For our first foray into foul weather gear, you’d expect our engineering savants to come up with something truly special, like a garment that turns water into wine. But instead trying to out-tex GoreTex with fabric that wicks water, wind, and lava, they took a decidedly old-timey approach.

Waxcloth is made by applying a liberal amount of goo to fabric, then smoothing it to an attractive, oily sheen. Thorough testing confirms that our waxed canvas coat stands up to San Francisco mist, dew, drizzle, and even rain; of course, our tester wisely sought shelter after 30 seconds or so—just like you would. It also withstands spilled beer, repels dog slobber, and even deflects the expectorant of a stuttering drunk. Why, Scotsmen have wandered the moors in waxed canvas coats for generations, so trust that it will survive a soggy walk or bike to work.