Best waterproof products: Tried and tested outdoor travel essentials, from umbrellas and raincoats to walking boots and wellies you can rely on when bad weather hits

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In the UK, rainy weather is hardly a notable occurrence. 

We’ve already had a supremely wet January to kick off 2026, February has also seen its fair share of downpours – and, after a spate of sun, it’s back to rain again this week. 

Even if you’ve got your usual travel essentials, like your travel mug and portable charger, it’s a good idea to keep the damp UK weather in mind when you’re out and about.

That’s why we’ve put some of the best rainy day essentials to the test, in order to compile this guide to the best of the best.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a new brolly, a water-resistant backpack or something more technical, we’ve got you covered.

From high-tech waterproof sprays to the best raincoats money can buy, here’s our guide of the ultimate rainy day essentials. 

The best rainy day essentials: Quick list

How we test 

We put all of our products through a rigorous testing process and travel essentials are no different. 

From personal item bags and carry-ons to power banks and passport wallets, we test every product for at least a week (usually longer), and use them in real rainy scenarios for practical, trial-based testing.

In some instances, our product testing experts will reference products they’ve been using for years. 

From testing if a personal item bag easily fits under the seat on a plane to if a travel pillow is supportive enough to hold your neck upright for a full in-flight nap, we’ve put it all to the test.

You can read more about how we test travel accessories on our dedicated page.

The best rainy day essentials

Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks

This extra-strong all-weather umbrella with an oversized canopy is an umbrella with a kick – it’s no ordinary, pocket-sized item, but rather a strong, powerful piece of gear.

It’s heavier than cheaper, smaller models, but that’s to be expected. With its weight comes a sturdiness and durability that’s hard to replicate.

I’m not the only fan, either.

One review of the product says: ‘I use this umbrella when it’s windy and wet, perfect for the job. Sturdy and will last for a few winters. The wind vents help when its very windy.’

Another adds: ‘Lovely golf umbrella, well made with great detail on the orange parts. Quite a large umbrella that fits two people easily.’

It’s also widely praised for its exceptional quality.

 Reviewed by Alesia Fiddler

Small but mighty, this compact umbrella folds out to a decent enough size for one person.

I admittedly was a little concerned after seeing its size but the umbrella did manage to survive small gusts of wind just fine and it kept me dry on my rainy walk home.

Bigger gusts of wind, however, were a different story and it quickly flipped inside out a couple of times during my commute. But, the handy brolly quickly returned to its original shape, unbroken.

The umbrella is slim and even fit in my coat pocket, as well as my bag, so is perfect to carry on the go as a just-in-case.

 Reviewed by Alesia Fiddler

The first thing I noticed when I slipped these wellies on were the soles – they felt so comfy and supportive.

After years of splashing around in supermarket brand wellington boots, which were perfectly fine and did the job, the Stutterheim rain boots feel and look amazing.

They kept my feet comfortable and dry, and managed to look stylish at the same time.

My heels felt secure and didn’t slip around too much inside, a problem I have experienced with rubber boots before.

 Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks

I’ll admit, I wasn’t convinced by raincoats. The idea of a waterproof jacket brought to mind family holidays immersed in the great outdoors – as well as a lot of mud and splatter. Far from the cosmopolitan lifestyle I dreamed of growing up.

But that all changed when I found the Mosebacke Long Raincoat from Stutterheim.

Not only is it waterproof and durable (the bare minimum from a raincoat in this price range), but it’s actually stylish too.

Like a sort of trench coat, it’s classy and functional – I 100 per cent recommend.

 Reviewed by Alesia Fiddler

Nike’s Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX shoes felt bouncy and supportive on my feet.

They were great at keeping me dry and even with the waterproof feature, they still felt airy and light, whilst also offering protection from water and mud.

I especially liked the colour of the trainers as well as the good level of grip they provided, which is exactly what you need when heading out in wet weather.

 Reviewed by Tom Chesshyre

Lightweight yet super-sturdy, these low-cut hiking boots from the German brand Hanwag, operating since 1921 in Bavaria, cut a dash coming in three colour options: asphalt/black, ivory/black and olive.

Mine are the latter, smart with jeans, but highly practical out on the trail.

The inside cushioning is comfy and after an hour or so you feel as though the shoes have moulded nicely to your feet.

The exterior is completely waterproof (using Gor-Tex) and windproof, but breathable too. The sole is tough and with decent grip (soles can be replaced when worn through). The sizing felt slightly large, so best to wear with thick socks.

 Reviewed by Tom Chesshyre

From the ever-dependable Swedish brand Fjallraven, founded by Swedish adventurer/hiking legend Ake Nordin in 1960, this mid-sized backpack is extremely versatile and perfect for the mountains.

There are multiple pockets with an avalanche tool compartment, straps for attaching a snowboard/skis, an ice axe holder and a holder for hiking poles.

You can also attach a helmet to a handy pull-out strap. The strong backing has good padding and the overall weight is light (1.46kg). It comes in three colours: flame orange/mountain blue, laurel green-deep forest, and mountain blue.

This is a first-rate mountain hiking backpack.

 Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks

I bought this product after realising a new jacket could likely get ruined in the rainy British weather.

Lured in by great reviews (4.4 stars on Amazon), I was keen to try this product – and at only £13.99, I thought it was worth a go.

It was revolutionary – I didn’t realise something so simple could protect my clothes from the water.

Sure, it’s no replacement for an entirely waterproof item of clothing – but it’s a great active repellent for water.

The product is also designed to revitalise raingear, too.

Positive reviews online praised the spray, with one saying: ‘Excellent product! Used to waterproof my motorbike jacket.’

Another added: ‘Very easy to use, works so much better than any of the washes. A little messy and my hands were waterproof for a while after using so I’d recommend gloves. Only negative is you need most of the bottle for one jacket.’

 Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks

This cross-body bag is the ultimate bag for busy gym-goers, commuters, outdoorsy people or even city-dwellers looking to get from A to B without their belongings getting soaked through.

When I read the product description, I was unsure if the bag truly would be as spacious as promised – but it really is. With room for everyday items such as a laptop, valuables, spare clothes or gym gear, it’s an essential item for day-to-day use.

Plus, unlike some backpacks and carryalls, this is truly stylish, too. With a range of colours – my personal favourite is the icy blue, called ‘Frost Grey’ on the website – it’s ideal for busy people who like to stay on trend.

Our verdict

Our ultimate guide to the key equipment you need for rainy weather includes the basics as well as some elevated luxuries.

If you’re on a budget, start with a simple umbrella like our favourite Fulton umbrella  and Stutterheim raincoat.

If you’re likely to spend lots of time in the rain, for instance on a hiking trip, some of the items on our list could be game-changers – a decent backpack or sturdy shoes such as those by Hanwag or Nike could make all the difference.

Why trust us

Our team of travel writers and editors has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys.

Our reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

FAQs

What essentials do you need for the rain? 

At a basic level, an absolute essential is an umbrella – a small one for popping in your bag, or a large one if you need something sturdier.

Next, you’ll want to consider a raincoat.

After that, you might want to look at other gear, such as waterproof shoes, bags and sturdier hiking gear.