rain gear

ryansenechal

ryansenechal

Location
Victoria, BC, CAD
I'm doing my research on rain gear for the wet season and figured I'd check in with other arborists that work rain or shine. Looking for light, durable, full range of movement waterPROOF breathables.

So far I've looked at a fair bit of gear from quite a few manufacturers and can't really decide if it's worth going gore hard shell and under layering, or looking at a heavier stretch softshell with reasonable water proofing. It basically brings me to marmot and cloudveil's product.

Anyone?
 
I have a marmot rian suit for the rainy days , which lately have been everyday for almost a month now. Go with soft breathable and waterproof. Either way you go pack extra clothes you will be wet either from rain or persperation.
 
http://www.henrilloyd.com/index_marine.asp Best money I have ever spent on rain pants!

http://www.nascoinc.com/hivis/arclite.htm
I wear these rain jackets. They have a flap in the back that runs across the back for breathability. Lift this flap and there is a reinforced hole to pass your lanyrd from your full body harness through. This is key IMO. Nothing worse than wearing a soak and wet heavy full body harness, and then having it wet for days to come.
 
Ryan I've had this jacket for a while now and it's by far the best I've had. It's a cheap jacket but it's light, stretchy, tear-resistant and not at all bulky so it can be worn under a harness. The front is snaps rather than a zipper so it vents alright. I've had mine for three seasons and it's still totally waterproof. My only complaint is there are no cuffs, although they do make a model with the cuffs it also has front pockets so it's a little bulkier. They're usually around 60$. There's also the flame-retardent ones that are also stretchy but they are made of thinner stuff so my guess is they might not hold up so well.
 
Dont waste your cash on big dollar rain gear, if your paying more than a 100.00 your on glue,lol.
Ive learned this from experience, by a decent run of the mill rain coat, if you wear saw pants the rain pants are useless, again trust me.
By a big can of silicone and soak the jacket in it, this will help a bit to a lot with the nylon type.
Ive been through probably at least ten sets of 'good' gear, over the years, and none of it was any better than the most expensive(??), it all rips, gets thrashed, and doesn't keep you dry anyways.
Only good for the HARDSET downpours, otherwise my jacket sits in the truck.
If you live in a wet wet area, well okay maybe you need some, the best water defense I have ever had was the rubberized Vikings, or old Helly's, like fisherman use, the nylon will be soaked inside of an hour or two, and then it is just dead weight.
just my .02$ take care, good luck,
-G.
 
I have been rocking a field and stream rain suit for 2-3 years now doing tree work as well as working on the Christmas tree farm and got it on sale for $35 and it usually sells for around $100. Been super happy with it and has not ripped or torn or anything.
 
[PUC...what the DEVIL is with your avatar! Are you trying to overthrow EZ as the King of TB Avies?!]]



My Dad was a letter carrier for some years [this is before GoreTex type fabrics and water-proof breathables] and he had an axiom that still has legs:

You're either going to get wet from the outside or the inside.

Managing outside wet [rain] is as difficult as inside wet [persparation]. The Gore-type and Schoeller fabrics go a long way in making this a reality. Spray-on or wash-in treatments work too.

Today it's really hard to think about being chilled...100+ degrees in Dallas...blechhhhhh!
 
Ryan,

I will also put in a kudo for Helly Hanson's IT600 jacket that Gord mentioned and matching IT800 double bib pants. Won't break the bank, work well, and stand up to general abuse.

If you get the fluorescent Orange, they come with the reflective striping, a little extra safety when you're chipping stuff up roadside in the rain.

But what you really want is a pair of boots that won't get soaked standing in puddles but that work for climbing as well. If you ever find those, let me know!

Northwind
 
Appreciate the insight guys. I was down to capital iron yesterday and tried on the Helly IT pants and jacket and I like the profile and fit for sure. It's got a bit of stretch to it and is fairly nice and light. 70 bucks per piece, not bad.
 
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