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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Cheap Rain Gear
 
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kriley76
04/14/2019 01:36PM
 
Preferably under $100. I understand that walmart may not have the most trustworthy of equipment
 
old_salt
04/14/2019 11:14PM
 
Whatever you decide, carry a big roll of dust tape to repair the rips and holes.
 
schweady
04/14/2019 02:32PM
 
People scoff, but I have found that Frogg Toggs are actually quite excellent performers for the money.


Also, REI just came out with a new full featured lower cost model you should look at: Rainier
 
mjmkjun
04/14/2019 02:36PM
 
bobbernumber3: "kriley76: "...cheap, reliable rain gear..."
I think this is called an oxymoron. Seriously funny quest."

Thinking the same. Frogg Toggs start around $19.99 but I hear they rip easily if you're trekking a rough trail.
 
TomT
04/14/2019 02:31PM
 
I would check Sierra (formerly trading post). You can get a good deal on new old gear. Here's a nice deal to be jumped on!


Marmot Precip Jacket



 
overthehill
04/14/2019 02:40PM
 
Flek tarn gortex parka and pants too . German military surplus. "The Guide" and other surplus did have them. Durable and cheap. Might get a bit hot in July though. Not too heavy for what it does. I go in late May and it makes a nice shell.
 
JATFOMike
04/15/2019 05:43AM
 
Frogg Toggs actually has three lines of rain gear.....


- The über cheap $19.99 jacket /pant outfit that won't make it thru a weekend...
- the mid priced line that's $35-40 a piece, you buy the jacket and pants separate, the weak point was always the zipper, but a couple of years ago they upgraded that. It's made out of a heavy tyvek and is breathable. I wouldn't use it on a month long trip, but trust it for week long trips (which is all I can do right now) and it's worked fine....
- The higher end which generally costs over $100.00.....haven't tried yet...


Mike
 
Bumstead
04/15/2019 07:48AM
 
If you average it out over 10 years, you'd be happy you went with a little higher quality gear. Look toward a Goretex Paclite jacket like Marmot's Minimalist. And their precip pants together with the jacket should be around $200 or less if you search the web a bit. I've not regretted my Marmot Optima jacket purchase once (it seems to have been superceded by the Minimalist). Other companies offer jackets in this material and the rain protection is certainly superior to the lesser expensive jackets. My $.02.
 
Michwall2
04/15/2019 08:19AM
 
Check Campmor. They have Columbia brand rain gear in your price range right now. I have also gotten the Red Ledge brand rain gear from Campmor that has giving me good service at a reasonable price.
 
shipsgunner
04/23/2019 09:55AM
 
I went to Alaska last year to do the "Cruise" and also took several days to explore that wonderful state before the cruise started. What a fabulous trip! One thing I noticed was that much of the state gets alot of rain, in some cases over 200" annually. I also noticed that most of the guides (who took us fishing) and crews on the small tour boat tours and the local fishing folks were typically all wearing either Grunden's (think the Gorton's Fisherman) or Helly Hanson gear. Most of the "trendy hipster boutique" stuff was never seen except on the tourists (myself included). So being the bold gear junky I am, I had to ask. Most were happy to share what they thought of their gear as some of it was "branded" by the company they were working for but in all cases, I got only "I wouldn't wear any other brand"... that meant alot to me so I ordered one of the Helly Hanson Dubliner Jackets and pants... about $200 for both. I have had them for a few months and just happened to wear it the other day when we had a crazy rain storm... the water beaded completely off of it, no saturation. It is breathable and really comfortable in my honest opinion and I really like it. I now have Duluth Trading, TNF, Columbia, Frogg Togs, and Helly Hanson rain jackets... All but the HH jackets are now closet queens because I only wear the Dubliner. HH is a Scandinavian company and have been around over 140 years but I don't for the life of me know why I never ran into them until we went to Alaska... Oh well. One thing of note, they are really designed to meet most sizes and as such their 5XL is actually what I ordered when I typically order 3XL. It gives supposedly provides alot of "fit options" and for me the 5XL gave me enough room to wear a fleece (TNF :) ) underneath it and still not look like a "tent".


Not selling a brand but if you are looking at mid-priced reliable rain gear, these might just fit the requirement.


Cheers
SG



 
Frenchy19
04/15/2019 11:03AM
 
KarlBAndersen1: ""Cheap rain gear" = cheap rain protection."


Agree. Even if you only use the stuff occasionally, I believe this is one item worth the expenditure of some cash. You run into one of those week-long wet trips, the rain gear can make the difference. A couple years ago I was on a 14 day trek, and it rained on 11 of them.
 
snakecharmer
04/15/2019 07:56PM
 
"Reliable" will cost right around $200 :)
 
HowardSprague
04/16/2019 08:10AM
 
check Sierra or Steep and Cheap
 
OCDave
04/14/2019 04:30PM
 
Frogg Toggs have not been durable enough for me to consider them a cheap option. I haven't had a set last more than 2-3 trips when I actually had to use them. I figure the cost is more than $10 per trip for Frog Toggs.


Dick's Sporting Goods and REI frequently have the Marmot Precip Jacket marked down in the $65-70 dollar range. Mine have lasted more than a decade and with a reapplication of the DWR coating they continue to serve me well. At this point cost is less than $7 per year.


The Marmot Precip pants did not work for me. Dick's sell Columbia rain pants, $50 MSRP. Again, mine have lasted more than a decade with heavy use.


I use this rain gear as my rain protection, outer insulating layer and wind protection layer. It gets used every trip. It has been subjected to grime, campfire smoke and embers, abrasion from backpack and portage pack straps, several machine washings and more but, still looks good. At this point its cost is pennies per use. I consider that cheap.



 
flytyer
04/14/2019 05:19PM
 
Check LL Bean.


https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/121904?page=men-s-trail-model-rain-jacket&bc=12-26-593&feat=593-GN1&csp=f


My rain gear from them has lasted many years. I have reapplied the DWR once or twice.
 
KarlBAndersen1
04/15/2019 06:53AM
 
"Cheap rain gear" = cheap rain protection.
 
nebelwerfer41
04/16/2019 10:25PM
 
To counter all the comments that Frogg Toggs will tear or rip instantly and are worthless, last year I bought a pair of off-brand Tyvek pants ($30 or $40 at Dick's Sporting goods) for a trip last September. My existing pair of rain pants had recently torn and I needed something cheap and lightweight for an 8-day trip. It rained or snowed every one of those 8 days and the pants held up very well (I was wearing a Marmot Precip jacket). Never had to repair and I never had any bleed-through on even the worst days. Realize their limitations (i.e., you aren't going to go brush-busting with them) and they will keep you dry.
 
kriley76
04/14/2019 11:57AM
 
Anyone have any cheap, reliable rain gear ideas? Truthfully will not use too often so looking to not break the bank.

Thank you
 
HowardSprague
04/17/2019 07:51AM
 
Jackfish: "Cabelas used to carry a coated nylon set of packable rain gear that I recommended all the time when folks would ask the question you did. Jacket was around $40 and the pants around $20. Unfortunately, they don't carry the set anymore. Maybe you could find a similar set elsewhere. They were actually more than capable of handling several years of canoe trips."


Pete - I specifically remember you recommending that set, both here & on CCBB! I still have a set, as backup raingear, which I got when it was on sale even cheaper-- probably because it's brown, LOL.
I think maybe they've replaced it with this model, since the price is in the ballpark...


Cabelas Rain Stopper


There's also some inexpensive stuff on the Columbia website Columbia waterproof
Read the specs though - make sure it's waterproof not water resistant. And breathability - I have a set of Columbia Ibex which I know will keep me dry, but it's pretty rubbery and not breathable, and I'd only wear it in colder weather and with long sleeves underneath.

 
WHendrix
04/14/2019 07:26PM
 
Check out the bargain attic at Midwest Mountaineering. I bought a pretty good rain jacket there several years ago for a good price.
 
boonie
04/14/2019 08:17PM
 
Check out this one reviewed here on sale.
 
jhb8426
04/14/2019 08:19PM
 
mjmkjun: "bobbernumber3: "kriley76: "...cheap, reliable rain gear..."
I think this is called an oxymoron. Seriously funny quest."

Thinking the same. Frogg Toggs start around $19.99 but I hear they rip easily if you're trekking a rough trail. "

Yep bought a set of the $19.99 rain jacket/pants. Zipper ripped out after a couple of uses. Not worth the $$.
 
straighthairedcurly
04/14/2019 06:58PM
 
Keep your eye on REI Outlet (online). I bought a nice raincoat for my husband for less than $50. Now I just have to convince him to use it in place of his 5 lb. military issue raincoat when we go to the BW.


I have also found brand new Columbia raincoats for less than $20 at the thrift store near us.
 
OCDave
04/14/2019 07:38PM
 
WHendrix: "Check out the bargain attic at Midwest Mountaineering. I bought a pretty good rain jacket there several years ago for a good price."


Great stuff if you're size Medium. I have never found anything upstairs, other than socks, sized XL. (Sad faced emoji here)
 
Jackfish
04/14/2019 09:19PM
 
Cabelas used to carry a coated nylon set of packable rain gear that I recommended all the time when folks would ask the question you did. Jacket was around $40 and the pants around $20. Unfortunately, they don't carry the set anymore. Maybe you could find a similar set elsewhere. They were actually more than capable of handling several years of canoe trips.
 
mgraber
04/15/2019 02:40PM
 
Frenchy19: "KarlBAndersen1: ""Cheap rain gear" = cheap rain protection."



Agree. Even if you only use the stuff occasionally, I believe this is one item worth the expenditure of some cash. You run into one of those week-long wet trips, the rain gear can make the difference. A couple years ago I was on a 14 day trek, and it rained on 11 of them. "



Words of wisdom. Been there, and done that, and was thankful for good gear.7 straight days of rain and temps from 35-55 will convince you!!
 
Abbey
04/16/2019 07:50AM
 
OCDave: "WHendrix: "Check out the bargain attic at Midwest Mountaineering. I bought a pretty good rain jacket there several years ago for a good price."



Great stuff if you're size Medium. I have never found anything upstairs, other than socks, sized XL. (Sad faced emoji here)"



^^^^
I’ve found stuff for the kids, but never in my size.
 
LilyPond
04/16/2019 10:50PM
 
flytyer: "Check LL Bean. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/121904?page=men-s-trail-model-rain-jacket&bc=12-26-593&feat=593-GN1&csp=f My rain gear from them has lasted many years. I have reapplied the DWR once or twice."


Well, I'd say you were lucky. I've owned THREE Trail Model jackets. On every one of the them the lining peeled badly after about 18 months---this is a known defect on this jacket, which Bean say's they've fixed recently with a new supplier. All of my Trail Model jackets had very little waterproofing ability, could not stand up to a moderate 20-minute rain. I would never trust the Trail Model on cold spring and fall days where staying dry could be a matter of survival.


I got a Cabela's Rainy River jacket with Gore-Tex for $65 on sale. It has been great. It's $130 regular price though. For something cheaper, how about the Cabelas Rain Stopper, $50? https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-MENS-RAINSTOPPER-JACKET-W-REP/2203670.uts?slotId=6 Quote: "Stay bone dry through extended downpours in our Men's Rain Stopper Jacket. 4MOST REPEL water-repellent technology and fully sealed seams keep every last drop of moisture out – all while maximizing breathability for all-day comfort." I'm not familiar with this jacket but it looks good for the price. There is a range of "waterproofness" in terms of how hard and how long it rains. For cold weather you should look for a material that will hold up in worse conditions than you expect to be in.


Backpackers say that all jackets with a laminated coating won't hold up in a long, hard rain, regardless of the brand, and that Gore-Tex and related materials are what you need in those conditions.
 
drnatus
04/17/2019 12:28PM
 
I have personally used Marmot Precip, REI event, uber cheap frogg toggs, cableas gort ex and a cheap vinyl suit. My kids have used columbia rain jackets.


Nothing breathes like the Frogg Toggs and they keep you warm. The pants are frustrating as they continually fall down and legs drag in the mud. I would only count on the jacket for 2 trips, but I have had them last me a lot longer.


Marmot precip "delaminated" on me (although one could not tell by looking at it) I cannot trust it.


REI event and Cableas gortex do not breathe enough for me. (no pit zips on gortex)


Columbia jackets needed constant upkeep to stay water repellent. Not worth it.


Vinyl--- keeps the rain out but one sweats so much you will be soaked anyway.


What I am currently using is the uber cheap frogg toggs jacket combined with gortex pants when weight is a concern. When weight is not a concern, gortex it is. I would love to try the newer REI gortex (MUST HAVE PIT ZIPS!!!) or Arc'teryx gortex when I am willing to spend the big $$$



 
Canoeit
04/17/2019 12:36PM
 
if the weather takes a turn for the worst that cheap raingear can become a dangerous situation. On a late September trip last fall it rained a lot. The last day the weather took a turn and my buddy's cheap raingear wasn't up to the task if we wouldn't have gotten a break in the weather and had to stay another night my buddy would have been in a bad situation with no dry close and the temps dropping. lesson learned.
 
salukiguy
04/17/2019 01:05PM
 
I'm not recommending it but this brought back memories of my first couple of trips where we used cheap vinyl ponchos from Kmart. If they got caught on something they would begin to tear and so wouldn't last long. It actually worked out ok for a mid summer trip where you only had to deal with an occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
 
MikeinMpls
04/18/2019 01:12PM
 
I have a North Face black basic rain jacket. Second that I've owned. My first was long enough in the back for my butt to be covered on a wet seat. It also cinched at the waist, because it was longer, so it ended up being warmer when required. Two-way zippers, pit zips, hooded with a high collar. I don't think they make it anymore, but worth asking. I doubt it was more than $100.

Since that one wore out, I have the same model, just shorter. It doesn't have the butt flap and doesn't cinch at the waist like my first one did because it's shorter. It still has an adjustable elastic waist. Again, I'm not sure of the price, but I don't think it was more than $1000.

I know North Face sometimes gets a bad rap as some see the brand as more about status than functionality. That said, these jackets are tough, durable and have served me well.

Mike
 
Basspro69
04/18/2019 02:16PM
 
Frenchy19: "KarlBAndersen1: ""Cheap rain gear" = cheap rain protection."
Agree. Even if you only use the stuff occasionally, I believe this is one item worth the expenditure of some cash. You run into one of those week-long wet trips, the rain gear can make the difference. A couple years ago I was on a 14 day trek, and it rained on 11 of them. "

+1
 
Jackfish
04/14/2019 12:25PM
 
Define cheap. Less than $200? Less than $100? Walmart $4.99 poncho? :)
 
bobbernumber3
04/14/2019 01:50PM
 
kriley76: "...cheap, reliable rain gear..."


I think this is called an oxymoron. Seriously funny quest.

 
MReid
04/15/2019 12:30PM
 
I've used the lightweight/stretchy Helly Hansen Impertech with good results . I really don't like PacLite as the waterproof film is against the skin and always feels wet even if it isn't. The HH is a lot cheaper, too. I've read lots of good comments on the Marmot mentioned previously, but haven't tried it. Helly Hansen Impertech
 
PaddleAway
04/15/2019 08:59PM
 
Jackfish: "Cabelas used to carry a coated nylon set of packable rain gear that I recommended all the time when folks would ask the question you did. Jacket was around $40 and the pants around $20. Unfortunately, they don't carry the set anymore. Maybe you could find a similar set elsewhere. They were actually more than capable of handling several years of canoe trips."


Thanks for saving me the time, I was going to search for these again. I had this set too. Bought in 1998 & my jacket lasted 20 years. Finally failed me last year in a torrential downpour headed into Wood Lake - well, I say failed, but none of our four rain jackets kept that river of water out.


My "expensive" rain jacket (can't recall the brand) lasted just a few years & when it failed in Quetico in October, I nearly came down with hypothermia.


I'll be following these recommendations closely!