Holidays are rolling around and my better half saw me browsing for a new rain jacket. She is tired of buying me gift cards for holidays (although that's all I ever ask for) and wants to get a gift she can actually give me.
I have no problem paying a couple/few hundred bucks because it gets its use, and I understand how staying dry can impact a day on the water. She thinks that's too much, when there are cheaper alternatives.
So, not knowing exactly what her budget is, does anyone have any suggestion on a quality, affordable jacket for rain/wind?
P.S. I usually go a size up and layer underneath for cooler weather, but it is important that it be breathable for the warmer months.
Thanks in advance!
Because it is always so hot in south Florida I love my Frogg Toggs. There are several thickness levels so I always buy the thinnest material oversized and then layer under in the cooler weather. They are very affordable, and comfortable. Most important is they breath. Just remember to get the thinnest material they make if you live in the south. You will not be happy with the thicker product.
I love my Columbia rain jacket. Although it isn't super light, it is still comfortable to wear on hot days because of the way it's designed. It's also 100% water proof (even the zippers) unlike some rain gear made for anglers. Like you, I went up a size to permit layering underneath, but I also have a set of BPS Gore-Tex rain parka with the 100mph liner along with the bibs for the colder months. I had a mid-weight jacket from them, but disliked the elastic, inner cuff and the pockets. Moved into the Columbia and just add a layer for the cool nights.
On 10/17/2019 at 10:23 AM, geo g said:Because it is always so hot in south Florida I love my Frogg Toggs. There are several thickness levels so I always buy the thinnest material oversized and then layer under in the cooler weather. They are very affordable, and comfortable. Most important is they breath. Just remember to get the thinnest material they make if you live in the south. You will not be happy with the thicker product.
I'm in PA. But if it's too cold I have a separate coat for snow/ice
Cabelas normally runs a 50% off sale on their Guidewear around Black Friday or Christmas
On 10/17/2019 at 11:35 AM, slonezp said:Cabelas normally runs a 50% off sale on their Guidewear around Black Friday or Christmas
This would be my recommendation, too!
Mountain hardware! I’ve had two of them in my entire life, one is the jacket im wearing in my avatar. You can stand under a waterfall in these and stay dry, ive tried it! Rain jacket is the one piece of gear I will spend some money on (although my current one was a gift) because I live in a rainforest. I’ve heard the smoky mountains area is the 3rd rainiest place in the US behind Hawaii and Seattle
Yea, it is rainy here, that is for sure. A quality rain jacket is mandatory here.
Where I live, here in Missouri, I don't think that just one rain suit is going to cut it because no matter how you layer it, there will be times when you'll be too hot, too cold, too clammy, and none of those feelings are conducive to good fishing. I get by with 2 suits - a set of Frogg Toggs and a set of Cabelas Guide Wear. Both of these sets are in my truck the majority of the time and by adding or removing layers I haven't found a weather condition yet where I'm not at least relatively comfortable. (40 or so degree rain & wind and you won't be comfortable no matter what you've got on.)
As a previous poster mentioned, I prefer the lighter grade of Frogg Toggs. In 90 degree weather, when a sudden downpour happens you're not soaking wet and it breathes so you ain't that miserable when the rain stops and it is hot and you know it will rain again the moment you've taken off and stowed your rain suit. Early spring & later in the fall I don't think that you can beat Guide Wear.
Whatever rain wear you get - be sure and try it on. For me, there was a significant difference in fit between the Guide Wear and the BPS 100 MPH suit. Remember how many pockets your suit has and check them when you stow the suit.
I've had candy bars, in zip lock bags, last 6 months, just because I forgot to check all the pockets. The Guide Wear in particular has many inside pockets.
@geo g @Fishes in trees is there a particular Frogg Togg model you suggest? I'm seeing a lot of different options, but it looks like I would have to order them.
I would suggest going to Bass Pro Shops and try on some until you find what you want. Here in the deep south, the thinner material is my personal choice. If you order the wrong stuff your kind of stuck.
On 10/17/2019 at 10:45 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:I'm in PA. But if it's too cold I have a separate coat for snow/ice
I'm in Penna. with you. I have to do one for a warm rain and one for those cold rains also. BPS has a lined version that has worked out well for when its cooler. The one I've used more often is an Orvis that I picked up on sale. That's the only way I would have bought it. I've had it a long time and has held up real well being kept in a boat. Like a nylon on the outside and a super thin rubberized coating on the inside.
I've been using a set of frog toggs for several years. Think it was like 100 bucks for the jacket and bibs. I don't do a lot of cold weather fishing so I didn't want to spend a fortune. These have held up well and do great when its raining or keeping wind off me in the cooler months
So I've done a lot of research and I'm down to two...
1. Cabelas Guidewear Angler Jacket
I've seen it in person and tried it on. Hard to beat Gore-Tex and I have seen it up to $100 off.
2. Aftco Hydronaut
Have no experience with their rain gear but all the Aftco products I own I'm 100% satisfied with. Also the more affordable of the two at regular price.
On 12/4/2019 at 10:31 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:So I've done a lot of research and I'm down to two...
1. Cabelas Guidewear Angler Jacket
I've seen it in person and tried it on. Hard to beat Gore-Tex and I have seen it up to $100 off.
I have Both HUK & Cabelas Guidewear Gear -
HUK is comfortable, but the Gortex Guidewear is an easy choice when I want to stay 100% DRY.
A-Jay
On 12/4/2019 at 10:39 AM, A-Jay said:I have Both HUK & Cabelas Guidewear Gear -
HUK is comfortable, but the Gortex Guidewear is an easy choice when I want to stay 100% DRY.
A-Jay
I enjoy reading the negative reviews for the Guidewear. 99% of them are people who feel like a "walking billboard" as seen above haha!
I would have to say I'm leaning toward it since I know exactly what size I need... And yes, Gore-Tex.
On 12/4/2019 at 10:49 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:I enjoy reading the negative reviews for the Guidewear. 99% of them are people who feel like a "walking billboard" as seen above haha!
I would have to say I'm leaning toward it since I know exactly what size I need... And yes, Gore-Tex.
I get it ~
The red Cabelas is a bit much.
But I can't see it.
A-Jay
Big believer of warm and dry....When I was working a tackle store out west I purchased a product called "River's West" It has been amazing for blocking out the cold...but it's a fleece type material and it too is water proof...but it's amazing. When it's not so cold I use my Guide-wear .... which I too love but not nearly as bulky....and last but not least I carry a lighter pair of Toggs in the boat for when it's hot or I forget my good stuff or if the come along forgot theirs. I do like warm and dry....that way I fish all day
Anyway....that's my story and stickin too it....Yes...I fish and enjoy all weather.
Has to be breathable, Gore Tex is the standard. If your budget is higher than hers, try to maneuver her into something else. You DON'T want to compromise here. You need to get what is right for you. How about Simms sun gloves and buff? Appeal to her desire to protect you.
BTW - for those of you looking to extend the life of your rain gear -
I usually end up cleaning my gear once or twice a season (or whenever they need it)
I've been using the above products for several seasons with quite a bit of success.
Much better than ordinary laundry detergent & especially fabric softener
which is usually not recommended on this type of gear.
Follow the directions.
A-Jay
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PGOOIS?aaxitk=JnhOezAp4TIH23Ji8qAwfg&pd_rd_i=B000PGOOIS&pf_rd_p=44fc3e0f-4b9e-4ed8-b33b-363a7257163d&hsa_cr_id=3185044300101&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning %26 Waterproofing DUO-Pack&sb-ci-a=B000PGOOIS
Proud new owner of the Cabela's Guidewear. Thanks for all of your input!
I wear a Frabill F1 suit in warm rain and 100 mph in the cold rain. I went through five cheaper rain suits four years. Save your money and buy a quality suit from the get go.
On 12/5/2019 at 6:04 AM, A-Jay said:BTW - for those of you looking to extend the life of your rain gear -
I usually end up cleaning my gear once or twice a season (or whenever they need it)
I've been using the above products for several seasons with quite a bit of success.
Much better than ordinary laundry detergent & especially fabric softener
which is usually not recommended on this type of gear.
Follow the directions.
A-Jay
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PGOOIS?aaxitk=JnhOezAp4TIH23Ji8qAwfg&pd_rd_i=B000PGOOIS&pf_rd_p=44fc3e0f-4b9e-4ed8-b33b-363a7257163d&hsa_cr_id=3185044300101&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning %26 Waterproofing DUO-Pack&sb-ci-a=B000PGOOIS
Any suggestions for a product to use to wash my sun shirts with upf and moisture wicking and stink guard, etc.?
On 1/21/2020 at 9:57 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:Any suggestions for a product to use to wash my sun shirts with upf and moisture wicking and stink guard, etc.?
Tech shirts do not require special product. In fact they do better with mild detergents and hang dry
On 1/21/2020 at 9:57 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:Any suggestions for a product to use to wash my sun shirts with upf and moisture wicking and stink guard, etc.?
On 1/21/2020 at 10:05 AM, NHBull said:Tech shirts do not require special product. In fact they do better with mild detergents and hang dry
@NHBull Nailed it ~
Also I toss all my HUK tops in the dryer with no ill effects.
Just set the dry/heat level a couple of ticks below FRY and you'll be good to go.
A-Jay
On 1/21/2020 at 9:57 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:Any suggestions for a product to use to wash my sun shirts with upf and moisture wicking and stink guard, etc.?
On 1/21/2020 at 10:05 AM, NHBull said:Tech shirts do not require special product. In fact they do better with mild detergents and hang dry
On 1/21/2020 at 11:30 AM, A-Jay said:
@NHBull Nailed it ~
Also I toss all my HUK tops in the dryer with no ill effects.
Just set the dry/heat level a couple of ticks below FRY and you'll be good to go.
A-Jay
My HUK and Columbia shirts get treated this way.
Detergent
Softener
Dry on medium-high
On 1/21/2020 at 11:36 AM, MN Fisher said:
My HUK and Columbia shirts get treated this way.
Detergent
Softener
Dry on medium-high
Very responsible.
A-Jay
On 1/21/2020 at 11:30 AM, A-Jay said:
@NHBull Nailed it ~
Also I toss all my HUK tops in the dryer with no ill effects.
Just set the dry/heat level a couple of ticks below FRY and you'll be good to go.
A-Jay
GREAT point about using the dryer for ticks! Given lime disease, it is great insurance!!!