AFTCO Rain Suit Comparison

When it rains, it pours. During a downpour, nothing is worse than being unprepared because it can ruin your day on the water and leave you frustrated and uncomfortable. Knowing where to start the search for your perfect rain jacket can be overwhelming with all the options on the market. At AFTCO, we have rain gear designed for light rain, steady showers, and heavy downpours. AFTCO has its anglers covered from top-of-the-line rain suits to everyday, rain jackets.

RAIN SUITS FOR LIGHT RAIN

Transformer vs. Hydro

The AFTCO Transformer Rain Jacket and the Hydro Jacket are ideal for anglers expecting light to medium rainfall. The Transformer is perfect for stray showers and light rainfall, while the Hydro is built to handle steady showers. Both rain jackets are breathable to keep anglers comfortable and can handle wind and rain on or off the water.

Like its name, the Transformer transforms because the jacket packs itself into its right-hand pocket. The Transformer is ideal for traveling and easily stores in the compartments of your vehicle's glove box in case of an unexpected shower. It's made with 2.5L fabric with two-way stretch nylon, so it's not stiff and moves with you. 

The Hydro Jacket does not transform, but it's a feature-rich rain jacket. It's made with a 2L 100% nylon shell and has a 30K waterproof membrane to keep rain out and off. Hydro also has a SpeedVent™ hood that’s two-way adjustable and designed to stay in place while running at high speeds on the water without causing neck strain.

If you want more rain protection, opt for the Hydro Jacket because its 30K waterproof membrane resists water longer than the Transformer. Pairing it with the Hydro Bib will fully protect you from the elements. If you prefer quick storage, the Transformer is the better option, and there is a matching Transformer Pant to make a complete light rain suit. No matter your preference, both will protect you from wind and light to medium rainfall.

Women's Option: For female anglers, AFTCO has a women’s cut of the Transformer Rain Jacket that offers the same features and benefits as the men’s version.

MOST POPULAR RAIN SUITS

2L vs 3L Rain Suits

AFTCO’s most popular rain jackets consist of 2L and 3L. The L stands for layer. A 2L jacket has two layers, and a 3L jacket has three layers. Starting with 2L, it has a waterproof membrane layer and a durable outer shell layer. The two layers are bonded together with pressure and heat. The outer layer keeps water out, while the inner polyester lining is breathable to keep anglers comfortable. The Hydronaut is a popular 2L AFTCO rain suit with a double dry cuff system, hook and loop adjustments, and a waist cinch adjustment. It also has a speed vent hood that’s 2-way adjustable to relieve strain on your neck. The Hydronaut is a 2L rain jacket that has matching bibs to make it a complete rain suit and protects you from the elements.

Another 2L rain jacket option is the Hydro Jacket. This jacket has the same features as the Hydronaut, but it's lighter and designed for warmer temperatures when worn by itself; otherwise, layering is necessary with colder temperatures.  The Hydronaut is for anglers fishing in temperatures below freezing with ice and snow.

3L rain jackets are top-of-the-line and built to withstand heavy wind and rain. They are top tier because they are the most durable, waterproof, and breathable rain jackets. A popular AFTCO 3L jacket is the Barricade. It has an outer shell, a waterproof membrane, and an inner lining. The waterproof membrane is between the lining and outer shell to keep rain out. The lining is vital for comfort because it improves breathability, is soft on skin, and increases durability. Since 3L jackets have three separate layers, they are more expensive because the bonding process is longer and requires more attention to detail. The quality of 3L rain jackets speaks for itself and will protect anglers for years on the water.

When deciding between 2L and 3L jackets, consider how frequently you’ll be in harsh weather. For example, winters are freezing if you’re a freshwater angler in the Midwest. If that’s your case, go for the 3L rain jacket because it’s the most durable. If you’re an angler in a milder climate, use the 2L rain jacket for protection. Either way, 2L and 3L rain jackets will keep you dry and warm, especially if you gear up in the Hydronaut or Barricade.

Women's Option: AFTCO has a women's version of the best-selling Hydronaut two-layer rain jacket for our female anglers. For a 3L women's rain jacket, Barricade is a top-of-the-line option, and anglers can pair it with the matching Barricade Bib for a complete suit.

TOP OF THE LINE SUITS

Barricade vs Fortress

For avid anglers regularly taking on strong winds and rains, gear up with top-of-the-line rain suits. The Barricade and the Fortress were tested in some of the harshest conditions anglers face, including channel crossings. From freezing cold weather to scorching heat, these light shell suits don’t have heavy insulation. Despite being a lighter material, these jackets are still highly protective.

The Barricade is a 3L jacket meant more for warmer weather with its 20K water resistance and 5K breathability. It’s been a staple for freshwater and saltwater pros alike. Its shell provides 30K water resistance in a three-layer suit, providing longer-lasting protection from water. It has an Aqua Guard zipper chest, hand pockets, and an adjustable Speed Vent™ hood to keep the strain and pressure off angler’s necks.

Fortress is the most premium, top-tier rain jacket in the AFTCO outerwear lineup. It’s made from a Toray® 100% nylon membrane that’s 30K waterproof and 7K breathable. Paired with the Fortress Bib, this rain suit was designed to hold up against the toughest conditions. The defense is in the details, and with YKK® AquaGuard® zipper chest and hand pockets and the double dry cuff system to keep water from seeping up your sleeves, you’re covered. Fortress also has a kill switch D-ring attachment to help keep anglers safe on the water. When it comes to staying dry and protected, Fortress over-delivers.

Another advantage of the Barricade and Fortress shell suits is versatility. Anglers can layer up in the winter to stay warm and skip the layers in the summer on warm, rainy days. 

Rainsuits can be an investment, but quality and durability speak for themselves. Instead of purchasing several low-level rain suits over the years, the top-tier Barricade and Barricade Elite will protect you season after season on the water. If you notice the waterproofing on your jacket is deteriorating, you can use Nikwax products. Also, check out the waterproof rundown guide to learn how to re-waterproof your jackets so they last longer. Take on a sprinkle, shower, or downpour with the AFTCO collection of rain suits, and best of luck on the water.

Rainsuits can be an investment, but quality and durability speak for themselves. Instead of purchasing several low-level rain suits over the years, the top-tier Barricade and Fortress suits will protect you season after season. If you notice the waterproofing on your jacket is deteriorating, you can use Nikwax products. Also, check out the waterproof rundown guide to learn how to re-waterproof your jackets so they last longer. Take on a sprinkle, shower, or downpour with the AFTCO collection of rain suits, and best of luck on the water.