Best Rain Gear?
MuskyMidget
Posted 6/24/2014 9:21 PM (#717653)
Subject: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 921


Ok Guys:

I know this subject has been beaten to death and I tried to do a search but it timed out.

So I thought I would post and get a fresh response from everyone.

I've used Gander Mountain Guide Series for years and was ok because I didn't have a lot of rain.

My only concern is my couple weeks on LOTW each year. Last year I got soaked. Partially because the rain gear is older, but also because the rain is coming in the holes for the hood strings, etc.

We got stormed off the lake one day and when we got back to the cabin my buddy and I took our rain gear off. It looks like I jumped into the lake with my gear on I was so wet.

He was darn near bone dry. Of course he is wearing the most expensive Simms rain gear known to man that I have seen some guys on the Bassmasters wearing. Well I cannot afford a $500 jacket.

I can see maybe spending $400 on a jacket and bibs combined.

I know from reading prior posts over the years that Cabelas Guidewear and Bass Pro 100 MPH get good reviews. How about Bass Pro Qualifier?

Any help is greatly appreciated as always.

Midge
Booch
Posted 6/24/2014 9:24 PM (#717654 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 306


Got me an Under Armor set from Bass Pro a few years ago for <$100. Has kept me bone dry in the worst rains for several years, and doesn't overheat.
IAJustin
Posted 6/24/2014 10:28 PM (#717668 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 2015


I haven't wore the bass pro qualifier stuff..but it is Gore-Tex and that is what you want!!!
dami0101
Posted 6/24/2014 10:41 PM (#717669 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 750


Location: Minneapolis, MN
Frogg Toggs have worked well for me the couple times I've been caught it the rain.
MuskyMidget
Posted 6/24/2014 11:14 PM (#717676 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 921


I have frog togs too and the Gander Guide Series is goretex.

What I'm looking for is no leak in the zippers. No leak in the hood string holes.

I think the biggest problem is wind blowing the rain into your face and it gets into the hood and down it goes.

The Simms gear my buddy has seems to solve that problem. He's got this neck thing that zips up and there's no way it's letting water in!!!
IAJustin
Posted 6/24/2014 11:30 PM (#717682 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 2015


Midge do you have the Pro Staff Elite from Gander? Its been discontinued for many years - I love mine has kept me bone dry in the craziest crap for over 6 years - then again it was $600 for jacket and bibs,,,you get what you pay for in rain gear!
Uncle Smash
Posted 6/24/2014 11:43 PM (#717683 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 29


Location: IGH Minnesota
Gortex GSX has been great for me. You can find the jacket and bibs on sale at various times for around $400 for jacket & bibs and it performs great.
dtaijo174
Posted 6/25/2014 7:23 AM (#717699 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 1169


Location: New Hope MN
I own a Bimini bay rain gear set and it is horrible. Worst money I ever spent $150. Worked well for the first year and a half. So avoid that. Many on this site recommended using a Nikwax spray on your rain gear and I tried that. It helped, but it was not the 100% solution I was hoping for.
Junkman
Posted 6/25/2014 8:44 AM (#717717 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 1220


Archterix is the higher quality level of Gore-Tex and the zippers and such are totally secure but the jacket alone is over $500.00. Still, if money is no object, the shell is perfect for a summer downpour when you don't want the heat of the Guidewear suit. I got one at REI in the post ski season 50% off sale and paid $250.00 for just the jacket (didn't have the fat boy sizes in pants on sale).
SixBowls
Posted 6/25/2014 9:05 AM (#717721 - in reply to #717717)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 149


I've had the pro qualifier for three years. I've been happy with it. The cuffs can be snugged really tight and it is big improvement over my old gear. With the hood drawn tight and neck flap closed the top is pretty good but that is the one place where some rain can get to you. It has to be real nasty for that to happen.

The suit goes on sale often so I'd look for a sale before buying.
sworrall
Posted 6/25/2014 10:57 AM (#717743 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 32885


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Frabill. I have an FXE and it's been flawless. The Walleye and Bass competitive anglers are using the new F Series gear. I have an F2 as well, and am very happy with the gear.

http://frabill.com/clothing/fseries-storm-gear.html
jjm msky
Posted 6/25/2014 11:08 AM (#717745 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 43


stormr is very good, its a little warm at times but great stuff.
The one thing that this rain gear has that I do not think the others have is
its positive buoyancy, it floats. If you go to the web site it will explain.
If you live in northern IL you can go to Dave's bait and tackle on rt176 in crystal lake and check it, other wise "the musky shop" has it
I love mine
stormrusa.com
achotrod
Posted 6/25/2014 12:05 PM (#717759 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 1283


I wear military issue gore-tex rain gear. Works great and can be bought off e-bay relatively cheap. Only issue is you need to like camo patterns.
d2bucktail
Posted 6/25/2014 12:26 PM (#717766 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 238


What do you guys/gals think of Frogg Toggs? I'm trying a set for the first time this summer but have yet to need it. Others I've talked to tell me they like theirs. And the price now is very reasonable. I just bought a set (pants and jacket) for $40 at Fleet Farm. It seems like it is sturdier construction than I was expected. No pockets, though.

Edited by d2bucktail 6/25/2014 12:42 PM
dtaijo174
Posted 6/25/2014 12:32 PM (#717768 - in reply to #717766)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 1169


Location: New Hope MN
d2bucktail - 6/25/2014 12:26 PM

What do you guys/gals think of Frogg Toggs? I'm trying a set for the first time this summer but have yet to need it. Others I've talked to tell me they like theirs. And the price now is very reasonable. I just bought a set (pants and jacket) for $40 at Fleet Farm. It seems like it is sturdier construction than I was expected.


I had a pair before a campfire got them
They are probably your best bang for your buck. They do wear out and tear, but for $40 they are tough to beat. If you bought a new pair every year for 10yrs, it's still less costly than some of the high end versions.
d2bucktail
Posted 6/25/2014 12:41 PM (#717772 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 238


For the past 12-15 years I've had 2 sets of heavy, lined, well-built, NON-breathable Remington branded rain gear (bibs and jacket with pockets and permanent hood) that have worked great even in torrential downpours. They've been a little sweaty in the seat (ha) in warm weather, though. And I only paid $35 for each set - camo for hunting; solid color for muskie fishing. I'd buy these again for the money and durability.
Imobley
Posted 6/25/2014 5:41 PM (#717840 - in reply to #717676)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 84


MuskyMidget - 6/25/2014 12:14 AM

I have frog togs too and the Gander Guide Series is goretex.

If it doesn't say goretex, it's not, most guide series is Tech2O
Capt bigfish
Posted 6/25/2014 5:53 PM (#717841 - in reply to #717840)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 480


My Simms pro dry bibs are awesome. Saving up for the jacket now. At least the important stuff will be dry.
hunter991
Posted 6/26/2014 8:47 AM (#717917 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 139


i have the Frabill storm suit and its been pretty good. But recently wearing Cabelas "dry plus" jacket and for $85 its as good as anything out there.
brmusky
Posted 6/26/2014 9:22 AM (#717922 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 335


Location: Minnesota
Frogg Toggs have never held out water when it is pouring out for me. I bought the bibs and jacket last year and they are awesome in light rains but once the heavy stuff comes it pounds right through. While driving the boat my legs got totally soaked from the fabric being right against my legs. My pants were so wet you couldn't tell I had raingear on at all after the rain was done.
I have Cabela's Guidewear insulated and they have never leaked in the heaviest of rains but they are spendy and way too hot to wear in the summer. I use them in the fall and some for ice fishing.
I have had 2 sets of Guide Series bibs and parkas. The first set (bought about 2003?) was awesome for about 3 years and then slowly started losing it's repellant. The second set (about 2007) was never waterproof from the first day I put them on.
I have a packable Cabela's rainjacket ($70?) that is ok but I am clammy and wet during all day rains.
I am still looking for something breathable and bullet proof - from my experience and searching, you are going to have to pay for it.
bucknuts
Posted 6/26/2014 10:54 AM (#717941 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 441


Frog Toggs rip easy!
I was trying a jacket on, at Bass Pro, and the arm ripped at the seam.
NOFEAR
Posted 6/26/2014 7:31 PM (#718044 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 208


I have a light weight and heavier set of Cabelas guide wear rain suits. I would highly recommend there product. I've fished in major down pours and they keep you dry!
Turkeyt
Posted 6/26/2014 7:54 PM (#718048 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 260


Location: Almost Heaven
I have a couple sets of SportChief out of Canada. IF it will work in Canada it will work anywhere. I have been in the rain all day and stayed dry. Has the Aquatex membrane. and rugged outer.
JKleinbrook
Posted 6/27/2014 10:48 AM (#718110 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 6


100mph Bass Pro jacket and bibs. Expensive but worth every penny. Was taking wave after wave in the back of the boat in GB last spring. Felt like buckets of 45deg water getting dumped on me for 30min and I was bone dry. That gear is awesome.
matt_steinbach
Posted 6/27/2014 12:23 PM (#718122 - in reply to #717668)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 56


Location: Stanley, WI
IAJustin - 6/24/2014 10:28 PM

I haven't wore the bass pro qualifier stuff..but it is Gore-Tex and that is what you want!!!


The Bass Pro pro qualifier bibs and jacket are great. Keeps me completely dry every time out and is comfortable in all weather.
banditman
Posted 9/29/2014 2:19 PM (#732411 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 167


Location: Tomahawk, WI
I just bought a pair of the Under Armour Rain pants. At first glance I thought they were going to be too light. I was wrong, they are great! Very lightweight and they keep me bone dry. I think I will be buying new jacket to go with the pants. My only compliant would be that they run about 1 size on the small side. Their shoes are the same way so this does not surprise me.
cave run legend
Posted 9/29/2014 2:36 PM (#732417 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 2097


I use Bass pro 100mph jacket and bibs. In the late fall I just wear shorts and a tshirt underneath them and I stay dry and warm.
jjm msky
Posted 9/29/2014 2:42 PM (#732418 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 43


Stormr is very good.
wind and waterproof and has positive buoyancy.
Because where there is big rain, there are big waves, so if god forbid you fall in it will help you float. Great Stuff check out the web site they have many lines of rain gear.
stormrusa.com
j
mnmusky
Posted 9/29/2014 2:43 PM (#732419 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




I imagine that bearing sea crab boat rain gear those nuts wear is pretty good.
ArmPit
Posted 9/29/2014 3:13 PM (#732431 - in reply to #732419)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 447


Location: Waconia, MN
I've used the Bass pro 100mph jacket and bibs the past 5 years and love them, never wet and always dry!
wisriverrat
Posted 9/30/2014 8:33 PM (#732699 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 374


Location: On the River
I have Cableas Guide Wear that is 10 years old and still keeps me dry
drreilly
Posted 10/1/2014 8:47 PM (#732888 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 73


Simms. Have used the Cabelas Guidewear in the past and like Simms Prodry much more.
71mercman
Posted 10/2/2014 6:55 AM (#732912 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Location: Altoona IA
For some reason rain, snow and sleet follows my boat everywhere I go. I have had the Pro Qualifier set for 4 years now and have been extrememly happy with them. Love the neoprene cuffs and the small bill on the hood to keep rain out of eyes. Have worn them in everything from 80 deg summer showers to full blown winter storms on LOTW and never been dissapointed in dryness, breathability and warmth.
dirtybird
Posted 10/2/2014 7:14 AM (#732913 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 212


Location: Wisconsin
Anyone ever use Musto rain gear before?

Thanks
ShutUpNFish
Posted 10/2/2014 7:50 AM (#732919 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 1202


Location: Money, PA
I have Cabelas GuideWear Bibs and Parka....uninsulated goretex. Love it!
Slime King
Posted 10/2/2014 7:59 AM (#732920 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 494


Location: midwest
Another vote for the Simms Pro Dry suit.
Mojo1269
Posted 10/2/2014 9:00 AM (#732927 - in reply to #717743)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 752


sworrall - 6/25/2014 10:57 AM

Frabill. I have an FXE and it's been flawless. The Walleye and Bass competitive anglers are using the new F Series gear. I have an F2 as well, and am very happy with the gear.

http://frabill.com/clothing/fseries-storm-gear.html


Steve, any idea why they did away with the spillway in the bibs on the F series?
mbani
Posted 10/3/2014 2:06 PM (#733157 - in reply to #732927)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 145


Also, did frabill stop making the storm suit? Looks like they are very hard to find and even the site has few sizes and colors.
sworrall
Posted 10/3/2014 10:42 PM (#733208 - in reply to #733157)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 32885


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Frabill designed a complete new line of rain gear for 2015. Hi-tech stuff, and lots of choices. Here's the F1. F1 to F4, take a look.

http://frabill.com/clothing/fseries-storm-gear.html

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/videos/08.03.2014/7240/New.Frabill....

backdraft
Posted 10/4/2014 7:13 AM (#733217 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 241


Frogg Toggs all the way. Served me well for years.

Backdraft
Nomadmusky
Posted 10/4/2014 8:15 AM (#733226 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: RE: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 176


I love my Frogg Toggs rainsuit. I've spent weeks in my rainwear in northern Ontario on canoe trips in Arctic watersheds.

I've also spent many weeks worth of days in my rainwear fishing in Canada, Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin in my frogg toggs.

Frogg Toggs makes many different price points of rainwear. They make two ply three ply etc. judging one suit is tough to do. Comparing their low price point suit to their full featured suits would be challenging.

Mine is a Tech Toad, it's three ply, if you look at the zipper it's got a flap, a rain gutter and Velcro I never get rain in my zipper. It also has a 4 inch extra drop in the back to cover my butt. One of the guys I'm with has a $600 rainsuit on my canoe trips. His rainsuit is the popular brand of water proof breathable material. He gets wet through his zipper and it doesn't breath nearly as good as my Frogg Toggs.

I assure you the Frogg Toggs brand breaths a ton better than the popular brand of waterproof breathable material, I've owned and also wore many of them. We put on 50 pound packs and then put a 60 pound canoe on our shoulders over the rainwear and start portaging, you find out in a hurry how well your rain suit breaths. I've been very rough on mine in the bush and never poked a hole in it, I know I certainly could, but I can't imagine putting my arm in a sleeve and ripping one in a store.

Once we build up a sweat caring the packs walking cross country then we put our canoes in the water and start paddling out in the wind and rain again. That is when you again find out how breathable your rain suit is.

I'd relook at the Frogg Toggs. The price point suits are great to have just in case, but also look at some of their full featured suits.
Nomadmusky
Posted 10/4/2014 8:54 AM (#733231 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 176


Here's my jacket in action, you can see the smoothed shoulders from portaging packs and canoes, you can see the fading on the arms and shoulders from 100's of hours in the weather, you can also see how wrinkled it is from being in my pack, being light weight I always have it with me, and you can see the rain flaps on the zippers and velcro on the rain flap and sleeves.


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upnortdave
Posted 10/4/2014 10:32 AM (#733246 - in reply to #733231)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 668


Location: mercer wi
Ive used ganders h2o for the last 7 years. For the price they are the best. I wear them when hot over short and use them in november with carhartt heavy weight thermos. Give them a spray with campdry every couple years. They replaced a buddies of mine becsuse he broke zipper no questions asked. His were like 10 years old.
muskyrat
Posted 10/4/2014 5:35 PM (#733282 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 455


Guidewear is nice. Stormer is awesome though.
southern comfort
Posted 10/5/2014 8:35 AM (#733334 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 393


I am a big fan of Cabelas Guide Wear. I fish in all weather regardless of rain, sleet etc. It is functional, durable and I have never gotten wet . I did notice that you asked about rain wear with a reasonable cost. Helly Hansen Impertech is excellent at a cost under $200 for Jacket and Bibs. It is my back-up suit that I keep on the boat all the time. It will keep you dry, wont absorb heavy rain and flexible. I highly recommend checking it out as a reasonable cost option.
jim lock
Posted 10/5/2014 12:22 PM (#733355 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?




Posts: 44


I did a lot of research on rain suits, leaning towards cooler,colder and wet weather. After physically looking at all the different brands and what they had to offer and reading a ton of customer surveys. I settled on the Bass Pro 100mph. The jacket is long and covers my ass so water run below. Pockets are water proof, big and in the right places. Adjustable collar is comfortable and covers a lot, the hood is one of the better for coverage and rain run off from your face. Jacket has a rear snap out apron to cover even more area. Bibs have good suspender system and generally fit me the best. I will say when you try these outfits on make sure you walk around, especially sit and stand as you would in the boat. The way we are built may determine whether you may need a different size bib than jacket. The cuffs on the jacket are tight, better than too loose and they will fit better after use. As far as price--- watch the sales!!!!!! The only negative I have are the logos, a little much but you can magic marker them out. Just my two cents.
esoxfly
Posted 10/5/2014 9:53 PM (#733430 - in reply to #717653)
Subject: Re: Best Rain Gear?





Posts: 1663


Location: Kodiak, AK
<p>I used to wear 100MPH and it worked well but I felt like I was wearing armor. Good stuff and dry though. Started wearing the Simms and they're as good as they're advertised. I have a Stormr set as well, but it's got to be chilly to wear it. It's toasty! The Stormr would be great for late fall muskies and if I ever get back to muskie country, it'll be my go-to from November-on.</p><p>In your price range, the 100PMH or Pro-Qualifier would be ideal.  They have good CS and warrantee too, should it ever leak or cause you problems.  </p>