AFTCO Rain Suit Comparison

When the weather turns, you find out what your gear is made of. A good rain jacket keeps you on the water when others call it a day. With so many options out there, finding the right one can feel like its own kind of storm. AFTCO builds rain gear for everything from a light drizzle to a full-on downpour — from top-of-the-line rain suits to everyday jackets that keep you dry when it matters most.

The AFTCO Crossing Jacket and the Hydro Jacket are ideal for anglers expecting light to medium rainfall. Crossing is perfect for an afternoon squall and light rainfall, while Hydro is built to handle steady showers. Both rain jackets are breathable and can handle wind and rain on or off the water.

Like its name, Crossing was designed to keep anglers protected and ready for any crossing, rain or shine. It's 10K waterproof and 5K breathable, with must-have features like a mesh liner, armpit vents, and a self-locking hood cinch to keep anglers comfortable when the weather turns. It's also available in two camo colorways, and packs neatly into a stow pouch, perfect for traveling or stashing in your boat bag.

The Hydro Jacket does not pack away, 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 the two-way adjustable SpeedVent™ hood 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 Crossing. Pairing it with the Hydro Bib will fully protect you from the elements. If you prefer quick storage, the Crossing is the better option, and there is a matching Crossing Pant to make a complete light rain suit. No matter your preference, both will protect you from wind and light to medium rainfall.

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.

Hydro is a popular 2L AFTCO rain suit with a double dry cuff system, a hem cinch adjustment, and a SpeedVent™ hood that’s 2-way adjustable. It has built-in DWR water repellence and ample storage options with YKK® zipper chest pockets, hand pockets, and internal chest pockets. Hydro also has matching bibs to make it a complete rain suit. If you plan to fish in colder temperatures below freezing, layer up or opt for one of the AFTCO 3L rain suits.

3L rain jackets are top-of-the-line and built to withstand heavy wind and rain. They are the most durable, waterproof, and breathable rain jackets.

A popular AFTCO 3L jacket is 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. This lining is vital for comfort because it improves breathability, is soft against 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. Built to last, 3L rain jackets earn their keep over years of hard weather and long days 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.

Women's Option: Barricade is a top-of-the-line 3L women's rain jacket option, and can be paired with the matching Barricade Bib.

For avid anglers who regularly encounter strong wind and heavy rain, gear up with top-of-the-line rain suits. Barricade and 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.

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 AquaGuard® zipper at the chest, convenient hand pockets, and the adjustable SpeedVent™ hood.

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.

Built for saltwater, the new Seafarer Jacket and Seafarer Bib keep commercial anglers comfortable and dry as they work the deck. These fishing slickers are made with a PU-coated waterproof fabric to repel water. The Seafarer Jacket is lightweight and has a two-way adjustable hood and a cinch cord hem. The bibs have adjustable elastic shoulder straps with a swivel buckle to relieve pressure on the shoulders and back. For foul weather, this lightweight saltwater slicker has you covered.

Deep Set is a commercial-grade PVC rain suit with welded seams for 100% waterproof protection. It is built to perform in the harshest conditions and easily withstands fish blood, grime, and rough swells. Deep Set has a classic fit and reflective screenprint logos for finishing details. For foul weather, these lightweight saltwater slickers have anglers covered as they take on the sea.

Rain suits are an investment, and quality speaks for itself. Instead of cycling through low-end gear year after year, step into top-tier protection with Barricade or Fortress — built to keep you dry season after season. When waterproofing starts to fade, a quick treatment with Nikwax can bring your jacket back to life. For more tips, explore our Waterproof Rundown to keep your gear performing its best. From a light sprinkle to a full-on downpour, AFTCO rain suits are built to keep you on the water.