Mother Nature can be about as unpredictable as your golf game. That’s why, like a boy scout, you should always be prepared for whatever’s thrown at you, especially when it comes to things you can’t control, like the weather — unless it’s raining birdies.
Coming prepared in the appropriate golf rain gear or quickly pulling out a rain jacket from your bag can salvage a round and, more importantly, keep you warm, comfortable, and dry on the course. In the wise words of Carl Spackler: “I’d keep playing. I don’t think the heavy stuff’s gonna come down for quite a while.” Here are our top recommendations for the best rain gear for golfers on the market.
Top 11 rain gear for golfers
Best overall: Galvin Green Apollo Waterproof Jacket
Best budget: Inesis RW500 Waterproof Golf Rain Jacket
Best value: Under Armour Golf Rain Pants
Best for every day: FootJoy HydroTour Rain Jacket
Best for storage: Adidas RAIN.RDY Full-Zip Jacket
Best pullover: Wilson On Par Popover
Best versatility: Malbon x Spyder Rain Shell Jacket
Best for heavy rain: Galvin Green Action Waterproof Jacket
Best no-frills: Nike Storm-FIT ADV
Best short sleeve: Peter Millar Shield Short-Sleeve Rain Shell
Best style: Bonobos Elements Shell Golf Jacket
How we chose the best rain gear for golfers
We researched manufacturer specifications, including price, durability, material, fit, and more, to create a shortlist of the top rain gear for golfers. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best rain gear for golfers for each category.
Best overall: Galvin Green Apollo Waterproof Jacket
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
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Benefits
— Durability and longevity
— 100% waterproof
— Elastic drawstring and cuffs fine-tune the fit
Drawbacks
— Expensive
— Limited color options
One of the industry’s most trusted and favored names in golf rain gear, the Galvin Green Apollo Waterproof Jacket is 100% waterproof and made of GORE-TEX Paclite fabric, offering wearers complete freedom of movement thanks to its lightness, stretch, and breathability.
While the price may steep for some, this product will weather many seasons — pun intended. This jacket features two front pockets, an elastic drawstring at the hem, and partially elasticated cuffs to help you find the perfect fit whether you’re teeing off or lining up that birdie putt.
Material: 100% waterproof GORE-TEX Paclite | Fit: Regular | Colors: 3 | Size range: S-3XL
Best budget: Inesis RW500 Waterproof Golf Rain Jacket
Benefits
— Affordable
— 4-hour protection
— Pairs well with matching waterproof pants
Drawbacks
— Not great for heavier, longer periods of rain
— No hood
If you’re hesitant to spend hundreds on a golf rain jacket, the Inesis RW500 Waterproof Jacket might be the perfect fit. Stay dry for four hours with the product’s waterproof fabric and design that also features a laminated mesh, so the only noise is the sweet, sweet sound of your flush iron shot.
Not only do you get great bang for your buck, but there’s also detailed insight and description about the lengths Inesis went to create its rain gear if you’re interested in learning more about the product, materials, and construction of this product. Pair the jacket with the RW500 Waterproof Rain Golf Trousers to not only complete the look but stay dry and comfortable your entire round.
Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Fit: True to size | Colors: 1 | Size range: S-3XL
Best value: Under Armour Golf Rain Pants
Benefits
— Affordable
— Not too bulky
— 100% waterproof and breathable
Drawbacks
— Only 1 color option
— Only 1 back pocket
If you’re spending upwards of $300 on a 100% waterproof rain jacket, you might not want to break the bank to complete the look with the matching waterproof pants. That’s where the Under Armour Golf Rain Pants come in. At an affordable price, these pants repel water utilizing the brand’s UA Storm technology while offering super-soft brushed fleece on the inside to keep you warm.
Featuring an adjustable waistband with elastic tabs and snap enclosure, these pants — which can be worn over traditional golf pants if you desire — also boast windproof construction that shields you from whatever elements come your way.
Material: 100% polyester | Fit: Loose | Colors: 1 | Size range: 2XS-5XL
Benefits
— 2-year waterproof warranty
— Lightweight, not bulky
— DrySeal technology in collar
Drawbacks
— No hood
— High collar may be uncomfortable
Known for having both the No. 1 shoe and glove in golf, FootJoy also makes some pretty high-quality apparel to complement those golf essentials. Great for everyday golfers who don’t want to break the bank, the HydroTour Rain Jacket is constructed with three panels to reduce bulk and improve mobility while offering 100% waterproof protection.
While it lacks a hood, this jacket features an extended collar with FootJoy’s patent pending DrySeal technology that protects the back of your neck from rain by channeling water through two grommets. Pair with the matching HydroTour Rain Pants to complete the look.
Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Fit: True to size | Colors: 7 | Size range: S-3XL
Best for storage: Adidas RAIN.RDY Full-Zip Jacket
Benefits
— Made from 100% recycled materials
— Fully waterproof
— Zip pockets for storing tees, balls, phone
Drawbacks
— No hood
— Limited color options
The Adidas RAIN.RDY Full-Zip Jacket features a three-layer design with a waterproof, breathable membrane that keeps it light without compromising durability or flexibility. This rain jacket, made from 100% recycled materials, will keep you dry through a steady drizzle or passing shower.
Pair the jacket, which also features zip pockets great for storing tees, golf balls, a scorecard, or your phone, with the RAIN.RDY Golf Pants to round out your look and stay dry regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you.
Material: 100% recycled materials | Fit: Regular | Colors: 2 | Size range: S-2XL
Best pullover: Wilson On Par Popover
Benefits
— Cost-effective
— Fully functioning hood
— Easily packable
Drawbacks
— Limited color options
Whether there’s a drizzle or a passing storm, the Wilson On Par Popover is a great, cost-effective portable outer layer to keep you from getting wet. Featuring durable water-repellent (DWR) coating and quick-drying materials, you can pack up this pullover as quickly and easily as you took it out and popped it on.
With a fully functioning hood, large kangaroo front pocket, and two side pockets, this waterproof and windproof half-zip pullover helps you battle the elements on and off the course because, let’s be honest, there’s already enough to worry about during a round.
Material: Interlock | Fit: True to size | Colors: 2 | Size range: XS-2XL
Best versatility: Malbon x Spyder Rain Shell Jacket
Benefits
— 3-way convertible sleeves
— Packable hood into collar
Drawbacks
— Limited color options
A combination of Spyder’s DNA and knowledge in performance apparel and Malbon’s fun and creative approach to golf, the Malbon x Spyder Rain Shell Jacket is essentially three rain jackets in one. Featuring convertible sleeves to match the weather conditions, you can wear this as a long sleeve, zip them off for a short-sleeve wind shirt mode, or take things even further with vest mode.
With plenty of zippered pockets, including a lower back mesh one perfect for stowing the sleeves, this versatile rain jacket features a GORE-TEX Infinium membrane to create a water-repellent outer layer combined with Spyder’s exclusive GORE-TEX 4-Way Stretch fabric. Couple this with the matching Rain Shell Pant, and you’re ready for any weather conditions on the course.
Material: GORE-TEX | Fit: Regular | Colors: 3 | Size range: S-2XL
Best for heavy rain: Galvin Green Action Waterproof Jacket
Benefits
— Great for heavy downpour
— Waterproof and windproof
— Extremely durable
Drawbacks
— Premium price point
— Not easily packable
As we said earlier, Galvin Green is arguably the most-trusted name in golf rain gear, so it’s no surprise to see it pop up again on this list. If you’re in need of high-quality heavy-duty rain gear that can weather just about any storm, you can’t go wrong with the Galvin Green Action Waterproof Jacket, though it comes at a premium price point.
Heralded as “the ultimate men’s waterproof golf jacket,” this full-zip jacket is made with GORE-TEX C-knit fabric, which is 100% waterproof and windproof. While the jacket is heavier than some of the previous products on this list, you need extra support and durability during the harshest conditions — but it makes it harder to fold up and pack should the weather clear up.
Material: GORE-TEX C-knit | Fit: True to size | Colors: 4 | Size range: S-3XL
Best no-frills: Nike Storm-FIT ADV
Benefits
— Fully seam-sealed
— Relaxed, stretchy fit
Drawbacks
— No hood
— Limited color options
If you’re looking for a no-frills, quality golf rain jacket, the Nike Storm-FIT ADV is perfect for you. This jacket features windproof and waterproof fabric and is fully seam-sealed so that you stay dry through your round.
A hook-and-loop strap at the cuffs lets you adjust your fit, and a hidden zippered pocket at the inseam can hold a key or card. The jacket’s lightweight fabric is stretchy and quiet, so you can move and swing freely, too. Pair it with the matching Storm-FIT ADV Pants for full coverage.
Material: 100% polyester | Fit: Standard | Colors: 1 | Size range: XS-4XL
Best short sleeve: Peter Millar Shield Short-Sleeve Rain Shell
Benefits
— Waterproof and windproof
— Packable pouch
— 2-way stretch
Drawbacks
— No long sleeves
— No hood
Tired of rolling up your sleeves before every shot during a rainy round? The waterproof and windproof Peter Millar Shield Short-Sleeve Rain Shell offers two-way stretch and protection from the elements without any discomfort from those pesky long sleeves.
This rain jacket is engineered from a highly technical 2.5-layer performance fabric and is fully seam-sealed to keep you dry no matter the weather. A separate stow pouch allows you to pack it down tight and easily stash it in your bag for whenever you need it.
Material: Nylon with PU laminate rain shell | Fit: Classic | Colors: 2 | Size range: S-2XL
Best style: Bonobos Elements Shell Golf Jacket
Benefits
— Affordable
— Good for light rain
— Water-resistant
Drawbacks
— No hood
— Not for heavy rain (not waterproof)
Simple yet stylish, the Bonobos Elements Shell Golf Jacket is a breathable, water-resistant jacket great for on and off the course. While it isn’t designed to be worn in a heavy downpour, this seam-sealed jacket is a great asset to toss on to keep dry during a light drizzle.
Featuring two zippered side pockets and an additional one on the chest for your scorecard, tees, or anything else you might need to access quickly, this jacket keeps you as dry as it does looking good, whether you’re on the golf course, headed to dinner, or maybe even setting off at sea — the Maritime Blue would certainly be fitting for the latter activity.
Material: Polyester | Fit: True to size | Colors: 2 | Size range: XS-2XL
How to pick the right golf rain gear for you
There are a number of factors that go into picking the right golf rain gear for you, including, but not limited to, price, need, durability, comfort, and whether it’s waterproof or water-resistant. If you’re a casual golfer looking to have a lightweight jacket handy in case of a storm, or a diehard golfer who’s teeing it up regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you, there’s appropriate rain gear for you.
Price
Price is probably the No. 1 factor when it comes to purchasing anything in golf, from a new driver to a divot repair tool to rain gear. If you’re like a mailman and playing golf rain, sleet, snow, or shine, then spending more on a premium product makes sense, knowing you’ll get every penny’s worth out of it. If you’re looking for something easy and lightweight to store in your bag in case you get caught in a storm, then find something more affordable for your needs.
Need
Speaking of needs, look at the multitude of factors that come into play when purchasing golf rain gear. Someone living in Southern California or Arizona certainly doesn’t need heavy-duty rain gear, while a golfer squeezing in late fall or early spring rounds in Wisconsin or Michigan will need more than a lightweight jacket. Analyzing how often, where, and when you play helps determine which golf rain gear you need.
Durability
Similarly to need is the product’s durability. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains a lot, you’ll need more durable and long-lasting golf rain gear compared to living somewhere where you might get caught in a passing storm twice a year. Coupled with the product’s durability is its comfort because heavy-duty jackets and pants may be bulkier and less flexible than a light water-resistant jacket you pop on here and there.
Water-resistant vs. waterproof
Golf is probably the most customizable sport out there. You can pick and choose every product and accessory, from ball markers to iron grips to rain gear, to best fit your needs, and even then, those can vary based on the time of year and the location of where you’re playing.
With so many factors that go into picking the right golf rain gear for you, the first should be deciding whether you need water-resistant or waterproof gear. Water-resistant means it can withstand water penetration up to a certain point compared to waterproof, which technically means the product is impenetrable no matter how much water there is.
FAQ
What’s the best rain gear for heavy rain?
Galvin Green is one of the most trusted golf brands for rain gear on the market and offers plenty of options for golfers, including those looking for heavy-duty rain gear. The Action Waterproof Jacket, which you can pair with the Alpha Waterproof Pants, is a steep price, but if you’re constantly playing in harsh conditions, it’s worth every penny.
What do golfers wear in the rain?
Short answer: Whatever keeps them comfortable, warm, and dry. But seriously, nobody wants to be cold, wet, and uncomfortable when playing golf in the rain, so golfers add extra layers to avoid getting drenched, whether a waterproof full-zip jacket or pullover and even waterproof pants. That doesn’t even include rain gloves or waterproof golf shoes.
Do pro golfers use rain gloves?
Just like pro golfers wear waterproof jackets and pants when playing in inclement weather, many opt for rain gloves when playing in the rain. While people expect rain gloves to keep your hands dry, they actually do the opposite due to the non-woven, synthetic material in the palm, which allows moisture to be taken into the fiber structure so it adheres to your hand and the grip, literally sticking to the palm of your hand. While pro golfers are allowed to wear rain gloves, like pretty much everything in golf, it all comes down to personal preference.
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