The only thing keeping me dry is _______.

March 7, 2011 7:15 AM

Looking for information about rain gear for hunting and fishing.

So it's that time of year again-- the time prior to trout fishing and turkey hunting seasons, when I examine my gear and upgrade it. And what I really need is a new rain-proof jacket, and am having some trouble finding out information that isn't just marketing. I have some pretty specific needs for what I'm looking for. In April in Minnesota it can be very cold and very wet, so I need rain-proof, not rain resistant. Warm is good, but frankly not a complete necessity, as long as the outer gear can fit over warm layers. It probably needs to be camoflauge, as well (although if the perfect item is not camo I can work around this). I'm leaning towards this jacket at the end of the day, so don't think I'm completely lost in this.

So I suppose my question is really as much theoretical as it is asking for recommendations: What, in general, makes good rain gear? Is it:

* the quality of the outer coating? or
* the ability of the gear to keep water away from the skin and interior layers? and
* how does one maximize the water-proofing necessary for concern #1 while making sure that the jacket can breathe and expel moisture after the rain stops? and
* what do **professional** people that have to deal with cold rain generally wear? North sea fishermen, or Pacific Northwest (Southwest, if you're Canadian) surveyors/loggers, or fellow hunters, or the like (or people-who-know-people), please chime in.

Any extra tips are more than welcome (hats, gloves, pants, etc). I'm not a novice. I've been doing this for over ten years, and I'm looking for advanced tips on staying dry, warm, and comfortable.

Bonus sub-question: I have a Filson tin cloth hat, and it worked fantastically well, until the paraffin wore off. How do I get it back to its former glory?

posted by norm to sports, hobbies, & recreation (5 answers total)

Filson does also make jackets! I have their tin cruiser and it seems to have held up in the one rainy day I've been in it.

This is what you'll want to use to get your hat back to it's former glory.
posted by jangie at 7:37 AM on March 7, 2011

This might also be helpful for your hat.
posted by jangie at 7:39 AM on March 7, 2011

I too am a fisher of trout...and walleye, and lots of fish who seem to prefer to be out when the weather is at its crappiest. Fishing here or in the GoM, the most amazing anti-water stuff I've ever been in are Frog Toggs. Actually, Wal-Mart sells a pretty close knock-off, as do Dick's and just about any mass-market store. They are amazing---from surf spray to sleet and drizzle. They're a little...floppier? than most jackets, but they have nowhere near the weight of a slicker...and they move like a windbreaker so no poncho pains.

Baselayers of anything polypropylene or wool, as they stay warm when wet/sweaty. I prefer polypro for next-to-my-skin, and only go to wool when I know it's gonna be COOOOOOOOO
LD. Of course, Saturday I spent 3 hours standing in 39 degree water in just my boots and cotton socks, no waders or anything, so maybe my perspective is a little different than others.

Under Armor Cold Gear stuff is fine, but in my experience it sucks when wet, even when really sweaty.

For hunting, I use ragg wool (army surplus type) fingerless gloves and/or a pocket handwarmer for my hands.
posted by TomMelee at 9:39 AM on March 7, 2011

I swear by my wax-impregnated Barbour Beaufort jacket. They're very durable, and should last a long time. It's certainly waterproof. Not "resistant," but "proof." The lining would be warm if you're active, but if it's truly cold, you'll want to layer clothing under it. If you need more ammo than you can fit in the pockets you really truly need to spend more time at the firing range. The up-side is that I've met people who've had them for decades. The down side is that they're expensive, and there's no camoflauge color option.
posted by Hylas at 9:49 AM on March 7, 2011

I agree with Hylas...the Barbour Beaufort is a great jacket. Put a gilet under it to keep warm. Certainly that's our preferred choice for the range. Your link seems to be broken so here's a good Barbour selection in the UK.
posted by kikster at 8:00 AM on February 7, 2012