How to choose & use it
- 1Get a waterproof-breathable jacket, sized up to fit over layers; look for pit zips.
- 2Add rain pants with an elastic waist cord (skip bibs and ankle cuffs) — or use a poncho.
- 3Wear a wicking base layer (not cotton) under your insulation and shell.
- 4Add a pack cover or dry bags to keep pack contents dry.
- 5Store rain gear at the top of your pack so you can get it on before you're soaked.
- 6Put it on early — at the first sign of rain, not after you're wet.
What to look for
- Jacket — waterproof-and-breathable, a size larger to fit over layers and ventilate, with pit zips for airflow.
- Rain pants — an elastic waist cord; avoid bib-and-suspenders (a hassle) and ankle closures (they just trap heat).
- Poncho — a simple option that breathes well and can drape over your pack to keep it dry too.
Notes & safety
- Staying dry is hypothermia prevention. Wet clothing pulls heat from the body fast; good rain gear worn before you get soaked keeps you warm.
- Breathable matters — a non-breathable shell soaks you in sweat, which chills you just like rain.
- No cotton — cotton under rain gear stays wet and cold; wear wicking or wool layers.
- Carry it always — weather changes fast; rain gear is an essential even on a sunny forecast.
Going deeper
- Breathable or you're in a trash bag. Waterproof-and-breathable, or your sweat soaks you as thoroughly as the rain would.
- Size up the shell. A rain jacket must fit over your layers — buy it a size larger, and it'll ventilate better too.
- Rain gear on top of the pack. You want it in seconds when the sky opens — not buried under everything else.
Official source
How to find the best rain gear to stay dry — Scouting Magazine →Rain gear is the waterproof shell that tops the layering system, covered on the Layering page. No product endorsement; hypothermia treatment is on the first-aid pages.