Need Rain Pants/Bibs Opinions

[Largies4Life]

I have magically lost my pair of rain pants over the winter months somehow. I have no idea where they went and the worst part is, my rain jacket is always with them, but I still have my rain jacket! Anyways, I'm now in the market for a new pair. They were just your basic rain pants from Gander Mountain (when it was still called Gander Mountain), but see a lot of people wearing bibs nowadays. My main question is, do those bibs get to be really hot during the summer? Is there an advantage of having bibs over regular rain pants? I live in Wisconsin so I experience it all, warm weather rainy days, and cold weather rainy days. I'm sure anyone in the Midwest can relate. What's your preference on rain pants vs. bibs and why? Thank you in advance!

[fishballer06]

A good pair of modern rainwear is lightweight and breathable, making them very cool and comfortable for wearing all day long. I find myself wearing my rainwear early in the morning on those summer days where it's chilly when I launch and then it warms up by 8 or 9. I'll also wear my bibs all day long during the spring time rather than layering up because they cut down the wind and help me stay warm as well. 

 

With that being said, be prepared to drop $250-400 for a good set of rainwear that will last you for years. I own two different rain suits. One being a Huk suit of bibs and jacket, and the other being the Frabill F3 series. Each has it's perks. The Huk suit is a little thinner and better for warmer weather. My Frabill suit is a slightly thicker material so it's good for chillier or windier days, and the bibs also have padding in the knees, which is nice whenever you're crawling around the dock getting the boat tied down. 

[RichF]

Bibs come up higher on the body and basically eliminate the gap between your jacket and pants, keeping rain out of your britches.  Like @fishballer06 says, be prepared to drop some coin if you want a really nice pair.  3-Layer with the Gore-Tex membrane will give you the best of both worlds but come with a hefty pricetag.  Just know, there isn't a set of rain gear that will keep you cool in temps over 80, no matter how much you spend.  While the most comfortable rain jacket I've ever owned, I'll still sweat in my Simms Pro Dry when the temp gets that high.  

[Largies4Life]

11 minutes ago, RichF said:

Bibs come up higher on the body and basically eliminate the gap between your jacket and pants, keeping rain out of your britches.  Like @fishballer06 says, be prepared to drop some coin if you want a really nice pair.  3-Layer with the Gore-Tex membrane will give you the best of both worlds but come with a hefty pricetag.  Just know, there isn't a set of rain gear that will keep you cool in temps over 80, no matter how much you spend.  While the most comfortable rain jacket I've ever owned, I'll still sweat in my Simms Pro Dry when the temp gets that high.  

My biggest problem is, I don't really know what to look for in rain pants/bibs. So the Gore-Tex is considered top of the line? I don't necessarily need to the best of the best, but would like to get a pair that would last years to come. Would you say it is worth the investment?

[fishballer06]

3 minutes ago, Largies4Life said:

My biggest problem is, I don't really know what to look for in rain pants/bibs. So the Gore-Tex is considered top of the line? I don't necessarily need to the best of the best, but would like to get a pair that would last years to come. Would you say it is worth the investment?

Gore-Tex isn't required, but it will be the difference between a $250 jacket and a $400 jacket. Both suits of mine do not have Gore-Tex, and they have never leaked on me. My Huk suit was with me in Canada two years ago for a 10 day trip where it rained HARD for 8 of those days, all day long. 

 

Any of the big brands are going to offer you a good reliable suit (Simms, Huk, Aftco, Stormr). Once you start researching, you'll start getting an idea of what you want. Different suits offer different features. Pocket placement, hood/collar system, neoprene arm cuffs to keep water from running down your arm, adjustable waistline, etc. A good rainsuit is an investment, so consider what features you want or can live without. I look at rainwear like this, you're spending the money to get something nice, so make sure you get exactly what you want. 

[Largies4Life]

7 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

Gore-Tex isn't required, but it will be the difference between a $250 jacket and a $400 jacket. Both suits of mine do not have Gore-Tex, and they have never leaked on me. My Huk suit was with me in Canada two years ago for a 10 day trip where it rained HARD for 8 of those days, all day long. 

 

Any of the big brands are going to offer you a good reliable suit (Simms, Huk, Aftco, Stormr). Once you start researching, you'll start getting an idea of what you want. Different suits offer different features. Pocket placement, hood/collar system, neoprene arm cuffs to keep water from running down your arm, adjustable waistline, etc. A good rainsuit is an investment, so consider what features you want or can live without. I look at rainwear like this, you're spending the money to get something nice, so make sure you get exactly what you want. 

Makes sense! I am in a bit of a time crunch because I do need a pair by the weekend before I head up north as they're predicting rain all weekend. I do only need the pants/bibs since I already have a jacket. Or maybe just get a suit so they go hand in hand? I feel like a complete newbie when it comes to rain gear because I've never looked into it before. All of the bibs look exactly the same to me! LOL

[johnmyers]

Carhartt Rain Defenders are pretty nice and around $250-300 for jacket and bibs

[Mike L]

Frog Toggs are light weight and reasonable 

I like bibs cause I can take the jacket off and still be fairly cool. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Largies4Life]

25 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Frog Toggs are light weight and reasonable 

I like bibs cause I can take the jacket off and still be fairly cool. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

What kind of Frog Toggs do you have?

[Fishingmickey]

59 minutes ago, Largies4Life said:

What kind of Frog Toggs do you have?

You can usually find the Frog Toggs at Wally world (Walmart). They stock both pant's and bibbs plus the jacket. I've got Huk's but I do have a friend that has a new set Frog Toggs and they are nice, very light weight and probably the coolest temperature wise to wear.  In Texas it gets hot and I will probably have a second set of summer rain gear soon (frog toggs).

Fishingmickey

[GreenPig]

Frabill F1 for warm weather and 100 mph suit for the cold.

[Mike L]

2 hours ago, Largies4Life said:

What kind of Frog Toggs do you have?

 

Toadskinz..Had them for a few years and very pleased 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

[Ksam1234]

4 hours ago, Largies4Life said:

I have magically lost my pair of rain pants over the winter months somehow. I have no idea where they went and the worst part is, my rain jacket is always with them, but I still have my rain jacket! Anyways, I'm now in the market for a new pair. They were just your basic rain pants from Gander Mountain (when it was still called Gander Mountain), but see a lot of people wearing bibs nowadays. My main question is, do those bibs get to be really hot during the summer? Is there an advantage of having bibs over regular rain pants? I live in Wisconsin so I experience it all, warm weather rainy days, and cold weather rainy days. I'm sure anyone in the Midwest can relate. What's your preference on rain pants vs. bibs and why? Thank you in advance!

I would go with AFTCO Proteus , I was hesitant at first to spend so much but omg! First off this spring has been Perfect to test them out because it has done nothing but rain. But they have been amazing! They keep me 100% dry , the water just beads off like a ducks feathers. They are light weight , they are great for all year use except when it’s colder you want to layer up.  They are made a bit bigger which allows for the layerings.  The difference in bibs and pants to me isn’t anything. The aftco proteus are made for warm and cold weather and wouldn’t be uncomfortable at all in hot days.  I would suggest these to anyone. 

[flippindocks]

Just for kicks... try this. If you don't like em, return em. I've had this set for years, works great, 20 bucks.

 

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/frogg-toggs-adults-signature-bull-frogg-suit-200791211#repChildCatSku=024485187

 

 

[Largies4Life]

I went to Cabelas and tried on their Guidewear Xtreme Bibs with Gore-Tex and I really liked them. My main concern was how warm they felt, but they were super comfy! I might go back and try on some other kinds today as well.

[A-Jay]

7 minutes ago, Largies4Life said:

I went to Cabelas and tried on their Guidewear Xtreme Bibs with Gore-Tex and I really liked them. My main concern was how warm they felt, but they were super comfy! I might go back and try on some other kinds today as well.

If you want 100% rain proof- get 100% gortex.

But know in advance that all the dryness comes at a price as well as sacrificing some comfort.  That material is a little still and can get pretty hot; but it's definitely dry and very wind proof.

  Conversely, the other higher end materials offer by a number of reputable brands, provide a good mixture of dry, wind proof & comfort at a decent price point.  

 I have & use Huk Bibbs & Jacket as well as a set of Cabelas Guide wear 100% gortex pants & Jacket.  Both do the job, the HUK gears is lighter & much more comfortable.  The Guidewear is drier.

A-Jay

[Largies4Life]

17 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

If you want 100% rain proof- get 100% gortex.

But know in advance that all the dryness comes at a price as well as sacrificing some comfort.  That material is a little still and can get pretty hot; but it's definitely dry and very wind proof.

  Conversely, the other higher end materials offer by a number of reputable brands, provide a good mixture of dry, wind proof & comfort at a decent price point.  

 I have & use Huk Bibbs & Jacket as well as a set of Cabelas Guide wear 100% gortex pants & Jacket.  Both do the job, the HUK gears is lighter & much more comfortable.  The Guidewear is drier.

A-Jay

I'd love to get a pair of Huk Bibs, it's just that my legs are so long that I've never been comfortable ordering online because of the chance that they will not fit very well. I suppose I could always order a couple pairs and return the ones that don't fit? What kind of Huk Bibs did you go with? I may have to overnight them to get them by Friday now.  

[A-Jay]

4 minutes ago, Largies4Life said:

I'd love to get a pair of Huk Bibs, it's just that my legs are so long that I've never been comfortable ordering online because of the chance that they will not fit very well. I suppose I could always order a couple pairs and return the ones that don't fit? What kind of Huk Bibs did you go with? I may have to overnight them to get them by Friday now.  

I order like that all the time - 

And often keep & return mixed sizes.

Like keep the large bib and the med jacket.

Free returns helps.

I have these  . . .

(scale & fatty not included)

A-Jay

[Largies4Life]

29 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I order like that all the time - 

And often keep & return mixed sizes.

Like keep the large bib and the med jacket.

Free returns helps.

I have these  . . .

(scale & fatty not included)

A-Jay

You never mentioned anything about the boat or the rod & reel laying there.  

[A-Jay]

1 minute ago, Largies4Life said:

You never mentioned anything about the boat or the rod & reel laying there.  

Right - let me send you my address . . . 

A-Jay

[tander]

23 hours ago, Mike L said:

Frog Toggs are light weight and reasonable 

I like bibs cause I can take the jacket off and still be fairly cool. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

I really like Frog Toggs, they have a wide range of prices.

[geo g]

I live in south Florida so you know it’s warm almost all year.  I use the thin Frog Toggs and love them.  They make several thicknesses but the thin one breath, never hot, and reasonably cheap. Bi can buy a new set every few years and still save money in the long run.  

I always buy the pants and jacket bigger then I normally wear so I can layer underneath.  If your in a warm state make sure you buy the thin variety.  I would go with just the pants and jacket.  The jacket is plenty long to cover you and your cell phone.  They will keep you dry and cool.

[OCdockskipper]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

 

.

(scale & fatty not included)

A-Jay

Don't be so tough on yourself A-Jay, you don't look overweight at all...

[Jleebesaw]

I just bought simms unlined bibs this spring. They were $199 at gander outdoors. I think they are called defenders? I didn't want to spend another $199 on the matching jacket so I got a Columbia jacket. They dont have gore tex, but they are really good as far as keeping me dry. It's been a rainy spring here in new york and I haven't had any issue with the simms bibs, or the $50 columbia jacket for that matter. The temps have been in the upper 40s to upper 50s when I've used them so I can't promise that they wont be overly warm for you, but they are light and pretty thin so I'm sure they wont be bad. They also sell the same bibs with liners for colder weather if needed. 

[Largies4Life]

2 hours ago, Jleebesaw said:

I just bought simms unlined bibs this spring. They were $199 at gander outdoors. I think they are called defenders? I didn't want to spend another $199 on the matching jacket so I got a Columbia jacket. They dont have gore tex, but they are really good as far as keeping me dry. It's been a rainy spring here in new york and I haven't had any issue with the simms bibs, or the $50 columbia jacket for that matter. The temps have been in the upper 40s to upper 50s when I've used them so I can't promise that they wont be overly warm for you, but they are light and pretty thin so I'm sure they wont be bad. They also sell the same bibs with liners for colder weather if needed. 

I was looking at those as well. It came down to those and the Gore-Tex pair at Cabelas and went with the ones at Cabelas because I didn't want to pay for overnight shipping since I need them by tomorrow morning. If the Cabelas pair doesn't work out, I'm going to return them and go with the Simms pair. The Cabelas pair seems a bit heavier, but I also have nothing to compare it to!