Any hunting gear out there waterproof? My sitka wasn't!!

[trophyhunt]

Last Sunday out muzzy deer hunting on the westside was a very wet day, I had on my Sitka rain pant and jacket. I'm not sure which model they were but they were the gortex gear.  I hunted in very wet conditions, in ferns, wind and reprod. At the end of the hunt my pockets had 3'' of water in them, which really sucked because of my wallet and phone floating in the water.  I was soaked on both halves of my body, I bought expensive gear to avoid this crap.  Granted I didn't get the most expensive rain gear they have, but it wasn't cheap and I figured being gortex I was good to go.  So my question, would the Kuiu water proof jacket keep me dry, or what gear have you guys had that WORKED.  And it wasn't sweat. I really don't want a big bulky system, love the lighter gear to dress up and down with, thanks.

[KFhunter]

I've been out in the pouring rain with my cheap game hide hush hide and stayed dry 

I wear wool but in the pouring rain I put the game hide over top - or my wool will be 300 lbs soaking wet

[ICEMAN]

Sorry, but IMHO...for truly waterproof hunting gear, you need to get heavy rubber raingear, think commercial fisherman/crabbers gear.

It is a trade off as you know, shed rain effectively with truly waterproof material, and live with the bulky noisy nature of the material. Or, wear lightweight and quiet proprietary fabrics that are ineffective during heavy downpours.

[billythekidrock]

Sorry, but IMHO...for truly waterproof hunting gear, you need to get heavy rubber raingear, think commercial fisherman/crabbers gear.

It is a trade off as you know, shed rain effectively with truly waterproof material, and live with the bulky noisy nature of the material. Or, wear lightweight and quiet proprietary fabrics that are ineffective during heavy downpours.

[Smossy]

Kings camo works pretty well for me, 3 day elk hunt and slept in my pants in wetttt conditions knee/waist high. Not a single drop on my skin. They were bivy style pants with straps, multiple layered clothing is the way to go, and by multi layer i mean "made with multiple layers" Not just one thick "water resistant" layer.

[Ingwe]

I use Grundens rain gear if it is raining hard. Had bad luck in heavy rain with gortex. As long as you are walking slow while hunting you will not sweat. I have the light weight and it is fairly quiet and stretches some. Not like heavy rubber rain gear like fishermen wear. I think I paid about $110 for mine but have had it several years.

[fair-chase]

I have the older, Canadian made Kuiu Chugach, and am fairly satisfied with it. Doesn't leak a drop unless the operator leaves the pit zips or leg zips open.   

It is noisy though. Works well during a good rain because noise is a non issue then, but I would not recommend it if you plan on using it to bust through the wet brush on the west side. Way too noisy for that application.

A decent review of the newest rain gear offerings can be found here

[Bob33]

I've worn Marmot goretex for decades and it has never failed to keep me dry. Many goretex items don't have waterproof zippers.

[superdown]

Don't bother with anything columbia they suck the last three set's for my Father and i did not hold up two more than an hour or so of usage in rain and i don't usually hunt this side of the mountains and only use them over here on bicycle rides or fishing small local lakes.The second and third set were provided by warranty with a fourth very soon.

[trophyhunt]

I have the older, Canadian made Kuiu Chugach, and am fairly satisfied with it. Doesn't leak a drop unless the operator leaves the pit zips or leg zips open.   

It is noisy though. Works well during a good rain because noise is a non issue then, but I would not recommend it if you plan on using it to bust through the wet brush on the west side. Way too noisy for that application.

A decent review of the newest rain gear offerings can be found here

Thanks, that's a good article. I wonder which Sitka jacket I have, should have kept the tags! I'm sure it's not the one they tested. Rain gear, like the stuff you wear fishing is just too hot and sweaty.  I end up just as wet when I do wear real rain gear from sweat.

[Easy-E]

My experience has been that once you've saturated the inside with sweat, you're no longer waterproof. It seems as though the performance fabrics breathe well when your sweat is steam, but not after it turns to water.

It does dry out pretty quickly though. I've started wearing moisture wicking base layers like Under Armor so that it at least keeps me from feeling clammy.

[trophyhunt]

I've worn Marmot goretex for decades and it has never failed to keep me dry. Many goretex items don't have waterproof zippers.

That stuff looks really nice, pretty expensive but I'm willing to pay to keep dry.  Too bad they don't have camo, I'll have to look into them more.  Thanks

[lewy]

I have the sitka gore tex rain gear as well as a few buddies and none of us have had good luck, we even called a rep and he said buy the even more expensive stuff it has better features....... Pretty disapointing for what you pay....

[Bob33]

I have the sitka gore tex rain gear as well as a few buddies and none of us have had good luck, we even called a rep and he said buy the even more expensive stuff it has better features....... Pretty disapointing for what you pay....

Goretex is goretex, but design of the product makes a difference in how it performs.

[scout/sniper]

Don't bother with anything columbia they suck the last three set's for my Father and i did not hold up two more than an hour or so of usage in rain and i don't usually don't hunt this side of the mountains and only use them over here on bicycle rides or fishing small local lakes.The second and third set were provided by warranty with a fourth very soon.

Did Columbia go to crap?
I have been duck hunting for 10 years with a Columbia "Delta Waterfowl" jacket.
It has never soaked through, even sitting in a boat all day in the rain.