Rain gear

[Bass Hammer]

With winter on it's way I am looking for a new rain suit.

Thought I would ask everybody here what they use.

I have been looking at BPS and Cabellas and wondered if there really is a big difference between the top of the line suits and the next ones down.

I'm in Georgia so I'm not looking for anything insulated.

What's everyone think?

Thanks

[Will]

Well, the biggest thing that I have found is to buy bibs. With bibs your coat will overlap your lap, just using pants your waist will be vulnerable to water seeping through.

[BillyBob]

Own 100 mph BASS Pro. Too heavy and bulky in my opinion for GA. Bibs a must for floggin down the lake at 60+mph, but usually use a lighter jacket, specially down south.

[Rebbasser]

Take a look at Frogg Toggs. Real light, won't cost you an arm and a leg, and best of all, they work! I've also got a set of BPS HPR raingear, but unless it is cold I use the Frogg Toggs, and even they will work well when it is a little cool out.

If you go that route get the Anglers suit-it has the bibs, and I'd also get the stuff sack-stores it in a real neat package you can keep on the boat.

Here is a link to look at them:

http://www.anglersupply.com/product.cfm?model=Pro%20Angler%20Suit&manufacturer=Frogg%20Toggs

[SCarter]

BPS advetised the XPS bibs and jacket for 119.93 each until 12/4 at the store in Lawrenceville, Ga. They are regular 189.99. Not quite as heavy weight as the 100mph XPS but good for N Ga fishing in the winter.

[justtrying]

i've got a set of frogg toggs - love them...light, etc...  but, for the real cold days, you need more.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

First off, Wills point is not an option, it's a must. Heed that advice no matter what you buy.

Most Gore-Tex bibs are unisulated. They are designed to be used in a layering system but not the one from back in the days of "A Christmas Story". High-tech, lightweight materials are now affordable as underlayers and your rainsuit is the final armor against the elements. One that thought, I will only buy the most "heavy duty" built gear I can find.

If money isn't an option, North-face xps gore-tex mountain bibs with the expedition jacket are absolutely the best.

I've used the bps 100mph, nice stuff but is stiff for a good year and doesnt come in a size small if thats an issue, frogg toggs, didn't care for, way too baggy and not a bib.

I've also had the Cabela's guidewear which was functional too but i burned through those too. Nothing to date has touched the North Face gear I've been using. Just can't say enough good things about them . Lots of forethought as to fit, form, function, excessive wear areas, "bathroom ease", etc.

These are the bibs:

Good luck in your hunt!

[Guest avid]

Jeez LBH in that last photo you look like a freakin model.   :-*  

Down here in SE Florida It rarely gets cold, but it sure does rain alot.  I forget the name of the rain gear I bought but I got it on sale at Cabela's.  The main thing about it is that it is Gore-Tex with sealed seams and a hood.  Any Gore Tex outfit with sealed seams will keep you completely dry, so I shop for price not name brand.

[BillyBob]

Bye the buy, Not to sell frog togg, but saw they make them in bibs now!

[Rebbasser]

BillyBob, I've had the bibs for a couple of years now.  I wouldn't get the pants-been there and done that with other raingear, and it wasn't the big bass sending chills up my spine ;D

[Bass Hammer]

Guys

Thanks for all the advice.

I'm going to get out this weekend and check them out.

I appreciate all the help.

[Hawg_Hunter]

LBH makes a very good point with the bathroom issue, I have a set of Frogg Toggs (bibs) and you can't get out

HH

[kbj3579]

This is just my opinion here, but I asked the same question a month or so ago.   I took RW's advice and  went with the Gortex, Guidewear from Cabelas and then I took LBH's advice and got some Silke Long Underwear.  (Don't tell anyone I got underwear advice from LBH).  I have been extremely happy.  I went with the uninsulated Gortex, and as LBH says, layer up.  I have been out in 32 degree weather so far and fished for 6 hours in the rain with temps in the low 40s'.  Stayed dry and warm.  Best money I've spent.  As far as durability that's to be seen yet.  

[ernel]

I recently "upgraded" my rain wear to the 100 MPH suit, and have been very well pleased so far. It has been well worth the price as far as I am concerned. Last t/x was this past Saturday on Lake Norman in NC. Blast off Temp was around 34 degrees with a 21 mile boat ride at 63 MPH. Stayed warmer than I expected. Return trip was 43 degrees into a driving rain and stayed dry head to toe. The only drawback is the "beard saver". If you have one it will make your chin "itchy" against the fleece fabric after a extended wearing. Small price to pay in my opinion.

[Kana]

during the summer i invested in Daiwa Provisor Gor Tex XCR.  they are uninsulated but, i bought a size that accomadates a fleece liner for the winter.  i too layer and fisn it to be most effective.  My fishing partner has the North Face that LBH has but the price is near double here in japan, so i opted for the Daiwa Gortex.  it has been ultra relaible, and still pliable with a fleece liner and thermals for winter.  Gor tex is an absolute, get the best you can afford!  Potty acess is a plus!

[roadwarrior]

kbj3579,

I believe L.D. wrote that he had a set for twenty years! My Guide Wear was brand new last year, but it looks brand new right now. I washed both bibs and jacket for the first time last weekend (My wife said I smelled like fish?). No problems so far. No signs of wear whats-so-ever. I really think durability will not be an issue.

As far as comfort and practicality, mine are uninsulated and when combined with long underwear, suitable for a fairly wide range of temperatures. Early I may still wear a coat, but that is no big deal either. 100% waterproof, blocks the wind and breaths. So, I'm a big fan!

[Bass Hammer]

Hey guys

Thanks again.

I'm going to try and do something this weekend if I can stop fishing long enough.

I had a few in mind but now I have some more I need to check out.

Thanks

[Upnorth]

I run the Cabela's XCR Guidewear. It is 4 years old now and with heavy use here in Michigan, still works/looks like brand new. Also, my North Face fleece jacket zips into the Cabela's jacket perfectly. This leads me to believe that they are being produced by the same company. My bibs look just like LBH's without that front pocket.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Upnorth-Not same manufacurer but same quality YKK zipper.  My UPS vest zips into my North Face WindShell.   Just needs to be the heavy gauge teeth and a close enough length.