Wet Weather Gear

Ok this one is for all of you newbies out there.

Top tip: always be prepared

It doesn't matter if it says INTERIOR on all of the scenes on the callsheet - there is every chance you could still be standing outside in the freezing cold or the pouring rain so you should be prepared to do so.

Something I do is have a backpack (preferably something pretty waterproof/resistant) and I throw all of my wet weather gear in there. When I start a new job I'll bring that bag with me and pop it into the AD trailer so I've got it on hand for the rest of the job. You could just always wear your waterproof boots and keep your wet legs and other bits in your personal backpack - it's up to you but just make sure you're never caught short. Not only will you end up getting soaked if you don't have your gear with you on a shoot but you'll also come across as unprepared.

Now wet weather gear can be expensive but I'm not saying buy that £500 jacket - if you have the money and you want to invest in it then go ahead but there are cheaper options which will do the job. Remember it's not about looking 'cool' it's about keeping dry and warm. Speak to your 3rd AD or your 2nd AD if you're struggling to get some wet weather gear - they're there to help you. Some productions will do a collection for old wet weather gear from seasoned crew members who have more pairs of wet legs than they can count. This is a good way to get what you need. You can also apply for a bursary to purchase your wet weather gear through ScreenSkills.

I'm going to tell you about some of the brands I have used and still use - what I like about them and what I don't. Hopefully it will help you to make an informed decision on what you're buying.

Wet Legs (Waterproof Trousers)

In my opinion you don't need to spend a fortune on these. They're going to get dirty but as long as they keep your jeans dry underneath who cares!

At the moment I'm using these ones from Berghaus

Currently £51.49 on Amazon

I can't really fault these. They go over my jeans really easily, they're lightweight and waterproof. They have zips up either side of the legs for easy access (so much better than the ones with buttons).

The only plus would be if they came with a wee bag to fold them up into when I'm not using them.

A different option could be these from Craghoppers UK

Currently £37.50 on Craghoppers UK Website

I don't have these but I'm thinking of getting them. They're slightly different to the pair above. The Berghaus ones are for wearing over your own trousers but you would wear these on their own.

My only concern with these is that it only says water repellent not waterproof. Therefore they are probably best for sunny days with rainshowers but not downpours. On the upside they can be converted into shorts with a handy zip above the knee.

Please note: These are only my recommendations - you can find perfectly good waterproof trousers on Regatta or Trespass for around £24 and they'll do the job.

Waterproof Jackets

I had a lovely bright blue waterproof windbreaker jacket that I bought for my first job and I loved it. It was an investment and it was from The North Face. I'd probably still have it now if my car hadn't got broken into and my backpack (containing my jacket) got stolen never to be seen again. I bought it in 2017 and I think it cost £80-100 and it was taken from me in 2020 - still in perfect condition. So definitely check out The North Face.

So after I lost that jacket I bought something completely different from Stutterheim.

Currently £125 on Stutterheim's website

Ok this coat is gorgeous and it definitely reflects the rain. However it only works if you also wear waterproof trousers because the rain slides off the coat and onto your jeans, completely soaking them.

Good coat for a bit of light rain if you're wearing a pair of jeans. Another downfall is the pockets - I have to put kitchen roll or blue roll in the pockets when it rains because they just get soaked.

This is a great coat but you have to commit to wearing your waterproof trousers with it in order for it to work the best. And lets be honest, if its pouring down you probably should be wearing them!

Mac in a Sac currently £37.50 on their website

Something good to have up your sleeve or in your backpack is one of those Mac in a Sac jackets. If you get caught short in the rain at work (bare in mind this isn't a fully waterproof jacket) this will keep you dry until you get your proper waterproof gear on. I got gifted one as a wrap gift on a production I worked on a few years ago and I find it very handy to have and it takes up very little space in my bag.

Waterproof Socks

SealSkinz Socks currently £35.00 on their website

Ok these are a game changer. I don't recommend doing this but I've forgotten my boots before on a job but luckily had my SealSkinz socks in my bag. I popped them on with my trainers and my feet stayed bone dry. Trainers were wrecked though...

Do it properly and wear them with your waterproof boots and feel unstoppable in the rain!

P.s. you don't need five pairs - just buy two and wash them - they dry pretty quickly.

Waterproof Boots

Redback Boots currently £119.95 on their website

These bad boys are brilliant. Don't let other people try and convince you to buy Blundstones - these are better.

Easy to get on and off, super comfy (no wearing in period), they aren't heavy on your feet and they look good too. The soles have a really strong grip so if you're stuck locking off in a muddy field you won't go slidding about.

Waterproof Gloves

Sealskinz Water Repellent Nanosealz Fleece Gloves £28.00

Pricey pair of gloves but they'll keep your hands warm and dry when you're filming outside all day.

Waterproof Hats

So it goes without saying to make sure you have a warm beanie with you in your backpack but the other thing I like to have is a waterproof hat. Yes sure your jacket will have a hood but these hats are great.

Rains waterproof bucket hat currently £29.00 on their website

A really good waterproof hat to protect you from the rain. Easy to keep in your backpack for when you need it. You could also keep it in your raincoat pocket for quick access.

They come in lots of different colours too!

SealSkinz Waterproof Bucket Hat £28.00 on their website

Another good option is this hat from SealSkinz which you just know will be waterproof if their socks are anything to go by. It also has a pocket on it - no idea what you would keep in there!

So you're probably thinking - gosh I can't just buy all of these things in one go and that's fine you don't have to. Look as long as you have waterproof trousers, boots and a waterproof jacket you'll be grand. The other bits are things you can work up to and collect as you gain more work in the industry. I didn't just buy all of these things for my first job - I've been in the industry for eight years and I only just bought the waterproof hat and that's because I got given a voucher from someone.

If you're new to the industry I recommend getting these things to start with.

Waterproof trousers - get the Craghopper ones £37.50

Waterproof Jacket - get the Mac in a Sac one £37.50

Waterproof boots - invest in the Redbacks £119.95

Total spend: £194.95

(Just over what one day as a PA in the industry gets you).

Don't worry about buying the coolest sh*t - you don't need it. Sure if you want that stuff and you can afford it then get it but please don't be made to feel like you need to spend a fortune on these things. You're main aim is to stay warm and dry so you can learn and enjoy your time working in this incredible industry.

That's all from me. Hope it helped!

TAR

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