Need help finding excellent raingear
December 1, 2015 5:01 AM Subscribe
My rubber boots have died, and my rain jacket is leaky. I'd like help finding better ones.
A friend loaned me this jacket a few weeks ago in a men's medium, and it was nearly perfect with most of the features I'd want in a rain jacket, but a size too small in the hips and bust (though it fit in every other respect)—and it doesn't have a hood. I liked the cinch cord at the waist, that the back goes over the bum, the waterproof zippers, and the zip-unzip vent under the armpits. They don't appear to make a women's version of the Niagara jacket. I think I want more of a summer weather jacket anyway, since I can always wear a sweater or something with it in the winter (I live in Tennessee). I looked at other rain jackets in this brand, but they seem to all have no hood (which makes sense since they're for bikers, who would be wearing helmets, but I'm not a biker so that's not a consideration for me).
Separated but related issue, my rain boots died last month. They were basic yellow rubber boots, and they cracked along the side from flexing too much in cold weather. I'd like to replace them with boots that I can step into (no laces), with arch support (can add with inserts if that part is impossible), and better quality so the rubber doesn't just crack open. Being adorable is a plus, but I'm happy to wear something that is just practical.
I can't afford to spend more than about $100 on each.
I'd be wearing them around my yard, and camping. Jacket might be worn hiking/backpacking so the more breathable, the better.
I'm hoping the hive mind of Metafilter can help me find better quality rain gear!
A friend loaned me this jacket a few weeks ago in a men's medium, and it was nearly perfect with most of the features I'd want in a rain jacket, but a size too small in the hips and bust (though it fit in every other respect)—and it doesn't have a hood. I liked the cinch cord at the waist, that the back goes over the bum, the waterproof zippers, and the zip-unzip vent under the armpits. They don't appear to make a women's version of the Niagara jacket. I think I want more of a summer weather jacket anyway, since I can always wear a sweater or something with it in the winter (I live in Tennessee). I looked at other rain jackets in this brand, but they seem to all have no hood (which makes sense since they're for bikers, who would be wearing helmets, but I'm not a biker so that's not a consideration for me).
Separated but related issue, my rain boots died last month. They were basic yellow rubber boots, and they cracked along the side from flexing too much in cold weather. I'd like to replace them with boots that I can step into (no laces), with arch support (can add with inserts if that part is impossible), and better quality so the rubber doesn't just crack open. Being adorable is a plus, but I'm happy to wear something that is just practical.
I can't afford to spend more than about $100 on each.
I'd be wearing them around my yard, and camping. Jacket might be worn hiking/backpacking so the more breathable, the better.
I'm hoping the hive mind of Metafilter can help me find better quality rain gear!
Sierra Trading Post! It's pretty much the Mashalls of outdoor/athletic gear, and they have a huge rotating inventory of items. They also always have a bunch of coupons floating around. Some of their items are limited in size, since they're all overstock or closeouts - but check out their boots and their raincoats.
posted by givennamesurname at 6:53 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by givennamesurname at 6:53 AM on December 1, 2015
For the boots, Hunter is the classic choice. Tons of different styles to choose from, and very durable -- I've worn my pair for over five years with essentially no signs of wear.
posted by ladybird at 7:48 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by ladybird at 7:48 AM on December 1, 2015
Warning: I find my Hunter boots to be really clunky and heavy and I regret them!
If you do go Hunter, get the lower version that ends above the ankle, not the high boots.
If I had to do it over again, I'd get Bogs or (less cute but bulletproof) XtraTufs.
posted by rmless at 7:59 AM on December 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you do go Hunter, get the lower version that ends above the ankle, not the high boots.
If I had to do it over again, I'd get Bogs or (less cute but bulletproof) XtraTufs.
posted by rmless at 7:59 AM on December 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Boots: we've been specing Muck Boots for all of our people going into the field for the past couple of years. These see moderate wear in field work in marshes and beaches, as well as on ships.
They're not cheap, but we've been getting rave reviews from our staff. The women, in particular, have remarked on how warm and comfy these are, compared to other rubber boots.
posted by bonehead at 9:52 AM on December 1, 2015
They're not cheap, but we've been getting rave reviews from our staff. The women, in particular, have remarked on how warm and comfy these are, compared to other rubber boots.
posted by bonehead at 9:52 AM on December 1, 2015
Best answer: Are you in the US? Tretorn has all their rubber boots half off today. Many are $25!
posted by a halcyon day at 11:50 AM on December 1, 2015
posted by a halcyon day at 11:50 AM on December 1, 2015
Best answer: Hey, I'm in Tennessee too, just outside Knoxville! I am an all-weather dog walker. I rely on a Mountain Hardwear Gore-Tex Paclite jacket (the model I have is discontinued, but I got it from Sierra Trading Post). Mountain Hardwear has gotten away from using Gore products (there have been some big doings in the waterproof/breathable membrane world) but any high-end outdoor company will build a good waterproof jacket with a hood.
For winter wet conditions, I love my Muck Arctic Weekend boots. They are very lightweight, warm and comfortable. If you're a Costco member, these boots are available online for $79.99.
posted by workerant at 2:07 PM on December 1, 2015
For winter wet conditions, I love my Muck Arctic Weekend boots. They are very lightweight, warm and comfortable. If you're a Costco member, these boots are available online for $79.99.
posted by workerant at 2:07 PM on December 1, 2015
Response by poster: I went for the sale on Tretorn - 75% off was too good to resist, and they look handsome and functional. Yay! (If I ever get a second pair, the Muck Reign Mid looks *gorgeous*.)
Now I just need to figure out a jacket. These were some really helpful tips. Thanks, everybody!
posted by joannemerriam at 6:15 PM on December 1, 2015
Now I just need to figure out a jacket. These were some really helpful tips. Thanks, everybody!
posted by joannemerriam at 6:15 PM on December 1, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by fmnr at 5:19 AM on December 1, 2015