Enemies of Rain: Clothing and Gear That Keep You Dry

Rain is simply part of outdoor life — and in winter, often more so than we would like. Thawing snow, sleet, freezing rain and cold wind can be more unpleasant than a classic summer downpour. Whether you’re heading into the forest, to the range, on a multi-day trek or you simply don’t want to cancel plans because of the weather, moisture and cold are factors that must be taken seriously.

The good news is that you don’t need half a warehouse of gear to stay dry and warm. A few well-chosen, high-quality pieces that layer well and perform reliably in winter conditions are enough. The following guide offers an overview of equipment that has proven itself in rain, wet snow and cold, damp weather — from clothing to accessories that are often overlooked.

Waterproof Jackets for Winter: What to Look For

In winter, a waterproof jacket plays a crucial role. It doesn’t just protect you from rain and snow, but also from cold wind, which significantly increases heat loss. The combination of moisture and wind can drain energy quickly and shorten your time outdoors if your jacket doesn’t perform as it should.

A good rain jacket should function as a reliable outer shell, shielding you from water and wind while allowing comfortable layering underneath. In winter conditions, the difference becomes clear between lightweight membrane jackets designed for active movement and more robust shells intended for lower temperatures, longer exposure or more static activities. In both cases, proper fit, freedom of movement and comfort while layered are essential.

Detail of the waterproof Stinger Gore-Tex^® Paclite Plus^® Tilak Military Gear^® jacket in the field. The lightweight hardshell protects against rain and wind, but it is not an insulating layer – it functions as an outer protection that keeps the layers underneath dry even in adverse weather conditions.

Hoods in Rain and Wet Snow: What They Should Do

In winter rain and wet snow, the hood becomes a critical feature. It’s not enough for it to simply exist — it must actually work in wind and during movement. When choosing a waterproof jacket, pay attention to these key details:

• Anatomically shaped design that fits well and doesn’t restrict vision when walking, running or working.
• A reinforced brim to channel water away from the face and protect against wind-driven rain.
• Adjustability, ideally multi-point, so the hood stays in place in strong gusts.
• Side protection, often more important in winter and exposed terrain than hood height alone.
• Light lining (e.g. fleece) to improve comfort and reduce heat loss around the head and neck in cold temperatures.

👉 Rigad Recommends: Jackets for Winter Rain

🟢 Stinger Gore-Tex^® Paclite Plus^® Jacket – Tilak Military Gear
A lightweight hardshell designed primarily as an outer protective layer against rain, wet snow and wind. The Stinger is not insulated — its purpose is not to provide warmth, but to keep you dry and protect the layers beneath from moisture and wind. Thanks to its low weight and packability, it suits active movement, winter thaws and works well as a reliable backup in a pack. An ideal choice when you need maximum weather protection without unnecessary bulk.

🟢 Squall Hardshell Jacket – Helikon-Tex
The Squall is a more robust hardshell jacket, built as a full-featured outer layer for prolonged rain and demanding conditions. Like the Stinger, it is not insulated — its primary role is protection from water and wind, not thermal comfort. Its three-layer construction and durable build make it suitable for longer exposure, harsher weather and situations where gear is under real stress. Designed for layering, it performs best when combined with an insulating mid-layer.

🟢 Yukon Climashield™ Apex^® Winter Jacket – Helikon-Tex
The Yukon represents a compromise solution for damp winter conditions rather than a fully waterproof jacket. It lacks a membrane and is not intended for sustained rain, but it offers excellent thermal comfort and high material durability. Climashield Apex insulation retains warmth even when damp, and the jacket performs well in wet snow, drizzle or during field work. It’s suited to cold, humid winter environments where warmth and toughness take priority, with rain protection accepted as a trade-off.

Pants for Winter Rain: Protection From Water and Cold

Wet, wind-exposed legs are a fast track to chilling in winter. Yet waterproof pants are often overlooked, despite the lower body being constantly exposed to moisture from wet grass, snow, mud and runoff from jackets.

In winter, both lightweight waterproof over-pants and more durable models designed for extended outdoor use make sense. When choosing, focus on features that directly affect comfort in cold, wet conditions:

• Taped seams to prevent water ingress at stress points.
• Water-resistant zippers, especially at cuffs and pockets.
• Ventilation options to manage internal moisture during movement.
• Anatomical fit that allows freedom of movement even with layers underneath.
• Suspenders or a raised back panel to retain warmth around the lower back and prevent slipping.
• Snow and water barriers at cuffs, such as drawcords or integrated gaiters.

Insulated winter pants Sleeka Reversible Salopettes Snugpak^® in the field. The pants provide high thermal comfort and can withstand dampness, wet snow, and occasional contact with water, but they are not fully waterproof. It's a compromise solution for winter discomfort, where warmth and protection from the cold are prioritized over prolonged rain.

👉 Rigad Selection: Pants for Winter Rain and Moisture

🟢 Sleeka Reversible Salopettes – Snugpak
Insulated winter pants designed primarily for cold and damp conditions where thermal comfort is the priority. Sleeka Salopettes are not fully waterproof — they rely on a water-resistant outer fabric and quality insulation that retains warmth even when exposed to moisture. Ideal for low-activity use, prolonged standing or outdoor work in winter. In sustained rain, they represent a conscious compromise that favors warmth over absolute waterproofing.

🟢 Hurricane Waterproof Pants – Pentagon
Hurricane pants are waterproof hardshell trousers designed as a protective layer against rain, wet snow and wind. The YdorTec PTFE membrane and taped seams reliably block moisture, while the cut and ventilation support active movement. These are not insulated pants — they work best combined with an insulating layer underneath. An excellent choice for thaws and cold, wet weather where staying dry is critical.

🟢 Evolution Gore-Tex^® Pants – Tilak Military Gear
Durable hardshell pants intended for demanding conditions and prolonged outdoor exposure. The three-layer Gore-Tex fabric delivers a high level of waterproofness and wind protection without restricting movement. Like other hardshell pants, their role is protection, not insulation — they safeguard the layers beneath. Evolution pants excel where equipment takes a beating and compromises are not acceptable.

Waterproof Footwear for Rain and Snow

Footwear mistakes are rarely forgiven in cold, wet weather. Once boots soak through, heat loss accelerates and comfort quickly deteriorates. That’s why footwear designed for wet conditions must offer reliable waterproofing, solid thermal comfort and dependable traction.

Ankle-height boots with membranes are a versatile solution for changing rain, snow and mud. They keep feet dry and warm while providing sufficient support on uneven terrain. For demanding use, outdoor work or carrying heavy loads, more robust boots are worth considering. Sole construction and grip on slippery surfaces are equally important.

👉 Rigad Winter Choice: Boots for Wet, Snowy and Extreme Conditions

🟢 Tibet Superwarm GTX – LOWA
Tibet Superwarm GTX boots are built for wet, snowy and icy terrain, where stability and thermal comfort matter as much as waterproofing. The combination of Gore-Tex Duratherm membrane and additional insulation keeps feet warm even during prolonged exposure. The Vibram IceTrek sole provides reliable traction on frozen and water-logged surfaces. Ideal for harsh winter conditions, slower movement and situations where secure footing outweighs low weight.

🟢 Toundra Forces CSWP – Salomon
Toundra Forces CSWP boots are insulated winter boots designed for extreme cold and demanding environments where thermal protection is the main concern. A waterproof construction combined with heavy insulation allows use in deep frost, while still keeping weight surprisingly low. The Contagrip outsole delivers confidence in snow and slush, making these boots suitable for long movements under load when standard winter footwear is no longer sufficient.

Detail of Toundra Forces CSWP Salomon^® winter footwear in the field. Winter boots should offer reliable insulation, sure footing on slippery surfaces, and stability when walking in snow and mud, in addition to being waterproof. The combination of thermal comfort, moisture protection, and traction is crucial in winter conditions.

Ponchos and Rain Capes: A Practical Backup in Your Pack

Rain capes and ponchos are often seen as accessories, but in wet snow and rain they can play a surprisingly important role. They are useful when conditions deteriorate rapidly and there is no time or space to manage complex layering systems.

Their main advantage is versatility. Ponchos often protect both the wearer and their pack while taking up minimal space. Some models can also serve as emergency shelters or additional insulation during short stops. Lower breathability is the trade-off, making them best suited for short movements, static activities or as a backup solution.

👉 Rigad Selection: Ponchos as a Multifunctional Winter Backup

🟢 Swagman Roll^® Basic – Helikon-Tex
Swagman Roll Basic is not a traditional rain poncho, but an insulated multifunctional layer suited for cold and damp conditions as a backup solution. It provides warmth during short stops, camping or waiting periods and can be used as a blanket, improvised sleeping bag or hammock insulation. It handles light rain or wet snow, but is not intended for prolonged downpours. Best used when you need to add warmth quickly with minimal bulk.

🟢 Swagman Roll^® Climashield^® – Helikon-Tex
With Climashield Apex insulation, this version pushes the Swagman concept further toward a true winter insulation backup. It can be worn as a long coat, used as an emergency sleeping solution or added to a sleeping bag for extra warmth. The material resists moisture and handles damp environments well, but like the Basic version, it is not designed for sustained rain. Ideal as a packable insulation layer where warmth, versatility and space efficiency matter most.

Swagman Roll^® Helikon-Tex^® in the field as a quick insulating layer when stopping or cooking. It serves as a practical backup for cold and wet conditions, but is not intended for prolonged rain.

Waterproof Gloves: When Moisture Steals Dexterity

Hands are especially sensitive to cold and moisture in winter. Once gloves get wet, they lose insulation quickly and handling equipment becomes difficult. Waterproof gloves should therefore be a standard part of any winter setup.

Lightweight waterproof gloves work well during active movement, offering protection from wind and rain while preserving dexterity. Insulated models are better suited for prolonged standing, field work or low temperatures. As with other gear, comfort depends on finding the right balance between waterproofing, warmth and breathability.

👉 Rigad Tips: Gloves for Rain, Cold and Winter Conditions

🟢 Range Leather Winter Gloves – Helikon-Tex
Range gloves are intended primarily for cold and dry conditions, or light moisture. Thick cowhide leather offers protection from wind, mechanical wear and heat from fire, while the lining provides warmth. These are not waterproof gloves — in rain or wet snow they are a compromise, best suited for field work, bushcraft or tasks requiring durability and tactile control.

🟢 SUB20 Realtree Edge™ Winter Gloves – Mechanix Wear
SUB20 gloves are insulated and designed for cold, wet environments where hands need to stay warm and dry for extended periods. A waterproof membrane combined with Thinsulate insulation delivers reliable protection from moisture and frost, while functional details preserve grip and dexterity. Not ultra-light gloves for fast movement, but a practical choice for harsh winter conditions, shooting, hunting or prolonged static activity.

🟢 Windjammer XT Gore-Tex^® Gloves – Montane
Windjammer XT gloves are built for active movement in cold, windy and damp weather. Windstopper by Gore-Tex Labs provides excellent wind protection and partial moisture resistance, while the flexible construction maintains dexterity. Not heavily insulated for deep frost, but a balanced option where movement, rain, snow and wind alternate. Ideal for hiking, climbing, equipment handling and situations where agility matters.

Accessories That Keep Your Gear Dry

In winter, protecting your equipment is often even more important than protecting your clothing. Wet spare layers, electronics or a sleeping bag can become a serious problem, especially during longer trips. That’s why accessories designed to keep gear dry are essential.

Pack rain covers provide quick protection when weather turns bad. Waterproof dry bags, pouches and cases offer more reliable long-term protection for clothing, electronics and sensitive equipment. In wet snow and mud, gaiters are also invaluable, preventing water from entering boots from above and keeping pant legs clean.

Why Caring for Waterproof Gear Matters (and How to Maintain Performance)

Winter conditions put waterproof equipment under more stress than almost anything else. Salt, mud, moisture, sweat and frequent temperature changes gradually degrade materials and membrane performance. Without proper care, even high-quality gear will lose its effectiveness over time.

A common sign is when the outer fabric starts absorbing water. The membrane may still be intact, but once the face fabric wets out, breathability and comfort drop sharply. The garment feels cold, manages moisture poorly and stops working as intended. Regular maintenance is therefore not optional — it’s part of using waterproof gear properly.

✅ How to Care for Waterproof Gear

Proper washing and periodic re-proofing form the foundation. It’s not complicated, but it’s important to use suitable products and follow a few basic rules. Wash garments only when necessary, always according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid regular detergents that can clog membrane pores or damage the DWR finish.

After washing, re-proofing restores the water-repellent surface so water beads and runs off instead of soaking in. This helps maintain performance and comfort in bad weather.

✅ Types of Waterproofing Treatments

Several types of waterproofing products are available, each with specific uses:

• Wash-in treatments, applied in the washing machine for even coverage.
• Spray-on treatments, ideal for targeted application or quick refresh of high-wear areas.
• Specialized products for footwear and accessories, formulated for different materials than apparel.

Each type has its place depending on gear and usage. The key is to treat waterproofing not as a one-time fix, but as part of regular maintenance.

Conclusion: When Weather Is No Longer an Excuse

Rain, wet snow and cold don’t have to cancel your plans. With quality waterproof clothing, properly chosen footwear and a few smart accessories, bad weather becomes just another variable to manage. The goal isn’t only staying dry, but maintaining overall comfort during movement and extended time outdoors.

When your gear performs as it should, all that’s left is deciding where to go and how to enjoy the experience. And if you want to go one step further, proper care of waterproof materials and sensible layering play an equally important role — topics we explore in more detail in other articles.