Top 5 Rain Jackets For Dog Handlers In 2023

Written By: Zach Miller

"When it comes to the elements, I often recall my time in the infantry, one thing we would never compromise on is gear that makes life easier when the environment is anything but."

As a gundog trainer, your work doesn't stop when the rain starts pouring. After all, birds fly the best when the rain and conditions are anything but favorable. Training sessions and outdoor activities with your four-legged companions require you to be prepared for all weather conditions. A reliable rain jacket is an essential piece of gear to keep you dry and comfortable during wet training sessions. In this article, we will explore the top five rain jackets specifically designed for gundog trainers, ensuring you can focus on your training without worrying about getting soaked.

1. Sitka Gear - Kodiak Jacket

When it comes to a solid rain jacket, I need it to be of strong material, packable and have versatility. This jacket is more of a “duster” style jacket that goes down to below your knees. This jacket also has the ability to fold up into a normal length rain jacket if desired. When I’m working in the field and the rain comes in, I need full protection and in most cases, I don’t have time to throw rain bottoms on as those dark clouds roll in. 

Photo Courtesy Of: 1 Shot Gear

“The Sitka Gear Kodiak Jacket is a true bear of a rain jacket. The knee-length, 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric creates a mobile rain shelter while hiking or glassing. Thanks to the stretchable rubber cuff, with a Velcro strip, you can create a water-tight barrier around your wrist and not have water running down your arm and into your base layers while scouting. The extra length of the Sitka Gear Kodiak Jacket creates a waterproof barrier to sit on, and at go-time, you can button up the extended length for ease of movement. The 17 inch Pit zips allow for great flexibility in temperature control, while reach-through pockets give you easy access to dry gear underneath the jacket without having to unzip the front. As with other Sitka Gear rain jackets, the hand pockets are slightly elevated to have rain water run off your elbows, instead of down into the pockets. Overall, this jacket is lives up to its namesake and will become your go-to outer layer when busting through dense brush to get above the tree line.” (1-Shot Gear, 2023)

2. Filson - Skagit Rain Jacket

I have always enjoyed products from the Filson company, they build “unfailing goods” and when the elements are at their worst, you put peace of mind in that slogan. “Rain Cloth™ is a three-layer fabric consisting of an extremely tough, tightly-woven nylon shell with a waterproof/breathable membrane laminated to its interior. The membrane is full of millions of microporous holes that are too tiny for water to penetrate, yet allow vapors to escape to the outside, keeping you dry and non-sweaty. On the interior is a brushed tricot backer that adds warmth and aids in the dispersion of moisture. To ensure fully-waterproof protection, all seams are sealed with waterproof, flexible tape. Unique to Skagit Rain Jacket, the Rain Cloth™ shell fabric is optimized to excel in the specific conditions a hardcore angler may encounter. The 5.3-oz. nylon is extremely resistant to punctures and tears, keeping the waterproof membrane protected from the thorns and brush often found while bushwhacking down to the river.” (Filson, 2023) 

3. Sitka Gear - Dew-Point Jacket

Sitka Gear makes this list twice for good reason, I use the Dew Point Jacket as my truck jacket. This jacket is extremely packable and can practically get down to the size where it can fit into my travel mug. It has yet to let me down and the simplicity of this jacket is what puts it at the number three spot. “Our 3-layer GORE-TEX Dew Point Jacket offers lightweight waterproof protection for volatile weather. Minimalist construction features include 20-denier nylon ripstop face with soft GORE® C-KNIT® backer technology for breathable comfort and packability, pit zips for expelling heat, micro-taped seams to reduce weight and zippered pockets that are accessible while wearing a pack belt and Mountain Optics Harness.” (Sitka Gear, 2023)

4. First Lite - Vapor Stormlight Ultralight Jacket

“Any backcountry hunter will tell you that carrying a solid rain jacket is a necessary evil but nobody enjoys the added weight of your average rain jacket. We designed the Vapor Stormlight Rain Jacket as a no-frills, bomber ultralight rain jacket that can keep you dry without filling your pack. At a featherweight 12 ounces, this hooded two-layer rain jacket is the best of both worlds. Like its big brother, the SEAK Stormtight Jacket, the Vapor features the Turret Hood and waterproof zippers.” (First Lite, 2023)

5. Duck Camp - Squall 3L Ultralight Rain Jacket

“Gone are the days of having to sweat in your rain jacket while hunting. Introducing our most technical product yet: the 3-Layer (3L) Ultralight Rain Jacket in proprietary Early Season Wetland camouflage. This is the best rain jacket for all of your hunting and fishing adventures because it’s not only waterproof - it’s also breathable. A 3-layer jacket, it sports a durable ripstop Nylon face fabric, waterproof middle layer and a soft backing. The next-to-skin layer is comfortable and not sticky, so you’ll be comfortable in the field even while it’s raining. The perfect rain jacket packs into its own pocket, so you can store it easily in your blind bag, backpack or tackle bag. Snag yours today so you’ll be ready for any rainy situation.” (Duck Camp, 2023)

When it comes to gundog training, unpredictable weather should never hinder your progress. Investing in a reliable rain jacket is essential to stay dry and focused during training sessions. The Sitka Gear Kodiak and Dew Point, Filson Skagit, First Lite Vapor Stormlight and the Duck Camp Squall 3L Ultralight are all top choices for gundog trainers, offering exceptional waterproof capabilities, comfort, and durability. With these rain jackets, you can train your gundogs with confidence, knowing that you are protected from the elements and ready to tackle any weather conditions that come your way.