AFTCO Rain Suit Comparison

AFTCO Rain Suit Comparison

When the weather turns, you find out what your gear is made of. A good rain jacket keeps you fishing when others call it a day. AFTCO builds rain gear for passing showers, all-day downpours, and everything in between. This guide will help you choose the right protection for the conditions you fish most.

Deep Set Commercial Rain Suit

Lightweight Fishing Rain Gear

Crossing

Crossing Rain Suit

The AFTCO Crossing Jacket is built for passing showers, wet runs, and light-to-moderate rain. Its 10K waterproof, 5K breathable TPU membrane, DWR finish, and wind-resistant shell provide reliable protection in a packable design.

A mesh liner and armpit vents help release heat, while taped seams, a self-locking hood cinch, and an adjustable hem help keep the weather out. Waterproof hand pockets keep essentials dry, while the waterproof center-front zipper helps seal out rain. When the rain clears, the jacket packs into a breathable stow pouch for travel or easy storage in a boat bag.

Crossing is available in solid colors and multiple camo colorways. Pair it with the matching Crossing Pullover Pants for a complete lightweight rain suit with the same 10K waterproof and 5K breathable protection.

2-Layer vs 3-Layer Rain Suits

Hydro vs Barricade

Hydro vs Barricade

AFTCO rain jackets use 2L or 3L construction, with the “L” referring to the number of layers in the shell. In a 2L jacket, the outer fabric is bonded to a waterproof layer, with a separate liner inside for comfort. A 3L jacket bonds the outer fabric, waterproof layer, and inner layer into one shell for added durability. Choose 2L for dependable rain protection at a lower price. Choose 3L for frequent, long days in foul weather, when added durability is worth the investment.

The 2L Hydro and 3L Barricade share practical foul-weather features, including DragFree hood adjustments, double dry cuffs, hem cinches, YKK® AquaGuard® zippers, and hand pockets with drain holes. Their shells are built for different priorities.

The 2L Hydro Jacket takes a waterproofing-first approach. Its 30K waterproof membrane and DWR finish are built for heavy wind and rain, while chest, hand, and internal chest pockets provide storage. Pair it with the matching Hydro Bib for a complete fishing rain suit.

The 3L Barricade Jacket balances waterproof protection with breathability and added durability. Its ripstop shell features 20K waterproofing, 5K breathability, and a DWR finish. Pair it with the matching Barricade Bib to complete the 3L rain suit.

Choose Hydro when keeping heavy rain out is the priority. Choose Barricade for long days when breathability and 3L durability matter more. Both are uninsulated shells, so add base and thermal layers when fishing in freezing temperatures.

Women's Option: The Women's Barricade Jacket and matching Barricade Bib offer the same 3L ripstop construction, 20K waterproofing, and 5K breathability in a women’s fishing rain suit.

Hydro vs Barricade

Premium Fishing Rain Suits

Barricade vs Fortress

Barricade vs FortressFor anglers who regularly fish through strong wind and heavy rain, Barricade and Fortress offer two levels of foul-weather performance. Both are uninsulated shells, giving anglers room to layer when temperatures drop or keep it light in warmer weather.

The Barricade Jacket uses durable 3L ripstop polyester with 20K waterproofing, 5K breathability, and a DWR finish. A DragFree hood adjustment, double dry cuffs, internal hem cinch, and YKK® AquaGuard® zippers help seal out the weather. Drain holes in the hand pockets shed trapped water, while high-vis reflective trim improves visibility in low-light conditions. Pair it with the matching Barricade Bib for a complete fishing rain suit.

The Fortress Jacket sits at the top of the AFTCO rain gear lineup. Its Toray® 100% nylon membrane provides 30K waterproofing and 7K breathability. The SpeedVent™ hood stays in place at high speeds, while YKK® AquaGuard® zippers, double dry cuffs, and internal waist and hem adjustments help keep water out. An articulated fit improves range of motion, and a kill switch D-ring provides a dedicated attachment point. Pair it with the Fortress Bib to complete the system.

Choose Barricade for durable 3L protection in serious foul weather. Step up to Fortress when higher waterproofing and breathability matter most.

Barricade vs Fortress

Commercial-Grade Rain Suits

Seafarer vs Deep Set

Built for work on saltwater, Seafarer and Deep Set are 100% waterproof fishing slickers made to keep anglers dry on deck. Seafarer provides lightweight waterproof protection, while Deep Set adds the durability of commercial-grade PVC and welded seams.

The Seafarer Jacket uses PU-coated 100% polyester with waterproof fabric and construction. A two-way adjustable hood, hook-and-loop cuffs, and PU-coated zippered hand pockets provide practical protection on deck. Pair it with the Seafarer Bib, which features adjustable elastic shoulder straps and a relaxed fit.

The Deep Set Jacket uses a commercial-grade PVC shell with welded seams for 100% waterproof protection and maximum durability. It is built to handle fish blood, grime, heavy downpours, and rough swells. Reflective screen-printed logos improve visibility, while the oversized fit leaves room for layers. Pair it with the matching Deep Set Bib for full waterproof coverage.

Choose Seafarer for lightweight waterproof protection. Choose Deep Set for maximum durability through heavy rain, rough swells, fish blood, and grime.

Seafarer vs Deep Set

Warmest Rain Suit

Hydronaut® Insulated

Hydronaut Insulated Rain Suit

Cold weather calls for more than a waterproof shell. The Hydronaut® Insulated Jacket and Hydronaut® Insulated Bib combine a durable 2-layer Oxford nylon shell, 30K waterproof membrane, DWR finish, and PrimaLoft® Black insulation for fishing through freezing rain, snow, and wind.

The insulation uses 100g fill through the body, hood, and seat, with 80g in the sleeves and legs to reduce bulk. A DragFree hood adjustment, YKK® AquaGuard® zippers, and double dry cuffs help seal out the weather, while an articulated fit supports movement. The bib adds hand-warmer pockets, adjustable shoulders, and a reinforced 300D pliers pocket.

Choose Hydronaut® Insulated when built-in warmth matters as much as staying dry.

The best rain suit isn’t always the one with the highest waterproof rating. It’s the one built for the conditions you fish most. Keep it performing season after season with Nikwax outerwear care products, made to clean your gear and maintain its DWR finish. For more on waterproof ratings, breathability, and gear care, read the Waterproof Rundown. From passing showers to freezing rain and heavy downpours, AFTCO rain suits are built to keep you fishing.