Best Wet Weather Gear For A Rainy Summer Outdoors

From rain jackets to dry sacks, Gore-Tex boots to umbrellas, the name of the game is keeping dry and these bits of gear can help you do it.

It’s official! Another wet La Niña summer is coming our way according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

That’s the third wet summer in a row but rainy days don’t have to mean less time outdoors.

Read: 7 Tips For Rainy Day Hiking

We’ve put together a list of our top wet weather gear to keep you dry while you’re out adventuring. Don’t forget also to check out our guide to the best waterproof hiking boots.

Read: Don’t Let La Niña Rain on Your Summer

1. The North Face Venture 2 Waterproof Jacket

Be prepared for extreme on-trail weather with this lightweight, waterproof and windproof jacket that features a durable yet breathable ripstop exterior, Relaxed Fit and an adjustable hood that leaves room for a helmet and extra layers.

It’s also manufactured from recycled, post-consumer plastic, so you can feel even better about being dry.

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2. Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots

Designed for long expeditions and tough conditions, the Quest 4 is a grippy and ultra-supportive hike boot.

The real kicker for a season of potentially rainy hikes ahead though is the Gore-Tex fabrication and the especially high cuff which is sure to keep all but the biggest deluges and puddles out.

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3. Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Sack Set

Versatile, light, and durable, these dry bags offer high-quality construction and come in a set which includes: 1L, 2L, and 4L sizes.

Not only are they less expensive and less bulky alternative to traditional dry bags, but you can squash these into spots ordinary heavy dry bags won’t go. The three sizes fit into little corners of a sea kayak and they are light enough to bring colour-coded order to backpacking, bike packing or adventure travelling — just be sure not to completely submerge the bag.

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4. Marmot Minimalist Waterproof Pant

Marmot Minimalist Waterproof pants are a great lightweight layering piece made from Gore-Tex with Paclite® Technology.

The combination of the wind-blocking hydrophobic Gore-tex membrane and weight-minimizing Paclite technology adds comfort to any rainy outdoor adventure. Trust me, hiking is a whole lot more comfortable with dry legs.

The 100% recycled fabric features a PFC-free, water-repellent finish and ankle zippers also make it easy to layer over other heavy-duty snow or hiking pants for additional warmth and protection.

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5. Caribee Expedition 120L

The Caribee Expedition 120L is a 100% waterproof bag with a roll top that prevents water access (compared to bags with zip tops where water may enter via the zips and stitching).

It features a sturdy heat welded construction with side QR buckle points, webbing grab handles, compression straps, end haul handles, removable padded backpack straps, removable shoulder strap and an internal accessory pocket.

Great for keeping your gear dry on any adventure from sailing to trekking, and at 120L you could probably squeeze in there yourself!

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6. XTM Tarkine Ripstop Rain Jacket

The Tarkine jacket is a Certified Carbon Neutral product with all profits going directly to the Save The Tarkine Foundation.

Read about why the Tarkine Forest is so important.

As for the Tarkine jacket, it’s a highly technical, super lightweight 2.5-layer rain shell with a PFC-Free DWR coating. Its fully seam-sealed construction ensures a 15k waterproof rating and a 10k breathability rating.

It sports all the features you would expect from a premium rain jacket including a double storm flap and fully adjustable hood.

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7. Euroschirm Light Trek Ultra Umbrella

You might have a perfectly functional umbrella and not see the need to invest in a ‘trek-ready’ brolly. However, you might want to reconsider when you see the umbrella belt holster!

Weighing in at only 175 g, the featherweight frame is made up of 6 special ribs made of aluminium and real carbon that reduce the weight down to the absolute minimum while remaining highly flexible and corrosion resistant.

This pocket trekking umbrella is unbeatable in size and durability, featuring a foldable case and carrying loop.

Alternatively, the light trek ultra can be fixed with the carabiner at the backpack, belt or bag.

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8. Volare Waterproof Adventure Backpack

The Volare 40 Litre waterproof backpack is an adventure-capable dry bag, with stylish good looks and packed with innovative features, including a hydration pocket for longer expeditions.

Fully welded seams, reflective logos, weatherproof zippers, roll top closure, 100% waterproof main compartment that can handle brief submersions, built-in emergency whistle, customisable, ventilated back panel and multiple exterior pockets make this the go-to bag for outdoor lovers. It even floats!

Built tough this best-in-class waterproof backpack is at home in the sand, snow, ocean or simply cruising the streets on a rainy day.

Note: Brief submersion means that dry bags should be free to float to the surface and not held underwater.

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9. Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Waterproof Tarp, Shelter, Pack Cover & Poncho!

Is it a poncho, is it a tarp? It’s these things and more!

A handy 4-in-1 design that weighs in at only 230 grams, this is a raincoat/pack cover/groundsheet and tarp shelter.

Made with 15D Ultra-Sil Nano fabric, it’s ideal for temperate climates or as an emergency shelter.

The poncho is roomy enough to cover a large backpack if needed and it packs down into its own 11 x 7cm stuff sack.

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10. Gear Aid Seam Grip Fast Cure Sealant

This Gear Aid Fast Cure Seam Sealer is a fast-acting water-based seam sealer that’s perfect for waterproofing tents, packs, rainwear, garments, tarps and more.

Its water-based urethane formula dries to a clear, flexible, long-lasting film with a nearly invisible non-gloss finish. Perfect for sealing sewn seams on synthetic fabrics and breathable laminates.

Fact Cure flexes with the fabric ensuring waterproofing even in cold temperatures and high wind conditions.

The unique brush applicator allows for easy application into needle holes, sewn joints, corners and under lap-felled and folded seams to provide extra coverage and keep the weather outdoors.

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Cover image by @lissburt

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