Rain Gear

icedog · 10-01-2008, 01:33 AM

I hate my raincoat. I have been shopping around for a decent slicker for a few years but I realized I've been going about it the wrong way. I live in a very affluent place but I am somewhat less than affluent so it is sometimes discouraging. I've been looking at the stuff the Fairfield County yachtsmen wear. It seems that there are many sporty types of foul weather gear that cost an obscene amount of money with names like Henri Lloyd, Gill, MPX and Atlantis. I personally can't understand why this ugly jacket costs $745: Ocean Racing Jacket I wouldn't wear that thing if someone gave it to me. But hey, what do I know?

I have learned that the people who really work out in the weather don't trust that high tech stuff. While up in Maine I hit a few professional fishing supply stores and checked out what the commercial fishing boats and lobstermen had onboard. One name comes up to the top, Grundens. My research clearly indicates there is Grundens and there's everything else. Check out the history of how old Carl Grunden used to make waterproof clothes in 1926: Grundens - Quality Foulweather Gear

I've pretty much made up my mind and have already done the shopping for the specific items on which I have decided but I value the collective fanatacism here on SRP. Has anyone else any knowledge or experience regarding quality foul weather gear?

Quick Orange · 10-01-2008, 02:20 AM

It depends on the foul weather. For rain, I have a wonderful Land's End rain jacket that I use. My only gripe is that it doesn't have a hood. One that I've always heard good things about is the Moose Racing rain trench coat. I don't know about this site, but here's one: Moose Racing Mud Coat at BikeBandit.com

For cold and wet foul weather, I like any wind/water proof parka. Just hit your local sporting goods store (I like Academy Sports, but I don't know if you have them there).

A leather bike jacket always works too

junkinduck · 10-01-2008, 02:48 PM

For traditional yellow rain gear at a good price look at the carhartt line. It is imported but is good heavy durable gear that won't cause you to hawk the house. They also have it in orange and black. I have been using it at work and seems to be snag proof as well.

Don

kevint · 10-01-2008, 06:05 PM

Sorta depends on your reason to be in the foul: ocean going or alpine enviroments have somewhat different needs.

Knocking around town or moderate weater backpacking an umbrella works well for me

icedog · 10-01-2008, 07:01 PM

Funny, I posted a message with pics of what I have decided on but it goed away. I like being outdoors and able to work or walk around in any weather. I used to work in an office and act like a regular commuter/office working guy but that seems to be history. Then I had the trench coat thing but I refuse to carry and umbrella. I don't like hoods because they block my peripheral vision. Now I need something in which I can go out in the sideways rain, walk in the mud to get firewood into the house and not worry that I just tore my sleeve or when I slip and fall down soak my ass. I like heavy duty, impervious, indestructable and like that.

Let me try again with pics:

sicboater · 10-01-2008, 07:28 PM

That looks like some serious hard working foul weather gear! It is so hard core fisherman looking it is almost comical, but I am afraid to laugh because it might kick my @ss.

lol

-Rob

kevint · 10-01-2008, 07:43 PM

whoa. That's way more than I could ever tolerate. I imagine it would feel something like a tinman suit.

happy slogging

jockeys · 10-01-2008, 11:55 PM

I personally use a NorthFace Mountain Light jacket when it's wet out. It wasn't cheap but it's indestructible and totally waterproof.

joke1176 · 10-02-2008, 12:15 AM

I have some Frog Togs and I think they are great. Very light, breathable, roll up small, waterproof, tough and relatively inexpensive...

I bought mine a few sizes larger so I can wear em in winter over a coat.

nun2sharp · 10-02-2008, 12:24 AM

Brad, are you taking up whaling?

Theres plenty of stuff out there with gore tex which I highly recommend. And likely a whole lot cheaper.

icedog · 10-02-2008, 02:08 PM

I learned a long time ago it is infinitely better to be slightly more prepared for any situation than slightly less than prepared.

I went on a week long boat trip one time and was ridiculed for the amount of beer I brought onboard. When we pulled back into prt there were two beers left in the cooler. I think two beers too many beats the snot out of two beers too few.

junkinduck · 10-02-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icedog

I learned a long time ago it is infinitely better to be slightly more prepared for any situation than slightly less than prepared.

I went on a week long boat trip one time and was ridiculed for the amount of beer I brought onboard. When we pulled back into prt there were two beers left in the cooler. I think two beers too many beats the snot out of two beers too few.

I agree on the beer. I hate to run out. I tend to always overdo things. One beer an hour for every hour I'm gone including sleep seems to do me as a rule of thumb. Sad when you have a formula for beer taking.

Don

jockeys · 10-02-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkinduck

I agree on the beer. I hate to run out. I tend to always overdo things. One beer an hour for every hour I'm gone including sleep seems to do me as a rule of thumb. Sad when you have a formula for beer taking.

Don

I just take as much as I can without sinking the boat.