Best Golf Waterproofs 2022
We take a closer look at the best golf waterproofs currently on the market.
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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 (opens in new tab), best golf wind jackets, and best golf base layers (opens in new tab) to truly complete your outfit and leave you best prepared for the wind and rain.
Best Golf Waterproofs
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Waterproof Jackets
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 5 (Navy, Black, Royal, Red, Grey)
+ Extremely lightweight and breathable
+ Able to withstand a substantial amount of water
- Warmer models out there when temperature drops
From a performance and feel perspective, the HydroLite 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.
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.
Sizes: XS-4XL
Colors: 3 (Olive, White, Black)
+ 2 jackets in 1
+ Very good range in sizes
- The material is a little thick
Built with Hypershield fabric to block wind, water and provide a comfortable experience, this model is two jackets in one as the traditional jacket can be changed into a vest. 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 material is a little thicker than some other rain jackets and water doesn’t bead off overly quickly, but the HyperAdapt ventilation provides enough breathability and comfort. From an aesthetic perspective it certainly looks very smart and doesn't really look like a golf jacket which some will enjoy.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 4 (Navy, Iron Grey, Grey, Black)
+ Excellent lightweight waterproof protection
+ Great styling, fit and range of motion
- Premium price may be difficult for some to justify
One of two Galvin Green jackets to make this guide on the best golf rain gear, the Action (opens in new tab) from Galvin Green is right up there in terms of performance. 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 four colors available in black, navy, iron grey and grey.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 2 (Black, Blue)
+ Competes with the best in terms of protection
+ Ventilated back is a nice touch
- Double zip can be a touch fiddly
Highly waterproof, breathable and lightweight, the Puma Ultradry jacket (opens in new tab) is a great garment at a very competitive price in this space. The material is lightweight enough to not make you too warm inside and waterproof enough to keep up to 10,000mm of rain out. At this price, such high quality material is hard to come by.
The best part about Ultradry jacket is that is has adjustable cuffs and zippered side pockets. The adjustable cuffs were especially useful in wet conditions where tightening the cuffs meant no rain could get in through to the arms. The side pockets are really comfortably placed to leave your hands in and the waterproof zippers mean you can keep accessories like balls, tees and pitch mark repairers dry.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2 (Black, Blue)
+ Lightweight and stretchy
+ Styling is great
- Adjustable cuffs don't go tight enough
The level of research and development conducted by Under Armour is astounding and you can see the fruits of that labor in this Stormproof 2.0 Jacket. It does feel very well made and has a very unique feel inside that gives you good peace of mind that no water will come through.
When we tested it over a number of rounds, we found it to be a functional garment that will keep you nice and dry when the heavens open. It is also very lightweight and stretchy for a good comfortable wear that comes up ever-so-slightly on the big side, so if you like a tighter fit we'd recommend sizing down. We also liked the warmth and breathability on offer.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: 2 Full Zip (Black, Hemp)
+ Weather protection really top notch
+ Looks great and can be used anywhere
- Collar is quite high
A no-brainer inclusion in this best golf rain jackets guide, the adidas Rain.Rdy (opens in new tab) is an outstanding model to help you be prepared for any weather when out on the golf course. Specifically designed to deal with the worst conditions, you can get a full zip design (pictured), and a half-zip in a couple of different colors each.
We tested the black full zip and the protection was really up there with the best models on the market. It has a three layer design with a waterproof, breathable membrane that not only keeps out the rain and wind, but it is also very light, durable and stretchy. The jacket is also quiet when moving and we love a jacket with pockets too. Finally, looks wise it is very smart.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 5 (Grey, Black/Sharkskin, Navy/Lime, Navy/Blue, Navy/Red)
+ Easy to achieve a snug, comfortable fit
+ Modern design without being over the top
- Could feel softer to touch
Galvin Green's Armstrong is 100% waterproof thanks to a Gore-Tex Paclite stretch fabric construction, and importantly this fabric is also characterized by its lightness, breathability and also packability.
It feels like Galvin Green has truly thought about every little detail here with features like the partially elastic cuffs, chest width adjustment, repositioned side seam for optimum comfort and freedom of movement and water repellent zip fastenings. The fabrics used are also Bluesign approved which means harmful substances have been removed from the manufacturing process. Finally, design wise the jacket is available in five colors and looks modern without being over the top.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2 (Blue, Black)
+ Fully waterproof and quick drying
+ Supremely lightweight and stretchy
- Zips are a bit stiff
The SensorDry 2.5 Graphene Jacket is a big innovation from Ping as it is the first time the brand has used Graphene in its apparel range. Ping has incorporated a Graphene print to the inside of the fabric for this jacket, which helps conduct and retain heat.
It also makes the jacket incredibly lightweight, comfortable, it has a good amount of stretch and comes with adjustable wrist cuffs to ensure a nice snug fit. The material is fully waterproof and repels water, drying remarkably quickly. We held it under a tap and the jacket was bone dry almost immediately. A special jacket indeed.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2 (Navy/Black, Charcoal/Lime)
+ Extremely comfortable and warm
+ Able to withstand the worst the winter can throw at you
- Can get hot on the inside
The headline garment in FootJoy's HydroSeries range is this, the HydroTour. It comes with a premium price point but you undoubtedly get premium performance here starting with the waterproofing.
It has a three-panel construction and dual-sealed seams to stop any rain getting to your body and it also has a innovative feature called a DrySeal double collar system, which has a cinch cord on the inner layer to keep the rain out and two small holes on the outer layer that help the water run down the back of the jacket, thereby keeping the neck dry. (Oh and if this isn't enough, it also comes with a three-year waterproof warranty). The material itself felt premium and the styling looked good too.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 4 (Grey, Black, 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 (opens in new tab) 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 cold days, and the corded groove cleaner secured on the inside too.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 3 (Black, Surf Blue/Pewter, Black/Pewter)
+ High-quality protection
+ Lifetime waterproof guarantee
- Feels bulkier than other models
Building on the success of the PX5 and PX6 models, ProQuip has now introduced the PX7 which is the brand's highest specification and best-in-class men's rain jacket with a lifetime waterproof guarantee.
Available in three colors, the jacket has extreme waterproof protection, and yet still feels breathable. It does feel more bulky than other models on this list however when the conditions are really bad, this is no bad thing as it does not feel cumbersome and limiting during the golf swing. The swing silent technology is an added bonus too because it minimizes any noise during play.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2 (Regatta Blue, Dark Shadow)
+ Works perfectly in showery conditions
+ Smart looks and moisture wicking material
- Camo print won't be for everyone
We were extremely impressed with this Parker Shower Proof garment from Farah Golf, as it does exactly what it says on the tin, protects you from heavy showers and strong winds. It does this via a Polyester outer and inner lining, which makes it incredibly lightweight, thus not influencing your swing.
The camo print won't be to everybody's taste, but we think it is incredibly smart, with the dark colors available giving it a subtle look that isn't over the top. It also fits really well, with elastic on the cuffs and lower portion keeping the Parker in place through the swing.
Waterproof Pants/Trousers
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 1 (Black)
+ Tapered fit looks great
+ Three-year waterproof warranty
- Some might prefer a more roomy fit
A new introduction this season from FootJoy, the HydroTour Rain Pants have been designed to help you compete in any weather conditions. Design features include 4-way stretch fabric, zippered leg closures and reach through pockets. The three-year waterproof warranty is a bonus too.
In our testing we also liked the fact they can either be worn over another pair of pants or on their own. As for waterproof protection, they performed really well in this department. Perhaps more impressive is the quality of the material - they certainly feel like a quality pair of waterproof pants. They are lightweight without being flimsy and they stretch with your body as you swing and walk.
Sizes: S-4XL
Colors: 2 (Black, Navy)
+ High-quality protective fabric
+ Breathability
- To some these could feel a touch heavy
The best-selling pants Galvin Green makes, the Andy's provide excellent water and wind protection because of the seam-sealed construction and water repellent fabric. And yet they are 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.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 1 (Black)
+ High-quality rain protection
+ Lots of sizes
- Baggier leg design
The final model to make this guide are the Ultradry pants from Puma. They feature a fully seam-sealed stretch StormCell fabric that reduces weight, improves mobility and leaves you with an unhampered golf swing.
They are also 10k waterproof to keep you dry and comfortable when the rain starts, whilst the elastic waist, and the waterproof hand pockets are nice touches. Another excellent feature is how easy they are to get on and off wearing golf shoes thanks to the zippers on the legs. Given we have all been caught in sudden downpours before, this is not to be underestimated in its importance!
How we test golf waterproofs
At Golf Monthly we pride ourselves on our honest, insightful and comprehensive content, and our testing procedure (opens in new tab) 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, pants (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.
FAQ's
What is the best golf waterproof?
There are lots of excellent models of golf waterproofs on the market at the moment. These can be from big brands like Nike, FootJoy and adidas, as well as smaller brands like Oscar Jacobson or Sunderland.
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.
A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last five years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He also loves to test golf apparel especially if it a piece that can be used just about anywhere!
As a result he has always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips.
He is a graduate of Swansea University where he studied History and American Studies, and he has been a part of the Golf Monthly team since December 2017. He also previously worked for World Soccer and Rugby World magazines.
Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website. He also oversees all Tour player content as well.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five.
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