? about rain gear

Taking a poll here -

On rain gear - do you all wear a packable type rain gear that you put on over the rest of your clothes only when needed?

Or do you wear the rain gear if you "think" you'll need it instead of packing it around.

I was just wondering - on pants - it almost seems like it'd be good go get some good ones that have other features and just wear them with a base layer under neath and wear them daily. On the jacket, it may make sense to just get one that goes on only in the rain.

Wondered what you were doing?

Weight is an issue as we'll be packed in on horses....

Kuiu Chugach.

Light and easy to pack. I don't use it much but I always have it in camp.














Stay thirsty my friends

It's hard to beat Kuiu or Sitka for light weight and compactness. They both breath very well. My Sitka have held up very well in super wet conditions in Alaska. One thing you need to remember before pulling the trigger on a rain jacket is don't buy one that doesn't have pitzips! Having good ventilation is super important!

A lot depends on how active I am and the weather/area I'll be spending time. If I'm in SE Alaska fishing or hunting for bears from a boat I would likely grab a Halley Hansen rubberized suit. If I'm going to be active hiking I would likely grab my Sitka raingear. I've gotten wet from the inside-out hiking with the same rubberized HH suits.

If you can't afford Sitka or Kuiu there is another option that is compact, breathes well, and is about 1/4 the price. I've had incredible luck with Marmot Precip pants and jackets. In fact, I bought another set of them the other day on sale at Sierra Trading for $50 each using their discount code. You can't beat that! I often wear the Precips fishing and when I don't need camo. I can guarantee...not all gortex is created equally! Precip is some great stuff...and cheap!

How about quietness of the Marmot Precip?

Anyone had experience with the Core4Element rain gear?

The Marmot precip are similar in quietness to Sitka. They aren't quiet but not super noisy. I would think most quiet cloth material would soak up water and dry fairly slowly so I imagine there is a trade-off.

I have a set of mad dog rain gear that I keep in my pack all the time it is fairly quiet and decent on repelling rain or walking through wet brush most likely not the best or the most expensive but it works for me