Rain gear..?'s

[Scott26]

Since it's raining outside got me shopping or just looking for some new rain gear.

My questions are:

Why is it so darn expensive? I also realize that you buy a set and you will have them for a lifetime.

Has anyone used Frog Toggs? And do/can they rip easly?

I'm looking for something lighter weight but don't want the plastic stuff if you know what I mean.

[Rivernut]

I have a friend at work that loves his Frog Toggs. Says they're tough.

[Whoaru99]

The "good stuff" is expensive because it's made with Gore Tex or other similar breathable membranes. In other words, you stay dry, but don't steam up inside nearly as badly as with that plastic stuff because the water vapor from your perspiration can escape out of the rain gear.

[Rivernut]

I myself have a goretex jacket and bibs from Cabela's. Both bought on clearance, and it is well worth the money.

[PerchJerker]

Rain gear is definately one of those items where the saying "you get what you pay for" is very true.

Rain gear lasts a long time, gets used a lot, the conditions are usually pretty miserable when you need it, and a good trip can go to bad in a hurry if you don't have good rain gear --- so it's not the place to try to save a few bucks IMO.

I hear good things about Frogg Toggs, have never tried them myself, have not been too impressed with them when I've seen them.

[MattWtech]

i agree with the pay for what you get, bought guide series jacket n bibs, worn em yesterday and i love them. ill probably have them for a long time too. frog togg suits wre recommended to me too to be good

[Capt. Don*]

If you want to buy the last suit you'll ever need, (if using for recreational purposes) look at Grundens. Do a google search for them. They will keep you the dryest, they are the toughest made. They are not pretty, but when I'm pulling herring nets in the fall fashion isn't important, staying dry is. They have started making some better looking suits, check them out.

[beer batter]

I bought the Frog Toggs at Cabelas. I got the XXL size and use them all season long. When the temps get frigid in the late fall and early spring, I wear my ice gear under the Toggs and stay warm and dry. If you've already good, warm clothes and are just looking for something to keep you dry it's hard to argue with the price of Frog Toggs. They've been good to me.

[Ufatz]

Scott, lemme tell ya; I learned about Frogg Toggs way back when they were created. Best bang for your buck you'll ever find for rain gear. And its where all your old soft drink bottles go. It really IS good stuff for the price and one of the first things I noticed about it was the wind-breaking ability-stops wind dead. Great stuff. I'm sure there is better stuff but not at the Frogg Togg price.

[Paul Waldowski]

If you want to stay dry and warm, Arctic Armor for cold weather stuff and FroggToggs for the warmer weather. Both suits are very lightweight and awesome.

[hovermn]

I have some pretty good quality rain gear, but it's a mix match of stuff. NF Goretex jacket, EMS Goretex pants and OR Gortex socks. Yes, socks!

A few years ago, some friends and I went into the BWCAW on a 5 day trip. During the first 2 days it rained day and night. I managed to stay bone dry head to toe. This included getting out of the canoe into shallow water while portaging. Never once did the gear fail. Sure made for a better time in otherwise nasty weather.

I agree with everyone here. Do not skimp on your rain gear. You don't have to pay a fortune on it, but you shouldn't settle for the cheapest stuff, either. Breathable fabric is a must.

[caseymcq]

You definitely don't have to pay a fortune. Buy it in the off season. I bought a jacket at Gander the day after Christmas in '05. It was Gander's Tech H2O line. The tag had the price listed at $139.99. It was marked down to $59.99 and it was on a clearance rack that was 50% off. So after that was all said and done I basically bought it for $100 off of the retail price. I have been really happy with it.

[youngie22]

I'm a big fan of the Frogg togg jacket; but I ripped the crotch out of the pants wearing them fifteen minutes on a canada trip, glad I brought others!

[DinkADunk]

Gortex is great, the other breathables are good too. I use to use Frogg Togs but didn't like the fit so I replaced them with Cabela's Dry Plus jacket and pants; very light weight, comfortable, cheap, and work well in the summer. For the spring, fall, and when's it's nasty I've been using Filson rain gear (very comfortable, but it's oiled cotton which is very old school) but am looking for something else. At this point I'm seriously looking at a Mustang Survival jacket (great in the rain and it's an approved floatation device) and then either Mustang Survival bib's or Cabela's guide wear.

[JohnMickish]

Ask yourself this simple question.

Whats it worth to you to be warm and dry in any weather. Period.

That quite simply is your answer. Don't forget about the booties either. That's another $50.

[PerchJerker]

Quote:

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this point I'm seriously looking at a Mustang Survival jacket (great in the rain and it's an approved floatation device)

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I think it's an approved flotation device only if you're wearing it - if you are not wearing it then it does not count as a PFD. It's in the MN Boating Regs.