raingear

[WYO_ATL]

in two years of elk hunting, I've only had to wear rain gear for one afternoon, but I think it's something I should put a little money in to, just in case. I am looking to keep my budget around 120 for both pants and a jacket. I am wanting to take a closet look at the kings camo climatex suit. any other suggestions, or anything used out there?

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[elkyinzer]

I would recommend looking at Marmot Precip, nice well-tested budget raingear, it's worked pretty well for me at that pricepoint. Not camo...in my opinion, doesn't matter. They make a forest green color that is fine. Would not be my choice for rainforest hunting but plenty of protection for passing showers. I get about 2 years of heavy use out of the jacket before the seams and stuff start to break down and they get leaky. Maybe I could do some work to refurbish it, but for the price I just get another. I am on like my 4th jacket and 2nd pair of pants at this point.

 

[bz_711]

I picked up the Cabelas Space Rain jacket & pants back in 2010...very impressed with it.
As you mentioned...very infrequent use - I believe I've used 4 or 5 times in 6 years of elk camp...but that is why I like it so much as it packs down to nothing, very little weight...yet the one day that I wore it for nearly 8 hours during a rain/snow mix (while we packed out my buddies bull)...I had nothing but one long sleeve base layer under it and stayed warm and dry all day (it breathes very well). A few others in our group became believers that day and planned to order as well.

Just my .02...I'm sure other products just as good...I picked this stuff up on clearance at Cabelas but still paid close to $100 for full set.
I do feel it's mandatory to carry if there is any chance you'll be getting too far from camp/vehicle...staying dry key to staying alive in bad situations.

 

[xziang]

I am also a user of cabelas space rain jacket/pants. There are better options out there but for my use I'm happy with it. I don't usually hike through hard rain or bust brush with them so they didn't/don't need to be bomb proof. They serve my purpose and I've been happy with it for 2 seasons.

 

[rokclmb]

I use the Guide series suit from Gander mtn. Works great and only costs about $60 for jacket and pants. Lightweight and packable.

 

[TheCougar]

I would not recommend the cheaper rain gear. It has a poor waterproofness rating (if you kneel or sit down while the outside fabric is wet, it will push through the membrane and you will be wet) and poor breathability. In addition, most of them are only 1.5 (give or take) layer membranes that will eventually delaminate or tear. I hate it when people do this to me, but I would recommend saving your money and buying a piece of bombproof gear. KUIU makes excellent rain gear and I run the boundary stormtight from First Lite, which is also bombproof. Having side-zips on the pants alone makes it worth the money. Beware of any of the fabrics that have a suede-like outer face. The suede, although quiet, will absorb water which makes it weigh more, less breathable, and slow-drying. Preemptive: not trying to pick a fight with the fine gentlemen who run the space rain or other packable rain gear! I did that for years before upgrading. I ran the cabelas space rain for years, but the membrane and fabric did not hold up. I rarely use my rain gear for actual rain, but I am glad that on the rare occasions that I need it, I know it can be counted on to excel in the toughest conditions. If money is the primary issue, then I would save to buy a nice jacket first and get the pants later. FWIW...

 

[rokclmb]

I certainly agree with TheCougar that if you're looking for something bombproof to get the best you can afford. From the sound of the original post, WYO-ALT hasn't used and wont use often and may find a better use for the additional money. I only bow hunt and the weather is warmer and the suit I have has worked great for me in the application its used for. Best of luck!

 

[WYO_ATL]

I have decided to just stick with the rain gear I have (some nat gear that gets very heavy when wet and attracts every sticker in the woods) and save up to get something better. all of the stuff I look at in person in my price range was just the plastic stuff.

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[justinspicher]

I started out with the cabelas space saver rain jacket and tore it up. I kept buying new ones every season. I found a nice Patagonia jacket for a sweet price off craigslist, but because it was a blue color it wouldn't work for hunting very well. Two years ago I bought a pullover rain jacket made by kryptek. I really like it, but it didn't have any pockets. Last year I bought a First Lite stormtight jacket and love it. I use it as an outer shell all year long with either a puffy vest as insulation during the early season or a puffy jacket in the late season. Well with the money, but it sucks that First Lite quit making them.

 

[dreamingbig]

You can find last years stormlite on clearance if you shop around and are not picky on color.

They now have a heavier version (which I have heard is the cats meow) or a lighter version.


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[Curvebow]

A lot depends on your type of hunting. If near a vehicle or a day type hunt, I carry my Sitka. If on a backpack trip, Cabelas Space Rain Gear is the only way to go! Yes, it rips pretty easy, but I just duct tape it on the inside. Its the lightest, most compact and best working raingear for extended hunts, IMHO. You will carry it, so its there if and when you need or want it. Other, heavier stuff weighs more and takes up much more room, so you gamble with not hassling with it and sometimes, you lose....

 

[cgippe]

You should look at the KUIU Teton Pants and Jacket...I have the pants for sale for $80 let me know if interested.

 

[IdahoElk]

In addition to using when it rains I wear my rain jacket almost every night in camp to block any breeze and keep me warm,also when hiking predawn.

 

[cshore93]

I went with the Yukon Jacket and got rid of my guide jacket. Keeps me warm and dry. There is more room under it to layer as well. I'm happy with the switch!

 

[lkwoolsey]

I went with the Yukon Jacket and got rid of my guide jacket. Keeps me warm and dry. There is more room under it to layer as well. I'm happy with the switch!

Second that. I use the Yukon series wet weather gear and it is awesome. Durable and very breathable. Then again, I am from Washington...

 

[fngTony]

IMO King's climatex is not for hunting, not even for once a year use. Its like a pvc suit with pitzips. Has a huge cut like a cheap hoodie. Felt fragile, loud even for rain gear. Better for fishing.

The Kings xkg is decent. Like others said the Marmot precip is perfect for the price and only falls short in constant extreme weather. The laminates can be fragile. Try not to stuff them tight, fold and leave at the top of your pack or outer pocket to prevent being smashed.

Rain gear is also great fir wind blocking. Buy the best you can afford. I like the budget compromise with my jacket. Its pretty tuff, rain proof but not very breathable material. It does have pit zips and large mesh lined pockets for venting.

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[MesaHorseCo.]

I had a pair of those pieces of shit too, they didn't even need me to wear them to get em to rip...ripped in the mail. junk.

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

the tetons that is.

 

[Bughalli]

Cabelas space suit...super light weight and compact. I have yet to use it in 5 years during elk archery in NM, CO and ID. It did rain here or there, but not enough to justify pulling out rain gear. Gaiters were more useful since the grasses were wet. If I had or expected multiple days of rain, then I have a more robust set back at the truck.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

I got a set of Yukon gear for my moose hunt last year. And i realize it is way over kill for colorado elk but i cant justify spending another 120-150 on lighter weight rain gear when what i have is bomb proof. Its only gonna save me like a pound. in my opinion if what you have has been working stick with it unless your going on a hunt that you know could be bad conditions.