Rain Gear – Is high $ brands worth it – How much is to much.

I know that the whole raingear topic comes up on here from time to time. I’m just curious of what everyone’s thoughts are on some of the Newer High $ brands that are out there. I’m really in need of at least a new set of Bibs – My old ones have so many sewed up spots they just will not keep out water anymore – Plus my fat belly really struggles to fit in them these days. I’d like a new Jacket as well but I think I can make my current one last another season. I was at Cabela’s last weekend and needless to say I got major sticker shock when looking at the cost of some of the current brands out there. They mostly had their Guidegear brand. These were priced from around 270-near 400.00. The Sims they had were over 400.00 – This is just the Bibs – Not a full set. Went home and looked online at the Blackfish and Huk brands – The blackfish were between 350-450 and the Huk was 200-300. I do a Ton of fishing and fully understand the need for some quality raingear – But at some point I have to ask myself – How much is To Much !!! Have anyone found a product they are happy with for a reasonable price (150-200 ) I really don’t want any that are real Heavy Rubber. I know they probably do a good job of keeping the water out, but they are not comfortable to fish in and on a warm day you will probably get just as well from sweating in them as you would in a heavy rainstorm without any raingear. I don’t need anything that is super Warm ( Often heavy ) I would prefer to just buy them oversized and layer warm clothing under them if needed.

Better get to the Eau claire FF today if you wear medium or large

The guidewear at Cabela’s is legit. It has a steep price tag though. I have the Bass Pro Shops Gore Tex rain gear (jacket and pants). I bought it in 2009 so its has lasted a decade now without any rips, tears, or zippers breaking. It is uninsulated. I don’t know if they still make them but I bought the set for $250 total (jacket 150, pants 75). The really nice feature of the jacket is the neoprene cuffs. I do a lot of fishing in the rain and it keeps me about 98% dry. Since its uninsulated, its not very warm though. I bought it like this on purpose so I can use it when its muggy and raining in July, in addition to layering underneath in cooler conditions.

I have heard the 100 mph suits are better than what I have and I believe they are on clearance now.

I have a couple of the Cabela’s guide wear suits and it has been very good. The first suit I bought was the gander mountain guide suit and that was junk after a year. I have been looking at the SIMM’s stuff for my next rain suit. I have only heard good things about them. I think the blackfish stuff is just a rename for the clam stuff. I had one of their insulated setups and it was nothing special. My current insulated setup is a frabil, and that one is self destructing from the inside out after 3 years. I won’t buy another suit from Frabil

I bit the bullet and bought Huks. It was a good decision for me.

Fishing rain gear is just like boats–high priced because they have figured out guys will simply pay more so why charge less?

Watch Sierra Trading Post, they often have high-end mountaineering and hiking brands for really good prices. I got a Mountain Hardware real Gore-tex jacket for $99, a really well-made jacket.

As far as fishing-specific rain gear, God rest its retail soul, but Gander Mountain’s Guidewear rain gear was just terrific. All the features and half the price. I got lucky and bought a new set right before Gander went under so hopefully it has years left because no way will I be paying Bass Pro prices for their Guidewear.

Grouse

Also check out steep and cheap, can find good deals sometimes. Fishusa has 50% off from time to time. Shop around, get the best deal you can on the highest quality item.

Eelpoutguy wrote:

I bit the bullet and bought Huks. It was a good decision for me.

I’ve considered HUK for my next set. Good to hear

I get a pretty good discount on Blackfish gear and I’m still having a hard time pulling the trigger. It’s all very expensive stuff these days.

I see striker has now got into the raingear market – Has anyone seen or used any of their raingear?

I wonder what the percentage of fisherman actually NEED high end rain gear.

I’ve gotten away with cheap stuff since I started fishing. Frog toggs are good for the price. Get little wet here and there but nothing miserable and not making me think to myself boy I sure wish I spent $400 on a rainsuit. Has to be pouring pretty dang hard for some time to get leaks.

I was in the same boat this spring and decided to go with a Scheels set. They are listed here: https://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-non-insulated-extreme-parka/769961-SRJ-GY.html#q=scheels%2Brain%2Bgear&lang=en_US&start=1
At $250 for the set I have been very impressed. All day downpours and have stayed dry.

Btw, they have some HUK stuff for $170 on their site.

Certain things transcend price like good gear, boots and rain gear. Get good stuff. You will never worry about what you paid later.

Huk for me. I Ware the bibs early morning keeps the wind and cold morning air off. Real comfortable too light weight.

Deuces wrote:

I wonder what the percentage of fisherman actually NEED high end rain gear.

I’ve gotten away with cheap stuff since I started fishing. Frog toggs are good for the price. Get little wet here and there but nothing miserable and not making me think to myself boy I sure wish I spent $400 on a rainsuit. Has to be pouring pretty dang hard for some time to get leaks.

I think about it for camping trips when being dry makes all the difference, but beyond that I’m with you. Getting by with carharrt stuff for the most part.

Aint that the truth!

fishthumper wrote:

I know that the whole raingear topic comes up on here from time to time. I’m just curious of what everyone’s thoughts are on some of the Newer High $ brands that are out there. I’m really in need of at least a new set of Bibs – My old ones have so many sewed up spots they just will not keep out water anymore – Plus my fat belly really struggles to fit in them these days. I’d like a new Jacket as well but I think I can make my current one last another season. I was at Cabela’s last weekend and needless to say I got major sticker shock when looking at the cost of some of the current brands out there. They mostly had their Guidegear brand. These were priced from around 270-near 400.00. The Sims they had were over 400.00 – This is just the Bibs – Not a full set. Went home and looked online at the Blackfish and Huk brands – The blackfish were between 350-450 and the Huk was 200-300. I do a Ton of fishing and fully understand the need for some quality raingear – But at some point I have to ask myself – How much is To Much !!! Have anyone found a product they are happy with for a reasonable price (150-200 ) I really don’t want any that are real Heavy Rubber. I know they probably do a good job of keeping the water out, but they are not comfortable to fish in and on a warm day you will probably get just as well from sweating in them as you would in a heavy rainstorm without any raingear. I don’t need anything that is super Warm ( Often heavy ) I would prefer to just buy them oversized and layer warm clothing under them if needed.

Not a rain suit answer but a fix for a potential problem if you don’t have the neoprene cuff. My wise father in the Late 1970’s helped me with the problem of rain water running down the wrist opening and soaking your forearm. He used wrist sweat bands to catch the water. wring out when necessary. I still use them.

I’m getting old, on my 3rd set of Cabelas guide wear. The first pair I bought is still as effective as my last. I out grew the first pair, new style came out for the third pair that obviously their marketing dragged my into buying. No regrets. Always dry and warm. They don’t give it away, but when you consider how much you have invested into fishing, how little time some of us get to get out, don’t let the weather be the dictator of are you going fishing or sitting in cabin wishing you were. Simms looks awesome, but I’ve never used it. The cabalas guide wear has been solid for me. Don’t skimp on rain gear, Mother Nature can control your future fishing trip if you don’t have the right equipment.

If any are interested, I bought some clearance rain gear and am re-selling it to make a few bucks to support my habits.

Various sizes of BlackFish Aspire jackets and bibs that retail for $700 a set, selling for $299 shipped.

Also have some Simms Challenger Jackets in Large, retail for $200, selling for $90 shipped.

All brand new with tags. Pm for pics or sizes

I’m a huge supporter of the old Cabelas guidewear. I’m up to 5 different sets of varying insulation and colors. I have an uninsulated set. Plus two insulated sets for ice fishing and cold weather boat fishing. Then I have 2 camo sets for hunting.
I bought them all on some sort of deep discount through the years. The oldest set is 20 years old and still doesn’t leak.
The main thing why I would buy more is because of the GoreTex. GoreTex is wind proof as well and has never let me down, even in the driving rain or the roughest water. I would not buy any more rain gear unless it had GoreTex.

fishthumper wrote:

I see striker has now got into the raingear market – Has anyone seen or used any of their raingear?

Yes, I have…the Striker Logic Rain Gear, I think I paid $100 for both the jacket and pants on clearance. Since discontinued, looks like now they make more profit only offering high end rain gear at $300 each for coat and bibs.

Further comment replying to Nick’s post…vvv

Deuces wrote:

I wonder what the percentage of fisherman actually NEED high end rain gear.

I’ve gotten away with cheap stuff since I started fishing. Frog toggs are good for the price. Get little wet here and there but nothing miserable and not making me think to myself boy I sure wish I spent $400 on a rainsuit. Has to be pouring pretty dang hard for some time to get leaks.

Yes, I would go along with that.

Unless you’re a tournament angler or really hardcore, how many days are you out there for an all day downpour?

Most times (if it does rain) you might get 15 minutes, an hour maybe 2 when it rains during your outing. My “bargain” Striker rain suit has been more than adequate to keep me dry and happy.

Nick makes a good point, if company’s can offer expensive products that have higher profit margins, enough people will buy them whether they really “need” them or not. They have many of us figured out.

Columbia makes good gear….I got pants from them for $50 and I’ve had a handful of all day soakers and never been wet. P2 Hog Haul this year was miserable and I stayed dry. I have an REI brand coat that I paid less than a hundred for that’s really good too.

Can you pay a ton and get great gear….absolutely. Do you need to pay a ton to get good gear……no.

What? No ones a fan of Hefty?

Browndog wrote:

I was in the same boat this spring and decided to go with a Scheels set. They are listed here: https://www.scheels.com/p/scheels-outfitters-non-insulated-extreme-parka/769961-SRJ-GY.html#q=scheels%2Brain%2Bgear&lang=en_US&start=1
At $250 for the set I have been very impressed. All day downpours and have stayed dry.

Btw, they have some HUK stuff for $170 on their site.

I love my scheels gear. I have 2 different pairs of cabelas guide wear bibs and two complete sets of cabelas drifowl, but I often find myself choosing the scheels uninsulated bibs and adding another layer vs the old guide wear bibs. Better range of motion, knees are built just as durable, no problems staying dry.

I really like my Carhartt rain gear. Picked it up spring 2019 on sale after I managed to lose my Cabelas gear over the winter.

I think mine is the old version of this jacket and matching bibs:

https://www.carhartt.com/products/carhartt-men-outerwear-rainwear-rain-gear/Storm-Defender-Angler-Jacket-102990

as far as the most reliable, I notice that when watching the Deadliest Catch, it’s apparent what the crews like for working in the worst conditions on earth. Grundens and Helly Hanson are pretty much the only things you see them wear.

For myself, if its raining, I either have the top up and side curtains in place, or am sitting at the table sipping a cocktail. I am not mad enough at the fish to be miserable when chasing them

Timmy wrote:

as far as the most reliable, I notice that when watching the Deadliest Catch, it’s apparent what the crews like for working in the worst conditions on earth. Grundens and Helly Hanson are pretty much the only things you see them wear.

For myself, if its raining, I either have the top up and side curtains in place, or am sitting at the table sipping a cocktail. I am not mad enough at the fish to be miserable when chasing them

HH & Grundens are what i wear.
I fish in rain often.
Am not uncomfortable.
Bimini top is priceless on hot days.

Pay what you want. I will wear rubber PVC bibs, and Grundens.
DRY as DRY CAN BE!!!

Weather-Boss Hooded Foul Weather Workwear Jacket

Ultimate COLD Weather RAIN GEAR

I have been happy with my Scheels gear as well. Had it for 5 or so years now. My butt will now get wet if sitting on a soaked chair, but that is it. Uninsulated, but enough room to layer underneath. Work great when warm as well. Wear them more when it is not raining as a wind block and splash guard running my tiller.

If i had to buy over again, I’d end up in another mid priced range set again. Nothing much for me to be gained by going up in price for the amount I encounter rain.