Rainwear
Rothco military rain gear keeps you and your gear dry on the trail, at the airsoft field, on a job site or on a security post. Our rainwear covers four kinds of protection.
- Ponchos: the G.I. Type Rip-Stop Poncho, rubberized and reversible ponchos, reversible PVC ponchos, a lightweight security poncho and an all weather emergency poncho for go-bags.
- Rainsuits: a PVC rainsuit, a deluxe heavyweight PVC rainsuit and a 2-piece microlite PVC rainsuit that seal you from head to boots.
- Rain jackets: the Shadow Ops Waterproof Rain Jacket in men's and women's cuts, a packable rain jacket and a classic yellow rain jacket.
- Visibility and security: reflective rain parkas, a safety reflective rain jacket and security-labeled rain jackets for guards and road crews.
The G.I. type poncho is the most versatile piece here. Its polyester rip-stop fabric helps keep small tears from spreading, a drawstring tightens the hood, snaps close the sides, and the cut leaves room for a backpack underneath. When the rain stops, it opens flat to serve as a tarp, ground cover or emergency shelter.
Reversible parkas let you switch between a subdued side and a high-visibility side, which helps when one jacket has to cover both field work and roadside duty.
A note for service members: DA PAM 670-1 covers wear of the issue wet weather jacket with the combat uniform, and commanders decide when rain gear is worn. These commercial ponchos and rain jackets are best for training, off-duty and civilian use. See the regulation notes below.
How to Choose Military Rain Gear
Choosing rain gear is a trade-off between coverage, breathability and packability. Think about how long you'll be in the rain and how hard you'll be working.
Ponchos: Coverage and Versatility
A poncho is the classic military rain gear because it does two jobs. It covers you and your rucksack while you walk, and it becomes a shelter when you stop. Ponchos breathe well because they're open at the sides, but they flap in wind. Choose the rip-stop poncho for field use, a rubberized or PVC poncho for heavy downpours, and the emergency poncho for vehicles and kits.
Rainsuits: Full Protection
A PVC rainsuit, a jacket and pants together, is the most waterproof option. It's ideal for long hours in the rain while you're not moving much, such as directing traffic, working on a boat, hunting from a stand or doing outdoor chores. PVC doesn't breathe, so open the front when you're active. The microlite suit is lighter to carry; the deluxe heavyweight is tougher.
Rain Jackets: Everyday Wear
The Shadow Ops waterproof jacket and the packable rain jacket are the easiest to wear around town and on the trail. Pair one with quick-drying pants for light rain, or add rainsuit pants when it's heavy.
High-Visibility Rain Gear
Anyone working near traffic should use reflective rain parkas or the safety reflective jacket. Security rain jackets add identification for guards and event staff.
Sizing Rain Gear
Rain gear goes over everything else, so size it for your bulkiest layers. Try rain jackets on over a fleece or field jacket and make sure the sleeves still cover your wrists when you reach forward. Rainsuit pants should be long enough to cover your boot tops when you sit or kneel. Ponchos are usually one size for adults, with a generous cut that also covers a backpack.
Military Rain Gear and Uniform Regulations
For the Army, DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 4-7e, covers outer garments with the combat uniform: the hood of the cold weather coat or wet weather jacket may be worn up or down at the Soldier's option, and when it isn't worn it's stowed inside the garment with the zipper closed. The ECWCS Generation III system includes a Level 6 extreme wet/cold weather jacket and trousers, and paragraph 4-7f lets commanders authorize ECWCS jackets as outer garments.
Rain Coverage with Service Uniforms
Under paragraph 20-9, the all-weather coat is worn with the service uniforms. Utility uniforms may be worn with it only in a garrison environment and only when the unit hasn't issued organizational rain gear.
Where Commercial Rain Gear Fits
Our Rothco ponchos, rainsuits and rain jackets are commercial items, not issue rain gear, and paragraph 4-7q makes Soldiers responsible for making sure commercially bought uniform items meet military specifications. Use them for training, range days, field exercises where your unit allows them, and civilian wear, and follow your command's rules when you're in uniform, since they can be stricter than the regulation. Other services publish their own outerwear guidance.
Care and Storage
Let rain gear dry completely before you pack it so it doesn't mildew, and rinse off mud with plain water. Store PVC gear away from heat and direct sun so it stays flexible.