Cabela’s Guidewear – Jacket or Parka?

I have decided to get the insulated Guidewear Bibs.
For those who have Guidewear, what is better in your opinion, the Jacket or Parka?

Also, please post why you like one over the other.

Thanks in advance,
Jon J.

Personally I like the shorter jacket after owning both. Since I spend most of my time in guidewear sitting in a boat, having the extra length of the parka “bunched” at my middle was awful uncomfortable at times. The jacket is a bit shorter and fits me a bit better. I was concerned that the jacket would ride up and expose my lower back to a north wind… but that has not been an issue either.

Great product Jon. You’ll love the stuff regardless of which top you get.

I have the parka and bibs, I went with the uninsulated ones but I got the parka style for a couple reasons, a lot less chance of the jacket riding up in the back when sitting down reducing drafts when traveling or getting wet. and when it is warm and I don’t want the bibs on it will keep a pair of shorts pretty dry as well. The parka also has bigger pockets for extra gloves, stocking cap or whatever.
It is spendy stuff but worth every cent, you won’t be sorry.
John

I just picked some up 2 weeks ago, and love it. I have the jacket myself. Yea… I too debated on which to get with the bibs… jacket or parka. As James mentioned, I too was concerned about the shorter jacket riding up. So far, it hasn’t, and doubt it ever will to make me regret getting it. With the bibs, it doesn’t really matter, in my opinion.
Great stuff, you will love it.

Jon,

I have the insulated parka and bibs. I have had the chance to try the jacket yet but will in time. I absolutely think this is the best rainsuit or cold weather gear I have ever worn. After going through the paces years ago with the Stearns drywear, I am so ever grateful for the Guidewear.

You will love this stuff!
Good Luck

I went with the jacket as well. Coupled with the bibs, your back side and kidney area area pretty much covered. BTW. I have a jacket that is a year old and in great shape. Red,size is XL or 1XL? Insulated, $100

I have owned the Cabelas guide wear for about 10 years now. I have the parka and bibs in the un-insulated style. They are by far…”the best rain gear”.

I have the insulated Cabelas guidewear parka and bibs.They are hard to beat.
Ryan Hale

I’ve read in past threads on this subject that some users of guidewear preffer uninsulated over insulated. Why?

Hi Herb,some people like the un-insulated stuff because you can use it year round.And you can still use it in the winter by wearing layers under them.
Ryan Hale

Ryan, with most of the insulated outerwear I’ve used, I’ve still had to layer underneath it. I really don’t like to “layer” because it tends to bind and then I get stiff if I’m in the bow of the boat or other similar situations. I’ve read some really good bragging about the uninsulated. Would the unsulated guidewear allow me to not use as many layers, even on the coldest days, as what I’m using now?

I have the parka and bibs and love em. I went with the uninsulated bibs and the insulated parka. I bought these for cold weather use. I also have a set of bibs and parka all uninsulated in a different brand, ok TecH2O [no big head here James, lol.] from Gander Mt. As for the parka problem James mentioned the bulk around the middle. No problem here as I have bulk in the middle even without the parka. Thanks, Bill

Thanks everyone!

I have had a set of Helly Hansons (Lite green one’s in recent photos and on Profile shot) for a few years. They have been nothing but great. I would buy them again and recommend them to anyone. They are not insulated however.

I also have a set of Columbia Quad parka/bibs that are great for the very coldest days like ice fishing on a bucket.

I needed a set of insulated rain gear to fill that gap…. I am now the proud owner of a new set of insulated Guidewear. I went with the Jacket/Bibs. I also got a Free carry bag for buying the set!! ($70 bucks retail)

I’m sure they will get a ton of use from now till next May.

Jon J.

I have uninsulated because I can layer my clothes, I also can wear it in mid summer.

I also have (and prefer) the uninsulated set. Wore the suit to a blustery on and off rainy football game last night. That’s a bonus to the lightweight – don’t even feel it on and stay warm and dry. Also great for cooler weather Harley rides. Overall, an excellent investment!

Jon, You will love the stuff!! I have the unsulated parka and bibs because I am like Bill where I am very thick through the midsection and have no trouble with bunching. take care of the stuff and clean it the way the instructions tell ya to clean it. Very important for the life of the stuff.

Gundy Just my 2’s worth

I have the parka and bibs in the non-insulated version and have been very satisfied. My only promblem is that I some times don’t put them on soon enough, thinking that the rain will not amount to much. They need to add an optinal audio moisture device for guys like me.