RAIN GEAR FOR GOLF – BUYER’S GUIDE
How much would you pay for a rain suit? Some of the best rain gear for golf might cost more than you want to shell out but some come with a lifetime warranty.
As the old saying goes: You get what you pay for.
This year, once again, it was tough to pick our Best Rain Gear For Golf winner as the standard of rain gear keeps getting better. Every year, most rain gear has better flexibility, better waterproofing and, most importantly, better comfort. That said, there are a few secrets that made the best rain gear rise to the top.
Most of the rain suits, like waterproof bags, did a good job at keeping water out but not every one went the extra mile with breathability. The companies that did well made breathability a top priority so you don’t feel like you’re golfing inside a trash bag.
We have tested rain suits for the winter months and for those summer downpours. Whatever your preference, we have tested it.
Whether you’re looking to buy golf rain gear today, buying advice to get started or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right golf rain gear to fit your needs.
Winner: KJUS Pro 3L 2.0
If you want the best of the best, look no further than the KJUS Pro 3L 2.0. It may be one of the more expensive rain suits tested but you will have it for life. Its stretchy but waterproof material does not interfere with your swing. The rain suit also has a muted sound so there’s no chance of you losing concentration when hitting a shot. Another interesting fact about the Pro 3L 2.0 is that they have a left-handed version of the jacket to ensure the flex points are perfect for your swing. These are just some of the reasons why KJUS Pro 3L 2.0 was crowned Most Wanted Rain Gear Winner of 2021.
- 1st in waterproofing
- 3rd in breathability
- 3rd in comfort
- 2nd in fit
MOST INNOVATIVE RAIN SUIT - KJUS Gemini
If you're the guy that needs all the bells and whistles, you will like the KJUS Gemini. Its reversible jacket can keep you warmer on those colder days or repel the heat up-to 10 degrees fahrenheit. The Gemini's jacket material is also treated with DWR which make the jacket water-repellent.
Features That Matter
Breathability
There’s golf rain gear for every climate. Those made for cooler climates trap body heat to keep you warm while others employ vents to keep it breezy. It’s personal preference but keep your climate in mind. Do you find yourself in humidity or freezing rain? That distinction can make a difference when it comes to choosing the right golf rain gear.
Golfers who want a full rain jacket should consider Galvin Green ACTION and KJUS Dexter 2.5L. Linksoul Polartec is a good performer in this category also.
Fit
Golfers come in all shapes and sizes. Fit preferences and sizing differ from region to region. Some companies cater to golfers who like the tailored or European fit. Other brands provide a more generous fit. It’s a fine line between a suit that gives you a little extra room to move and one that crosses into baggy territory.
Cross-Sportswear Hurricane is the best for those who like a tailored fit. Those who like it narrow but don’t want to show your dinner belly should look into KJUS Pro 3L 2.0 and Galvin Green ACTION.
Comfort
Unrestricted movement is critical to the golf swing and that can be a fatal flaw with some designs. Our favorites are fitted (almost tailored) while providing enough stretch to create a second-skin feel while, at the same time, keeping you dry and warm. If a rain suit doesn’t allow you to swing normally, no matter how good the weather protection, it’s doing more harm than good.
During your swing, your back flexes along with your shoulders. KJUS Gemini, KJUS Pro 3l 2.0 and KJUS Dexter 2.5L all allow the right amount of feel during the swing.
Weather/Waterproofing
Staying dry when playing golf in wet conditions is pretty much the entire point of owning rain gear. For the most part, all of the rain suits we tested are water-resistant but only a few are truly waterproof. Others absorb water, allowing the underlayers (your clothes) to get wet. It should go without saying that the best rain suits are 100-percent waterproof.
There are rain suits that the water just beads off and that dry in seconds. Galvin Green ANGUS, KJUS Pro 3L 2.0 and Cross-Sportswear M Edge are examples of rain suits that performed well in the waterproofing category. FootJoy Hydro Tour is also great at repelling water.
EXPERT TIP - Washing Your Rain Gear Makes A Difference
It's essential to wash your rain gear after a-round in the rain. Over time, the membrane that keeps the water out will begin to break down, and your rain suit will start taking on water. Regularly wash will help ensure 100% waterproof protection and extend the life of your gear.
BEST RAIN GEAR 2021 - FEATURES
Product | Material | Sizes | Color | Fit | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cross Hurricane Check Price | Polyester + Polyurethane | S-XXXL | 4 | Narrow | |
Cross M Edge Check Price | Polyester + Polyurethane | S-XXL | 2 | Narrow | |
FootJoy DryJoys Select LS Check Price | Nylon | S-XXL | 5 | Medium | |
FootJoy Hydro Knit Check Price | Polyester | S-XXL | 5 | Medium | |
FootJoy Hydro Lite Check Price | Polyester | S-XXXL | 12 | Medium | |
FootJoy Hydro Tour Check Price | Polyester + Spandex | S-XXXL | 5 | Medium | |
Galvin Green ACTION Check Price | Gore-Tex C Knit | S-XXXL | 2 | Narrow | |
Galvin Green ANGUS Check Price | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | S-XXXL | 1 | Narrow | |
Galvin Green APOLLO Check Price | Gore-Tex | S-XXXL | 12 | Narrow | |
Galway Bay All Weather Long Sleeve Check Price | Hydro-Flex 32 | S-XXXL | 1 | Medium | |
Inesis Waterproof Check Price | Polyester Cationic | S-XXL | 1 | Medium | |
KJUS Dexter 2.5L Check Price | Polyamide | S-XXL | 10 | Narrow | |
KJUS Gemini Check Price | Polyamide + Elastane | S-XXL | 2 | Narrow | |
KJUS Pro 3L 2.0 Check Price | Polyamide + Elastane | S-XXL | 4 | Narrow | |
LinkSoul Polartec Check Price | Polyester + Nylon + Polyurethane | S-XXL | 2 | Medium | |
Sun Mountain Elite Check Price | Ulitmate Knit | M-XXL | 3 | Medium | |
Under Armour Infrared Check Price | Polyester | S-XXL | 2 | Narrow |
EXPERT TIP - Avoid Material Bunching Up
When considering your new rain suit, make sure the jacket doesn't bunch up with excess material as it can interfere with your putting grip/stroke.
More Tips
- Golf rain gear sizing varies from brand to brand. We recommend trying on the product before buying to get the fit you want. If shopping online, look for retailers that offer free returns.
- Look for products that offer a waterproof warranty. This could save you money in the long run.
- The best golf rain gear offers pockets similar to what you’d find in regular pants. Look for golf rain gear with a sensible number of pockets.
- If you play in conditions that are both wet and cold, consider rain gear that’s lined with Gore-Tex or similar material that will keep you warm as well as dry.
- Those who play in warm and wet conditions should look for a lightweight and well-vented rain suit with plenty of ventilation.
- Choose a rain suit that doesn’t make much noise when swinging. It makes a big difference in keeping your concentration throughout your round.
BEST RAIN GEAR 2021 - RESULTS
Product | Waterproofing | Breathability | Comfort | Fit | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KJUS Pro 3L 2.0 Check Price | 1st | 3rd | 3rd | 2nd | 95 | |
Galvin Green ACTION Check Price | 2nd | 3rd | 8th | 2nd | 94 | |
KJUS Dexter 2.5L Check Price | 9th | 1st | 2nd | 4th | 93.5 | |
Cross M Edge Check Price | 2nd | 8th | 3rd | 7th | 93 | |
KJUS Gemini Check Price | 12th | 3rd | 1st | 4th | 93 | |
Cross Hurricane Check Price | 12th | 3rd | 8th | 1st | 92 | |
Galvin Green ANGUS Check Price | 2nd | 8th | 10th | 7th | 92 | |
Galway Bay All Weather Long Sleeve Check Price | 7th | 12th | 3rd | 13th | 90.5 | |
FootJoy HydroKnit Check Price | 12th | 12th | 3rd | 7th | 90 | |
Galvin Green APOLLO Check Price | 2nd | 12th | 12th | 12th | 90 | |
FootJoy DryJoys Select LS Check Price | 12th | 3rd | 3rd | 14th | 89 | |
FootJoy HydroTour Check Price | 2nd | 15th | 10th | 16th | 88.5 | |
Sun Mountain Elite Check Price | 12th | 17th | 12th | 4th | 88 | |
Inesis Waterproof Check Price | 17th | 8th | 14th | 7th | 87.5 | |
Under Armour Infrared Check Price | 8th | 8th | 17th | 11th | 87.5 | |
LinkSoul Polartec Check Price | 10th | 1st | 15th | 14th | 87 | |
FootJoy HydroLite Check Price | 10th | 15th | 15th | 17th | 82.5 |
What do I need to know about rain gear for golf?
Q: How do I wash my rain gear?
A: Materials vary from manufacturer to manufacturer which means washing instructions can differ. Take the time to read the label to ensure you’re properly caring for your suit.
Q: Can I wear different layers underneath the rain gear for golf?
A: Most golfers wear their rain gear as an additional layer. To keep your swing as free as possible, minimal layering is best. Galway Bay’s offerings are designed to be worn as standalone pants, eliminating the need for more layers. If you can’t stand the cold and rely on layers to stay warm, consider moving up a size or purchasing a suit that runs a bit large.
Q: Why does my golf rain gear absorb water after a year of use?
A: As most golfers are probably aware, over time, most golf rain gear will stop repelling water and start absorbing it. That pretty much defeats the point of wearing it. In some cases, the rain gear just needs to be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If that does not work, check the warranty on the product. When all else fails, it’s time for a new rain suit.
Max R
11 months agoAny info about the Glenmuir line of waterproofs and if there’s a model that is best overall?
Jeff Arnold
1 year agoAny advice for the tall slender golfer. I’m 6’8″ with arms around 38″ sleeve, chest around 45″ and waist around 36-38″. I’m not opposed to the short sleeve jacket but none of those were featured. TIA
David West
10 months agoSame question. All of your top 5 have no sizing for tall men. Any suggestions??
Jeff
1 year ago$500 for a rain jacket? That’s more than what my irons cost (Sub 70 699’s)!
For the one or two times a year I’m caught out the rain, the $15 fold-up rain jacket that Costco sells easy springs & permanently resides in my bag does more than the trick. If the rain is coming down sideways….we’re not playing as in my area thunder & lighting are near. and the courses are usually flooding at that point.
At the way these prices are, do like though the sub-$500 option as well as the “budget” option…although not sure I’d call $74..99 “cheap” (although it is when compared to a $500 option.
Paul Koehorst
8 months agoThanks for the personal update Jeff, but, what if someone plays more than once or twice a year in the rain? Not a helpful post, man.
Joe Duffer
1 year agoPLEASE tell me there is someone who will custom build rain suits for guys like me: 6’4″ with 6’8″ arms? – People are getting taller!
Gil
1 year agoSeems odd that KJUS and Footjoy are owned by same company. Gotta wonder if the take market share away from each other in the weather gear category.
Jon Walker
1 year agoPolyamide and Nylon are the same material. A bit misleading how some of the materials are labeled
Momo
1 year ago$500 or more for one jacket.? that’s insane How can MGS realistically recommend that.to the average golfer? I guess it goes along with the “top” public courses recommended a week ago. that were a similar price point.
My REI rain jacket and pro shop (muni) pants for under $150 obviously put me in the poor red headed step child category of golfers.
Jack Dermody
1 year agoCheck out the Cross Stuff… I find it incredible and ordered loads from there range…
Every year they do a 50% off around November/Black Friday…
Brandon
1 year agoUnfortunately I live in California and it hasn’t rained here since 2003.
Tony
1 year agoGreat review, thank you ! It would be useful if the summary matrix had another column identifying cold climate / warm climate suitability of the rain suits.
tim
1 year agoThis is crazy…..$800 jackets? $600 jackets….who the hell is gonna buy those?
Chris Nickel
1 year agoMost likely people who:
1) have far more income than the majority of golfers on the planet
2) see it as a long term investment and would rather purchase a premium product once rather than a mediocre product several times
Mike Murray
1 year agoI have traveled twice to Ireland for links golf, and I’ve become a big fan of Proquip rain gear. Surprised to see that they weren’t included in the 2021 BEST RAIN GEAR test. That said, I will be sure to check out the brands mentioned above in your recommendations. Thanks …
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoHi Mike,
Proquip are no longer in business and you can’t get product anymore.
Rory
1 year agoThank you MGS for this review. I recently went to Bandon Dunes, and the gear I had soaked through in less than 9 holes. Will definitely be considering the brands here.
Is there any reason why MGS has not reviewed any Zero Restriction outwear the last two years? Just curious, as that brand used to be the gold standard (when I was in college).
Gary Palmer
1 year agoWow! For these prices I would rather buy a new driver or last year’s set of irons.
DB
1 year agoDO you have advice on which manufacturers make a product best suited for a bigger guy. I feel like everything I try is a bit restrictive and would love to know which offerings might run a bit more loose?
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoHi DB,
Any rain suit that says Medium in our features chart fits more up and down (boxy) instead of narrow. I would suggest Footjoy as they run slightly bigger than most