Rain gear fail...

[sonofeugene]

And if you'll notice, even KIUI sells Nikwax products to "Clean and restore the water repellency of your softshell clothing...."

Like every piece of gear, rain gear needs to be maintained.

[ElvenSoul]

Try

http://lukesultralite.com

[zio707]

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

Ah, got it, the Cabela's jacket I have is made of mt050, very quite wet or dry. I think a better point would be that Kuiu and Sitka are very streamline, much like high end mountaineering equipment, the technology and science behind it enable you to gear up lighter and move around more efficiently hot or cold. It's great stuff!

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.

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.

Well yeeahhhh, LoL. Just kidding, you right, also the amount of layering of material used in areas that can be abused more like elbows, knees, etc. Good point on treating Gore-tex, I do this as well, mainly of my non-hunting rain gear. Like anything, if you take care of it, it'll take care of you.

[deckhandmike]

Grundens make some of the best gear for the money. They have a lot of new lightweight jackets and pants. If you don't need full real tree camo it's something to look at.

[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.

Heard back from GoreTex warranty today and they a replacing my jacket for me valued up to $385!! Not bad for a 20+ year old jacket

[zio707]

... love that Gore-tex!

[ruggyh]

We using KUIU here, really like their stuff.

[252yft]

Sorry to take so long on finishing my post.

After looking at the seams and zipper sealment, plus the noise factor (I simply rolled the material around in my hands) I rolled the dice with KUIU's Chugash. The Chugash is also lighter and I liked ability of how small everything rolled up for placement in my pack.

So after spending more than I wanted, went home for the water test. First I took a shower. Stayed dry water rolled off nicely. Then gave the GF a chance and had her hit me with the hoze in the backward. Again stayed dry.

Did the price hurt? Yeap! But I think I came away with a good product. The only concern I had and I told the salesman who help, if I go bush busting and these things rip, I'm gunna be pissed and I'll be back. He laughed and said I won't be seeing you. Time will tell.

But DeckhandMike has the best solution of all with Grundens. I have a top and bibb and have never gotten wet. But you'll never see me walking around lost in the hills with them on.

[zerohour714]

I purchased the Kryptek Rainwear (pants and Jacket) and that stuff is awesome! It is a thicker material than the Kuiu or the Sitka (weighs a little more) but it is truly waterproof!

The only downside is it is not perfectly quiet. That being said, I knew this upon purchasing it. I figured if it is raining that there is going to be some ambient noise from the rain anyhow. I would rather have a durable garment which will keep my dry which I do not have to worry about snaging/ripping on a stray branch than have it super thin and whisper quiet.

Just my 2 cents. I also got it on sale at Cabelas so it made the deal that much sweeter.

Check em out!

http://www.bobwards.com/products2.cfm?id=119203&siz=142658&attr1=288493

[Rigma]

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.

Thanks for all the great responses! Current gear is a Cabelas brand (not Gore Tex) that is about 4-5 years old. Was not properly maintained based on posts, and started to leak at the seams. Won't make that mistake again.

I will try treating it so see if it's salvageable, even as a back up.
Good gear cost money, no problem there. I don't like blindly throwing money at brands, so I will be doing some web surfing to check out the recommendations that were given.

Good selling point on the Gore Tex.

[pieeater]

Your profile says socal but im assumming you bought them in Dixon?

Sorry to take so long on finishing my post.

After looking at the seams and zipper sealment, plus the noise factor (I simply rolled the material around in my hands) I rolled the dice with KUIU's Chugash. The Chugash is also lighter and I liked ability of how small everything rolled up for placement in my pack.

So after spending more than I wanted, went home for the water test. First I took a shower. Stayed dry water rolled off nicely. Then gave the GF a chance and had her hit me with the hoze in the backward. Again stayed dry.

Did the price hurt? Yeap! But I think I came away with a good product. The only concern I had and I told the salesman who help, if I go bush busting and these things rip, I'm gunna be pissed and I'll be back. He laughed and said I won't be seeing you. Time will tell.

But DeckhandMike has the best solution of all with Grundens. I have a top and bibb and have never gotten wet. But you'll never see me walking around lost in the hills with them on.

[252yft]

Your profile says socal but im assumming you bought them in Dixon?

Yeap. We ran our dogs at Corning and stopped by on the way home. I also picked up few of their shorts and gloves