort
Comfortable rain gear lies in the stretch of the fabric and how it moves with the body. Most golfers assume that finding a comfortable garment means it needs to be oversized and that is also a mistake. Golfers never should wear a shirt that restricts movement, because that will make them uncomfortable on the course. Instead of attacking the course, they’ll be fighting against their clothing. That fight is always a recipe for disaster on the links for golfers.
Fit
Finding the right fit of your gear is absolutely crucial for your swing. Rather than the material restricting or holding your upper body back during the swing, you must find material that flows smoothly with your body.
The right fit will stay close to the body, but allows the arms, shoulders and upper torso to move as freely as if you were wearing your favorite shirt.
Questions & Answers
How important is water-resistant gear?
If you play in an area where the climate experiences large rainfall, then water-resistant golf rain gear and golf umbrellas are essential. By having gear that repels water, you are allowed to stay dry throughout your round.
Even if you do not live in areas where you see a lot of rain during the year, gear is lightweight and folds easily to keep handy in your bag. Not only does it not put a burden on your bag, but it easily folds for quick storage.
Incredibly affordable, water-resistant gear protects against getting soaked during your next round.
Can I machine wash my golf rain gear?
Yes, most rain golf gear is machine washable. Since most rain gear is made from nylon, you can wash your garment as directed by the manufacturer. It is important to wash your gear according to the manufacturer’s directions because it will maintain the waterproofing for much longer over the life of the garment.
Older gear tends to lose its water-repellent capacity, so testing the garments periodically provides an update allowing you to know when you need to buy new gear. If you take on mud or dirt during your round, especially at the bottom of the pants, you should clean the area first before washing to maintain the color and look.
Why should I add a rain gear to my bag?
You should add one to your bag because it is lightweight and prevents you from being stuck in the rain during your round. Instead of allowing your clothes to become saturated with water, it repels moisture, leaving your clothing underneath dry. Having dry clothing against your body makes golf much more pleasurable.
Rain gear is made primarily from nylon, a very light and thin material that moves well with the body. Nylon protects against moisture in concert with water-repellent chemicals that exist on the surface of the garment.
Is golf rain gear too big for my golf bag?
No, it is not too big for your golf bag. Since the gear is made from lightweight materials, it is very easy to fold into smaller halves and store in your side pockets along with your other golf accessories. Once you need the gear, you remove it from the pocket and slide it over your clothing.
Even if you prefer minimal weight in your golf bag because you walk the course, gear weighs ounces rather than pounds, so you won’t even notice a difference in your bag. Having even a rainproof jacket will help keep your upper body dry during a short rain shower.
Can I play in the rain with water-resistant golf rain gear?
Yes, the purpose of golf rain gear is to repel and push away the rain from your clothing. Saturated clothes can ruin a round, and water-resistant gear can create a barrier that prevents this from happening. It remains an excellent lightweight option that does not restrict the movement of your swing during play.
The best gear flows smoothly and does not cling against the skin, even during the heaviest rainstorms. If you live in wet climate conditions, adding a lightweight and dependable water-resistant jacket and pants to your bag can save a lot of aggravation and heartache on the course.
Can I wear different layers underneath the rain gear?
Yes, golfers can wear different layers underneath their rain gear. When choosing what to wear to the course, the most important thing a golfer can do is understand how additional layers will affect their swing. Since the golf swing demands twisting and rotating the upper body, gear and what lies underneath, must also move in concert with the swing.
Finding lighter, more flexible material is a great way to keep out the cold or retain warmth during a round where you need your gear. Through experience, you’ll find what works best for your swing and your overall game with regards to finding the right balance with your gear and additional clothing.
Why does my golf rain gear absorb water after a year of use?
Most waterproof is only guaranteed to last one year on the best golf rain gear. This reason is why it is important to reinforce your waterproofing after that span of time. Most golfers use a chemical spray that coats the exterior of the gear. The chemical has the same effect as waterproofing, forcing the water to bead and run off the material.
Rain gear with waterproofing that lasts longer than one year is available on the market, so it is important to search for the manufacturer’s guarantee when making your final choice. However, by purchasing gear with the expectation that you’ll need to reinforce the outer layer with a waterproofing solution, you find more value for your money.
How should I store it when it’s not in use?
When you are not using the rain gear, it is important to store it in a cool, dry area of your house. One of the ways that waterproof gear deteriorates is by leaving moisture on the material when storing. To prolong the life of the fabric, you want to lay out the gear to dry or use a dryer, if the garment is okay for dryer use.
Some golfers prefer to store their gear inside a slim airtight container. By removing the elements and creating a static environment for the garment, you can prolong its life by several years.
Why use golf-specific rain gear instead of just a rain jacket?
Golf-specific rain gear will offer better flow and flexibility when swinging the golf club over a regular rain jacket. Even though modern rain gear jackets offer more movement and natural fit with the body than previous models, they don’t help with the movement of the golf swing. Gear labeled as golf-specific will offer more room under the arms and along the rib area of the torso, while continuing to offer waterproof protection. This special type of gear will also be lighter and easier to store in the golf bag for anytime use on the course.