New Rain Gear
GoalieDad30
Posted 4/19/2018 10:18 AM (#904079)
Subject: New Rain Gear




Posts: 44


I am looking for some input on rain gear. For a very, very long time I wore an ancient set of Fenwick rain gear. Stuff lasted forever, was the perfect weight, and you could throw baits all day long in it.

When the Fenwick suit finally died, I purchased a Frabill suit that was horrible, heavy, leaked, etc.

Past couple of years made do with a hodgepodge of different gear, ready to make an investment again. I went to Cabela's, and the Guidewear gear just seems too heavy and bulky to toss baits in.

Looking for suggestions on higher end gear that works.

Thanks!

Bob
sworrall
Posted 4/19/2018 10:27 AM (#904081 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
We received a couple sets of Hodgman Gear in the Cold Weather model. It has removable thinsulate liners, and is one of the best rain/all weather suits we have used to date. These guys are famous for building high quality, high end gear, and the suit is not cheap, but we would rate at the top of the rain suits/all weather gear available. Really well designed for moving around, casting, etc. The Core INS insulated jacket and bib attachments make this a high end late Fall and through the worst of Winter garment. Very impressed. Only drawback is for ice use; the hood is not insulated. A high quality hoodie fixed that.

Not sure what happened to Frabill, I bought a couple closeout suits last year in the F2 and 3, and had the same experience you had. My old Frabill Storm Suit is still perfect.

mtcook16
Posted 4/19/2018 10:27 AM (#904082 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 546


Location: MN
I have a Gill suit for 3 seasons and it has treated me well.

I've heard great things about the BPS 100MPH suits. I guess they have a 200MPH suit, now. Also, Simms makes some awesome stuff. The Challenger suit is a good option that is more economical than most Simms items, but still Gore-Tex material.
Slime King
Posted 4/19/2018 10:31 AM (#904085 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 492


Location: midwest
SIMMS PRODRY. In my opinion the best there is available. I have had mine for quite a few seasons and never got wet while wearing it. I have also heard good things about the Carhartt Angler Storm Defender series but it is too new to judge durability.
BNelson
Posted 4/19/2018 10:38 AM (#904086 - in reply to #904085)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Location: Contrarian Island
for warmer weather when you just want something thin I have a Marmot PreCip jacket that was rated very high and I have been happy with it. I wear a thin pair of North Face Goretex pants on bottom. For chilly temps say in the 50s/60s, I have a Gander Guide series parka/bibs, has been awesome for ~10 yrs. I think it is similiar to the Bass Pro 100mph gear.

Edited by BNelson 4/19/2018 10:49 AM
jonnysled
Posted 4/19/2018 10:51 AM (#904088 - in reply to #904086)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
summer it's simple rain jackets and pants, for cooler and lake michigan outings i did a lot of research and got the Gill product and really happy with it after wearing in some aggressive conditions last year. When you look at the zippers and the way they cover them, you notice quickly that this is not your everyday rain gear.

Rangerwear carries both Gill and Simms and that's where i got mine.

my research took me to:
Gill
Helly Hansen
Simms

Edited by jonnysled 4/19/2018 11:42 AM
seanitolee
Posted 4/19/2018 11:32 AM (#904095 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 19


Location: Buffalo, NY
I've had fairly good luck with the Huk Gear i've purchased. Really really comfortable, nice stretch. the Next LVL bibs and jacket i have from them are great for waterproofing, not that warm. Layered with polar weight base layers and a fleece; keeps me going through November into December.
tolle141
Posted 4/19/2018 12:58 PM (#904105 - in reply to #904082)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 1000


mtcook16 - 4/19/2018 10:27 AM

I have a Gill suit for 3 seasons and it has treated me well.

I've heard great things about the BPS 100MPH suits. I guess they have a 200MPH suit, now. Also, Simms makes some awesome stuff. The Challenger suit is a good option that is more economical than most Simms items, but still Gore-Tex material.


+1 on the Simms Challenger. Tried on a bunch of different options and went this route for two reasons:
1. fit seemed to have less material for rods and things to catch on.
2. uses Toray instead of Gore-Tex. This operates a little differently than Gore, and as a result is significantly less stiff and more breathable than gore-tex. We'll see how I feel about that in 3-5 years, but I'm optimistics

Price for jacket + bibs was $400, which was great. Maybe next time around I'll be able to ante up $1K for the pro-dry, but we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

What probably should be mentioned as well is base-layers. I use patagonia capilene.
btfish
Posted 4/19/2018 12:59 PM (#904106 - in reply to #904095)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
Has anyone used a good 3/4 length rain coat/jacket for around $100 plus or minus? I have used the Helly Hansen with success but it's a bit hot in the summer, but then what isn't?

Thanks Brad
happy hooker
Posted 4/19/2018 2:33 PM (#904119 - in reply to #904106)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 3136


I don't understand why the outdoor community hasent embraced and offered more trench coat length and style rain coats,,a jacket fits up against you,,a trench coat keeps the rain away from you and acts has a rain gutter letting it drip down off and below your knees,,I tried a cheap discontinued one last year and what a difference in comfort and efficiency. I just wish they would make more.
Not to mention ALL the sponsor patches you pro staff guys could put on it, has big has a quarter panel on a nascar
mtcook16
Posted 4/19/2018 3:15 PM (#904128 - in reply to #904105)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 546


Location: MN
tolle141 - 4/19/2018 12:58 PM

mtcook16 - 4/19/2018 10:27 AM

I have a Gill suit for 3 seasons and it has treated me well.

I've heard great things about the BPS 100MPH suits. I guess they have a 200MPH suit, now. Also, Simms makes some awesome stuff. The Challenger suit is a good option that is more economical than most Simms items, but still Gore-Tex material.


+1 on the Simms Challenger. Tried on a bunch of different options and went this route for two reasons:
1. fit seemed to have less material for rods and things to catch on.
2. uses Toray instead of Gore-Tex. This operates a little differently than Gore, and as a result is significantly less stiff and more breathable than gore-tex. We'll see how I feel about that in 3-5 years, but I'm optimistics

Price for jacket + bibs was $400, which was great. Maybe next time around I'll be able to ante up $1K for the pro-dry, but we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

What probably should be mentioned as well is base-layers. I use patagonia capilene.

You are correct, I misspoke when I said Gore-tex, instead of Toray. I was thinking of a different jacket / bibs. But regardless, I know quite a few guys who wear the suit and like it for the reasons you mentioned.

Edited by mtcook16 4/19/2018 3:16 PM
dickP
Posted 4/19/2018 6:05 PM (#904140 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 301


If want for hunting also,might check Kuiu Yukon or Chugach.(toray)
moondog
Posted 4/19/2018 7:26 PM (#904149 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: RE: New Rain Gear




Posts: 106


Simms Prodry suit.
Sidejack
Posted 4/19/2018 8:13 PM (#904156 - in reply to #904119)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 1077


Location: Anoka
happy hooker - 4/19/2018 2:33 PM
I don't understand why the outdoor community hasent embraced and offered more trench coat length and style rain coats,,a jacket fits up against you,,a trench coat keeps the rain away from you and acts has a rain gutter letting it drip down off and below your knees,,I tried a cheap discontinued one last year and what a difference in comfort and efficiency. I just wish they would make more.
Not to mention ALL the sponsor patches you pro staff guys could put on it, has big has a quarter panel on a nascar :)


I feel ya,
Tight fitting stuff is nicer cuz it doesn't get caught up on stuff as much but I've been runnin an oldschool hand-me-down waxed Barbour jacket and it's kept me dry so far even though it's comin apart a little. Not ankle length but built-in hood and couldn't beat the price.
Jerry Newman
Posted 4/19/2018 8:32 PM (#904160 - in reply to #904156)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Location: 31

Something I've been doing for years is wearing PVC shorts (cut from full length) under my regular rain pants and overlaying my Gore-Tex suit with a size 6x PVC on heavy rain days.  The shorts always keep my butt dry, and it's an easy on-off with the PVC jacket as needed.

Pops
Posted 4/19/2018 9:52 PM (#904165 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: RE: New Rain Gear




Posts: 9


I bought a set of Huk next level bibs last year worked great I just ordered a jacket today.
I tried wearing a Simms challenger suit. They don't really fit .
I'm between sizes.
TSMUSKY89
Posted 4/20/2018 6:47 AM (#904176 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 49


In my opinion, you can't beat Simms products when it comes to staying dry/quality. I've used their waders for many years and been extremely happy with the quality and toughness. I bought their challenger rain suit, which is light weight and relatively affordable. Last year I stayed dry fishing multiple days in a row with constant rain, while my buddies were all wet wearing other brands including Huk. I would imagine Simms Pro Dry suit would be a great choice as well.
bucknuts
Posted 4/20/2018 9:47 AM (#904196 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: RE: New Rain Gear




Posts: 441


The new Cabela's Guide Wear suits are a lot lighter in weight, than the older ones. I like my new set. They also have a great warranty.
detroithardcore
Posted 4/20/2018 10:57 AM (#904201 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 299


I'm going on 4 seasons with the Simms ProDry and simply can't be happier. It's truly been a dry rainsuit in some of the worst rain conditions imaginable. It's not a "warm" type suit with it very thin and comfortable. I've used it several times in the Florida heat and afternoon rain storms. I've used it all summer in Michigan. I've even used it in the fall up until it starts to get really cold. It really is a dry lightweight suit and I find myself wearing my jacket everywhere on rainy days! It's perfect standing on the sidelines watching your kids play soccer in the rain and wind! While everyone is either using an umbrella or sitting in their car, I'm dry and comfy in my jacket watching my kids play. Is it pricy? Yes! Is it worth the extra money to have it last many years while dry? Absolutely!

Edited by detroithardcore 4/20/2018 11:01 AM
Jerry Newman
Posted 4/20/2018 12:13 PM (#904209 - in reply to #904201)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Location: 31
Next time around I'll check out the Simms ProDry and lighter weight guidewear stuff. Can you sit all day on wet boat seats/carpet without water soaking through?
 
I had a private message why use PVC shorts under the Gore-Tex pants;  
 
In a nutshell I simply didn't like wearing the heavy/bulky bib guidewear style stuff and much prefer the lighter higher-quality Gore-Tex suit for (pretty much) everyday use. The only issue I've experienced is that even when it's brand-new, water soaks through Gore-Tex when I sit all day in a wet boat... the problem has been 100% solved by wearing PVC bib style rain pants cut-offs under the Gore-Tex on those soaking rain days 
 
Wearing the 6x PVC top over the Gore-Tex is a similar approach to the trench coat idea, it not only provides an additional layer during downpours, but also keeps everything from getting waterlogged and heavy.


Edited by Jerry Newman 4/20/2018 12:15 PM
tolle141
Posted 4/20/2018 1:11 PM (#904217 - in reply to #904201)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 1000


detroithardcore - 4/20/2018 10:57 AM

I'm going on 4 seasons with the Simms ProDry and simply can't be happier. It's truly been a dry rainsuit in some of the worst rain conditions imaginable. It's not a "warm" type suit with it very thin and comfortable. I've used it several times in the Florida heat and afternoon rain storms. I've used it all summer in Michigan. I've even used it in the fall up until it starts to get really cold. It really is a dry lightweight suit and I find myself wearing my jacket everywhere on rainy days! It's perfect standing on the sidelines watching your kids play soccer in the rain and wind! While everyone is either using an umbrella or sitting in their car, I'm dry and comfy in my jacket watching my kids play. Is it pricy? Yes! Is it worth the extra money to have it last many years while dry? Absolutely!


You hit a really important point with these Simms suits. They're designed as very good rain shells to be fished all season long via smart layering.
BNelson
Posted 4/20/2018 1:32 PM (#904221 - in reply to #904217)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Location: Contrarian Island
Simms Pro Dry suit is $1000 bux? wow... My Marmot jacket and North Face pants were 180 bux and I never got wet last year either
esoxaddict
Posted 4/20/2018 1:40 PM (#904222 - in reply to #904221)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 8703


That's not saying much coming from a guy who can fall out of the boat head first and not get his hair wet....
BNelson
Posted 4/20/2018 1:53 PM (#904225 - in reply to #904222)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Location: Contrarian Island
takes mad skillz!
sworrall
Posted 4/20/2018 1:59 PM (#904227 - in reply to #904222)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
esoxaddict - 4/20/2018 1:40 PM

That's not saying much coming from a guy who can fall out of the boat head first and not get his hair wet....


That there is funny.
Jeremy
Posted 4/20/2018 7:12 PM (#904273 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 1126


Location: Minnesota.
This has been a very informative post, esp. for a boy who's fav. boat partner like NEVER complains...

Cabella's Gortex.....on the Big "V".

Edited by Jeremy 4/20/2018 7:14 PM



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Propster
Posted 4/20/2018 7:27 PM (#904277 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
Any rain gear that claims waterproof and breathable, which is Goretex and most others that utilize a membrane, can be mostly waterproof in rain, depending on how hard it rains. But all of them are susceptible to letting water through with enough pressure, i.e. sitting on wet seats, etc. The only type that doesn't let water through is as Jerry describes which is non-breathable stuff like Helly Hansen pvc or similar. When you really need to stay completely dry at all costs, and are okay with it not breathing, meaning you will possibly get damp from your own perspiration if it's warm and or you are fairly active, then this is the way to go. For most though, especially in summer or other than really cold temps, we can usually live with getting a little wet using a membrane type and will be much more comfortable as well.
esoxaddict
Posted 4/20/2018 8:10 PM (#904289 - in reply to #904277)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 8703


If air can get out, water can get in. If water can get in, it will. Through the seat, through the knees, through the zippers, wherever. I've had great luck with the Gander Guide Series insulated stuff staying warm in crappy weather. Staying dry? Not so much. The parka has a hood attached by a zipper, and not one of the tight ones that might prevent some leakage. The exterior fabric soaks up water like a sponge. Washing it and treating it with the nik wax stuff helped. The non insulated set fared better, and actually kept me dry (enough) for 5-6 seasons. Again, washing/treating with Nik Wax bought me a few seasons, but even that stuff is absorbing water now. For the price? Not bad. I have a set of the lightweight pants/jacket from Dick's. It's worked as well as you would expect for less than $200. You get wet. But its thin and made for warm weather. Surprisingly hot in that stuff though. Our most recent was the BPS 100 MPH stuff. Only one season on it, but it seems to be well made, with nice zippers, and so far no wet azz from sitting on wet boat seats and no wet knees from kneeling on wet boat carpet.

I'd consider the Gander Guide Series stuff again, to be honest. The parka fell apart well before it's time. The outer shell is a sponge. It's bulky as #*#*, and you're bound to rip out a pocket with the butt of your rod. But no matter what sort of weather I've fished in, despite having to come home and literally wring water out of everything I had on underneath it down to my socks, I have never once been cold in it. Wet and p-o'ed? Yes. Cold? No.

0723
Posted 4/20/2018 9:08 PM (#904300 - in reply to #904289)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 5127


Bps 100 mph have been good.i have two suits now.
hooked
Posted 4/21/2018 8:31 AM (#904328 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 383


Another vote for Simms ProDry. Super happy with mine. Keep an eye on eBay and you can find some deals...
wisriverrat
Posted 4/23/2018 6:10 PM (#904667 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 368


Location: On the River
I just purchased Gill rain gear after doing research here, I have Guide Wear which leaks around the front zipper area
Ciscokid82
Posted 4/23/2018 10:14 PM (#904714 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 330


Location: SE Wisc
I’ve always used Cabelas guide wear and while it was durable and kept me dry, it was a bit warm and heavy in the summer heat. It was great in the fall - no need for the insulated version if you know how to layer. I wanted something lighter in weight that I’d be comfortable wearing through most of the season so was deciding between Simms, Gill, and some of the goretex mountaineering stuff. The mountaineering stuff was the most expensive and didn’t have the features you’d like to see in a true fishing parka, like an oversized fully enclosed hood. I went with Simms Prodry because I couldn’t find Gill anywhere to see it firsthand. I saved a few Cabelas gift cards ( 5 of them! )I had received over the years and used my club points to buy the suit. It pays to be patient! Love the suit! Expensive but if you take care of your stuff they should last a very long time, for that reason I don’t believe in buying cheap. I now wear the guide wear for fall and ice fishing( that suit is at least 12 years old too)
Gander Mt Guide
Posted 4/24/2018 9:26 AM (#904754 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 2515


Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI
Unless the bibs and jacket say "Gore-Tex", I'm a little leery. There's a lot of gear out there that use their own membrane and call it something like "OmniDry", but unless the product has Gore-Tex, I won't buy it. Been burnt by too many imposters that simply don't last.
T3clay
Posted 4/24/2018 10:26 AM (#904767 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 770


Firstlite makes the best raingear, hands down, no questions, period. But you pay for it...... It's phenomenal

https://www.firstlite.com/seak-jacket.html?color=13
Tommis
Posted 4/24/2018 11:24 AM (#904780 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 841


Location: Southwest PA
I could sure use my rain gear at work today... I don't mind the frabill suit I got at a steep discount from fleet farm last year. It worked very well, even in November with layering beneath it.

Edited by Tommis 4/24/2018 11:25 AM
Ciscokid82
Posted 4/24/2018 9:06 PM (#904852 - in reply to #904767)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 330


Location: SE Wisc
T3clay - 4/24/2018 10:26 AM

Firstlite makes the best raingear, hands down, no questions, period. But you pay for it...... It's phenomenal

https://www.firstlite.com/seak-jacket.html?color=13


I didn’t know they made rain gear. Known mostly for their wool base layers.
Ciscokid82
Posted 4/24/2018 9:37 PM (#904862 - in reply to #904852)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 330


Location: SE Wisc
Ciscokid82 - 4/24/2018 9:06 PM

T3clay - 4/24/2018 10:26 AM

Firstlite makes the best raingear, hands down, no questions, period. But you pay for it...... It's phenomenal

https://www.firstlite.com/seak-jacket.html?color=13


I didn’t know they made rain gear. Known mostly for their wool base layers.


The jacket looks nice, too bad the pants are just that-pants. I like bibs or at least a high waist pant. Looks like they would compete well against KUIUs Chugach line. KUIU uses Toray which rates slightly less waterproof than Gore but slightly better in breath ability. Firstlite didn’t say the name of the membrane they use but a 3.5 layer shell should be very dry!
T3clay
Posted 4/25/2018 7:39 AM (#904903 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 770


I agree, i hate pants,. Bibs are the way to go
JakeStCroixSkis
Posted 4/29/2018 8:41 AM (#905365 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 1425


Location: St. Lawrence River
Ol frogg toggs are good enough for me..
Headlock
Posted 4/30/2018 1:34 AM (#905431 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 115


I have owned them all. Stormr is unreal awesome. You will pay for it. I have an addiction with rain gear. Treat your gear with the appropriate laundry soap and it will make all the difference. Like waxing your boat/truck.

Edited by Headlock 4/30/2018 1:39 AM
jonnysled
Posted 4/30/2018 6:25 AM (#905433 - in reply to #905431)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
if you've owned them all and taken care of all of them, what do you do with so many? and why own so many?
Headlock
Posted 4/30/2018 9:43 PM (#905490 - in reply to #905433)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 115


jonnysled - 4/30/2018 6:25 AM

if you've owned them all and taken care of all of them, what do you do with so many? and why own so many?


not really sure why you would care? but get a new pair every year from a client i refer business to. gave away 3 pair of guidewear to family this year.
sworrall
Posted 4/30/2018 10:17 PM (#905494 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
The above is similar to my situation. I recently own 4 different brands and a half dozen sets of rain gear, and gave some to friends. For those I keep and like to wear, I found Nikwax to be my friend in keeping them as effective as new.

This stuff:

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=26...

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=26...
jonnysled
Posted 5/1/2018 7:14 AM (#905507 - in reply to #905490)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
Headlock - 4/30/2018 9:43 PM

jonnysled - 4/30/2018 6:25 AM

if you've owned them all and taken care of all of them, what do you do with so many? and why own so many?


not really sure why you would care? but get a new pair every year from a client i refer business to. gave away 3 pair of guidewear to family this year.


what did you think of the Gill FG21J, Simms and Helley Hanson products?
esoxaddict
Posted 5/1/2018 10:49 AM (#905522 - in reply to #905494)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 8703


sworrall - 4/30/2018 10:17 PM

The above is similar to my situation. I recently own 4 different brands and a half dozen sets of rain gear, and gave some to friends. For those I keep and like to wear, I found Nikwax to be my friend in keeping them as effective as new.

This stuff:

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=26...

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=26...

I have to admit I was pretty skeptical of this stuff. It works!
Muskie Treats
Posted 5/1/2018 12:08 PM (#905528 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 2384


Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot
I just got a Simms Challenger series suit and it is eons better then my BPS 100mph gear (that was also very good stuff). Its VERY light and high quality. They retail for about $400 for a set, but you can find it better if you poke around. One thing that I don't mind paying good money for is good rain gear as that can make or break your trip.
danmuskyman
Posted 5/1/2018 4:38 PM (#905555 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 619


Location: Madison, WI
Just bought a set of Simms Challenger as well because of this thread! Seems super light and can’t wait to try it out. My only complaint with ALL brands of rain gear now is none of them seem to have the two way zipper on the bibs anymore! Drives me crazy to have to unzip the jacket to zip down the bibs when you have to take a leak! My old gander guide wear suit had the zipper I like and everything I looked at after now only has the one way zipper. Guess I’ll live with it if it actually keeps me dry
Headlock
Posted 5/2/2018 12:42 AM (#905594 - in reply to #905507)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 115


jonnysled - 5/1/2018 7:14 AM

Headlock - 4/30/2018 9:43 PM

jonnysled - 4/30/2018 6:25 AM

if you've owned them all and taken care of all of them, what do you do with so many? and why own so many?


not really sure why you would care? but get a new pair every year from a client i refer business to. gave away 3 pair of guidewear to family this year.


what did you think of the Gill FG21J, Simms and Helley Hanson products?


helley not enough movement. simms awesome but will cost you big. never had the gill. hope that helps. all the best. maybe mr. worrall can help also on his review.
followking
Posted 5/2/2018 7:30 AM (#905608 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 23


Arc’teryx. The last set you’ll ever buy.
jonnysled
Posted 5/2/2018 8:35 AM (#905620 - in reply to #905594)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
Headlock - 5/2/2018 12:42 AM

jonnysled - 5/1/2018 7:14 AM

Headlock - 4/30/2018 9:43 PM

jonnysled - 4/30/2018 6:25 AM

if you've owned them all and taken care of all of them, what do you do with so many? and why own so many?


not really sure why you would care? but get a new pair every year from a client i refer business to. gave away 3 pair of guidewear to family this year.


what did you think of the Gill FG21J, Simms and Helley Hanson products?


helley not enough movement. simms awesome but will cost you big. never had the gill. hope that helps. all the best. maybe mr. worrall can help also on his review.


the reason i asked is that it seems there is a separation from rain gear and engineered rain gear. it's pretty easy for a company to private-label garments that are put together in mass and then the ones who build something to compete (sailing, racing etc...) and why i drilled it down to just two companies that make the stuff you buy once. i chose Gill and so far seems to have been a choice i should have made a long time ago vs. going through the typical products until the zippers got you wet. you can tell in the Gill product by the way they (zippers) are covered, that it's not just your average weather gear.
Headlock
Posted 5/5/2018 12:45 AM (#905837 - in reply to #905494)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 115


sworrall - 4/30/2018 10:17 PM

The above is similar to my situation. I recently own 4 different brands and a half dozen sets of rain gear, and gave some to friends. For those I keep and like to wear, I found Nikwax to be my friend in keeping them as effective as new.

This stuff:

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=26...

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=26...

I use the same. Great stuff.
OH Musky
Posted 5/5/2018 7:40 AM (#905844 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 359


Location: SW Ohio
I have a set of Columbia's PFG Omni-Heat™ Gale Warning™ Bibs and jacket. Bought them from Columbia on discount apparently because they were discontinuing the line. Too bad. The set has worked outstanding so far. Keeps me dry and warm. Light enough to wear by themselves and warm enough to wear as an outer layer for those cold windy days. If they wee still available I'd buy them again.
btfish
Posted 5/5/2018 8:29 AM (#905847 - in reply to #905844)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
I have used and been with others using different rain gear and I struggle with three things?

1. If I am fishing in rain my hands get wet, and even with a cuff or Velcro strap on my wrist the rain eventually runs down my arms and the cloths on my arms get wet.

2. Rain hits my face and runs down my neck and my upper body gets wet.

3. If it's warm I sweat from the heat and I get wet inside.

Even though I know the high dollar rain gear is high quality I struggle how it will prevent these 3 things? But if it does please tell me.

There is also a big difference what you may need if after a day in the rain you can retreat to a warm cabin or house where you can get warm, dry, hot shower, and fresh cloths. When we moose hunted in Alaska our retreat was to a 3 man tent with an extra canvas over it, and one set of cloths used for packing meat (after they got bloody they hung with the meat). I still camp and fish a lot today. The guys in Alaska told me about Helly Hansen 3/4 length Impertech rain gear then which works really well for the most part, less than $100 and each one I have had lasted about 10 years. Other than the 3 bullet points I mentioned it always keep us dry.

I can't imagine how the guys fishing on the crab boats on Deadliest Catch stay dry? As hard as I have looked it appears they all seem to wear the good old PVC with rubber linings that will not absorb water and get wet which is similar to Helly Hansen. Now that is a place to test rain gear??

Hey, at least we are talking about rain versus snow. So have a good day.

Brad

Edited by btfish 5/5/2018 8:33 AM
jonnysled
Posted 5/5/2018 11:39 AM (#905854 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
1. the Gill F2 has two cuffs, the internal cuff is a stretchy material you can cinch with velcro and a secondary cuff that also cinches

2. the Gill F2 has a high-rising collar that is "inside the brim of the hood so you can eliminate if you want to use it.

3. i only use it for severe and fall weather and not in hot summer rains when the rain doesn't chill you to the bone

- zipper covers tuck the zipper into them and there is no access from any of the zipper fabric backing ...

it's completely different than anything but Simms from what i've determined and was developed via competitive sailing

Edited by jonnysled 5/5/2018 11:50 AM
Big Perc
Posted 5/5/2018 11:45 AM (#905855 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 1185


Location: Iowa
Another vote Simms Pro Dry. I've worn Columbia, Cabela's, Bass Pro, Helly Hansen and my Simms Pro Dry is by far the lightest weight and the suit I've stayed the most dry in. You're gonna pay for it but its well worth it!
btfish
Posted 5/7/2018 6:22 AM (#905929 - in reply to #905855)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
Sled

Thanks for the feedback on the Gill F2, it sounds like very nice.

Brad
Jackel2
Posted 5/9/2018 6:49 AM (#906053 - in reply to #904079)
Subject: Re: New Rain Gear




Posts: 2


I'll put my 2 cents in here in support of the Simms ProDry Suit. I have owned everything from Frogg Toggs to Frabill and everything in between. If you are more than an occasional fisherman you will need to spend the money for a good suit. Sure, all suits will keep you dry for a while - but if you are on a week long trip with rain everyday you will be very disappointed in the less expensive suits. I would have saved money in the long run had I gotten a top notch suit in the beginning.

What sets the Simms ProDry Suit apart? It is the attention to the little details that makes this suit so good. The wrist cuffs cinch down tightly to your wrists to prevent water from leaching up your sleeves - if this has ever happened to you then you know how annoying that is. The "boot" zipper in the bibs go all the way up to your knees which allow to to get the suit on quickly over bulky boots. The hood has numerous adjustment capabilities plus it is vented which prevents your glasses from fogging up. ..and the list goes on.

As stated by other posts, the Simms ProDry suit is light weight which makes it comfortable and easy to move in. On the down side it is not great in cold weather - because of this I got 1 size larger than I needed in the bibs so I can put multiple layers on when October and November roll around.

I stumbled on this Bass website a month ago, they have a detailed review of the Simms ProDry rain suit. They compare the suit to a few other leading brands and even include videos. http://selectbassfishingtackle.com/best-rain-gear-2018/

In summary, the Simms suit is expensive but WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY.