It’s common in bushcraft, prepper and the tactical community to either disregard or skimp on rain gear.
You don’t know how many classes or training events I’ve shown up to where people in attendance purchased frog toggs on the way in and are soaked before the class even really gets going.
A common refrain is “oh you’ll get wet anyway, so I won’t own any.”
Most folks who say this usually have limited experience with rain gear of any quality. I’ve ran a bunch and here are a couple cheat codes.
In hot weather, yes, if you don’t get wet from soaked through rain gear, you’ll be drenched in sweat. So sometimes you have to weigh the options. For me, good rain gear shines in the above freezing t0 70 degree range. I also frequently wear it when temps are below freezing in snow and freezing rain to keep my warm gear dry.
If you buy shit, you’ll get shit. I won’t even look at rain gear unless it’s 3 layer goretex. Single or 2 layer will soak through. This is generally where folks get the “it’ll ajways soak through!” Mantra.
Quality 3 layer goretex is great. I’ve sat in tree stands in rain all day and been dry on the inside. I’ve been in classes all day in the rain in this stuff and been dry. I’ve been in classes where it rained all day with single and dual layer set ups and gotten wet from soaking through.
Don’t forget the pants. Running into a store with just a jacket is fine, but for prolong outdoor activities, the water sheets off the jacket and will soak your pants if you aren’t in goretex.
One issue with rain gear however is while you will remain dry, in lower temps, the water on the jacket will make you feel colder.
You need pit zips to vent.
You are going to pay. Think 450-800$ per piece. It will also wear out within 5-10 years depending on use. Keep the DWR fresh and keep it clean and it will last much longer. But consider it a consumable like shoes or boots.
Look for sales from the hiker outlets. Arcteryx leaf is now restricted to mil only, but it couldn’t be beat. Beyond clothing is a good American made runner up, and the blow out older styles frequently.
Civilian backpacker gear is probably the go to for most people. As with most purchases like this, I wait on the REI and backcountry.com blow out sales, 20% off coupons and always use my yearly REI dividends on gear. Avoid paying retail if you can. REI has that 1 year satisfaction warranty. (It used to be lifetime but now is 1 year) You can replace at any time in that period for new. Rain gear is prob a good option to buy with that warranty.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.
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