Food & Drink
The Best Gear to Keep You Dry During Seattle’s Long Rainy Season
According to an old Scandinavian saying, ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.’ We agree—invest in a few stylish, functional waterproof garments and gear and you’ll be set through the next eight months of unpredictable rain
By Hilary Meyerson October 18, 2019
This article originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of Seattle magazine.
This article appears in print in the October 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe.
1. Helly Hansen Verglas 3L shell jacket. This three-layer workhorse of a waterproof shell ($325) is great for a range of outdoor activities, as the hood can accommodate a helmet or just keep your ’do dry on the way to work. Helly Hansen’s signature attention to detail is evident in the sealed, taped pockets and the sure-grip zipper pulls for slippery fingers. Available at Helly Hansen, downtown; hellyhansen.com
2. Danner Trail 2650 GTX hiking boots. It’s time to put away the summer hiking boots and get ready for the elements. That means Gore-Tex footwear from Portland-based Danner boots, like these low hikers ($170), which are lightweight, breathable and won’t let puddles slow you down. Available at Danner, Renton; danner.com
3. LifeProof Frē case. Face it, our cell phones are our lifelines to work, family and internet cat memes. Since rain and electronics don’t mix well, invest in one of these waterproof (and “dropproof”) cases ($49–$99). Available online at lifeproof.com or area Best Buy stores, including Northgate
4. Bogs classic tall rain boots. Oregon-based Bogs knows a thing or two about rain boots—the ubiquitous and frequently colorful boots are a back-to-school staple. This classic tall pair ($130) with a new print from Northwest illustrator David Rollyn is a fun way to hit the puddles. Available at REI, multiple locations, including South Lake Union; rei.com
5. Patagonia Black Hole duffel 40L. Completely waterproof, environmentally friendly and constructed with 100% recycled polyester and nylon, this may be the perfect weekend bag ($129); it’s also the smallest duffel in the Black Hole series, with a 40-liter capacity. The bag has an interior zipper pocket so that it can be folded into itself for easy storage, a padded base to protect your goods and shoulder straps for easy conversion into a backpack. Available at Patagonia, downtown; patagonia.com
6. Gore H5 Windstopper hybrid pants. Rain pants are a must if you’re determined to keep up your hiking routine through the fall. These pants from Gore ($299) will keep your legs dry when cruising through wet underbrush—or from the dreaded wet-dog shake-off at the park. Available online at gorewear.com
7. Outdoor Research Versaliner glove liner. To help keep your hands dry, this ultrathin, lightweight fleece can be used alone as a glove or as a layer under a more heavy-duty glove or mitten ($55). Available at Outdoor Research Seattle Store, SoDo; outdoorresearch.com
8. Outdoor Research Ghost rain hat. Excellent for outdoor adventures or just watching the kids’ soccer games, this wide-brimmed hat ($79) features a removable Gore-Tex crown that packs away into a hidden pocket to allow for ventilation in drier weather. Available at Outdoor Research Seattle Store, SoDo; outdoorresearch.com
9. Showers Pass Crosspoint waterproof mountain socks. No one likes wet, cold feet. Waterproof socks like these wool-blend versions ($45) are ideal for the cyclist, hiker, paddler or anyone who might be out in damp conditions where waterproof shoes are just not an option. Available at REI, multiple locations, including South Lake Union; rei.com
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