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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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.
I was thinking about this myself just last week. My Father and I got caught out in a rain storm last year on the Arkansas River in his boat and we didn't have any rain gear, we both got soaked. I don't want that happening in my boat this year! So I checked out rain suits on Wal-Marts website. I found a Frogg Toggs suit for $20, I'm sure I'll try to buy a couple of those to keep in the boat.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ultra-Lit...ze-Sm/33771083
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I like the Frog Togs, I got the bibs and the jacket combo for about $69 a couple of years ago. I have been very happy with them.
I see your price limit but please consider this. I bought a cabela's guide wear bibs & coat & yes to me the price was expensive. That was in 2001. I still have that rain suit & it is the only rain suit that keeps me dry from the rain & the moisture of condensation from my covered body. No other rain suit has kept me as dry as my CGW not even my Goretex issued gear from the military. The military goretex worked good but the zippers allowed water in & you would get wet. This is not the issue with CGW. It is pricey yes, but it has lasted 17 years & is going strong.
I fish tournaments & have been in some real frog stranglers. The durability & dryness no matter how much it is raining makes the CGW worth it to me. I use it when it isn't hot weather & getting wet becomes dangerous. Frogg Toggs are what I keep in the boat in the summertime. Lightweight & breathable but not very tear resistant & I still get wet from condensation. When it's hot that can be ok but when your in a downpour & it is 40 degrees getting weight is not a good thing.
I have an inexpensive suit from bass pro I keep in boat for light showers when warm. But like Pac said you going to sweat. I have a better suit of frog Toggs that were 70.00 each for jacket and bibs. Good suit for heavier rains keeps you plenty dry. Does not keep you warm when below 50. You can layer under it and stay fairly comfortable but again it dosnt breath well. I have a cabelas extreme jacket bought off eBay for 65.00 like brand new and a set of bps proquaifier bibs of eBay new with tags for 90.00. Those 2 with fleece pants and sweat shirt keep you plenty dry with no leaks, breathe very well and extremely warm. So just depends on when and where you fish and what conditions on what you need and can afford on your budget. Academy used to have a pretty good set that was fairly inexpensive that was supposed to be pretty good.
I have an expensive set of rain gear that I use when colder, I really like it but I still carry my frog toggs in the boat, simple, inexpensive and Frogg Toggs do the trick.
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http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABEL...T.mc_id=FB_DPA
Keep an eye out in the bargain cave and clearance stuff. You can get some gortex gear for cheap on occasion. Don’t buy Frogg Toggs. That stuff is junk after a short while. Tears, leaks, and doesn’t breath well.
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Ill throw my .02 in here. To me a lot depends on how much your going to use it. Personally I fish a lot of bass tournaments. I spend several days a year fishing all day in the rain. Once you get set up good it's not that bad at all. Any of the rain suits that aren't rubber will eventually leak. They also need to be retreated after a while. (cheap $5 can of camping waterproofer at walmart). If your just wanting to get back to the ramp grab something cheap and throw it in a locker. If you want to fish all day make the investment in a decent suit. Academy H20 suit actually isn't bad at all for the price. I use the BPS pro qualifier. They'll be on sale in the spring classic sale. I wouldn't hesitate at anything Cabela's either, they stand behind their warranty 100%. If you want to fish all day in a downpour, rubber. It's not as comfortable but you'll be dry. Helly Hansen has a good rubber suit and you can pick them up at a tractor supply or Orchleans.
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.
Thanks so much. Obviously you have "been there, done that". I had thought about rubber but was concerned about breathability when wearing it for a prolonged time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by arkansaskiller
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishbaskett
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishbaskett
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