State Your RAIN GEAR 101

[WhiteMike1018]

Ok guys!

This post is simple. Im asking everyone to please post what type of raingear they are currently using, what types of raingear have you used in the past? What raingear is "junk"?

I recently made the decesion that I'm gonna stay dry at least 90% of the time out on the water this year, so ill be needing a good quality raingear outfit to fufill that goal.

Feedback greatly appreciated.

-WM

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

If you truly want to stay dry, remember 2 words-Gore tex

I personally use North Face gear.  Head to toe.

Cabelas guidewear also gets lots of thumbs up from guys.

Personally, I have owned the 100mph gear from BPS--WAY too stiff, non-ergonomic cuts.

I like a garment that has "fitted" cuts.  A piece of clothing designed to move and sit naturally with the contours of your body.  North Face has mastered this.  BPS, doesn't yet know it exists,lol.

As for frogg toggs, they are very "packable" but they are also like wearing a big garbage bag.  WAAAAAy too bulky, no gore-tex and they wear out.

Also look for extra support and the butt and knees.

Be aware when buying the lower end "waterproof" stuff.  Most is just a regular suit covered in a scotchguard type application.  This stuff wears off and maintenence is required.

I know there are a few in-depth posts on this.  I did a quick search but couldn't find them.  I'll look deeper later., off to work for now.

[Valascus]

I ended up buying Frogg Togg Angler Pro Sport suit...retails for $69.99 usually...I got it off of ebay brand new for $27.99 shipped. Can't beat that. It get's the job done...could it be done better...of course...but for the money and "packability" that was the way to go for me.

[Bud]

Cabelas guidewear is what I use. Like LBH stated the 100 MPH suit did not work for me. Just to stiff.

I had a set of frogg toggs give to me and IMO they are not what they claim

What every you buy get the bibs.  They are more comfortable.

[WhiteMike1018]

What every you buy get the bibs.  They are more comfortable.

Bibs?

[roadwarrior]

Cabela's Guidewear is the BOMB! Although it is often on sale, it's still pricey. On the otherhand, guides that wear the gear 200+ days a year have had sets lasting more than a decade. The outfit is much more than just a rain suit, it blocks the wind and when combined with other layered clothing, is suitable for a wide range of temperatures. Your first set might be the only one you will ever need to buy.

Cabela's Guidewear is the best investment in fishing equipment I have ever made, period.

[WhiteMike1018]

RoadWarrior thats exactly what I'm looking forward to. I want a nice set that will last maybe 8-10 years if not more. I might as well shoot for that long because as long as IM around ill be fishing.  8-)

[senko_77]

Definately listen to LBH and RW.  From all there posts you can tell that there both real knowledgeable in North Face and Cabelas, who both make awesome raingear.  

I have alot of experience with the Bass Pro raingear because I had work there and I got to learn everything about it all.

DO NOT GET THE 100 m.p.h. suits.  If you like feeling like your wearing a suit of armor then it's the rain setup for you.

I currently use and love the Pro-Qualifier line.  I really love it, but I also really loved it because my employee discount slashed 40% off the price.  If your going to get one from BPS then Pro-Qualifier is the way to go.

From everybody's raingear I've seen, North Face seems to have the best stuff.  They actually put effort into making it comfortable.  Like LBH said, make sure it's flexible in the spots that need to flex and also, be sure to get a perfect fit.  It took me over an hour to finally settle on the right size.  Your spending alot of money, so take the time to make them fit good rather than uncomfortably.

[Supermat]

Grundens! One day I just got tired of being wet. I used to have really high end, breathable gear... you know, the 30,000 mm's of waterproofness stuff but over years of abuse through winter sports that too wore out. I just flat got tired of being wet and turned back to grundens. There is nothing more waterproof than heavy PVC coating, nothing!  

Its definetely not breathable but if you know how to balance your wicking layers underneath that really doesn't matter!  

Generally speaking, listen to these guys and you'll be better off. If your conditions are EXTREME, PVC is never going to leak.

[optimator]

Since my other passion is waterfowl hunting, I've got ALOT of waterproof gear. You really cant go wrong with Gore Tex. But the best waterproof stuff I have is made by Drake Waterfowl. They make everything from button up shirts to 4 in 1 parkas. And the stuff is WATERPROOF!!!

[SPEEDBEAD.]

http://www.***.com/descpageFROGGSUIT-FTE.html

Got one of these suits last year, was not disappointed one bit...

[vaparrothead]

For just staying dry (not necessarly warm) Frogg Toggs are just great; light weight and easily packed.  They do NOT keep you warm but do deflect some wind.

[Jig Man]

I have Frog Toggs--- I hate them.  I only wore them once and gave them to my wife as a wind suit.

I have Red Head---gortex cammos for hunting and fishing.  They work pretty good.

I have 10 X---gortex for warm weather fishing.  They work pretty good.

When I really want to stay dry, I pull out my 100 mph gortex.  They are the best I have ever worn!!!

[RoLo]

I don't think there is one best rainsuit, it really depends on your geographic location and how you intend to use it.

For all-day, heavy-duty use such as waterfowling and running a Boston Whaler all over the ocean,

Helly Hansen was the name for decades. When I lived in New Jersey, all the lobstermen wore nothing but Helly Hansen.

I owned them too, but don't recommend them. By today's standards, they're very heavy, hot and moist,

because latex (rubber) does not breathe.

Happily Gore-tex was introduced, which is lighter than latex and is able to breathe. Actually, Gore-tex is nothing more

than a "teflon" membrane. The diameter of the pores are slightly less than the smallest droplet of water that can form.

As a result, water can only penetrate the teflon film in the form of vapor (moisture), which is to say Gore-tex breathes.

Gore-tex is short of perfect though, because it's only marginally breathable. Furthermore, once the pore has been bridged

by a large water droplet, some liquid can leach osmotically through (not a big deal though).

Unfortunately, when I moved from New Jersey to Florida, all my Gore-tex clothing was either down-filled or polyester lined.

Just as well, I found that Frogg Toggs fill the bill quite nicely. In Florida, a rainsuit that weighs less than one-pound,

is much appreciated! I often hear that Frogg Toggs fall apart, and I'm sure that's true, but knock-wood,

mine are still hanging in there. I think when my Frogg Toggs finally explode, I'll look at it as an opportunity to try another color

Roger

[bighed]

BPS Pro Qualifier for me.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I think some of you are referring to the "old school" Frogg Toggs that feel "crispy," for lack of a better word.

The link I posted is the Frogg Togg Elite. Totally different animal. I have layered fleece and poly under this suit and have not felt the slightest bit of cold/wind/water. Fabric-wise, it feels like a light windbreaker material...no "crispiness" to it at all. Reinforced from the knees down on the bibs, reinforced zippers on pockets and fronts.

Take a look, for the price they can't be beat.

Wayne

[New 2 Bass]

Cabela's premium Goretex parka and pants.  I got the chaper nylon stuff first, but it's really delicate.  The Gore kept me dry for 6hrs in a Florida thunderstorm.  I fished it straight, I just kept the rod low.  ;D ;D  I use northface goretex light weight hiking boots.

[ol_grayfeather]

Cabela's Guideware is what I use for recreation.... When I worked on the crab boat (dungeness of WA coast) I used Helley Hansen.  Buy the best that you can afford.  Whatever you buy, test it in the shower to make sure it doesn't leak.  If it leaks at all, take it back.  Even the best made raingear can have a flaw sometimes.  Better to find out sooner than later.   Also I suggest buying it big if you plan on fishing when its cold out.   Being cold sucks... and being wet and cold really sucks.

Like Roadwarrior said... best investment ever made

[Redlinerobert]

I have a Patagonia jacket that kept me dry in Brazil.  

[.ghoti.]

Cabela's Guide Wear for cool to cold weather, and Frogg Toggs for warm weather. I've found that I need both. I get overheated wearing Guide Wear in warm weather.

A word of warning about Frogg Toggs. If you're going to order online, go somewhere and try on a set first. They run quite a bit bigger than "real" sizes.

Cheers,

GK

[michbass]

I only have the light duty for warm days but it is Helly Hansen made for Ranger Boat. It fits good and does its Job.

As far as heavy duty looking to get North Face as my experience with there other jackets has been great.

[Catt]

It's depends on the time of year, during the summer I wear Magellan sportswear and don't worry about rain.

Now during the winter that's another story, anything Gore Tex  

[sodaksker]

For the summer I love the frog toggs, light weight and waterproof.  Also works well for golfing.

For colder weather.  I use my columbia hunting gear. It will keep you warm and dry. I have had it 8 plus years and it still looks new.

[Shakes]

Dark Green BPS Hoody when the rain is cold. When it rains in the summer, I'm either shirtless or in a white T. I think it feels great.

[fishingfourfun]

Columbia