Rain Gear?

[seabass]

After 15 years I need to replace my rain pants. I should have replaced them 5 years ago because one of the straps ripped out. :shocked: I am looking for a pair of rain pants that are durable and comfortable. I don't mind paying more than the average pair costs but expect to get more than the average in quality. I have seen expensive gear that is worthless, I am looking for quality gear that will last a long time. I would appreciate any opinions and suggestions on where to find good rain gear.

Thanks in advance.

Seabass

[Bendman]

I picked up a pair of Carhartt pants and jacket at Sportsmen’s warehouse a while back and I love them. Similar to Grunden’s but better IMHO. Check them out.

[Geemo]

Sanderson's safety supply in SE Portland for rain gear.
:smile:

[halfounce]

Frogg Togg dealer out of Woodland Washington very nice gals.
(sorry, no non sponsor contact)

[Silver Hilton]

Cabela's Guidewear Goretex. I've had a set eight years now, hard use, no leaks. They're not cheap, but they're quality.

[cutt plug]

If you're not hiking around or on the sticks, Grundens are hard to beat.

[The Overfishin Condition]

Helly Hanson :smile:

[Gundog]

If you want tough look at what commercial fisherman use Grundens or Hely Hansen. I have never seen a commercial guy in a $300 pair of Cabelas Gortex. I worked as a lineman in Crescent City for 6 years and never wore out a pair of Grundens we wore them every day for months. You can put them on and go right through berry vines with no problem. The neoprene sleeves in the coats keep your arms dry. Did I mention it rains 100" on the coast per year. The only down side they have are no pockets or fly in the pants. Make sure you buy them nice and big so they can breathe. That is my .02
Mike

[joliver]

A second vote for Cabelas guidwear, the most comfortable pair of bibs I have ever owned.

[fishrdad]

i know there was a sale on some pants at gi joes called gamehide, there came, i dont know if you like that or not, but i love em, there very compfortable, cheep, and waterproof, only 40 bucks.

[BCF]

With or without coffee stains? Sorry Cutt Plug. Grundens go from the Paper Mill job floor -------to fishing off the floor of the North River. Had the same pair for almost ten years. Get them big so you can wear lots of warm clothes underneath.

BCF

[Danderson]

Grunden's.... Brush,boat, or work will keep you dry... Period

[Sagebrush Fisherman]

Grundens hands down. If you have waterproof footwear on and your buttoned up, your dry, no matter what mother nature throws at you....

[Rubber Robin]

I've had my Helly Hansens for 20+ years. At the time I thought that they were spendy but it was one of the best fishing investments that I ever made.

I would recommend them highly!!!!

Comfort is worth a lot when you spend all day fishing in the cold wind and rain of winter!

[OwyheeKIller]

I'm just curious, are Grundigs very breathable? I don't know anything about them myself and was just wondering. Comfort is my number one priority.

I have a pair of Arc Teryx Gore-Tex XCR rain pants that are the most waterproof pants I've ever owned. Plus they are incredibly breathable. I can hike up a hill for an hour and not break a sweat. But the nylon seems kind of soft, and I'm not confident enough to go near heavy brush or thorn bushes for fear of tearing them up.

[Skipper Cole]

If you arent moving around much go with the grundens herkules, they are pretty tough and no nonsense.

[KZ4LIFE]

I would recommend Grunden's. Iv'e used alot of gear over the years and finally spent the bucks. I'm Glad that I did. They are a little heavy ather than that they're great!

[bait boy]

OwyheeKIller
Grundens are not breathable at all they are heavy pvc coated fabric very tough and durable. but NOT breathable...

I have a grundens top with neoprene sleeves and helly bottoms (The light ones)

[steelheadslayer]

I have a pair of the lighter material Grundens and think they're great. Not sure about breathable but they're light enough that sweating in the boat hasn't been a problem yet. I have found that maybe they let the cold air in because I've been freezing my buns off in this rain.

[fishjet]

I've torn cheap ones and expensive ones. Got an inexpensive pair at Bi-Mart. Used 2-3 years. Got another inexpensive set at GI Joe's. Expect 3-5 years out of them.

[Troller]

If you're not hiking around or on the sticks, Grundens are hard to beat.

I have to vote for gruedens also. Remember two saturdays ago we got all that rain. I was fishing with bob Barthalow and it rained like no tommorow saturday. I was dry except my feet. Now my buddies were wearing various assortments of gear including gortex and got soaked. Bob was wearing a columbia gortex suit and god soaked. But my gruedens held up but for the accasional drop running down my face and neck and into my jacket. Its not good gear if your doing alot of hiking but for being on a boat its great. My buddy that works outside on a drill rig all day told me about them. One thing I like is the neopreme cuffs so you can work on something above your head and water doesnt get in.

[SlipKnot]

Grundens are the way to go, especially if you are sitting in a boat. In my opinion, the best part about them is that they cut the wind. Get the coat with the neoprene wrists and you will stay dry in any conditions.

If you are banking it or on the sticks in a drift boat, I would probably go a different direction.

[1pump]

Another vote for Grundens Herkules. I've had mine for 10 years and they still look and work great.
I also have the heavy-duty Helly Hansens. They're pretty close to the Grundens.

I've never used anything breathable that kept me dry. Gore-Tex is great for skiing or whatnot, but nothing beats traditional rain gear if you're out in a monsoon all day.

[seabass]

Thanks for all of the replies. Are there any stores in the Beaverton area that sell Grundens?

[burnsfactor]

gortex is the way to go. They have insulated or uninsulated. I got the uninsulated jacket and pant combo. I do a lot of walking in these during hunting season and they are great. If you are not going to do a lot of walking around get the insulated ones. I got the pant and jacket combo instead of the bibs, so I could wear one or the other or both.

[Rakkasan]

If you want the best rain gear for fishing go with Grunden. I used it in Alaska commercial fishing and it is made to last in the worse condition.

Gortex is good but over priced. Just my opinion. I used it in the military and put it to the ultimate test in the field. It does not hold up. Hours in the rain proved that it does not keep you dry. It may look nice and be more comfortable but it does not hold up. Helly Hanson is also a good one and a little cheaper. The upper end line of Helly is good as well.

This is one of those things where everyone uses what works for them. I keep seeing Grunden. I think that is your best bet.


David Banaka

[garyk]

It's all a compromise...

Grunden-type rubber wear for maximum durability. Breathables for comfort.

Since I'm not a commercial fisherman, I like my Columbia Omnitech breathable bibs.

I just got a hooded Patagonia fishing jacket at an auction...best jacket I've ever had . I've been trying to keep the sardine scent off it 'cause I like using it for everyday wear so much. Plus Patagonia has a no-questions-lifetime-guarantee on their gear. IF they made fishing bibs I'd buy 'em.

[Troller]

go to their website they are based out of poulbo washington grundens.com you can call or email for info and they will tell you where you can get them . I picked mine up worknmore store near seattle.

[Heatmiser]

I just bought the Grundens "Clipper Hooded Coat 3/4 length" and the "Sowester" hat. I did quite a bit of research about this myself before the purchase. I haven't used them yet. However,it was obvious to me that when I compared these items to similiar brands, the Grundens were top-notch. I paid $100 for the coat and $30 for the hat. Looking forward to using this gear this week.

[baddawg]

Grunden or helly for the boat gear. I like my gortex for the rivers, walking and more active passtimes. The most importnant thing is to make sure it will fit! If you plan on wearing warm clothes or jackets underneath make sure it is big enough to accomidate the extra layers.

[EULACHON]

How about a garbage bag with a hole init?? Worked in boy scouts....

Yup Helly on the boat.

I have some real nice foul weather gear I got when I used to offshore sail a lot. It is brittish made and was not cheap but it sure is comfy and warm. If this stuff keeps you dry in 25 foot seas it can handle the PNW fishing.

You may look at the stuff at west marine it is real nice but spendy.

Paul

[1pump]

Thanks for all of the replies. Are there any stores in the Beaverton area that sell Grundens?

I dunno about Beaverton. Fisherman's Marine has it. I picked up some brand-new lighter-duty Grundens waaaaay cheap on e-Bay a few months back.
If you go e-Bay, check the Grundens website first and make sure you have the model name and number of the gear you're looking for, like Briggs or Herkules. Grundens makes a LOT of different rain gear and most of the stuff on e-Bay seems to be their lighter-duty gear from closeout sales or whatever.

[HANDLINER]

grunden's hands down.

[timinthegorge]

This thread has brought a Big Smile to my face! Thanks all!! I can't remember all the rain gear I've bought that's failed because I bought it for one purpose and used it for another.

Rain gear is kinda like boats. No single garment applies to all occasions If you're sitting on the back of a sled with your hand on the tiller, I'd go heavy duty grunden's or high end HH.

If you want to hike, or plan on fishin' smaller rivers where bustin' brush will be required, I'd go with the Columbia or Cabela's gore-tex offerings.

It's about how you want to fish...... and how much you want to spend to stay dry. I've got several "rain" garments of various brands, and what I select when I'm walking out the door depends on the situation, and the conditions.

Decide what kind of fishin' you do most, and buy the clothes that match your needs.

JMHO..... Tim

[Pete]

Exotherms under Grundens ... warm and dry all day - any questions? :grin:

Lowest on my list, Gortex ... cold and wet after 10 minutes every time. I've never regretted money spent on rain gear as much as I have for Gortex. What a waste. All promise, no performance. And this being a complaint, my name is Pete Morris.

[Silver Hilton]

I can see the PVC stuff for work use - it's tougher. But dang, it's cold. I've had Helly Hansen's, and I've had Cabela's. The Cabela's keeps you just as dry, and it is SO much warmer. I've fished 10 hours in driving rain in my Cabela's and stayed dry. Your mileage may vary.

Just look for the guy in the green bibs in the blue boat, that's me.

[TH]

I use a mixture of both
I wear the Grundens bibs and a Guidewear gortex jacket
I really like the new guidewear jackets!
They are sweet............

I do have a new Cabelas Guidewear parka in 3xlt if anyone is interested
worn maybe 3 times.. In new condition

[2slow]

I wear and have worn gortex for many years. I have owned many gortex garments. Jackets, pants, bibs, heavier weight, lighter weight, I think I have given it all a pretty good try. My conclusion is that the gortex is very effective when it is new and it gradually loses its ability to keep you dry. I have tried all of the hi tec washes, soaps, rinses and they help....but they still become increasingly less water proof. My gortex garments have been effective for about 2 years and then decline pretty rapidly after that. Two years ago I went out and bought a set of Grundens Hercules. Best thing I ever did. After two years and lots of hours in the rain and being worn it still looks new. Now I wear my gortex when I am out and about around town and I am only in the rain between buildings and the car, ect. When I am going to be outside all day and it looks like rain, I take the Grundens. Somebody earlier mentioned looking at the guides...hmmmm.

[The Chub]

I bought a set of These at Costco. They will keep you dry!

[Chinooked]

Has anyone heard of Rivers West? They have some real nice water proof coats and bibs. Its not the rubber garment, its more of a fleece material with very high insulating quality, super quiet in the woods. Sat on the boat on sunday with only a long underwear top and that coat and stayed dry and warm. Check them out, they are spendy though. Gore-tex is terrible for sitting in the rain. i thought i would never say that, until i moved to the PNW.

[Wreckless]

WHAT....?????? You don't want bright orange "don't shoot me" bibs like mine????

I'll go against the grain here and say that Omni-tech/Gore-tex is the ONLY way to go. AND I don't have a top on my sled (Tops are for wimps )
If I were on a commercial fishing boat, out in the weather for hours/days at a time I'd go with the "rubber pants", but for everyday fishing it's hard to beat the quality fabrics that breathe.

PS I've spent a LOT of time laying in layout blinds, pits, Final Approach blinds with 1/4" of water in the bottom and Columbia bibs have served me well!! Fishing is easy on rainpants compared to hunting (except commercial fishing of course)

My over-inflated 2 cents worth!

[muddog]

Eat,Fish,wear Grundens

[FearNoEvil]

i work at a fish cannery up in alaska during the summer, and i can tell you that grundens are the best hands down... i probably wear rain gear 8-20 hours a day 7 days a week for 3 months and its the best.

but when it comes to fishing i wear my simms guide jacket, i have had it two years now and it still works great... grundens for hard work.. gortex for fishing/comfort


no way in hell im wearing my 300 dollar jacket/waders in alaska

as for boots, gotta keep it real with the xtratufs for all day comfort... they're really flexible and last a long time..

[James in Idaho]

I've got a set of Cabela's heavy duty, commerical raingear. So far it's been great. About $80 for the set, and it's not yellow or orange (dark green). Bought it after sitting thru an unreal downpour in Missoula judging dogs for two days. I never thought I'd ever get dry again. It's not something I'd want to hike around in, but I have used the bibs while pheasant hunting.

[spooner]

helly hanson is not what they were 20 years ago at all. go with grundens or guy cotten nether are breathable but will last a long time.