Best Raingear?

[Karl Blanchard]

Trust me I'm not holding my breath

[Tundra]

Back to the original question on rain gear after I hijacked the thread...   

It is my opinion that one set of rain gear will not work as a do it all system, that in fact one should have a few systems ready to go.
1) Light Weight Breathable system for just in case type use
2) Heavier weight durable breathable system (3 layer +)
3) Just pure water protection (Helly Hansen, or other rubber style protection)

I have a variety of sets, tailored to my chosen activity set. 
Brands I have had good experiences with include: OR, Patagonia, Sitka, KUIU, First Lite, LLBean, Carhartt, and Helly Hansen. 

I think the most important part is to figure out when and how you will use it.  Determine your specific balance of weight vs. durability, and then shop around and try some out till you find what works for you.   Lots of good reviews out there on specific products as you narrow down your choices.

[HntnFsh]

Check out Watershed brand of rain gear. Made in the USA and used mostly by loggers and forest workers. Good quality and reasonably priced. I like Helly Hansen too, but it's not as durable.

Been wearing Watershed vinyl nitrile for over 20 years. Love it. Light and comfy. Extremely durable. Can't stand any rubberized rain gear.

[Piscatory_5]

Bought some Kuiu Ultra NX last year or early this year(sale priced and they don't make it anymore ) and got to use it this hunting season(still am). For a lightweight packable set it seems very durable, stays waterproof and breathes pretty well. I've plowed through fir and hemlock that was soaking wet, salmon berry, that thorny stuff with the red balls on the end of limbs that grows in wetlands, and some hiking in steady rain and it stayed dry. A little sweat build up but not too bad. Keeps the wind off too. Have not shredded it yet. Have Kryptek Koldo set that is pretty bombproof, not as breathable but tough and reasonably quiet. I just bought Poseiden 2 pants from Kryptek too to try out, comparable to the ultra NX.

[h20hunter]

Wore my Kuiu Chugach for a week on and off. Very happy with them.

[huntnnw]

I will not wear anything ever again that is lined in Gore. I went with KUIU Chugach 4 years ago and could not be happier with the it! I have never been wet in it. I wear it salmon and steelhead fishing,stand hunting for whitetails, to in my backpack for hunts and worn as a windblocker too on super windy days glassing.  Watch for sales etc. I bought top and bottom for $300

[Night goat]

Maybe its cuz I spent too much time commercial fishing but I use the Grundens gage in the kryptek camo pattern. Works great for alot of weekend warrior stuff, but wouldnt take it back country