Rain Gear - Options/Opinions Needed!

[MattyJ]

Hey All!

My first post here and I'm looking forward to getting some input as I can't seem to find a thread discussing this!

I'm heading up to Sag for a long weekend of chasing walleyes around Memorial Day, and based on past experiences it will inevitably rain pretty hard one of the days. That being said, I'm looking for some recommendations on quality rain gear.  I'm probably going to start with a jacket for now with the potential to add bibs later. (I'm just rocking my fly fishing waders under the jacket for now.  Works like a charm!) Here are some details:

Important Features/Things to Avoid

• Technical fabric - needs to be breathable so I'm not sweating my butt off in a warm rain shower.
• Lightweight (I can always layer underneath if I need to)
• Nice amount of pockets/pocket placement
• Would prefer Gore-tex and well-taped seams
• Really don't want to spend over $200, maybe $250.  Simms is nice, but dang their high-end jackets are expensive!
• It doesn't have to be "designed for fishing" or anything, just really good at keeping the rain at bay!
• Also, recommendations for ongoing rain jacket treatment would be much appreciated.

I was looking into the Frogg Toggs Pilot Jacket (pic attached), but I can't find reviews anywhere and I always seem to only find small or XXL wherever I look. Doesn't really instill a lot of confidence in purchasing it. I think I saw somewhere there were some quality control issues with the jacket, but I can't find that review anymore and definitely can't find positive feedback on any site.

It would be nice to find a lightweight, technical fabric jacket with Gore-tex and Windstopper that can handle a nice downpour, but I think I may be dreaming with that.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

 

[gunner55]

I'm on my 2nd set of Cabela's Guidewear & that's only because the 1st one doesn't fit anymore.I know it's more than you want to spend but my old set must be 15 yrs old.They used to have them on sale 2-3 times a year for 25-33% off.That said my brother picked up a gortex/thimsulate suit on closeout thru Glen's Outdoors last spring for less than $200.It looked to be good quality & made by Ankara(sp).L & M Fleet had them also for about the same price

[MattyJ]

I'm on my 2nd set of Cabela's Guidewear & that's only because the 1st one doesn't fit anymore.I know it's more than you want to spend but my old set must be 15 yrs old.They used to have them on sale 2-3 times a year for 25-33% off.That said my brother picked up a gortex/thimsulate suit on closeout thru Glen's Outdoors last spring for less than $200.It looked to be good quality & made by Ankara(sp).L & M Fleet had them also for about the same price

​Yeah, I was actually looking into some Guidewear as I think their Memorial Day sale starts tomorrow.

Looks like Glen's has some Frabill rain jackets on their site.  Anybody own one of these or know anything about them?

http://www.glensoutdoors.com/clothing-apparel/men-s-casual-work/outerwear-coats-jackets-vests/frabill-f2-surge-rainsuit-jacket.html

http://www.glensoutdoors.com/clothing-apparel/men-s-casual-work/outerwear-coats-jackets-vests/frabill-f3-gale-rainsuit-jacket.html

http://www.glensoutdoors.com/clothing-apparel/men-s-casual-work/outerwear-coats-jackets-vests/frabill-f4-cyclone-rainsuit-jacket.html

That F4 is getting on the upper end of my budget but looks pretty nice...

[Tom Sawyer]

I own two suits of Cabela's raingear. Guidewear and the lighter weight suit for warmer weather, both outstanding products. Worth every dollar.

[MattyJ]

I own two suits of Cabela's raingear. Guidewear and the lighter weight suit for warmer weather, both outstanding products. Worth every dollar.

​Thanks for the input!  Do you use anything to treat the rain suits every year or two (like Nikwax or something else)?

[MattyJ]

So I had Cabela's put aside one of their Guidewear Bass Angler jackets for me.  We'll see how that goes and I'll report back if I have any subjectively valuable input! 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Guidewear-Mens-Bass-Angler-Jacket-with-GORE-TEX-ndash-Tall/1746532.uts

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I bought a Cabela's Guideware Rain coat this spring. Wore it in a couple of really drenching rains + wind and never even got damp! Best rain gear I have ever owned! Worth every penny! Got it on sale for $249!

Cliff

[mwal]

I use 2 kinds of rain wear for cooler temperatures I have never been let down by my Cabelas Guidewear worth the money. For hot weather I have used Frogg Toggs for the last ten years or so very light weight compact and they also have never let me down.

 

Mwal