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Rain Gear

jrgfox

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 10, 2009
67
0
39
Pipe Creek, TX
Can anyone point me in the direction of some good rain gear.

Im looking for a lightweight, multicam, packable rain jacket to throw in my pack. Need it to be completely waterproof. Ive been looking all over for one but both the Arcteryx one and the Crye Precision one are "breathable" which means not waterproof. Looking for something slightly loose fitting to go over a plate carrier running mags and gear.

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Rain Gear

Look again at arcteryx, they make some with in their alpha hardshell cut.

http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Alpha-Jacket-MultiCam#

they use goretex and those shells are bombproof. I don't have their tactical versions, but I bought one of their standard alpha shells for backpackers for when I'm working out in the field (I'm a geologist) and backcountry hiking and it's great.

Mine was around 300, so you really gotta ask yourself if multicam is worth 3x the cost.
 
Re: Rain Gear

I was at Walmart and picked up some rain gear just because it was so inexpensive and I figured that if it was crap no biggie as it was less than $30 for pants and jacket. That was more than a year ago and it has held up nicely. Point is you don't have to spend tons of money to get useful gear
 
Re: Rain Gear

^^ #1 on the Frog-Toggs. I have a pair that I've used all winter at work. I use mine around construction sites. I've wore mine in the pouring rain at a stretch of 2-3 hours and remained completely dry. I've tried pricier jackets made by Marmot and North Face. When they tear I'm just out more money.

Never owned an Arcteryx, but for the money it would have to last at least 4-5 years to be worth it.
 
Re: Rain Gear

<span style="font-weight: bold">>Gore-Tex Pro Shell and eVent</span> are the two most breathable AND waterproof laminates available.

>REI has a Kimtah eVent parka ($239.) which I own and like a lot.

>Cabela's has a Gore-Tex PacLite parka ($110.) which I also own but it's not nearly as breathable as eVent or Gore-Tex Pro Shell.

Both REI and Cabela's have matching pants of the same material but in black only.

Believe me, as a backpacker and backcountry skier I KNOW my WPB fabrics. I live in them. eVent is the one to have. It also makes a great wind jacket when the breezes get cold.
 
Re: Rain Gear

I have a top and bottom Level 6 set of wet weather gear. The company just has their logo on it, and it's a demon/devil thing stabbing a heart with a spear.

This set kept me dry during a hurricane(Irene, Category 3).

I've been through a couple(7) of hurricanes so let me give some advice. If it's torrential rain then you need both a rain jacket and pants(And boots). If there is going to be snow, then you need something waterproof yet breathable(yes it's possible).

You can get by with just a jacket, but when the rain increases it will go through your pants, and cause hypothermia faster than you would believe(Frostbite always hits the legs and arms first).

Also make sure to wear a sweater or some type of layering underneath the jacket. Unless you're in a tropical climate, and the rain is 90 degrees then you should make it a habit. The water running down the jacket will actually zap all the heat out of your body. You won't get wet, but you will get cold quickly.

Remember to get a rain cover for your rucksack, to help in keeping your gear dry.

Also remember not to over look wool if it get's cold.
 
Re: Rain Gear

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmaHeavy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a top and bottom Level 6 set of wet weather gear. The company just has their logo on it, and it's a demon/devil thing stabbing a heart with a spear.

This set kept me dry during a hurricane(Irene, Category 3).

I've been through a couple(7) of hurricanes so let me give some advice. If it's torrential rain then you need both a rain jacket and pants(And boots). If there is going to be snow, then you need something waterproof yet breathable(yes it's possible).

You can get by with just a jacket, but when the rain increases it will go through your pants, and cause hypothermia faster than you would believe(Frostbite always hits the legs and arms first).

Also make sure to wear a sweater or some type of layering underneath the jacket. Unless you're in a tropical climate, and the rain is 90 degrees then you should make it a habit. The water running down the jacket will actually zap all the heat out of your body. You won't get wet, but you will get cold quickly.

Remember to get a rain cover for your rucksack, to help in keeping your gear dry.

Also remember not to over look wool if it get's cold. </div></div>

This right here.

Or a plastic garbage bag with a couple holes for field expedient solution.
 
Re: Rain Gear

The demon stabbing a heart logo is ORC Industries. They supplied the first generation of many levels in the PCU system, and their shells are actually NOT breathable. They make quality products, but again their shells are not breathable. The Patagonia shells are the second generation and to my knowledge are using Gore-Tex Paclite. As stated earlier, ebay is the best source for the stuff you are wanting (multicam) at a good price.
 
Re: Rain Gear

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: j-dubya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The demon stabbing a heart logo is ORC Industries. They supplied the first generation of many levels in the PCU system, and their shells are actually NOT breathable. They make quality products, but again their shells are not breathable. The Patagonia shells are the second generation and to my knowledge are using Gore-Tex Paclite. As stated earlier, ebay is the best source for the stuff you are wanting (multicam) at a good price. </div></div>

Thank you for that. I had no clue at all. LOL.

Have a good one.
 
Give the USGI Improved Wet Weather gear a look, I've been using my set for years and it hasn't left me soaked, even in heavy downpours. It's cut similar to the Gore Tex ECWCS jacket and pants but is made from coated nylon so it's waterproof but pit zips help for ventilation if things get too warm during movement or anything like that. The pants are zippered at the at the bottom too so getting them on and off while wearing boots is no problem. They're also relatively cheap, a set will probably set you back only about $100 if that so bad in the scheme of things. Good luck.
 
Don't know of camo options, but look closely at Helly Hanson also. Great wet gear, and if the crab/lobster guys use it up north, that's a pretty good testimony.
 
I am a wilderness search and rescue volunteer in Western Oregon. We get called out 365, 24/7.
My advice is to go with a Gore Tex or eVent fabric product with taped seams.
ArcTeryx LEAF products are hard to beat.
I shoot precision long range and tactical matches using an Otte Gear jacket like this one
OTTE GEAR | ...
For price Id go with a surplus EcWS parka and pants-they're hard to beat.
Frog Togs are good for about 2 hours or one blackberry bush- not worth the trouble in my opinion.