I'm looking for a decent set of uninsulated rain gear for hunting / ATV use. Would prefer bib style pants. I've got other breathable gear that does well with medium rain / general use but I'm looking for something that would only likely get used for heavy rain, so breathable/goretex/etc isn't super important. I've always just used cheap Canadian tire type rain gear knowing that I'll be trashing them and replacing every few years but want to try something a little better. I'm not finding much to check out in person locally so will probably have to order. Any recommendations?
Rain gear recommendations
- Thread starter Jon87
- Start date
Helly Hansen pvc stuff is bulletproof
My girlfriend bought me a Hello Hansen jacket when I was in field school 15+ years ago
I swapped it for an arcteryx alpha ar which repells water just as well but I still wear it on boats on.big water because it holds in heat well. Good for shoulder season too. Still works as well as when I got it
I.used to.destroy a pair of frog toggs every year then bought heavy duty MEC goretex ski/rain pants and haven't looked back. Only rain pants I've had last more than a year
My girlfriend bought me a Hello Hansen jacket when I was in field school 15+ years ago
I swapped it for an arcteryx alpha ar which repells water just as well but I still wear it on boats on.big water because it holds in heat well. Good for shoulder season too. Still works as well as when I got it
I.used to.destroy a pair of frog toggs every year then bought heavy duty MEC goretex ski/rain pants and haven't looked back. Only rain pants I've had last more than a year
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
A gentle rain out in the pasture is not the same as driven spray offshore.
I know a lot of guys gripe and ##### and moan about army issue raingear. But, with an insulating layer and judicious venting, it works for me. It is cheap and still reasonably available in the surplus stores.
Hunting on the Prairies I could accept having a damp outer layer, like a yellow slicker rainsuit, as long as the next layer was insulating like a conventional outer coat, wool pants, or USGI quilted rainsuit liners.
I know a lot of guys gripe and ##### and moan about army issue raingear. But, with an insulating layer and judicious venting, it works for me. It is cheap and still reasonably available in the surplus stores.
Hunting on the Prairies I could accept having a damp outer layer, like a yellow slicker rainsuit, as long as the next layer was insulating like a conventional outer coat, wool pants, or USGI quilted rainsuit liners.
This is exactly how I use raingear. Just an outer layer.
I hadn't thought of army surplus stuff. One more option to consider
Wetskins are usually what I use. They just don't seem to last on ATVs, particularly the pants. The seams start leaking pretty quickly.
Cold war era German surplus Flecktarn rain suit, the jacket is breathable and silly tough, the pants/bibs are not the same quality but have the added bonus of bottom leg zippers. You can still find new never issued stock for a reasonable price.
Frog Togs are shyte... don't bother.
You want Helly Hansen Impertech, 100% waterproof, stays flexible in colder weather... but if you move around much you will work.up a sweat because it doesn't breath. In a true downpour, Helly Hansen Impertech will hold up.
You want Helly Hansen Impertech, 100% waterproof, stays flexible in colder weather... but if you move around much you will work.up a sweat because it doesn't breath. In a true downpour, Helly Hansen Impertech will hold up.
Exactly what I used on a wet coast elk hunt in torrential downpour while riding ATV to/from the point from which I hiked. Kept me perfectly dry but as hoytcannon stated, it does not breath. Reasonably priced as well compared to high tech breathable gear.
Helly Hansen Abbotsford is the best I have used. I have worked on the BC Coast and interior for almost two decades doing forestry work. The Abbotsford has enough room to layer a stanfield or more under it. It also has stretch to it if you’re climbing over logs or need some mobility. if you’re buying rain pants get bibs. You can still easily take a piss. The cost is not prohibitive. If you are doing long rides I would go for the Armour jacket but that one is too hot if you’re hiking. Either can be ordered from Marks. Don’t waste your time with surplus BS
I'm pretty much sold on Abbotsford. A bit of stretch is good. Climbing over logs and on/off an ATV is about as mobile as I'll be with these.
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I don't generally work out of doors. Not part of my profession. So my experience with raingear is episodic and much shorter exposures than someone who steps out of the truck, tent or cabin in the morning and is not back under cover until much later. As I qualified, there are people who dislike the green surplus gear. It is CHEAP and expendable, which for my purposes are pluses not downsides.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
"Helly Hansen Impertech, 100% waterproof, stays flexible in colder weather" yup. Bibs are way better than tight waist pants too, some ventilation blows excess moisture up the legs and past your chest. The HH gear is almost quiet too, much better than most others for stalking game while you're wearing it.
Nothing wrong with that. I didn’t mean to imply you were giving bad advice, but I’ve been frozen riding an ATV through heavy rain with rain gear that wasn’t good enough. I suppose the benefit of a forum is receiving a variety of advice on different situations.
