It used to be a bunch of plastic bottles. Now, it's one of the most eco-friendly windshells on the market.

Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.

This tough rain suit is tailor-made for lanky shapes.

This unusual trench-and-chaps combo maximizes airflow for comfortable, ultralight rain protection.

Don’t run for shelter when the sky opens up. Embrace nature’s wild side—and your own. But stay (relatively) dry with these top storm-hiking picks from our gear team.

The Athena's attractively trim fit flatters ladies' curves better than any other rain jacket we tested this year.

A jacket that 30% lighter weight than its competitors and 20% more breathable.

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.

A storm shell and umbrella for your head

Apparel, cookware, stoves...swimsuits?

A reasonably priced rainshell that breathes well and feels great against the skin.

Check out Tyler Bounds's author page.

This towel packs small and absorbs a ton...except odors.

Trek for many days and miles with this lightweight, supportive, durable and highly waterproof pack.

This ultra-light waterproof baseball cap is great for the hood haters among us.

From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Our field testers praise PreCip for its strength and breathability

Stay dry in the wettest weather with this lid, winner of a 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award

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

You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.

3 waterproof secrets from veteran mountaineer Pete Takeda

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.

Tarp tips for the tactical hiker.

To stay dry in a downpour, carry the right wet-weather gear and know how to use it.

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.

Beat the rainy-day blues by playing sleeping-pad chess or checkers.

Learn how to weatherproof your tent -- before it rains.