Rain gear what do I need

[Indave]

Son want me to get into tournament fishing with him. What type of rain gear do I want to get

[Hawkeye21]

That seems pretty obvious, the type that keeps you from getting wet.  Are you looking for something light or something for colder temps?  I just have a cheap pair of water proof pants and a cheap water proof jacket.  They are pretty light so I would need to where a sweatshirt under it to stay warm.  The only purpose of them for me is to just keep my clothes dry.

 

You can spend a lot of money and get some heavy duty gear but I don't think you need to have it.

[clark9312]

I have the BPS 100 MPH suite. It's pretty expensive but if you're going to be fishing in cold or cold and wet temps it's worth it in my opinion. I know some guys have Simms rains suits but honestly don't know how much they are.

[fishballer06]

If you want a good suit that will last you for years, be ready to drop $3-400. If you try going cheap and and only spending $50-100, you'll likely be buying a new suit every year. 

[J Francho]

I have two.  One is an expensive Marmot two piece type of deal.  The other is an inexpensive, pack-able Frog Toggs suit.  The latter is always in the boat for emergencies and unexpected showers.  The former is for when I know it's going to be ugly.

[J._Bricker]

3 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

If you want a good suit that will last you for years, be ready to drop $3-400. If you try going cheap and and only spending $50-100, you'll likely be buying a new suit every year. 

 

'I agree with fishballer06, or at the very minimum getting wet. The original Frog Toggs work well in that price range, but boat carpet shredded the pants.

 

IMO, good comfortable waterproof shoes or boots are a must. Bibs over pants as I've had water get up under my rain pants/jacket when running at speed in the rain. When it comes to rain gear, it's the "Pay me now or pay me later" philosophy. I'm still wearing a 10+ year old Cabela's Guide wear parka and just bought some new Stormyr bibs. For some reason my Guide wear bibs shrunk .  I don't think anyone will disagree that it's better to be dry and comfortable than to be wet and looking forward to getting off the water.   

 

Good luck Indave, and welcome to the Forums, JB

[RichF]

I'd highly recommend throwing down some $$ if you can swing it.  Most tournaments are going to last 8hrs.  The last thing you want is to be drenched, cold, and miserable for that long.  I have the older Simms Pro Dry and Contender gore-tex jackets.  Super pricey but you don't get wet.  Cabelas guidewear gore-tex stuff is nice as well and usually on sale.  You could also check out the Frogg Toggs Pilot jacket and bibs.  I've heard they are really nice and you can still get the set from TW for like $260.  

[roadwarrior]

Cabela's Guidewear, bibs and jacket. I have the uninsulated version which are about

15 years old and as good as new! That's what I am wearing in my avatar. As has

already been mentioned, the package is almost ALWAYS on sale.

 

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, @Indave!

 

I don't often fish in rain unless I'm caught in an

unexpected shower. Bit of a weather junkie and

am *usually* on top of things, but I've been 

surprised on occasion  

 

That said, I'd probably have Frog Togs on hand 

since they're inexpensive.

[bagofdonuts]

i have some frabil bibs and jacket. i think there actually ice fishing gear, but i have no complaints. didn't break the bank and have used them for several years. the padded knees are nice too.

[Hawkeye21]

I bought a Columbia light weight jacket that rolls up inside of it's own pocket for packing away.  I've had it a few years not and it's still in perfect shape.  I think that cost about $30.  The pants I bought were like $20 and work well too.  They're both light weight like wind breakers but they are water proof.  They have held up just fine but you would need to wear warmer clothes underneath if it's cold out.

 

Don't let anyone tell you that you need to buy the heavy duty guide wear type stuff in order for it to last.  You can keep dry on a budget and it will last as well.

[junyer357]

I have frogg togg toadz and have been very pleased. They are uninsulated and breathable.  I just went a size larger so i can wear more layers under for colder times.

 

Like mentioned above dont over look good footwear either. I love my muck boots for any time its cold or rainy and especially both. Best boots ive ever owned, and i have 3 pairs now. 

 

Also want to look into snow goggles or a save phace mask too, if not a helmet. Rain stings on plane. 

[Fishes in trees]

To echo previous comments - DON'T SCRIMP ON RAIN GEAR . . .  sorry for shouting, but wanted together your attention.  Buy a good set & take care of it and it will last as long as you do.    Me - I got several sets.   For early spring & fall I have a set of uninsulated Guide Wear.  Mine is going on 15 years old and still looks excellent.   I have an even older set of 10x Jacket & pants.  The jacket is my everyday jacket - pants don't get worn very often.  For later in the spring, summer & early fall I have a set of Frogg Toggs.   They last a long time also if you take care of them and don't do stupid stuff in them.  They are not bank fishing gear at all.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

Cabela's Guidewear, bibs and jacket. I have the uninsulated version which are about

15 years old and as good as new! That's what I am wearing in my avatar. As has

already been mentioned, the package is almost ALWAYS on sale.

 

 

 

X2 ~

 

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 Cabelas Guidewear is a quality product

A-Jay

[MickD]

I prefer light weight breathable waterproof separate pants and jacket + breathable waterproof light hiking boots.  Combine with layers as the weather dictates and you can handle everything.  You do not need to spend a fortune, just shop around, look for sales, buy wisely.

[RoLo]

In years gone by, 'Helly Hansen' was the rain gear used by lobstermen along the Jersey shore.

Today however, lightweight rain gear like 'Frogg Toggs' offers a better bang for the buck.

If you're looking for heavy-duty raingear, 'Guidewear' is an excellent choice for the long haul.

 

Roger

[junyer357]

One more thing i reccomend is bibbs and not pants. Nothing worse than being dry until you bend over to lip a fish and have water run off your jacket and on down your backside under the rain pants. Learned this one the hard way. 

[Philo Beddoe]

Another vote for Guidewear!

[MickD]

Guidewear and other high end rain gear is fine quality stuff, but my problem with it is that for most fishing it is overkill, too warm, and lighter weight rain gear with layers is more versatile and practical.  And cheaper.  I have a great Guidewear rain coat, with a fleece liner which is removable, and it's great for cold weather, but not for everything else.  I use it for probably less than 5% of my fishing, and I start the year early and end it late.

[Turkey sandwich]

Welcome to the forum!

 

For nasty weather, I layer.  I have a breathable North Face raincoat/she'll that allows me to throw on a fleece or down jacket underneath.  I can put on a number of breathable base layers ranging from the heavy duty cold weather stuff to a light dry- fit t-shirt when the weather calls for it and it's super versatile.  I really like this set up. I've used it in the boat, wading cold rivers, and as of this past week, on top of a glacier and hiking waterfalls and stayed very, very comfortable.  

 

As for bibs, I like the Sims and Guidewear stuff, but I've gotten by wearing either snowboard pants or breathable Orvis waders, depending upon the conditions.  If I were set on fishing bass tournaments, I'd probably have a pair of Gore Tex bibs, as well.  

 

In any case, check out places like Sierra Trading Post and you'll get some pretty crazy deals.  I think my rain jacket/shell and 650 fill jacket cost me $150 combined and will last a long, long time. 

[NorthwestBasser]

As far as longevity and quality, of course spending more money is going to get you better equipment. What I'm about to say is purely my preference and opinion however. .. I buy the cheap stuff, not like gas station cheap, but Wal-Mart cheap. I get the pants and the jacket a size or two big to accommodate layers. I won't spend more the $50 for the whole shebang, if I can find it for 30, even better... only lasts a couple seasons at best. And yes I know if I spent $400 on some Simms gear is probably have it the rest of my life, I just can bring myself to do it. 

[fishwizzard]

On 2/24/2017 at 2:42 PM, MickD said:

Guidewear and other high end rain gear is fine quality stuff, but my problem with it is that for most fishing it is overkill, too warm, and lighter weight rain gear with layers is more versatile and practical.  

 

Yep, I bought some Stormyr bibs on clearance this past fall and I was far too hot every time I tried to wear them.  Now, I do usually do a fair amount of hiking to get to my spots, but even with just a pair of summer weight pants under them I was roasting even in below freezing weather.  I understand they were designed for standing exposed to the elements on the deck of a boat, but man, I bet I could just wear them with just underwear as snow pants and they would be warm enough.