We take a closer look at the best golf waterproofs currently on the market.
Best Golf Waterproofs
Somewhere along the line, pulling on a set of waterproofs didn’t become such a pain. Years ago it was like wrapping yourself in a bin bag.
However, the best golf waterproofs these days don’t just keep you extremely dry, but they are designed to help you swing unhindered.
We wouldn’t quite say it’s ever a joy to reach for the waterproofs, but today’s technology-packed suits are not just more effective than ever at keeping us dry and comfortable while also looking the part on the fairways.
Nowadays the research that goes into making garments built to withstand the harshest of conditions is truly mind-boggling.
It pays off too because golf waterproofs these days are lighter, keep you drier, remain breathable, and look great.
We’ve picked out a selection of the best golf waterproofs that are well worth checking out and we also recommend checking out our posts on the best golf tops, best golf wind jackets, and best golf base layers to truly complete your outfit and leave you best prepared for the wind and rain.
Best Golf Waterproofs
Waterproof Jackets
FootJoy HydroLite Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £170/$195 Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Five (Navy, Black, Royal, Red, Grey)
+ Extremely lightweight and breathable, allowing for total freedom of movement.
+ Able to withstand a substantial amount of water
+ Available in some nice colorways
– Warmer models out there when temperature drops
The middle garment in FootJoy’s HydroSeries range is this, the HydroLite Jacket.
From a performance and feel perspective, it was outstanding during our testing. It is very light which we felt allowed us total freedom of movement and getting it on/off is very easy because it’s a full-zip jacket and comes without loose fabric or mesh on the inside. It’s just one high-quality feeling material that slid over whatever I was wearing underneath with ease.
From a rain protection perspective, it performed well despite us getting caught in several long showers, however the one small nitpick we do have is that because it is so light, there is a tradeoff in terms of warmth. There are better models for keeping you warm below.
One last thing to mention is the styling. The jacket comes in five colors and each offer something a little unique and different, which is a welcome sign in modern golf.
- Read our full FootJoy HydroLite Jacket review
Galvin Green Action Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £449/$610 Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: Two (Black, Grey)
+ Front pockets are a welcome addition
+ Excellent lightweight waterproof protection and breathability
+ Great styling, fit and range of motion.
– The premium price may be difficult for some golfers to justify
As far as the best golf waterproofs go, the Action from Galvin Green is right up there. It is lightweight, looks great, soft and comfortable, stretchy and the fit can be tailored nicely.
The waterproofing and protection is also high-quality thanks to the GORE-TEX C-knit fabric.
Galvin Green has also implemented GORE-TEX ‘Super Stretch’ too which are a series of inserts on the jacket that provide extreme stretch in key areas like the back and elbows.
The TECHSTEEL fabric also reinforces the shoulder and lower back areas too, making these sections more durable. This is particularly important for those bag carriers out there.
There are two colors available in black and grey.
- Read our full Galvin Green Action Jacket review
Nike Hypershield Rapid Adapt Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £195/$265 Sizes: XS-4XL. Colors: Three (Olive, White, Black)
+ 2 jackets in 1
+ Very good range in sizes
– Flaps in the midrift don’t look the best
This jacket is basically two jackets in one because the traditional look can be transformed into a vest easily.
The removable upper/arms are held in place with snap button closure points and whilst that sounds cumbersome, the HyperAdapt technology combines a vent along the back of the shoulders for extra mobility through your swing. The Hypershield technology is also present to block wind, rain and anything else Mother Nature wants to throw at you. Water may not bead off as quickly as other models on this list, but the protection is still excellent.
The cuffs can be tightened with Velcro and the neck and zips are well designed so water can’t seep in. The flap around the middle of the body and along the back of the shoulders also offers good ventilation while keeping the damp out and allowing a little extra mobility.
- Read our full Nike Hypershield Rapid Adapt Jacket review
Under Armour Stormproof Rain Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £130/$Varies Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Three (Black/Grey, Blue/Black, Black/Mechanic Blue)
+ Stylish and high-quality performance
+ Several nice details golfers will like
– Slightly coarse material could be fairly audible when swinging
As expected with Under Armour, the level of research and development in this jacket is right up there.
A stylish offering available in several colors it is one of the best performing waterproofs out there because of its Storm technology, which repels water nicely, the Hydropel zippers and the windproof construction. This is another jacket on this list that can be used on and off the golf course and we also included it in our guide on the best waterproof golf jackets.
Ping SensorDry 2.5 Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £200/$275 Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: One (Blue)
+ Simple but high-quality
+ Nice storage options with different pockets
– Only one color choice
This lightweight, windproof jacket is fully seam-sealed throughout, the suit offers advanced levels of waterproof protection and breathability.
It also includes a two-way centre front zip, two front zipped pockets, an inner security pocket and adjustable hem and cuffs.
There may be only one color choice available in this Ping jacket but the blue looks great so should appeal to most.
Puma Ultradry Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £95/$Varies Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: Two (Black, Blue)
+ Competes with the best in terms of protection
+ Ventilated back is a nice touch
– Double zip can be a touch fiddly
A top choice from Puma, the Ultradry jacket has excellent waterproof and windproof protection as you would expect. This is thanks to the Storm Cell fabric which we found to offer good durability as well as waterproofing.
What truly adds to the appeal though are the little details like the bungee cord hem, waist pockets and cuff adjustors which provide more usability and comfort. The neck guard is also a nice touch.
It is also a jacket that could be used anywhere with the three different colors offering something a little different..
Callaway Stormguard II Waterproof Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £175/$240 Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: Three (Black, Blue, Navy)
+ Excellent waterproof protection
+ Swing Tech technology offers great freedom of movement
– Block colours won’t be to all tastes
Featuring a seam sealed and 3-layer membrane construction, this Callaway StormGuard jacket is noticeably breathable and comfortable.
Given the name of this model, it should come as no surprise it has StormGuard technology built in which aims to deliver in extreme weather conditions. As a result this jacket is a fully taped seam design with over 10,000mm waterproof protection, and it also offers a full 3 year maximum waterproof warranty.
Callaway has also implemented Swing Tech technology to help golfers swing in it without any restriction too, which can be very limiting.
More on that, the Swing Tech technology introduced here seeks to ensure less resistance throughout the swing too which is an excellent feature.
Adidas Rain .Rdy Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £130/$150 Sizes: XS-2XL. Colors: Two (Black, Navy)
+ Has everything a golf waterproof jacket should have
+ Use on and off the course
– Only one color choice
A jacket you will undoubtedly have seen players like Dustin Johnson wear whilst playing on the PGA Tour, the Rain.Rdy jacket from adidas is ready for all kinds of bad weather.
Built with adidas Rain .Rdy fabrics and materials which have been specifically designed to deal with the wind and rain, this jacket looks great, performs well and one of its biggest appeals is its versatility.
More so than any other jacket on this list, this model would look well at home in any situation you find yourself in both on and off the golf course.
Additionally if you are covered for a jacket, why not make sure your feet are protected too with the best waterproof golf shoes as well.
Mizuno Nexlite 2.0
KEY INFO
RRP: £140/$190 Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Five (Black, White, Pink, Red, Blue)
+ Incredibly light
+ Two-year waterproof warranty
– Slim fit means you may need to go up a size
Featuring some of the lightest fabric on the market, Mizuno has attempted to build on the successful Nexlite range with the Nexlite 2.0 jacket above.
That being said it will still perform in terms of protection as that light fabric delivers in bad weather and you also get a 2-year waterproof warranty.
Galvin Green Angus Shakedry Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £329/$450 Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: One (Black)
+ Thin and lightweight
+ Provides exceptional protection from the elements
+ Cutting-edge styling
– Lacks side pockets
– Shiny finish won’t be liked by everyone
Galvin Green has been pushing the boundaries of waterproof design for a while now and with the Angus it appears the next leap has been made in terms of making a garment that can protect from the elements, but is also super-lightweight.
All in all it weighs just 220 grams thanks to the membrane being placed on the outside for the first time.
It has innovative Shakedry technology which means the garment is constructed with a fabric which makes the water bead up and roll off the surface.
Other features include GORE-TEX super-stretch along the shoulders, shaped sleeves for easy movement, elastic binding on the cuffs, drawstring at the hem, water-repellent zippers and a chest pocket. Unquestionably one of the best golf waterproofs currently on the market.
- Read our full Galvin Green Angus Shakedry Jacket review
KJUS Pro 3L 2.0 Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £349/$480 Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Three (Black, Navy, Blue)
+ Freedom of movement
+ Waterproof and breathable
– Can be hard to get hold of
This stylish waterproof jacket features body-zoned panels built into the key zones of the shoulder points, shoulder blades and lower back to allow for even greater freedom of movement during the swing.
Thanks to the Dermizax membrane, this jacket with water-repellent zipper is not only highly waterproof but also highly breathable.
Sunderland of Scotland Valberg Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £140/$190 Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Four (Black, Grey, Navy, Blue)
+ Well respected brand in terms of waterproofing
+ Clever design features
– Perhaps lacks versatility
We all hate garments that hinder our ability to swing properly especially when it is raining and we have to don the waterproofs.
Thankfully this Valberg doesn’t hinder anything because of its 4-way stretch panels, giving you all the freedom in the shoulders and arms that you need to achieve a consistent end-to-end swing path.
The two-layer jacket has excellent waterproof protection along with a mesh lining for breathability. A couple of really cool features are the fleece lined side pockets for those extra gold days, and the corded groove cleaner secured on the inside too.
- Read our full Sunderland Valberg Waterproof Jacket review
FootJoy HydroTour Jacket
KEY INFO
RRP: £225/$295 Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Two (Navy/Black, Charcoal/Lime)
+ Extremely comfortable and warm
+ Able to withstand the worst the winter can throw at you
+ Fits really well while allowing for total swing freedom.
– Can get hot on the inside
The top jacket in FootJoy’s latest line is the HydroTour pictured above.
As you would expect with FootJoy, the waterproofing is right up there with the best, thanks to a three-panel construction and dual-sealed seams to stop any rain getting to your body.
It also has a DrySeal double collar system which helps keep the neck dry thanks a cinch cord, and two small holes on the outer layer. To sweeten the deal further it also comes with a three-year waterproof warranty.
From a looks perspective we liked both finishes in navy/black, and charcoal/lime as they looked stylish but had a pop of color where needed.
The only nitpick we found was that it could get slightly hot when the weather was wet, but also warm. At these moments a lighter model may be more suitable but aside from this we felt it was a brilliant waterproof jacket.
- Read our full FootJoy HydroTour Jacket review
Waterproof Trousers
Galvin Green Alpha Trousers
KEY INFO
RRP: £399/$550 Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: One (Black)
+ Top of the range option
+ Outstanding protection
– Premium price may deter some
If you want a pair of waterproof trousers that takes it to the next level, look no further than the Galvin Green Alpha’s.
They have been constructed with GORE-TEX C-knit fabric, which is on many of Galvin Green’s garments to provide the highest degree of protection from the weather.
Importantly this fabric also has a super smooth feel and as such it easily slides over the garments underneath. For those of us who have struggled with putting waterproof trousers on over trousers, this is a welcome design feature.
There are also a number of nice features like the rubber tabs, front and back pockets, and we also like the smart overall look too.
FootJoy HydroKnit Trousers
KEY INFO
RRP: £150/$205 Sizes: S-2XL. Colors: Two (Black, Navy)
+ Tapered fit looks great
+ Three-year waterproof warranty
+ Some might prefer a more roomy fit
A new design for this season, FootJoy has introduced these HydroKnit trousers which are versatile and designed to help you play in the worst weather.
The tapered fit looks great and feels comfortable whilst the waterproof protection, which takes the form of the Xtreme durable water repellent finish, looks after itself as you play. Before you know it you will have finished your round dry as a bone because of these trousers.
If you want to see more waterproof trouser models, also take a look at our guide on the best waterproof golf trousers.
Galvin Green Andy Trousers
KEY INFO
RRP: £219/$300 Sizes: S-4XL, short M-4XL, long S-4XL Colors: Two (Black, Navy)
+ High-quality protective fabric
+ Breathability
– To some these could feel a touch heavy
The best-selling trousers Galvin Green makes, the Andy trousers provide excellent water and wind protection because of the seam-sealed construction and water repellent fabric. And yet somehow they find a way to be breathable and comfortable too.
With an elasticated buttoned waist for a perfect fit, the Andy trouser features front pockets along with a back pocket. The base of the legs have also received a lot of attention as they can often take a lot of punishment as we go searching for balls in bushes, heather and such.
As a result the legs have easy to use fasteners to adjust the width of the leg, and they are also made from an abrasion resistant fabric at the hem for top durability.
How we test golf waterproofs
At Golf Monthly we pride ourselves on our honest, insightful and comprehensive content, and our testing procedure reflects that for all golf products, not just waterproofs.
We will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
At this point we would be given samples and put them to the test out on the golf course in different conditions. This is particularly important for waterproof clothing because this means we can properly gauge the protection on offer. Admittedly that means playing golf in a lot of rain but this is what we do to give you key insight!
Given how unpredictable the weather can be, if it isn’t raining we would also do other things to test protection, like pouring water onto the jacket or trousers to check how seam-sealed the product is.
This testing often takes place over a number of rounds, and we often put products to the test off the golf course as well to see how versatile they are.
The final point we wanted to mention is no manufacturer can buy a good review because our testing team seeks to be as honest, and transparent as possible.
How to choose the best golf waterproofs
What are some of the factors you need to consider when trying to get the best waterproof products for you? We have taken a look below.
Jacket/Trousers – First things first are you after a jacket, trousers, or both? Knowing this will therefore inform your buying decision.
Waterproofing – Once you know the answer to the above question, the next step is waterproof protection. Pretty much all of the models above provide excellent protection from the rain because this is what they have been designed to do.
Specifically, the two main things to be aware of here are whether the jacket construction is seam-sealed because this is usually a good indication of how waterproof a piece of clothing is. And second, it is always worth checking if there is a waterproof warranty on the garment too.
Protection – Good waterproofs also help keep you warm when needed too, so when looking at product specifications check if the product is made from warm materials and has features like fleece lined pockets to keep your hands warm.
Freedom of movement – As vital as the protection is, it isn’t good when a piece of clothing limits the golf swing. Therefore most good models move with the body throughout the swing and have stretchy sections around the hips and arm areas so you can commit to a proper golf swing. To check for this and how well you can move in a model, we would recommend trying it on first and making some practice swings in it to gauge movement and comfort.
Color – Gone are the days when golf waterproofs look drab and boring. No you can now get different cutting-edge designs in different colors. It is just a case of picking one you like the look of.
Budget – Finally be aware of your budget so you can find a jacket that fits into it nicely. Importantly there are models above which come with premium, and value price points so there is something for everyone.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best golf waterproofs, and for more gear for bad weather check out our guides on the best golf umbrellas,
This article Best Golf Waterproofs appeared first on Golf Monthly.