Super User Long Mike Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 I've been doing a lot of research lately on waterproof, breathable rain gear. I've discovered that there are at least five or six companies that are marketing rain suits with new technologies that are equally as good as Gore-Tex, at a much more reasonable price. If any of you guys have waterproof, breathable rain suits that are not made of Gore-Tex, I would love to have your opinions. 1 Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 So this is not exactly what you are looking for but i have used both gore and non gore waterproof shells, pants and waders from various manufacturers. Here is what I have learned. As far as waterproofness goes, they all work. Where you get into differences is in durability and breathability. You also have to look at if the waterproof ability is a membrane or a coating. Coatings wear off membranes generally do not wear out to quickly. Another side note is if you have a waterproof piece of gear and the water is not beading on the outside that does not mean it isn't waterproof but it does decrease breathability. Gore products breathe a ton better than non gore products. Now the one caveat is in extremely humid environments breathability is not optimal in any garment but gore does perform better. Personally I only own gore products. Yeah they are more pricey but since I have the same gore xcr rain jacket now for 10 years I cannot complain one bit. I have worn other membrane based products that just didn't hold up to the abuse I put them through. Good luck in your decision Quote
5fishlimit Posted January 18, 2013 Posted January 18, 2013 I use a frogg toggs jacket and pants. I got the set for under $75. It's comfortable, and light weight. Quote
tbone1993 Posted January 18, 2013 Posted January 18, 2013 I use columbia pfg gear, though the set is not cheap it is worth it. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted January 18, 2013 Global Moderator Posted January 18, 2013 Frogg Toggs are the best lightweight, breathable, and affordable rain gear I've ever found. I've had lots of different rain gear, some of them really expensive, but none of them keep me dry like the Frogg Toggs have after several years. Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Cabelas Guide Wear for cooler times - early spring & fall. Frog Toggs for late spring, summer, early fall. The Guide Wear has many pockets. I have to remember where I put stuff. Frog Toggs have no pockets. Quote
Super User whitwolf Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Frogg Toggs are the best lightweight, breathable, and affordable rain gear I've ever found. I've had lots of different rain gear, some of them really expensive, but none of them keep me dry like the Frogg Toggs have after several years. +1 I have the bibs and jacket and for the warmer months It's simply the best I have found. The only Issue I have with Frogg Toggs Is you have to be extremely careful getting in and out of the bibs. Quote
gobig Posted January 18, 2013 Posted January 18, 2013 I do a ton of water foul hunting in the rain along with fishing. As far as breathable rain gear goes there are only two products I buy as of right now. Thats Columbia's Omnitech and Goretex. I have wasted so much money on other stuff its ridiculous. Most products last a season and thats about it. Quote
Super User Gatorbassman Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Frogg Togg has a new jacket and pants called the "Toadz". It is a lot more durable than the original ones. With that said, I just picked up a Frabill Stormsuit. I've wanted one since I saw them at ICAST in 2010. To say I love it is an understatement. The Linders helped design it and fixed all the thing I didn't like about my BPS 100mph suit. Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Of the Frabill or 100 mph, Which would be better in the colder months out on the lake? I am getting ready to purchase a set and will probably use them mainly in Feb and early March. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Cabela's Guidewear I think mine are going on 10 years, but still look practically brand new! Thats a real life picture of them in my avatar. Quote
Hanover_Yakker Posted January 18, 2013 Posted January 18, 2013 I have had both the Frogg Toggs rain suit (not very durable over the ong haul) and now use a Frogg Togg Hellbender hip wader with neoprene boots. I cover them up with waterproof SIMMs wading boots and cover my chest with an NRS spalsh top. Whichever option you choose, test the fit and function of the gear with the clothing you will be wearing when you need to put the suit on. Also, all the waterproof gear you put on does absolutely no good if you also don't consider your head, hands and feet! A cold driving rain on the Great Lakes in the spring or fall is no laughing matter. Your extremities can get cold lightning fast if you're not careful and makes for a very uncomfortable and unpleasant day on the water, regardless of your fishing skills or vessel type. Quote
jhoffman Posted January 18, 2013 Posted January 18, 2013 I have two rainsuits, the one that stays in the boat is a frogg toggs toads the other is a herters foul tech. I wore the herters in hurricane sandy hunting in ohio for five strait days and never got wet. Quote
Al Wolbach Posted January 18, 2013 Posted January 18, 2013 I have the BPS 100MPH suit that I bought 10 or 12 years ago. It has been used a great deal and the only problem with it has been fading a bit. This suit has been abused but has held up extremely well. If I had a complaint would be "it is hot in the summer". In my opinion there is no substitute for gore tex. I have not found anything that performs as well. But in all fairness and due to past failures I don't try anything else..............................Al Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 I have frogg toggs. Light weight, breathable and it has a convenient carrying sac. Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Mike sent you a PM. Quote
Super User MarkH024 Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 I use a Columbia jacket/pants. I don't know the style off hand but it is pretty light weight and very comfortable to wear. I think it was around $100 for the set. I'm very happy with it. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Frog Toggs in the boat for emergencies, but when I know I'll be in the rain, I have a Marmot waterproof shell, and a pair of old Guidewear bibs. 1 Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted January 18, 2013 Super User Posted January 18, 2013 Well I took the advice on the Frabill stormsuit and ordered some. I also got a SWEET deal. I usually wear an XL in bibs, but I found a jacket in XL and bibs in XXL for $310 shipped to my door. Just couldn't pass it up. Especially after reading about them on this thread. Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted January 19, 2013 Author Super User Posted January 19, 2013 Many thanks for the replies folks, but Dwight Hottle clued me in on a sale that Cabellas was having. I just bought a set of Gore-Tex parka and bibs for $265 that normally sell for $570. Thanks Dwight! Quote
soccplayer07 Posted January 19, 2013 Posted January 19, 2013 Cabela's Guidewear I think mine are going on 10 years, but still look practically brand new! Thats a real life picture of them in my avatar. which model of Guidewear? I see ice, extreme, tidal... Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 19, 2013 Super User Posted January 19, 2013 http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clothing/Mens-Casual-Clothing/Mens-Fishing-Clothing/Mens-Fishing-Clothing-Outerwear%7C/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/104329080/i/104170680/Cabelas-GORE-TEX-Guidewear-Bibs-Regular/1316571.uts?WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104329080%3Bcat104170680 Mine are uninsulated. If they don't have your size on sale, wait. The Guidewear is on sale all the time! Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.