Vancouver (or Raincouver) sees quite a bit of rain so it’s handy to be prepared with some rainy day essentials that will make life less miserable. Here’s our must-haves if you’re looking to get on with your day and brave the unpredictable weather and rain of Vancouver, BC.
Waterproof Rain Jacket
A durable and comfortable waterproof rain jacket is an absolute essential and must-have for Vancouver’s rainy days. Wearing one will let you go about your day while staying dry and keep you warm from the wet rain. It’s best to ensure you are getting the appropriate level of waterproofing depending on how much rain you’re expecting as well as your budget but a good jacket is useful in both light rain and heavy rain storms. It will also save you from having to carry an umbrella everywhere you go – esp with lighter rain.
You can base your decision on the level of waterproofing you need which also depends on how heavy the rain is. Opt for jackets that feature waterproof or water resistance technology such as Gore-Tex and look for something that is suitable based on the ranges of mm below:
- 0-5,000 mm: Water-resistant to light rain.
- 5,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof for moderate rain.
- 10,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof for heavy rain.
- 20,000+ mm: Suitable for extreme conditions or prolonged exposure to heavy rain.
Some popular brands you’ll see being worn often in Vancouver is Arc’teryx, North Face and Patagonia.
- Arc’teryx is a Vancouver-based brand known for their high performance outdoor wear designed to withstand harsh elements and keep you dry with technology like Gore-Tex. Arc’teryx gear is a bit pricier than other brands due to their technical features but you’ll be paying for quality and high durability.
- North Face is also popular in Vancouver for its stylish range of casual wear and outerwear which incorporates their own waterproof technology called DryVent™. They strike a good balance with their rain jackets as being something you can wear every day as well as during harsh or wet conditions.
- Patagonia is also a fan favourite in the waterproof rain jacket category as well as their wide range of outdoor clothing and gear. Their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices make them an easy company to support and you’ll find a wide range of rain jackets with varying levels of how waterproof they are.
- Helly Hansen is another brand we’d shout out as we purchased our rain jackets from there. They’re a more affordable alternative to the brands above but still provide high quality clothing with good waterproof technology.
Waterproof Shoes
A pair of waterproof shoes are a game-changer for those rainy days in Vancouver. Since it can rain often but more importantly, days on end, waterproof shoes will let you carry on with your day without having to stress about wet shoes and more importantly, wet socks. Many hiking shoes or boots will have waterproofing and often times Gore-Text but you can also find trainers/runners with waterproofing for daily use.
Brands like Salomon, On Running and Hoka offer waterproof trainers/runners and they’ll usually cost a bit more ($20-$30) than shoes without. We’ve got a pair of waterproof trainers/runners which makes it easy for us to use day to day while also being prepared for any last minute rain. Bonus is these can be quite effective during days with light snow, helping to keep your feet dry and warm, but in heavy snow you may want to opt for boots.
Umbrella
An umbrella is an obvious choice as a must-have on a rainy day, but what you may notice in Vancouver is despite the rain, you won’t see everyone carrying an umbrella. Since it is common to rain here, many are prepared with waterproof clothing (as mentioned above) and are ready to brave the rain without an umbrella. Unless it rains heavy, you can definitely get away without an umbrella as long as your jacket and shoes have waterproofing to keep you dry and warm.
When it does rain heavy, it can get windy so look for an umbrella that’s durable and can survive the wind otherwise you’ll find yourself dumping your broken umbrella in the sidewalk bins (which is common to see).
Waterproof Backpack or Bag
If you’re often carrying a bag with personal belongings or for work, then having a waterproof backpack or bag will make your life much easier. This will keep your belongings safe from water, so look for bags with waterproof materials, sealed zippers and multiple compartments with waterproof linings. Brands we mentioned above like Arc’teryx, Patagonia and North Face offer waterproof backpacks and outdoor bags. If you’re looking for something more suitable for the office, school or just casually then Rains is a good brand to check out for their waterproof backpacks, travel bags and suitcases.
That summarizes our essentials and must-haves for braving Vancouver’s rainy weather. Making sure you have the appropriate clothing like rain jackets and waterproof shoes when you leave the house can make getting on with your day much easier and help you get through any potential sudden change in weather that Vancouver has to offer. Once you’ve been living here for a few months you’ll find yourself quickly adjusted to how often it can rain and being even more grateful for those clear and sunny days.