I have been the guy who wears lower budget gear (school teacher's budget) while out and about. However, my recent trip to Arkansas my Drake rain jacket received a new title, The Drake Sponge. I am looking at the Sitka wader jacket.

I have one light jacket made by Sitka that weighs only about 10-12 ounces. It is perfect to be in the pack in the mountains all the time. Very high quality.

I own several Sitka products I use for hunting. It's good stuff, but the prices are a little absurd, especially for just "out and about". I have purchased all my Sitka products on sale. I do not have a rain jacket from them. I purchased the First Lite Vapor Stormlight rain jacket about 3 years ago. I got it on sale for $165 (retails for $250). I've used it in two torrential downpours in the BWCA and several hunting trips and stayed dry. That being said, I'd look at Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Helly Hansen, or Outdoor Research for a rain jacket. They all stand behind their products and will replace or refund if you are not satisfied. These mountaineering companies often have more tried and true outdoor products at lower prices than the "hunting" lines.

I got a Delta Wading Jacket a couple years ago after my "rain" gear failed on opening day. Really like it, layer underneath as needed. Very warm on its own since the gore is a great wind blocker. Never was convinced on the Gore idea until I got a Klim kit for the motorcycle. Rode from Merrillville Indiana to Green Bay in the rain and 50 degrees. Stayed warm and dry. The others on the ride weren't able to say the same. That being said, I'm still not convinced that during an activity requiring any amount of exertion that it will breathe enough that you don't end up as wet from sweating as you would from the rain.

2rivers - I emailed you Friday with a suggestion.
If you didn’t get it-let me know and I’ll resend it.

Never got it.

Unless you need/want the rain gear for hunting also I would start your search by looking at companies that don't specialize in hunting gear. Companies like Sitka and First Lite make exceptional gear but I feel like you pay a premium for the camo pattern and because its designed for hunting. If you just need to stay warm and dry but not hide from a deer or elk you can probably find some good quality gear for a bit cheaper elsewhere. I will say though that good gear is still not cheap even without the camo. I do feel like rain gear is worth investing in though as it can save you from a really miserable experience and its the type of gear that could last you a long time.

Yes, I am looking for hunting gear that will also work on other adventures like the BWCA.

2rivers: "Never got it."

Just resent the email again - try emailing me if you don't get the 2nd one either.

2rivers: "Yes, I am looking for hunting gear that will also work on other adventures like the BWCA. "

I have multiple pieces of Sitka Gear, most of it a contest prize. I have a few pieces of Kuiu gear, bought on sale. I can unreservedly recommend all of it. I am a hunter and former SAR dog handler who has worn and worn out many, many pieces of outdoor clothing, including the first generation of Gore-Tex products. The stuff works, including during heavy exertion. When the relative humidity in the atmosphere gets in the way of shedding moisture from your body, wicking base layers will keep you going.