Rain gear
A jacket that 30% lighter weight than its competitors and 20% more breathable.
Four companies made bold claims about cutting-edge waterproof technology in 2011. So we gathered a dozen rain jackets with the new fabrics and put them to the test in a head-to-head challenge. Verdict: We've never worn a more breathable crop of shells.
Made with Columbia Omni-Dry this full-featured jacket is $40 less than its nearest competitor.
Made with a PTFE membrane made by General Electric this shell was great in heavy rain.
Made with Polartec NeoShell, this versatile jacket is durable and breathable.
Made with Gore-Tex Active Shell this breathable jacket was wearable in a wide range of temperatures.
A fully-featured topper, the Tilley TWP1 waterproof hat has enough style to satisfy even the snobbiest hiker.
A waterproof case that doesn't render your iPhone useless.
A pricey umbrella that's worth every penny.
Lightweight and durable shell pants.
A hooded, seam-taped, DWR-treated rain jacket for kids.
A storm shell and umbrella for your head
Apparel, cookware, stoves...swimsuits?
This 14-ounce shell is equally at home on the trail or around town, thanks to its reliable weatherproofing, performance features, and plush niceties.
An ultralight hardshell jacket for under $150.
A reasonably priced rainshell that breathes well and feels great against the skin.
Repel spring (and summer and fall) showers with this eVent jacket.
This towel packs small and absorbs a ton...except odors.
Kids stay warm and dry with this deluge-proof shell, perfect for everything from family hikes, to waiting for the carpool.
Goal: Help you stay comfortable in any weather. Solution: Hike through two-week-long downpours and hurricane-force winds to bring you the best new gear for every trip.
Trek for many days and miles with this lightweight, supportive, durable and highly waterproof pack.
Understand waterproofing, and you'll pick the right shell and keep it working like new.
This ultra-light waterproof baseball cap is great for the hood haters among us.
Waterproof and breathable, this hard shell is perfect for cold places and pursuits.
This all-around soft shell keeps the drizzle on the outside and warmth on the inside, right where it belongs.
New technology makes for a super breathable, go anywhere hard shell
Weighing less that 10 ounces this ultralight shell withstood 3 days of torrential rain.
Bargain shell for rainy weather
These versatile jackets weigh less than a pound and pack smaller than a grapefruit.
For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.
Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.
From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.
Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.
Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.
We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.
From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.
Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco
The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.
Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.
From $500 to under $150, Backpacker has found the best rain shells for blowing snow or driving rain.
These eight trail tops wick sweat, look great, and fit great. Wear them for a run or a week-long trek.
Don't buy new--just give your rain shell a little TLC
Our field testers praise PreCip for its strength and breathability
Budget shopper or big spender? We have the perfect three-season layering system for you.
Keep your wallet and load a little lighter with Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Integral Designs
Stay dry in the wettest weather with this lid, winner of a 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award
Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell
We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.
How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.
How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.
A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what
Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.
This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest
You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.
You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell
How to acquire your very own Navy SEAL Protective Combat Uniform.
The beauty of this hike comes alive with the rain.
10 essentials for long day adventures
Quick tips to set your tent with the right rainfly.
To stay dry in a downpour, carry the right wet-weather gear and know how to use it.
Tarp tips for the tactical hiker.
Going sleeveless might save you weight, but will a vest keep you as warm as a jacket?
Protect your tent from rain by building a rain dam.
Rubber boots are essential gear in the tundra.
Add some ribbons to your sleeper to speed drying.
Before you cinch up your gaiters, consider the best way to keep the wicked weather and bits of terrain at bay.
Make the proper buying decision by first learning the language of jackets.
Getting the right shell has as much to do with personal needs and hiking habits as it does with the quality of a garment.
Beat the rainy-day blues by playing sleeping-pad chess or checkers.
Learn how to weatherproof your tent -- before it rains.
