back country rain gear

[buglebuster]

im looking into buying some rain gear for backcountry hunting and alot of westside hunting. What is everyone using for rain gear?

[Instinct]

Garbage sack naw i was looking at the same thing while back. Theres some light weight rain gear i was looking at on cabelas while back

[Eli346]

 Cabelas Dry Plus/uninsulated; been using mine for 9 years now. They broke down in a deluge during elk season about 4 years ago but I bought the treatment pack to recondition them and they are almost good as new.

[Miles]

I use Cabelas rain suede (uninsulated) raingear.  I'm currently looking for something else though.  That stuff is just too heavy for backpacking gear (IMO).   Last year I packed it all around and only used it once.  For the amount of time I used it, the space rain stuff would've worked.
If you don't mind the weight and have room in a compression sack for it, it seems to be durable...

[dreamingbig]

If you want a non camo option Marmot makes some good gear.  If you need camo then I would suggest Kuiu Chugach gear.  Both options are light weight and durable.  I have a Marmot Orcacle jacket and Marmot PreCip pants.  If you need super quiet then this isn't your best option but it will keep you dry and there are plenty of zips to vent when you need too.  I have used RiversWest with good results but once it gets wet it stays wet in the backcountry.  I can wipe these other options off with a towel and they will be dry.

[Miles]

I've been contemplating the precip combo for a few months now...

If the OP or anyone else is interested, here is the best deal I've found so far.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~marmot-precip/?perPage=24

[fillthefreezer]

I've been contemplating the precip combo for a few months now...

If the OP or anyone else is interested, here is the best deal I've found so far.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~marmot-precip/?perPage=24

thats a good deal! was actually planning to go to REI tonight and see just how "swishy" the marmot precip gear is.

i would say kuiu is the best option for backcountry rain gear. lightweight and seems durable but out of my price range.
the spacerain stuff from cabelas seems so chincey i dont think it would last riding in the truck let alone hiking.
sitka stormfront light also sounds pretty good, but $$$.
every other rain gear out there seems to be too heavy to pack or not durable enough if its light, or WAY too loud to use for hunting

[Miles]

Google "sierratradingpost coupons" if you are going to purchase them.  You can usually find some with an additional 15-20% off.


Here you go:  Enter FGS28811 in the keycode area of checkout.

That will bring the prices down to:  Pants   $42.00
                                                        Jacket  $56.21

[WAcoyotehunter]

I actually have really good luck with a Mad Dog rain jacket and pants.  They are quiet and lightweight and seem to keep the water out pretty well.  I hunted elk for 8 days in the rain two seasons ago in this gear and liked it as well as my hunting partner who was wearing his high $ sitka gear...

[brocka]

I have a set of Frogg Toggs, So far they have worked awesome. They are only 10.4 oz and I can ball them up to nothing in my compression sack.

[boneaddict]

I was going to check out Sitka gear and see if they had what it takes. 

[wrongway]

I hunt with Sitka gear and have never been wet, they are a bit noisy, but when its raining that hard it does not matter. I have the light weight pack gear.

[dreamingbig]

I will admit I have the Kuiu gear and it is the best option I have found.  However, my Marmot setup is a close second.  You can never have too much good rain gear in this state!

[pianoman9701]

My MT 050 from Cabela's held up really well in driving rain and wind, is super light and is packable. I got mine around this time of year on closeout. I bought the uninsulated.

[grundy53]

marking this for later use. 

[lilswab]

Sitka downpour is what I carry.  I used it during this years snow storm and it worked well.  I have used Cabela's packable rain gear and I like how lightweight it is but my pants are getting shredded.  Any plastic based gear that gets used in the brush will break down with use.  I tend to buy new rain gear every few years. 

[huntnnw]

I just got the KUIU chugach coat.. highly impressed with how well made it is and 17 oz and worked great last weekend shed hunting. great ventilation and adjustable

[jechicdr]

Sounds like an interesting thread.

[losdaddy7]

I have a set of Frogg Toggs, So far they have worked awesome. They are only 10.4 oz and I can ball them up to nothing in my compression sack.

Are you using the "dry ducks", or another style?   

[Swannytheswan]

marking this for later use. 

[kentrek]

i bought the one of the first sitka jackets prolly 5 years ago.i think it was called the nimbus jacket. either way it has been a great jacket but has began to wear out were my backpack rides along my back. will most likely switch to Integral Designs eVENT.

[brocka]

I have a set of Frogg Toggs, So far they have worked awesome. They are only 10.4 oz and I can ball them up to nothing in my compression sack.

Are you using the "dry ducks", or another style?

Yep the Dry ducks, I got them ridiculously cheap (like $15) expecting to get a couple uses out of them until i found a more durable set I liked, but so far they have held up awesome! We will see what kind of condition they are in when its closer to my hunts though.

[wrongway]

if someone has any sitka gear that has any problems, call sitka they might replace it at no cost

[ribka]

For the money marmot pre cip at sierra trading post.com

[kentrek]

if someone has any sitka gear that has any problems, call sitka they might replace it at no cost

i dont think there warranty covers "normal wear and tear",once the summer hits i am going to call them up and see if my coat is in the "normal category" tho,every one i have talked to has said that sitka bends over backwards for there customers

[Sumpnneedskillin]

http://www.sitkagear.com/Info/Warranty.aspx

 If the damage is due to improper use or wear and tear, Rainy Pass will give you an estimate of the cost of repair, you can then choose how you wish to proceed.

[shanevg]

I use my Actertyx shell for a jacket mostly because I am too cheap to buy a new jacket just or hunting. I have Kuiu Chugach pa ya though and have been very happy with them.

[Jayfire83]

I use the thin Cabelas gear that comes in a baseball sized stuff sac. Its a little loud but it only weighs a couple ounces its the  best investment i have ever made on rain gear

[AKBowman]

I just bought these tops and bottoms in large tall (6' 195 lbs) from Cabelas online. Pretty darn good deal on sale. I checked them out at Cabelas store the other day. I think the Max-1 would do pretty well on the west side early season being its pretty bright green.

Anyone have any of this stuff?



http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Dry-Plus-Space-Rain8482-Ultra-Pack-Pullover-Rain-Jacket-150-Tall/750706.uts

[blackveltbowhunter]

I just bought these tops and bottoms in large tall (6' 195 lbs) from Cabelas online. Pretty darn good deal on sale. I checked them out at Cabelas store the other day. I think the Max-1 would do pretty well on the west side early season being its pretty bright green.

Anyone have any of this stuff?

   Ya I have a set. Its not what I would wear everyday if its pouring rain, but for the price and weight its tuff to beat for pack gear.



http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Dry-Plus-Space-Rain8482-Ultra-Pack-Pullover-Rain-Jacket-150-Tall/750706.uts

[blackveltbowhunter]

  I have the Max 1 as well.  Have used it for what I feel its intended purpose is alot over the past 3 years... only one rip in the pant leg so far. Duct tape cure.

[AKBowman]

  I have the Max 1 as well.  Have used it for what I feel its intended purpose is alot over the past 3 years... only one rip in the pant leg so far. Duct tape cure.

Thanks BVBH 

I don't plan on using this stuff while sitting in a tree stand all day later archery BT, I have the Cabelas Revolution Fleece which works pretty well for the later season sitting in down poor days. Although last year I got soaked a couple times with the Revolution Fleece b/c the rain water was coming down the trunk of the tree and going straight down my drawers! That sucked. This year I bought the Predator rain BIBS and PARKA, I'm set for later in the year!

I am wanting the gear mentioned above for early archery elk and for gun season,(hunting archery during modern up high alpine Oly Penn) and for backpacking and scouting up high this summer. I checked it out pretty good at Cabelas and like you said it is what it is, not the toughest stuff in the world but what do you want for something so light weight and packable right.

Thanks again for the feedback!

[xd2005]

Anyone know if Columbia Sportswear or Mountain Hardwear makes anything worthwhile? I'm on a Friends and Family list so i can get about half off.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I picked up some really lightweight goretex (browning pants and can't remember the name of the jacket) yrs ago, and only use when needed (they stay in my pack all times).  They collapse down almost as tight as the  space rain gear from cabelas.  That being said, there's others that work as well and are cheaper, there's a top and bottoms at Dicks for $80 (bottom $40, top $40) that I know work well, and from what I can tell are the same thing as the Space Raingear at Cabelas.

For when I know it's rainy, and I'm on the westside, I'm wearing filson pants, and a dry plus jacket.  I'm also sporting a frog toggs wide brimmed hat (so I can hear animals better) and/or a filson hat.

[RockChuck]

I picked up some dry ducks also light weight and cheap, have yet to use them in bad weather anyone have some experiance with them?

[pope]

Anyone know if Columbia Sportswear or Mountain Hardwear makes anything worthwhile? I'm on a Friends and Family list so i can get about half off.

Seems likely but I don't know. My emergency packable rain jacket is made by Outdoor Research. It weighs only 7 ounces! I mostly only carry it on summer scout trips, hikes and rock climbs when it's unlikely that I'll need it. The jacket stuffs into one of its own pockets and it is so small you can clip it to your belt (or rock climbing harness, which is another reason I bought it). It is not breathable.

[follow maggie]

Mountain Hardware stuff is great. Good quality and it lasts  a long time. You'll be happy with it, I am.

[Cascade_fisher]

I have owned some Mountain Hardware stuff and while high quality it is not lightweight.

I use a Browning camo shell when hunting but also will carry my Patagonia rain shell for an extra since it is so lightweight.

[brocka]

I picked up some dry ducks also light weight and cheap, have yet to use them in bad weather anyone have some experiance with them?

I used mine in Eastern Washington two weekends ago Camping/Coyote hunting, 1 minute its nice out & the next its windy and dumping rain, Worked awesome, I bought a size big & just slipped it over my gear I had on, 45 minutes later the sun came back out, shook them and stuffed them back in the sack. Impressed for $20 rain gear.

[RockChuck]

Thanks for the input, I am on the east side so I figured for the price and weight they should work for me.

[whuppinstick]

I've been contemplating the precip combo for a few months now...

I would recommend against the Marmot Precip line.  They are only 2-layer shells which means that their durability is about equivalent to a garbage sack.  The interior laminate will 'split' once stretched and then it will flake off over time.  If you just want a set of emergency gear, this might be an okay option, but if you want it to last for a few years you'll be disappointed and it'll just end up in the garbage can.  Instead I would HIGHLY recommend you stick with a 3-layer fabric.  I have the Arc'Teryx Theta SL jacket which is about 12 ounces.  Any of their SL jackets are great and light, but also expensive.  But all major outdoor companies (patagonia, Marmot, Arc'Teryx, Mtn. Hardwear, Kuiu) will make a line of 3-layer waterproof gear.  It will generally be a little heavier and more expensive than the 2-layers, but you won't regret the investment.  I have eight-year-old and two-year-old AT jackets that are both still holding up very well.

Here is a good explanation that Jason from Kuiu did on the differences between 2, 2.5, and 3-layer fabrics and why 3-layers are superior (p.s. his Chugach line is 3-layer): http://blog.kuiu.com/2012/01/30/waterproof-breathables/

[fillthefreezer]

I've been contemplating the precip combo for a few months now...

I would recommend against the Marmot Precip line.  They are only 2-layer shells which means that their durability is about equivalent to a garbage sack.  The interior laminate will 'split' once stretched and then it will flake off over time.  If you just want a set of emergency gear, this might be an okay option, but if you want it to last for a few years you'll be disappointed and it'll just end up in the garbage can.  Instead I would HIGHLY recommend you stick with a 3-layer fabric.  I have the Arc'Teryx Theta SL jacket which is about 12 ounces.  Any of their SL jackets are great and light, but also expensive.  But all major outdoor companies (patagonia, Marmot, Arc'Teryx, Mtn. Hardwear, Kuiu) will make a line of 3-layer waterproof gear.  It will generally be a little heavier and more expensive than the 2-layers, but you won't regret the investment.  I have eight-year-old and two-year-old AT jackets that are both still holding up very well.

Here is a good explanation that Jason from Kuiu did on the differences between 2, 2.5, and 3-layer fabrics and why 3-layers are superior (p.s. his Chugach line is 3-layer): http://blog.kuiu.com/2012/01/30/waterproof-breathables/

i don't think any one would disagree with you on this point but its apples and oranges. I'm into my precip jkt and pants $130, that doesn't get you half a garment with arcteryx or kuiu. they are superior and more durable but for the $$, its hard to beat precip. they only other stuff in the price range i was able to find is cabelas spain rain which is like a sandwich baggy for durability if precip is a garbage bag or rain gear that is much heavier...

[WAcoyotehunter]

I have a set of Frogg Toggs, So far they have worked awesome. They are only 10.4 oz and I can ball them up to nothing in my compression sack.

Are you using the "dry ducks", or another style?   

I liked my frog toggs for keeping the water out- they did a great job at that, but they were WAY TOO LOUD and came apart on me in a couple seasons. 

[whuppinstick]

i don't think any one would disagree with you on this point but its apples and oranges. I'm into my precip jkt and pants $130, that doesn't get you half a garment with arcteryx or kuiu. they are superior and more durable but for the $$, its hard to beat precip. they only other stuff in the price range i was able to find is cabelas spain rain which is like a sandwich baggy for durability if precip is a garbage bag or rain gear that is much heavier...

Point taken.  I use my lightweight rain gear quite a bit year-round, so I just got fed up with the waterproof layer flaking off after a year or a year-and-a-half of the first two jackets I owned.  I went into a Patagonia store and the guy said "stop buying two-layer jackets" then he explained why.  I bought that Arc'Teryx shell (lol) and haven't looked back.  Also,  I don't mind actually wearing clothing out, but I am quite averse to having to throw things in the trash b/c they've fallen apart, so in that sense 2-layer fabrics will never work for me.   But you're probably right that Precip is an effective layer for those who only carry them for rare/light usage.

[WapitiFreak]

has anyone used the gamehide hush-hide packable rainwear?

[arguhl]

Rain gear is largely dependent on the user and what they plan to be doing with it. Are you going to be going back to a wall tent with a wood stove? Are you backpack hunting for a week ? Do you plan on walking on roads and not busting brush. I started off with rivers sweat. Probably some of the worst rain gear if you plan on moving more than a slug. It retains water which then increases weight and lastly refuses to dry in less than 48hours regardless of heat source. After that I picked up a set of cabelas mt050. Great stuff, very quiet, pack able. Down sides it also tended to absorb moisture and took some time to dry. The cuff design on the jacket soaked up water like a sponge as well. It breathed very well but the lack of pit zips was dissapointing. This year I'll be trying out the Sitka stormfront series to see how well it holds up to a reprod after three days of rain. Did a three day backpack trip in the snow with it and it did fine but once again the real test is brush in the rain. Think about your hunting style before you buy, every situation calls for something a little different in my
Humble opinion

[wt]

Marking for later use.

[whackemstackem]

Rivers west.