Rain gear

Don't go cheap, invest in a quality suit if you fish a lot.

I have BPS 100 mph suits. They are over priced, but over engineered with quality. One the single best investments I've made for cold weather fishing and I've definitely used them enough over the years to get my moneys worth. I imagine Cabela's version is great as well.

For warm weather I have some cheapo pants and a orvis light weight jacket that I like. Some people forget the single most important item that will keep you warm when fishing is something to block the wind. Even the cheapest rain gear is a must in your boat if it blocks the wind. I wear my rain suits more often when the wind is up than if its raining. We use a sportbrella if it starts to really pour.

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Originally Posted by fishbaskett

Thanks for all the input. Guess for the price it would be good to have some frogg toggs to store and use to get back to the landing, even if they tear or something they are inexpensive to replace. As you step up in price you generally are stepping up in quality. Cabelas has a good all around selection, as does BPS and Academy. Guess it boils down to just how much and how long do you want to be protected, how long do you desire them to last and what is your budget. $120 to $150 combinations of jacket and bib seems to be the fit for mid line applications.

I have a Gortex parka from the military. Can get product to spray it with to enhance its waterproofness, buy good quality pair of bib cover alls, should be good for all but the most intense downpours.

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I did some reading when I got my used Gortex jacket and how to clean. Found a interesting read on how to rejuvenate Gortex. It went in depth to explain how Gortex over time can compact itself and become a little less effective. And dirt accumulation over time. They were not big on the sprays that are out there. I'll try to give the short version.

Take the garment, wash on gentle with warm water using a very mild soap and just a little of it. I have the newer washer that uses the non foaming detergent. So I was good there. After it spins out put in dryer on very lowest and gentlest cycle and tumble until about half dry. Shake out and hang up and let it dry at room temp for a couple of days. Mine was in great shape when I got it but a little dusty from being stored. When I was through it was like brand new. Their explanation for the tumbling was that causes the fibers to move around and realign themselfs to become good as new.

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Originally Posted by fishbaskett

What and where are some of you purchasing to stay dry when fishing? Looking for some decent protection at reasonable cost. I know reasonable cost will differ depending on who you are, so how about $35 to $100.

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When it comes to rain gear and believe me I have tried plenty of different one, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. I finally settled on BPS 100mph rain gear (gortex is the only way to go), mine is now about 5 years old and it really does keep you dry. However it is not budget friendly up front as far as cost. But it does last and is durable. So in the long run its really not to expensive more like an investment.

I have had great luck with my H2O academy rain gear. Has kept me dry and warm. For summer time, I have a thin set of columbia rain gear (omni-tech I think its called)... very light weight, but you will still sweat when its humid. However, it's easy to pack, put on, and take off.

Guys I have a guide service in Alaska that my brother currently runs full time. This is in a northern rain forest and it is not uncommon to see rain for sometimes a week with no stopping just constant rain. We have had customers come up with every type of rain gear imaginable. Goretex is ok for someone going out for an afternoon then home but an extended hard rain and you are wet- at least damp. The ONLY thing completely water proof is a rubber rain suit. We always pack extra rubber suits for the customers that "think" they know theirs will work and EVERYTIME within a day they are borrowing our rain gear. Goretex is completely useless in that situation and a waste of money.

I know the Bass Pro 100 mph suit is very expensive but it is one best investment every made on rain suits. I also bought the warmer jacket insert. Love my outfit.
LittleJohn