Playing golf in wet weather means you need
to ensure you have the best waterproof equipment. There is nothing more
miserable than rain running down the back of your neck as you take your swing.
But don’t just think about the rain. We recommend that you choose gear which protects
you from the wind as well.
Some of the courses you will be playing at
will have varying and sometimes changing weather, so be prepared for whatever
the sky can throw at you. Also, you will want to be comfortable as well as dry.
Breathability is essential too as you will be moving quite a lot and that means
sweating. You need clothing which is well ventilated to keep you feeling good.
The low-down on waterproofing
When you see the label ‘weatherproof,’ it
can cover a lot. Different degrees and different types of materials will offer varying
degrees of protection. You can get completely waterproof materials that can
keep you dry in the harshest of showers. These tend to fall on breathability
though. Then there are new hi-tech materials which will lessen the impact of
the wind when you are out on the course. Here is our quick guide to rain golf
gear labels. It will help you choose the best golf rain gear for your needs
- Waterproof: does what it does. It will keep the rain out and keep your clothing dry whatever the conditions and the length of your game.
- Rainproof: not quite as robust as waterproof, this will still offer a reasonable degree of protection even in a heavy shower. Indeed, it will keep you drier than an ordinary golf jacket.
- Windproof: this will protect you from sharp breezes and biting winds. But unless it says so, do not expect it to protect you from rain as well.
What you need and when
As your golf game progresses, you might find you enjoy playing in different weathers. We spend most of our time playing on sunny courses in the USA. But every year we try to make the trip across the pond to Britain. Here our favorite courses are the famous ones in Scotland. We like St Andrews, especially. But a less well-known course, and one which is a bit different is this one at Largs. It has a gentle feel, almost park-like. And it has excellent views out to the sea and the beautiful Isle of Arran. But whichever course we are playing in Scotland, we make sure we are prepared for the rain.
And it isn’t only a jacket. The rain in Scotland can tip down, and you need to be covered entirely. So, as well as a jacket, you will need waterproof pants and a good hat which keeps the rain off your face and your neck. We hate nothing more than water dripping down our necks.
Even if you play in more clement climates,
it is worth being prepared for bad weather. The best modern golf rain gear is
very light and packs up very small, so you can easily carry it. You can then not
worry and get on with your game.
So, here is our guide to the best golf
rain gear.
We are featuring below the best of the
jackets and pants and hats which will protect you from the rain and also give
you the flexibility you require to play unhindered by the elements.
Best golf waterproof gear for men
No products found.
This jacket solves the tricky balancing act
of keeping you dry but also not too hot for those summer wet days. Being a
half-sleeve jacket, it won’t restrict your swing. The loose-fitting of the
sleeves also provide for breathability too. The blended material of 80% Nylon
and 20% elastane makes it lightweight and soft with a slight stretch to it. The
cuffs are also Velcro adjustable for custom fitting. It is also machine
washable. One feature which stands out is the manufacturer’s waterproof
warranty giving you confidence. It is a quality feature backed by the famous Gore-Tex
tech. It has a limited number of colors, and although the size fits as expected
83% of the time, it only has small/medium/large options.
Pros:
- Waterproof and loose-fitting is
excellent for those wet summer days with lifetime waterproof warranty
Cons:
- Limited number of colors and
sizes
No products found.
It is another strong showing from Berghaus.
Using the standard famous waterproof tech Gore-tex, this will keep you dry in
the worst of wet weather. The material is also breathable. The seams are micro
taped. Even the zips are waterproof. The Paclite tech does what it says on the
tin by packing the entire pants into a mesh stuff sack for maximum portability
and convenience. It also has three-quarter length zips on the side, which makes
the pants easier to remove. Another feature which makes it comfortable to wear
is the elasticated waist. It has an outstanding array of sizes to fit almost
anyone from X-small to 3X-Large.
Pros:
- Manufactured with tried and
trusted Gore-Tex to provide waterproofing and breathability. - A vast array of sizes fits
almost anyone.
Cons:
- It only comes in black
No products found.
The FootJoy Hydrolite jacket is made with
golf in mind. Its flexibility allows for the full, unlimited range of golf
swings. The material is light and waterproof with sealed seams and zipper. The
sleeves of this jacket detach for when the changing weather dictates, making it
fairly versatile. It also has a protected chest pocket for your golf card or
wallet. It comes in six color combination, and it fits as expected in 89% of
cases with sizes ranging from X-small to XXX-Large. A slight drawback might be
the full zipper which might bulge when you bend.
Pros:
- Light and waterproof with
detachable sleeves. - Good color selection
Cons:
- The full zipper might bulge
when you bend.
No products found.
No round-up about rain equipment is complete
without featuring hats. It is one of the best we have found.
As the name suggests, this is a bucket hat,
which is waterproof and ideal for the wet weather. It also keeps warm if you
wear it in the winter. It’s very comfortable and of lightweight construction
(100% polyester) while it still has a moisture-wicking sweatband. The sizes run
smaller than the description. It is fantastic value for money. The brim is well
sized to keep off the rain.
Pros:
- Ideal for wet weather and even winter
Cons:
- The fitting range is quite extensive
with L-XL and S-M sizes, and it runs mostly smaller than advertised.
No products found.
If you are looking for a pantsuit, you
could do no worse than this combo. It’s incredibly good value too. It’s
waterproof with sealed seams, and it also protects you from the wind as well.
Having a mesh lining helps with breathability. Impressively, the entire combo
packs quite small in a neat square. Being made of 100% polyester is very light,
not weighing more than 3 pounds. The
Velcro adjustable cuffs make it comfortable and prevent rain from seeping in.
The zipper is full length and sealed. The full-length zipper does mean that
it’s slightly prone to bulge when bending. It comes in seven colors. It fits as
expected in 74% of cases. You need to check the manufacturer size chart to
avoid disappointment as it’s an imported item.
Pros:
- It is waterproof and windproof
with excellent breathability.
Cons:
- It’s an imported item, so be
careful you choose the correct size.
Best golf rain gear for men conclusion
The best item we’ve highlighted above has
to be the No products found. Its Gore-Tex tried and tested
tech makes it solidly waterproof and highly breathable. The Paclite feature
also makes it packable into an incredibly small space.
Best golf waterproof gear for women
We feature below some of the best
waterproofs for the golfing ladies. They are stylish as well as efficient — the
perfect gear for keeping you dry and comfortable in the worst wet conditions
out there.
No products found.
This stylish waterproof jacket from
Callaway does what it says. Its blend of viscose, nylon, and elastane gives you
the breathability and flexibility you require on the links.
It features a full-length zipper and
adjustable Velcro cuffs to keep the rain away from your arms and body. It also
has a drop hemline with a drawcord for comfort. The discrete Callaway logos on
the back and left sleeve add to the overall classy feel of this jacket. It
comes in three colors only. It has an excellent range of sizes.
Pros:
- Stylish and waterproof.
- It also gives you the breathability and flexibility required on the
golf course
Cons:
- A limited number of colors
No products found.
This lightweight jacket from Zero Restriction looks excellent and provides the wet weather protection required. The two-year waterproof warranty from the manufacturer is also re-assuring. It features a full interior wind flap and anti-chafe chin guard for comfort. The seams are sealed for all-round protection from the water ingress. The hood can be stowed away as well. The under-arm mesh also offers the breathability you require. It has an excellent fit, and the length of the sleeves is right given the size. It comes in three colors. The size range is X-small to Medium only.
Pros:
- Lightweight and with waterproof warranty.
- Highly breathable as well.
Cons:
- It comes only in three colors.
- The size range is limited.
No products found.
These pants from Berghaus are not only waterproof but also breathable. The Hydroshell fabric keeps you dry and protected when the weather turns wet. With an elasticated waist for comfort they are easy to slip on and off. The side zips are not only practical but also allow you to cool off if needed. And the poppers keep everything in place when the breeze picks up. The elasticated waist benefits from a pull cord which adds to the adjustability for quick-fit comfort. The double zips enable you to reach your trouser pockets and the poppers effectively stop the bottom of the trousers from flapping around your ankles. Available in a staggering twenty-one size options
Pros:
- Waterproof, and breathable with additional ventilation covers all bases
Cons:
- Not very stylish, even for over-trousers
No products found.
This versatile hat provides protection from
the sun as well as the elements. It’s made of a polyester material which is waterproof
and breathable as well. It has an adjustable chin cord to keep it in place even
in windy and rainy conditions. The moisture-wicking sweatband keeps you comfortable.
It can be folded in half and is very convenient to carry as the material is
lightweight. It comes in four colors. The one size fits all might not be ideal
for all.
Pros:
- Waterproof, breathable and
easily packable with a moisture wicking sweatband
Cons:
- Only one size, so not suitable
for everyone.
No products found.
This incredibly good value combo is water-resistant
and also wind-resistant to keep you comfortable in adverse conditions. It comes
in three colors and is fully lined with a breathable mesh. Being made of 100%
polyester is also lightweight. This package is also easily packable, and it
comes with its pouch. Being imported, you need to check the size chart of the
manufacturer. It comes in XS to XXL sizes.
Pros:
- Lightweight and water-resistant
and wind-resistant with a breathable mesh
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof
Best golf rain gear for women conclusion:
The best waterproof item from our list has
to be theNo products found. It combines the
essential waterproof feature but in also a breathable and flexible package. The
adjustability is also welcome, and its range of sizes is second to none.