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fraxinus
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Besides being good for rain, a good pair of rain pants are very useful as an added layer to add warmth amd wind resistance. You're adding a good lightweight packable layer that adds warmth and wind protection. I like these guys, Outdoor Gear Lab , for gear reviews, this is a link to their tests on 2022 rain pants. they cover quite a few options. I've had a pair of Goretex REI rain pants for about 15 years, still in great shape, have used them for paddling, hiking, camping, golf, cross country skiing, very versatiule good investment.
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Oldtown13
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Take a look at Grundens rain stuff. A lot of commercial fisherman use them. Their lower cost rain gear is NOT breathable/gortex, but it is durable and very waterproof. If he's just paddling in cold rain and not doing a bunch of hiking, these work great and not very expensive.
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OCDave
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straighthairedcurly: "My son has never worn rain pants on any of his BWCA/Quetico trips even when out for a month. We typically do trips in the summer so it has been a non-issue. However, he is going to be paddling the Thelon River in Nunavut and the weather could be quite cold and nasty so he needs some rain pants. He may never end up wearing them, but better to be prepared and it is likely he swears he will never use them again so he doesn't want me to spend much money. We tried unsuccessfully to find some at thrift stores, so the time has come to decide what to buy.
Should I just get him the ultra-light Frogg Toggs? Will they hold up long enough for his 40 day trip?
Or should I spend a little more? Any rain pants under $100 that people have liked?"
I have spent $100 on a pair of Marmot Rain pants I hated. I could not keep them from sliding down my behind. I found some Columbia rain pants for $50 at Dicks that I have loved for years. Both my son's grew through a few pair of these to get through Boy Scouts.
Just checked Dick's web site - These are still just $50
Good Luck
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jhb8426
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Skip the cheap frogg toggs. Spend a little more and get something a bit better. I wish I had...
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907Tundra
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As an Alaskan with multiple float trips north of the Arctic Circle I agree with Oldtown. Staying warm can be a challenge even in summer. Not saying it’s always cold, as it can get really hot as well, but it can get quite chilly on a long rainy day of paddling. I always take quick drying poly tops and bottoms that I can layer under rain gear and easily dry when the weather permits
Grunden makes good affordable durable gear including some breathable styles.
Here are a couple options
Grundens Men’s Weather Watch Fishing Pants | Waterproof, Breathable
Grundens Men’s Weather Watch Sport Fishing Bib Trousers | Waterproof, Stain-Resistant
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gravelroad
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I started buying Gore-Tex rainwear when the rest of you were watching "Sesame Street." ;-) I have worn it on SAR missions in AK, ME, MN, NH, OR, VT and WA. I have worn it hunting in MN and NH.
I realize it has its limitations in constant rain. As a SAR colleague in WA put it: "You can get wet from the inside with waterproof outerwear, or you can get wet from the outside with GoreTex. But you are gonna get wet eventually."
For the purpose described, I can think of nothing more suitable than these bibs. I'm on my second pair; the first pair started to wear at the cuffs after a mere six years of frequent use. If you buy them, get one size up. They run a touch small and you'll want room for layering.
Original German army trousers GoreTex Bib
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straighthairedcurly
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OCDave: "straighthairedcurly: "My son has never worn rain pants on any of his BWCA/Quetico trips even when out for a month. We typically do trips in the summer so it has been a non-issue. However, he is going to be paddling the Thelon River in Nunavut and the weather could be quite cold and nasty so he needs some rain pants. He may never end up wearing them, but better to be prepared and it is likely he swears he will never use them again so he doesn't want me to spend much money. We tried unsuccessfully to find some at thrift stores, so the time has come to decide what to buy.
Should I just get him the ultra-light Frogg Toggs? Will they hold up long enough for his 40 day trip?
Or should I spend a little more? Any rain pants under $100 that people have liked?"
I have spent $100 on a pair of Marmot Rain pants I hated. I could not keep them from sliding down my behind. I found some Columbia rain pants for $50 at Dicks that I have loved for years. Both my son's grew through a few pair of these to get through Boy Scouts.
Just checked Dick's web site - These are still just $50
Good Luck"
Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. There were some great options, but some were not available in our tight time frame. We ended up getting the Columbia rain pants at Dick's for $50. They had one left in his size at our local store.
I had been willing to buy him rain gear from Enlightened Equipment, because I absolutely love my stuff from there (never had anything before EE that could keep me dry from rain AND sweat), but my son really didn't want me to spend any money on something he believes he will hardly ever, ever wear. So the Columbia ones are a reasonable compromise...he will have something so I can sleep at night and he is okay that they didn't cost much.
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pastorjsackett
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On my first portage last Friday, my rain pants slipped to my ankles before I could take three steps.
I hate rain pants. The bib idea was good to hear and the thoughts about internal wetness (sweat) vs. external (rain) were helpful too.
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pamonster
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I, too, hate spending too much on rain pants as they always seem to rip. I've had a pair of Marmot Precip full zip pants that I did pay ~$60 for that have lasted me through a lot of abuse. Adjustable waist with velcro tabs so zero falling down and I've trudged miles through the brush in them.
I actually wear them for pushing deer more than anything. I can keep warm in them without a lot of bulk underneath and not get covered in cockelburs & stuff. I got a rip in them a couple years back but some gorilla tape on both sides has fixed it and has survived several washings. Still keeping the wet out too. For $60 I'd do it again.
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yogi59weedr
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Spend the money....
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straighthairedcurly
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My son has never worn rain pants on any of his BWCA/Quetico trips even when out for a month. We typically do trips in the summer so it has been a non-issue. However, he is going to be paddling the Thelon River in Nunavut and the weather could be quite cold and nasty so he needs some rain pants. He may never end up wearing them, but better to be prepared and it is likely he swears he will never use them again so he doesn't want me to spend much money. We tried unsuccessfully to find some at thrift stores, so the time has come to decide what to buy.
Should I just get him the ultra-light Frogg Toggs? Will they hold up long enough for his 40 day trip?
Or should I spend a little more? Any rain pants under $100 that people have liked?
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unshavenman
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Yep, given the remote location and possible weather conditions, spend the money on a good pair of Gore-Tex rain pants. It may be money very well spent.
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Northwoodsman
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Spend the money. They need to breathe. If they don't breathe his pants will be soaking wet from body moisture and he will get very cold. This is my biggest issue with almost any rain gear.
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merlyn
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I have a pair from Coleman that were around $30. They have a mesh style lining that catches on your boots pulling them on but helps keep moisture from collecting and were great as a windproof layer this May. They held up well and didn't snag and tear and actually kept the rain out! I have an ultra light Frogg Togs set that I have taped and shoe gooed in a dozen places, definitely will not hold up to ANY rough treatment.
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OMGitsKa
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I bought some standard rain pants by Marmot and they have worked great. Nothing fancy, not super expensive, and do the job fine.
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PineKnot
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OCDave: "straighthairedcurly: "My son has never worn rain pants on any of his BWCA/Quetico trips even when out for a month. We typically do trips in the summer so it has been a non-issue. However, he is going to be paddling the Thelon River in Nunavut and the weather could be quite cold and nasty so he needs some rain pants. He may never end up wearing them, but better to be prepared and it is likely he swears he will never use them again so he doesn't want me to spend much money. We tried unsuccessfully to find some at thrift stores, so the time has come to decide what to buy.
Should I just get him the ultra-light Frogg Toggs? Will they hold up long enough for his 40 day trip?
Or should I spend a little more? Any rain pants under $100 that people have liked?"
I have spent $100 on a pair of Marmot Rain pants I hated. I could not keep them from sliding down my behind. I found some Columbia rain pants for $50 at Dicks that I have loved for years. Both my son's grew through a few pair of these to get through Boy Scouts.
Just checked Dick's web site - These are still just $50
Good Luck"
+1. Been using Columbia rain pants for nearly 15+ years....not the best, but certainly better than most for around $50. I usually get them online from Columbia when they have them on sale. Both my boys have used them as they grew up doing canoe trips. They work well, unless you get a period of non-stop rain/drizzle for several days...then like most rain pants in more extreme conditions, they'll eventually wet out....
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theshrewdloon
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Full endorsement of the somewhat lightweight Grundens rain bibs. They may be a little more difficult to get on and off and pee while wearing, but regular rain pants always leave a vulnerability on the waistline that these bibs allow you to usurp and thus retain warmth and stay dry. Got mine in Alaska like ten years ago and they're still going strong.
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