Rain gear...

[wickyman]

Hello everyone!  I am just curious if anyone has a recommendation for some kind of cheap rain gear.  I want to stay in the 80 dollar range, as to keep up with my budget! 

I fished the Holder Ford tournament on Clear Lake, out here in California, last year, and nearly drown!  Not really, it was just windy, and wet most of the 2nd day. 

I want to wear this over my Walls jacket, which is 2XL.  So, my next question would be, what size should I be looking for?  2XL, or bigger?  Thanks for any help you can give me!

[EastTexasBassin]

Frogg toggs are great and affordable.  I love mine.

They are oversized so that they can fit over insulated clothing, so the 2x should be big enough.

[Grey Wolf]

Frogg toggs are great and affordable. I love mine.

They are oversized so that they can fit over insulated clothing, so the 2x should be big enough.

X2.

[rubba bubba]

In that price range I'd recommend the Columbia Thunderstorm jacket/pants.  They use their Gore-tex clone (when the Gore-tex patent ran out) called Omni-Tech.

Pant's $25:  http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1656T_Columbia-Sportswear-Thunderstorm-Rain-Pants-Waterproof-For-Men.html

Jacket $35:  http://www.jtwhitnels.com/store.php/ApparelStore/pd163735/Columbia_Sportswear_Men_s_Thunderstorm_II_Jacket

[sal669]

I have a pair of Frog Togs, served me well for over 5 years. I keep them rolled up tightly, in the boat, and use them only when needed.

If you decide to go with them, make sure you buy the set that comes with BIBS, not pants.

[cbfishalot]

Use a trash bag there really cheap! ;D

No really I hear that the frog toggs are good.  A great jacket is the BPS pack lite gore-tex. 

A good set of gore-tex was one of the hardest things to put up the money for.  The first time you really need them and you don't have them.   Is the day you will be willing to pay double for them.

[wickyman]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I appreciate it! 

[RandySBreth]

I'll give a dissenting opinion on the Frogg Toggs. I think they are fine to keep around and use every so often, but mine wore out after one rainy season. Leak right through the wear areas of butt and knees and shoulders. I'd go with the Columbia ones mentioned over the Toggs. 

[simplejoe]

Frogg toggs are the way to go.

[J Francho]

Frog Togs for emergencies, but if you need real rai gear, take a look at Cabela Guide Wear.  You want the non insulated shell.

[OIFBasser]

I use Marine Corps issue Gortex. A full set new might cost double of what your using, but they are durable and can put layers underneath. Try ebay.

[JigMe]

I use cabela's dry plus for sea bass fishing in the winter, and it is on sale right now. Here is the link.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat604142&id=0043808922925a&navCount=4&podId=0043808&parentId=cat604142&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat604142&hasJS=true

[Pantera61]

I have the Falcon brand FroggTogg things.  They are good enough for a quick rain storm or something, not for long term.

[tholmes]

My favorite rain gear.

Tom

[JigMe]

My favorite rain gear.

Tom

[FordNFishinLover]

I got a pair of Frog Toggs rain gear that has the pants and coat.

I've used it several times and really like it.

If you shop around you might be able to find it cheap. I got mine at the spring classic for 40 dollars for the pair.

[daviscw]

I'll give a dissenting opinion on the Frogg Toggs. I think they are fine to keep around and use every so often, but mine wore out after one rainy season. Leak right through the wear areas of butt and knees and shoulders. I'd go with the Columbia ones mentioned over the Toggs.

Get a bottle of this- http://www.mcnett.com/ReviveX-Wash-In-Water-Repellent-P173.aspx

They will be good as new!

[b.Lee]

I rather go for quality and something that will last.  Anything columbia makes as a shell that is waterproof is good for me.  Go to SportsAuthority or some sporting good store usually cheaper during this time of year because of the the winter sports.

[rubba bubba]

Get a bottle of this- http://www.mcnett.com/ReviveX-Wash-In-Water-Repellent-P173.aspx

They will be good as new!

A few points:

- The link above is for a DWR replacement. If the garment is leaking, this will not fix the problem. However....

- Frequently people think their garment is leaking because the DWR has worn off. What happens is the outside layer gets soaked (called "wet out") making the inside feel wet and clammy (breathability is also lost), but it just "feels" that way and is not really leaking. In this case (which tends to be most cases), replenishing the DWR will indeed solve the problem.

- Lastly: most do not recommend a wash-in DWR but prefer a spray on. The wash-in will clog the liner pores which impacts the breathability of the garment, ONLY. The garment is not harmed, nor is the waterproofing damaged, you just end up reducing the breathability of the garment. Since fishing isn't an aerobic sport, this won't be much of an issue unless it's very warm outside and you need the air flow.

The great things about the Columbia gear is: 1) it's Gore-tex technology and performance without the price tag (although their pricing is slowly increasing because the word is out; trust me, it is the same technology as Gore-tex due to the patent expiration); 2) they give you a lifetime warranty. If the garment ever fails, send it in and they'll send you a new one. That's huge.

(I could talk water-proof technology for hours but I'd be even more boring than I normally am)

[RandySBreth]

No, no bottle to fix those Toggs, the are only for guests on the baot who foolishly don't pack their own gear.

I'm down with the rain shell like was just mentioned.