Rain gear fail...

[Rigma]

My well-used rain gear failed me during the "big storm" last month. I am ready to purchase a new set, but thought some input from the experienced hunters don't fear some water would be helpful.

Use is moderate...depending on how often it rains. Type of use is mostly hiking. I would like to hunt more, but primary use is weekend hikes where I grab my compass, gps, dog, and snacks/water and set out for some nature time. Insulated I think is not necessary since we are rarely in the snow, and I can up my base layer(s) if we are going chilly.

It all started when training my dog as a puppy. I realized that the worse the weather, the more she loved it. And then after our hikes became regular, so did I. Our agreement is that at least once a week she gets a hike...weather is not a concern.

I invested in good Gore-tex gear a few years ago...and it is done. Works for a short rainy hike, but the water will start to come through in a persistent downpour.

Based on recommendations I have looked at Gore-Tex gear from:

1.) Sitka
2.) Cabelas Brand
3.) KUIU

Please let me know if I am missing out on something and what you recommend. There is currently a good sale on Sitka at Cabelas, and I still have an unused gift certificate. The digi-camo pattern is awful, but I would rather be warm and dry at the conclusion of the day trek.

Thank you in advance.

[Flowmini98]

Before you purchase new gear I would contact GoreTex directly, since they have a lifetime warranty.
I just returned/sent in for warranty a 20+ year old GoreTex rain jacket since it was starting to allow water in through the shoulders and upper back. I will find out early this next week if I will receive a FULL replacement or a discounted replacement of my choice.

[tanks]

I have, and used KUIU, and very happy with it. Now, one thing one has to make sure is to size it with all of the other clothes one would wear underneath it.

[MJB]

Sitka for me works great

I would stay away from Cabelas brands

[toby]

Sitka for me works great

I would stay away from Cabelas brands

That's funny, who do you think makes Cabelas brands? same people that make their own brands, everything Cabelas sells is just re labeled.

[MJB]

Sitka & Kuiu are never relabeled as Cabelas........Cabelas is crap compared to those guys

[toby]

Sitka & Kuiu are never relabeled as Cabelas........Cabelas is crap compared to those guys

Give it a while it will certainly happen.

[252yft]

I replaced my rain gear this past summer/fall. Cost was a factor but you simply can't find a good product without spend some serious money. You have to ask yourself how and where your gear is going to be used. If your simply going to wear it moving the trash cans to the curb and take the dof for a walk, buy the cheap plastic rain gear at Big 5.

However, if your going to be hunting and packing your gear, a different approach is needed. I wanted something that isn't heavy, takes up minimal space, and could stand up to some bush busting without tearing open. Another thing that was important was how quiet the material would be.

After reveiwing what was available and discussing it with a few friends, I was left with either KUIU Chugash or Sitka Downpour. Being a Sitka guy I remained open to KUIU.

I checked into the Downpour first and then went off to check the Chugash. Sounds like a lot, but if you've every been 3 miles from your camp/car, wet with the sun down, you know why.

Sorry-I'll finish this later-Gotta do the family thing

[MJB]

Toby, it will happen once sitka & Kuiu find/develope a better fabric.

I have the downpour and have used it once in UT while backpack for archery deer. No fun being wet 5 miles in at 10k

[duckman1]

Can't go wrong with Sitka or Kuiu, both are top tier. I have used Sitka for years and will buy more as it's is needed. Kuiu was started by one of the founders of Sitka......

[ChrisC]

I wore Cabela rain gear when I use to fish bass tournaments. I still have the same pair I bought over 14 years ago that have been through at least 100 rain sessions and they still keep me dry.

[zio707]

Sitka and Cabelas both have gear that use Gore-tex, I believe Kuiu uses Toray (same stuff Patagonia uses). The water proofing in Gore-tex is rated higher, Toray's breathability rating is higher. You can find Sitka just about everywhere, with Kuiu you usually have to get on the waiting list because so much of it is on back order. Cabela's, well you know. The Cabela's gear's going to be the least expensive of the three but it'll also probably be somewhat heavier and slightly more bulk as well. Sitka and Kuiu is very high end gear. I have some clothing from all three companies and no complaints other than price, it really depends on your budget, what you need and when you need it.

Cabela's is crap?? LoL, Gore-tex is Gore-tex. I have a couple of Cabela's Gore-tex camo jackets and they haven't failed me in the rain. I used to competitively fish team tournaments on the Delta, we were a top-5 ranked team for several years. In the winter on a bass boat there's no shelter to get under so you can possibly be pounded by rain for 10+ hours straight in a single day. My Cabela's jacket never failed me during these times, I snow ski with it as well.

[NapalmCheese]

Out of principle I won't pay for Arc'Teryx or Sitka as I don't feel they are a good value. As I'm not familiar with KUIU in person I have no opinion.

That being said, in hunting gear if you want 'performance oriented' clothing, Sitka seems like the one to go with (as it is most like my mountaineering clothing in fit, function, and comfort). In the past, however, Cabelas and Browning branded clothing have served me well. For 'not strictly hunting' clothing Patagonia and Marmot tend to be my go to brands in performance outdoor clothing. Columbia as well.

[MJB]

Fishing and hunting are two different activities........fish don't care if your rain gear is noisy but BG does. And your not hiking or working up a sweat and rubbing up against wet brush. That's why I said it's crap compared to the other two brands

[sonofeugene]

GoreTex might be GoreTex but there's more to a waterproof garment than the material. Like the seams; how they're constructed, sealed, configured, placed. And zippers and other fasteners. And the entire design of the garment like how much overlap is there on closures. Etc., etc.

Also consider that GoreTex won't last forever. When riding my motorcycle, I use and love my Aerostich Darien. It's an amazing product but I still give it a waterproofing spray once a year. I use Scotch Guard Heavy Duty water repellant. I spray the entire suit, paying particular attention to zippers, seams, folds, and pockets. It works wonders. There are also other excellent products for waterproofing and maintaining the water proofing of garments. Check out the Aerostich website for other quality products for treating gear. They've got it figured out.