quiet raingear

[Alchase]

I love wool, but in a downpoor wool will keep you warm but will way a ton.

I am done with anything Gortex for keeping me dry! I use fleece until it is raining hard then Grundens Patreous pullover with North Face Hyvent pants. I can even play soccer in the pants without getting swamped by my own sweat.

My Mantra in life will be:

"I have yet to find Goretex waterproof breathable that are!"

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I love wool, but in a downpoor wool will keep you warm but will way a ton.

Thats why I spray it with silicone spray.
P.S. I spray my fletching also (even though they are covered in my side quiver)
ALSO, bring at least 3 pairs of boots/footwear, and extra, extra socks.
Almost nothing will make you feel as good as getting into dry socks and footwear after getting soaked.

[Fl0und3rz]

The terms "waterproof" and "breathable" typically assume that you are not undergoing even slightly moderate levels of exercise.  If you can temper your expectations on this basis, you won't be disappointed.  

Coincidentally, I came upon this system when alpine hiking (non-hunting) and snowshoeing, so it is fairly well tested.

I got a good deal on some Gamehide lightweight uninsulated rain gear that I wear exclusively when I plan on hiking.  That is, if I am expecting to break a sweat, then this is what I wear.  The gear has a minimal external fleece-like layer in the laminate that assists in keeping down the swish swish noises when walking and the loud whacks you would get from PVC rain gear being hit by branches.

From my perspective, essential features for rain pants are:
1) Full length or near full length leg zippers to accommodate adjusting ventilation, with a snap flap cover over the zipper to keep out water even with zippers opened.  Keep in mind walking with your fly open is further ventilation.

2) Ample pockets for gear (gps, radio, compass, map, etc.)

3) No velcro.

4) Mesh-liner that helps lubricate your leg movements while aiding in ventilation and breathing.

Essential features for rain jackets are:
1) Pit zippers, chest zippers, back zipper to accommodate adjusting ventilation, with an adequate flap cover over the zippers to keep out water even with zippers opened.  

2) Ample pockets for gear (gps, radio, compass, map, etc.)

3) No velcro.

4) Mesh-liner that helps lubricate your torso and arm movements while aiding in ventilation and breathing.

The pants are great and have lasted 3 seasons and are reasonably quiet.  I bust much brush and I only just recently put a small whole in the leg from catching it on a snag.  However, I will mend them and continue to use them with the same expectations and satisfaction.  The jacket falls short in the ventilation zippers and pockets department, but it is adequate until I want to replace it.

Wear this type of gear over a good set of polypropylene insulated underwear (not fleece, and not an arctic base-layer, just a breathable underwear - I like Patagonia Capilene 3).  I'll pack a mid-layer of fleece to put on once I have stopped and allowed the sweat to evaporate.  But I would not wear anything else while I am actually hiking.

On an early hiking trip, I wore a fleece pullover while undergoing moderate exercise.  At the end of the hike, the amount sweat I wrung out of that pullover was eye opening.  If you are really hiking, expect to sweat and maximize your ventilation.

If it really going to pour, I slow down, wear an insulated set of rain gear under a military type poncho, with the intention of avoiding sweating.  I'll sit more and move more slowly.  When I sense I am about to break a sweat, I will just stop, glass, study map, lunch, etc.

In either case, I like a Rivers West Boonie Hat over a fleece skull cap for my head and ears.  Depending on my level of activity, temperature, and precipitation, I may or may not wear my gloves, but I always have them with me.  My orange that goes with this system ends up being a cheap one size water resistant nylon, coupled with an orange panel for my pack.

[CAMPMEAT]

wool

Nothing else is like wool.............period. Ya don't need all this fancy over priced gimmick sales pitched crap. Wool has been here longer than polypropylene.

[follow maggie]

I don't worry about noisy raingear.  If it's raining hard enough to break out my Gore-Tex, the rain hitting it sounds like the rain hitting everything else, and it drowns out the sound of the pants on brush.  Just move slower.  I've got the last two critters in the freezer this way.

[ser300wsm]

I bought some quiet rain gear at cabelas, i believe it was called rain swade. Worked pretty well for me.. That was 10 years ago. Now i think they have something better out... Maybe worth it to take a look there...

[longknife]

I think that Rivers West is the best stuff on the market. It is stretchable waterproof fleece. It will get warm if you are walking alot, i like using underarmor to wick the sweat.
I have installed fence over here for over 12 yrs, rain gear (grundens, HH) makes condensation, condensation soaks your clothes. The rain gear really just keeps the wind off the wet clothes.
They actually show them trying to snag the Rivers West on barbwire, it is very hard to cut, or snag!

[Bob33]

I hunt in quality gore-tex gear and have had no problems. I hunt hard.  MT050 from Cabelas is quiet.  I'd much rather be dry and warm than wet and warm (no thanks, wool).

[Tman]

I got a pair of the Cabelas Rain Suide bibs before the season out of the bargain cave for 59 bucks.. Work great.

[Huntbear]

tech3 stuff from bass pro.  made by redhead.  it is completely waterproof.  I used the pants this year for the first time.  will be buying the coat next.

[bobcat]

I have installed fence over here for over 12 yrs, rain gear (grundens, HH) makes condensation, condensation soaks your clothes.

Condensation    You mean sweat. If you're sitting still and not getting too warm, wearing your Grundens, you won't get wet.

[RC3]

I own MT50 from Cabelas and I'd give it a D grade.......not impressed and know 3 other people that have it and it sucks for them too.  Except for my wife has some as well and for some reason it works great (go figure).

From what I've seen Rivers West is probably your best choice.

However, I work outdoors in the rain everyday and if it is going to rain hard all day you will be wet really no way around it if you are moving you are going to sweat and be wet even if the rain gear doesn't leak.

Filson Tin pants are sweet but not terribly quiet but like someone else already said if its raining hard enough and you go slowly you'll sneak up on anything.

[cohoho]

Helly Hansen Impertech, it not stiff like the heavy boat stuff, flexible 3/4 length jackets, somehow quiet.  But hey when it's pouring rain, what do you need super quiet rain gear for???

[Curly]

I will second the Impertech.  While elk hunting last week I walked right up on a nice 4 point buck while wearing my Impertech bibs and coat.  So, I think they are quiet enough.

[MtnMuley]

I wish Sitka would come out with a new line of raingear that is quiet.  It isn't as loud as most, but still too noisy for me.  For now, wool it is for me.