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Rain Gear 101: A Complete Series

Father and daughter wearing rain jackets in a rainforest

Adventures don't stop when it starts raining, so having the proper rain gear is key to enjoying the outdoors no matter the conditions. Our Outerwear Experts explain everything you need to know about waterproofing technologies, choosing the right rain jacket, and even how to care for your rain gear.

Girl wearing a light blue rain jacket out in the rain

What to Wear in the Rain

  • Stay comfortable and protected for long, rainy adventures with our Experts' guide that explains how to layer and what to wear for this type of weather.
  • Learn about base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers and what features to look for when shopping for rain gear.
Man wearing a blue TNF rain jacket in a forest.

How to Choose a Rain Jacket

  • Master learning how to choose a rain jacket based on its key features, wind-resistance, and breathability through Our Experts complete guide.
  • Plus, learn more about modern wind-proof technologies like GORE-TEX and DWR that are typically featured on jackets.
Family of four walking in a rainforest with rain jackets on

How to Wash a Rain Jacket

  • Over time and with each adventure, your rain jacket can accumulate dirt and oils that clog the waterproof membrane and compromise its performance.
  • Our Experts created this simple, straightforward guide on how to properly wash your rain jackets and other DWR gear without sacrificing its water resistance.
Man wearing a Columbia rainjacket, walking up a trail.

What is Durable Water Repellent (DWR)?

  • Universally, all rainwear is treated with durable water repellent finish, but what exactly is this treatment and why is it important for maintaining water resistance?
  • Our Outerwear Experts explains what DWR is, how it affects your rain gear, and how long DWR finish lasts on gear.
Side-by-side comparison of waterproof, wind-resistant, and DWR jackets

Waterproof vs. Wind-Resistant vs. DWR

  • When shopping for rain jackets, winter jackets, and other technical gear, you may have come across words like 'waterproof', 'wind-resistant' and 'DWR/water repellent'. But what exactly do they mean?
  • Our Experts list out the key differences between each of these technologies, their benefits, and what activities they're best used for.
Man in patagonia rainjacket in a rain forest.

How to Re-Waterproof Your Rain Gear

  • Over weather changes and frequent use, your rain gear can start to lose it's water repellency. This doesn't mean your garments are ruined, they might just need a quick care check!
  • Learning how to properly clean and treat your technical outerwear can extend the life of your gear and restore its original performance.
A man and woman wearing The North Face rain jackets outside

Best Rain Jackets

  • Curious to knowing what rain jackets are 'in' for this year? Our Experts put together this guide that showcases the best rain jackets from top brands and collections.
  • Discover high-quality and trending rain jackets that carry the latest features, designs, and technology in this quick read.