Rain gear

[Kronos]

If you want truly waterproof rain gear (and if you're hunting in Alaska, please believe me when I say that you do), the discussion should start and end with HH Impertech.

Best regards,
John

My problem with impertech is that the inside fabric will actually wick up water and get you wet. I've stood in water that was below my waterproof boots and got wet up to my knees due to the wicking action.

 

[Jimss]

HH if you are stationary and spend time where vegetation is soaking wet and it rains a lot. Kuiu, Sitka, or Marmot precip when hiking lots of miles. I have several pairs of Marmot precip that cost a fraction of the price of Sitka/Kuiu. Make sure all raingear jackets have pitzips. I've used and abused my Sitkas for years and they've stood the test of time. My guess is that Kuiu is similar. For the price and quality it's tough to beat Marmot Precip on sale somewhere.

Another option if not hiking much are Simms waders. You are covered to the top of your back and with a decent rain jacket are bomber proof against getting wet. I bring mine along every trip for salmon fishing and when not hiking much.

 

[Valumpessa]

I love Kuiu raingear. First set was Chugach and I currently run the Kutana storm shell. When these wear out I'll probably go with Kutana pants and Chugach jacket.

 

[MuleyFever]

I love Kuiu raingear. First set was Chugach and I currently run the Kutana storm shell. When these wear out I'll probably go with Kutana pants and Chugach jacket.

Kutana pants and Chugach jacket is my front runner right now.

 

[BlackSheep125]

Kuiu Kutana Storm Shell, Chugach or SG M5 for Alaska?

Did you end up picking one?

 

[MuleyFever]

Did you end up picking one?

I bought the Sitka Dewpoint and the KUIU Chugach. I ended up keeping the Chugach.

 

[BlackSheep125]

I bought the Sitka Dewpoint and the KUIU Chugach. I ended up keeping the Chugach.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[LostArra]

If you get "breathable" rain gear be sure to get some of this to occasionally restore the weatherproofness. It's simple and works well.

 

[TheCougar]

So does anyone make PU rain gear with pit zips and side vents?

 

[michaelanburaj]

The best way to look at waterproof breathable rain gear is it’s 99% waterproof. There are just some conditions having to do with the humidity, the dewpoint, the amount of body heat you are or are not producing that will affect the performance. I have hundreds of days spent in the rain in rain gear of different brands with clients with different brands of rain gear so I get to see the performance of all brands. just because the fabric has “wetted out” doesn’t mean the rain gear has failed. Just because the first layer underneath your rain gear has a bit of water on it doesnt mean your rain gear has failed. Have I been a little bit wet underneath my rain gear before?yes. Was I dry within a half an hour or an hour of being in my tent or under a tarp or while sitting still? yes. When you’re in rain, things are gonna get a little bit wet, but I’ve never been in rain gear that got me so wet that I wasn’t able to get dry quickly with just my body heat. nor has any clients rain gear I've seen.
Just compare the performance of your rain gear to having zero rain gear and you realize that even on its worst day waterproof breathable rain gear is still blocking 95-99% of the water.
In a sustained downpour, you got a manage rain gear, get under a tree for an hour. Let your body heat do some work, drying it out set up a tarp, you can’t just trudge along like you would on a sunny day in pouring down rain and actually expect to be 100% dry.
Also a lot of times you feel wet when you aren’t and sometimes your under layer can wick moisture from the membrane and backer which will have a wet feel to it which is normal.
Just trying to save some guys the trouble of buying a new 700 dollar rain suit when the one they have has the exact same technology and was probably made in the same factory.
My only experience is with 3L rain gear. I have not used any two 2L stuff. None of the hunting companies even have 2L

Great advice! Thanks