Wirecutter - Don’t get caught in the rain

It may be trite, but it’s true: Spring brings rain—lots of it.

Before you find yourself caught in a storm and ducking into the nearest drugstore to grab the flimsiest poncho within arm’s reach, allow us to help you.

Read on for the three things we think are essential for braving a downpour. Our experts have tested and approved all of these items, which can withstand blustery winds and heavy rain. Future you (who’s dry and comfortable) says thanks.

We’ve taken umbrellas on errands, run them under the shower, attacked them with a leaf blower, and tortured them to the point of failure in gusty winds and even blizzard-like conditions.

One umbrella has risen to the top in our tests: the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella. With its nine-rib construction, automatic open-and-close mechanism, and comfortable-to-hold handle, it’s the kind of umbrella you buy once and always carry with you, so you never have to worry about being drenched in public again.

The Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots are great for people who want one pair of highly versatile outdoor shoes that are easy to slip on and off. In our tests, we found that these comfy rain boots are perfect for drizzly walks, can grip slippery metal (like grates and train tracks), and are easy to drive in.

The L.L.Bean Rain Jacket has a simple aesthetic that works equally well for commuting to the city and running errands. It comes in the most style and size variations of any of the jackets we tested. And, most importantly, water rolls right off of it.