The Essential Companion for Every Adventure

It’s wet weather season in Australia, that in-between season where the sky can’t make up its mind. One day, it’s crisp and golden, the perfect weather for an early morning trail run. 

The next? A sideways downpour that turns your favourite hiking track into a slip-and-slide. But that’s the beauty of the outdoors—unpredictable, untamed, and absolutely worth every second. The key to making the most of it? The right gear.

Imagine this; You’ve just hit the summit, lungs burning but full of life, only to feel the first fat drops of rain splattering against your face. No worries—you reach into your pack and pull out the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (400 grams), – it’s for the minimalists who want maximum protection.

With a three-layer H2No® Performance Standard shell, it’s not just waterproof but incredibly breathable. The microfleece-lined neck keeps things comfy, and the pit zips let you dump heat fast when the humidity kicks in.

Or maybe you’re tackling the Overland Track in Tassie. The wind’s howling, the mist rolls in thick, and you need something that’s as serious about protection as you are about the journey. Enter the Arc'teryx Beta SL, a jacket that doesn’t just keep you dry—it makes you feel invincible against whatever the landscape throws your way. If you're serious about the outdoors, Arc'teryx is your best mate.

This jacket features Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, a fabric that’s ridiculously lightweight (375 grams) but still tough enough for unexpected downpours. The articulated design means you get full freedom of movement—whether you’re scrambling up a ridgeline or just hailing a cab in the city.

For Those Who Live for the Wildest Conditions

Some hikes are gentle strolls. Others? They demand something tougher. The Patagonia Triolet is for those untamed expeditions—the ones that push your limits and test your grit. When the weather turns aggressive, this jacket doesn’t flinch.

And for the runners who refuse to let a little rain slow them down, the Mont Lightspeed is the one. This ultralight shell is crafted from Hydronaute 3-layer waterproof fabric, offering exceptional breathability to keep you dry from both the rain and your own sweat. The articulated fit ensures full range of motion, while the streamlined, no-frills design keeps weight to an absolute minimum—just 190 grams. With a helmet-compatible hood, YKK AquaGuard zips, and a packable design that stuffs into its own pocket, this jacket is made for those moments when the storm is behind you, the trail ahead, and nothing can stop you.

When Every Step Counts

Then there are those longer treks, where every piece of gear needs to be an extension of your endurance. The Mont Lightspeed (165 grams!) and Rab Namche GTX (437 grams) are built for the long haul—reliable, breathable, and crafted to keep you moving through the highs and lows of the trail. Whether it’s the humid rainforests of Queensland or the chilly alpine peaks of Victoria, these jackets adapt so you can focus on the journey.

Sometimes, you just need an all-rounder. Something that handles everything from unexpected downpours on the city streets to weekend escapes into the mountains. The XTM Takayna and North Face Antora strike that perfect balance—versatile, durable, and always ready to go.

This isn’t just about jackets. It’s about how you experience the wild. The moments where you push forward despite the rain, where you embrace the unpredictable, where you let nature remind you just how alive you are. And when you’ve got the right gear? Nothing—absolutely nothing—can hold you back.

So, whatever mother nature’s throwing your way, make sure you’re ready. The mountains are calling. The trails are waiting. And with the right jacket, you’ll never have to check the forecast again.

Not sure what gear you need for your adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

About the contributor:

Lauren Clark is the social media manager for Wild Earth. An obsessive gram counter who's always on the hunt for the lightest and most compact gear for hiking and travel. You'll find her overseas in one country or another attempting digital nomad life. When she's not working she's taking in as much culture as she can, eating all of the foods, hiking all of the trails and trying to find people to belay for her. Follow her adventures on Instagram.