rain suits

[pj4]

i want to buy a decent rain suit. tried of the $30- $50 suits that rip open.like to hear from others that have bought a suit and there take on them.

what type of material works best?

what brand is know for there suits?

insulated or not? my thought is not insulated.

thanks for your in-put.

pj4

[musky hunter]

For a lightweight suit that works well in the boat, I go with Frog Toggs. Motor cyclists love it. I gave it a rather serious test on a lousy spring day last year that I don't care to repeat, wind howling off Lake Superior at about 35 mpg and I had 3-1/2' whitcaps, rain, and spray. My poor body took a pounding but I was toasty warm and dry. Folds up compact, wind and waterproof, and it breathes. The suit is only about $60.

Notice I said "in the boat", it is not suitable for trekkin' through the brush because it will snag. But for a dedicated use on the boat, I like it.

[looking 4 a 30]

i go with the Columbia Omni Tech, bibs and jacket, it was a little spendy, i think around $270 3 years ago. But it is well worth it, tough as nails, and i have ALWAYS stayed dry, in some pretty nasty weather. The Guide Series stuff ok as well to save a few $$$$$

[SteveWilson]

I keep a Frog Togs set in the boat during the summer. They're light weight, effective, comfortable, and fairly cheap. For shore fishing, camping (when cool), or hanging out in the rain in the spring and fall I have a Filson jacket and Filson rain bibs; they're great if not a bit heavy. Besides those and the Columbia gear you should look at Helly Hansen and Cabela's.

[Ole1855]

One thing I'd consider when shopping for a rainsuit, find one that has neoprene cuffs in the sleeves. I have a Columbia and it has neoprene cuffs, I'd never go back to a rainsuit without them, I never get water up the sleeves.

Ole

[letsfishjeff]

Cabelas Guide wear with the parka. Stay dry an comfortable an they wear like iron. Mine are uninsulated an I even use them in the winter! Unbeatable.

[Captain B.R.K]

I've pieced my rain gear together and really don't have a SET for my use. I have a northface jacket (red/black) that is 3-4 yrs. old and a pair of Helly Hanson black rain paints (similar to gore-tex) that I use.

I like the fact that I can use my rain jacket for many other purposes. I wear mine to work, out on the town and even as the liner during the winter!

I'd definately look at the Columbia or Cabela's brand for your best bang for your buck. It will cost you a bit up front, but you'll find overall uses for the jacket/pants.

[andy j]

I have had the Stearns Walleye Hunter bibs and parka for about a year and it seems to do the job. It is lightweight and keeps me dry and seems durable so far.

[HARPOON-OR-BUST]

I AM WITH LETSFISHJEFF,

CABELAS GUIDE WEAR IS GREAT STUFF, BREATHABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE. I JUST HAVE THE UNINSULATED SET AND EVEN WEAR THEM IN THE WINTER INTO THE BWCAW CHASING THOSE LAKERS AROUND(OF COURSE WITH A GOOD UNDER LAYER) THEY ARE A LITTLE MORE SPENDY BUT LAST MANY YEARS!! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SPEND THAT MUCH CABELAS MAKES A CHEAPER LINE THAT ONE OF MY FRIENDS WENT WITH AND THOSE ALSO SEEM TO DO A GREAT JOB.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I got a set of Frogg Toggs last year. I always felt warm in my rain suit... This stuff looks like paper and looks like it wont last.. HOwever, after a full years use, still look almost new... I love it, and it wasn't all that expensive!

[Hooked On a Feeling]

Cabela's Bibs & Jacket (Light Insulation), had them for 3 years and love them. Functional & Durable.

Hooked

[southerner]

I gotta go with Cabela's on this one. Pants and long jacket set me back about $180 but they're worth their weight in gold when it comes to keeping you comfortable. Mine aren't insulated but are wind and waterproof and can be rolled up compactly. Additionally, they're cut correctly such that I have good range of motion. Knees have extra-durable material on them to help prevent tears. I do wish I'd have known about the neoprene collars however because with my hands/arms raised I do get some water rolling back down my arms.

My $.02 worth.

[Borch]

I have a set of Squaltex from Bass Pro in camo which I also use for turkey hunting when it's raining. It's soft, quiet fairly lightwieght. Comes as a jacket and pants and is uninsulated. Runs about $100 for the set. Only thing I don't like id the pants as the jacket will get pushed up far enoough at times when you sit and fish that the water can get in there. Bibs are the fix for that. Otherwise it's been great.

[bkft]

I have Cabelas bibs and jacket and love them.