State Your RAIN GEAR 101 2024

WhiteMike1018 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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

Bibs?

roadwarrior reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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. reply :

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

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

vaparrothead reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

BPS Pro Qualifier for me.

SPEEDBEAD. reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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

.ghoti. reply :

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,

michbass reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

Columbia

TrickyVT1887 reply :

I love my frogg toggs but be aware there are several different styles, the lowest end rips easily and feel kind of papery these run around $20 the next step up is around $50-$60 and has almost the same kind of papery texture closest thing i can think of compare it too these are good light weight but not the most durable rain gear available, lastly there is the gear i personally use the its the ELITE ANGLER SUITE its a heavier duty polyester suite rather lightweight and has gotten me through many storms they retail for approximately $100 they also come with bibs. The most ive gotten wet wearing this suite was when the water got my cuffs wet under the suite from running down my hands and my collar from rain running off my hat.

jomatty reply :

i have two set ups, one that always come along and one that is for when i think there is a chance of rain. the first are frogg toggs that live in my backpack and are there for emergencies. they are not one of the higher end sets and i dont like them very much. the hood is terrible and like lbh says they are kinda like wearing a garbage bag. they do however do a great job of keeping you dry. the higher end models may fit better.

my gear for when i know there is a chance for rain is actually my hiking rain gear. it is a golite parka that is made of paclite gore tex and either north face gore tex pants or military issue gore tex pants that i picked up on ebay far a steal. the military issue pants are great although not nearly as packable as the jacket.

im a big gore tex fan but if you really want to stay dry and have something breathable check out hte e-vent stuff, it is supposedly even better than gore at keeping you dry, although it is also even more expensive.

matt

Pa Angler reply :

Frog Toggs bib and parka.

FishTank reply :

My wife got me a set last year at Sam's club for about $35. I had been using a North Face Gortex set but the I hate to say but I out grew them. I am not sure of the name brand but they still carry them. For $35 they are incredible. They're not too heavy or hot and they keep you bone dry.

BassinSoldier reply :

Army issue gear for me Gotta love a line of work where they give ya the best outdoor gear for free huh? All gore tex all top of the line. Problem is they ship us out a year at a time, d**n them. LOL. ;D

jomatty reply :

yeah id join if i could get the rain gear without the annoying year long "business trips" and all that training. lucky i got my army issue on ebay for next to nothing.

thats how us wimps roll, keep up the good work,

matt

WhiteMike1018 reply :

Wow, well it looks like im gonna have to order raingear online.

I went to Dick's today and all they had was absolute crap.

And its too bad Cabellas and BassPro are both about 3-4 hours away, the only thing im worried about is ordering the wrong size etc.

i should be alright though..

justtrying reply :

i keep frogg toggs & a poncho in my boat for emergencies (frogg toggs for keeping dry, poncho for my wife to use as a tent when nature calls! LOL)

if bad weather is threathening when i leave, i take my cabelas guidewear (another in total agreement w/RW. ..it is, indeed, the BOMB!)

buy the best & you'll only cry once.

BUCKEYEone reply :

Came across this post from last year in a search on here to find some info on what raingear I want to buy. I thought I'd bring it back to the top to see if anyone has found anything that is improved/new that they love using. I am looking to find something that will work for fishing as well as my job working with the Red Cross. We have a lot of flooding to deal with here atleast a few times a year, from Jan to December, you never know when it will happen. I need something I can throw in a pack and keep in my response vehicle and pull out if need be. I will be purchasing waders for fishing/work purposes also, but simple rain gear is first on the list.

*I read quite a bit good and bad about frogg toggs, and after reading the reviews on BPS, I'm definitely not comfortable purchasing those items!

roadwarrior reply :

Man, if you are going to wear this

often, step up to Cabela's Guideware.

The investment will pay for itself in

short order and last for years, maybe

even decades!

8-)

Big-O reply :

Be sure to take care of your rain gear by letting air out and dry after a soaking as well as keep it in its own large poly bag while stored. This will guarantee it to not only last a long time but also be usable in many other applications like hunting etc. without bad scent or possible mildew problems.

Great rain gear is like a great friend, the better we take care of it, the better it takes care of us. I have 2 sets light weight and heavy Cab GW and have had'em for over 10 yrs. We are very good friends.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

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State Your RAIN GEAR 101 2024

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