rain gear for climbers?

[livefreeordie]

Someone please come to my rescue....I am searching for a set of durable/breathable rain gear for climbing. i have used several different sets from eastern mountain sports all of which are very breathable and nice, but not quite durable enough. any suggestions welcome...please help me stay dry this season.

 

[macswan]

Wesspur has great rain pants. Ive been climbing in them for months. They paid for themselves on the first day when the water running(like an open tap) down my line into my lap did not ruin my morning. Grundens makes them. I got the $50 dolla holla and they're awesome. The $100 are possibly even better.

 

[cashmoneytreeboy]

not going to tell ya cause there hard to come by in new england,

 

[CreTree]

Mountain Hardwear are the best I've found. Still rip occasionally if caught the wrong way, but watch what you're doing and they are awesome.

 

[hesanarborist]

After destroying an expensive pair of rain pants in one climb, I get the cheapest possible and duct tape them as the day goes on. Awful solution I know but I can't bare ruining a nice set in just one day

 

[familytree]

REI makes a nice set. Expensive as hell but I've had em for 3 years and if they rip I just bring them back because I'm an REI member.

So far I've never ripped my coat or pants.

Probably because of how handsome/awesome I am.

Yep. That's it.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Sierra Trading Post is a great source of gear at reasonable prices.

Be sure to wear the right fabrics underneath. Cotton is NOT a good choice. Being wet from the inside and wearing cotton will lead to chills.

Softshell clothing is really nice! Nikwax makes some wash-in products that work pretty darn well!

 

[ratherbclimbing]

I second that Tom, Sierra Trading Post is a great spot. If you pay attention everything is on sale and there is usually a promo code for 10-25% off at the top of the homepage to be used at checkout.

 

[BostonBull]

Henry LLoyd, it is designed for sailing and sail racing. I have had a pair of their bibs for nearly 5 years. They arent cheap, I got this pair on clearance at West marine for $175, but well worth it!

http://us.henrilloyd.com/

 

[TFord]

Patagonia Torrentshell jacket @ about 120$ is light and durable. Then I wear winter biking tights under my Sip chainsaw pants. I'm in Oregon and we have to climb in the rain for months on end.

 

[SumoClimber]

The best set of raingear I have found so far is a remnant from my days dragging cars with a tow truck. ANSI class 3, and reflective as all get out. Occunomix is the manufacturer, and it's part of their speed collection. I ordered them from http://www.truckntow.com/ years back, but I don't see the speed collection raingear listed.

pants
http://www.occunomix.com/details2009.php?id=516&cat_id=64&subcat_id=133

jacket
http://www.occunomix.com/details2009.php?id=515&cat_id=64&subcat_id=133

 

[Treespotter]

My favourite is Bergans of Norway. They have great flexibility, best breathable and 100% rain proof combined in their gear.
My mate Jelte was an Arcteryx fan and the dude Tamil I nowadays work with is a Mammut fan.
Don't sell yourself short. Good rain gear costs money big time but is worth every penny.

 

[zale]

I have had a set from Cabelas- Guide Wear series. Had the set for 6 years with no problems.

 

[bwktreeserv]

Find some high end (waterproof and breathable) gear from a bike shop! They tend to be lightweight and very waterproof and durable while still breathing. I live in the pacific northwest so I think that counts as a good testing ground! Brands like Endura, Showers's pass, etc... and they all come in "high-vis" colors which is an added benefit in our line of work! Hope this helps.

-BEN

 

[chewbacca]

I use ski pants (shell,bibs) as rain pants. They seem to be more abrasion/tear resistant.

 

[bonner1040]

Carhart J162 and B216 are far and above the best rain gear available for work.

http://www.amazon.com/Carhartt-Waterproo...9826&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Carhartt-Waterproo...9773&sr=8-1

Get the long size in jacket as it covers your waist better!

They are around $100/piece but well worth it. Full double front on the pants, all breathes, 100% waterproof, wind proof, full zip legs, removable hood, hood fits over helmet, cuffs, vents, everything.

Super durable!

THE BEST!

 

[Gord]

http://www.helly.ca/EN/products/104-product.cfm

I've worn nothing but helly hansens impertech for years. Super lightweight, no pockets or doodads to catch on anything and nice to tuck under your belt, stretchy and surprisingly durable. I usually get a few seasons out of a jacket at 60$ a pop. The fabric is not breathable but the snap closure lets lots of air move around.

If youre not so concerned about the lightweight/stretch factor, there's this one too.

http://www.helly.ca/EN/products/88-product.cfm

So tough they have a tag inside warning you not to longline equipment will wearing it.

 

[SeanRuel]

Bump
Any new thoughts on rain gear

 

[Jonny]

Seems like even high quality stuff with well placed vents just turn into a sauna suit for me. Vents on trousers are designed to let air flow throughout the garment, but strapping a saddle on over them just cuts off that ventilation. Groin and butt area feels like I’d been sitting in a big hot bowl of gravy. I’d rather go without and just get wet.


I still got my Army issue rain trousers and jacket. Really well made, tough material and construction. Was nice when I used to ride a motorcycle and got caught in the rain, or to go play in the mud on an ATV.

 

[southsoundtree]

Arbortec smocks are nice. My medium is a little to small for me.

Arborwear tech pants are Teflon coated, which helps. I've never tried to apply a refresher of water-repellant.