What gear do you guys wear?

I have a water resistant Gore Tex coat with a hood and zip out lining. It seems to work well although I haven't been out in a down pour all day. I don't mind getting a little wet, but it can get miserable in the rain for several hours especially if the wind is blowing. I'm wondering if I just need to get the bottoms of a rain suit or the top also, or if there are other alternative.

What do you guys wear?

Kit,

I am certainly not an expert and have less experience than many in the club.  However, I have fished several tournaments where it rained (light to medium) all day and learned a few critical facts about my needs.  I use an REI Gore-Tex parka with hood and zip-out liner similar to yours.  I never use the liner when fishing or kayaking.,  A key attribute for me is breathability of the fabric as I tend to sweat like a pig.  The armpit zippers of my parka are essential to keeping me cool.  Good cuff tighteners diminish (but don't eliminate) the water running down your arms after casting. Note that this jacket is also an effective wind break for lower temperature situations. I wear a pair of loose lightweight rain pants from BPS just because I am a big guy and they give me more freedom in getting in and out of my kayak.  There are many better rain suits or bibs available, but this is what works for me and is easily packable.

John

Thanks John. It sounds like my jacket will work. I just need to get some pants.

several years ago, when i was going to Lake Amistad to be a marshall for the Elites, i saw that a big cold front was coming (February) and the temps would drop into the low 30's with rain/sleet.  so, i went to Cabela's and bought an unlined gore-tex top with hood and matching bottoms.  the weather guys were right for once, and with a couple of thermals underneath the gore-tex, i stayed toasty warm and dry, even with low 30's, 20+ mph winds, and off and on sleet/rain during the day.  my pro that day was from Canada, and he was wearing flip flops all day!!

bottom line, the gore-tex with no lining breaths very good even in warmer weather.  i sweat a lot in a regular rainsuit, but not in the gore-tex.  expensive compared to a regular rainsuit, but well worth the investment.  

my 2 cents.....

Thanks James. It sounds like I need to invest in a pair of unlined Goretex bottoms. I think my goretex top will work without the lining.

I recommend gore Tex Guide Series bibs from cabelas...  I prefer bibs to belts or drawstrings...  quick to get in or out of, breathable, zipper legs fit over anything, even muck boots, without taking your boots off.  Waterproof zipper pocket.  Will last a long time too.  Good for warm or cold conditions with layers as needed.  Buy a large enough size to cover your winter gear.  If you’re on a budget, frog togs are great for the $, and breathable.  

I agree with Chad about bibs - they're so much better than simple rain pants with an elastic waist, preventing water from running down into your crack. Can't beat GoreTex, either.

Just found half-price clearance unlined Gore-Tex bibs (last year's colors; orange or tan) at Bass Pro.  I don't know if they are online or just store-stock.  Good upgrade for really foul weather.

John Shepard

Thanks Chad. I think the bibs sound good.

Thanks Tom.

I decided that the best rain gear was the type that construction workers used.  It's durable, breathable and water proof.   Fits over my boots. So I stopped asked them where they get their foul weather gear.  They buy from Tingleyrubber.com.  Couldn't be happier and the pricing was decent. Will probably last me forever unless it gets too muddy as I do a lot of gardening. 

Originally Posted by Robert Lundin

 

I decided that the best rain gear was the type that construction workers used.  It's durable, breathable and water proof.   Fits over my boots. So I stopped asked them where they get their foul weather gear.  They buy from Tingleyrubber.com.  Couldn't be happier and the pricing was decent. Will probably last me forever unless it gets too muddy as I do a lot of gardening. 

 

 

 

 

{Quoted Post}Thanks Robert.