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Okay I dont know how much everyone on here knows about these rain suits as we do live in AZ and we don't really need that much rain gear on our trips. But when I go to Alaska this summer I will need to be buying one of these suits, a jacket and pants. I looked online and they are pretty expensive, quite the investment. So I just am wondering if anyone knows anything about these? Specifically, what brand or kind of jacket would give me the most bang for my buck? I dont want to cheap out and get a piece of crap, but I definitely don't want to overspend if I don't have to since Im not made of money.
Thanks for your help guys in advance. Hopefully someone on here knows a thing or two about rain suits at least.

I'm pretty satisfied with Marmot PreCip which I've been using for almost ten years now. I have both half-zip and full-zip pants. You can sure spend a lot more, but unless you're going off-trail, you probably don't need anything tougher or heavier. I've had a couple generations of real GoreTex stuff, but it's been a long time since I took any backpacking.

I started anteing up for Mountain Hardwear gear a few years ago instead of going cheap and have never gone back; price tag aside, it does what it advertises and stands up to everything as expected.

Ok I was browsing and saw some Cabela's Gore tex rain suit and pants and these one's were the best priced of all the ones I've seen. They were rated pretty good on the websites I went to, and some people talked about using them in Colorado, or on a fishing trip in Alaska and how great they were. Does anyone have any experience with these suits? Its what Im leaning toward buying right now.
I think more specifically its called
Cabela's Rainy River Gore tex Paclite Parka and
Cabela's Rainy River Gore Tex Paclite Pants.

big_load wrote:I'm pretty satisfied with Marmot PreCip which I've been using for almost ten years now. I have both half-zip and full-zip pants. You can sure spend a lot more, but unless you're going off-trail, you probably don't need anything tougher or heavier. I've had a couple generations of real GoreTex stuff, but it's been a long time since I took any backpacking.

I'll second the PreCip. I don't have the pants (I use the REI ultralight pants because they were inexpensive and I don't have much cause to wear them often), but the jacket has been awesome. Depending on what you're doing you may consider something a little heavier, if you'll be thrashing through brush or anything the PreCip may be a little light for you, but I haven't found anything that's been as breathable for so long.

Phoenix Craigslist >>> "Arc'teryx Hard Shell Jacket *Brand New* never worn Gore-Tex XCR - $125 (Scottsdale)"

google Frog Toggs
best bang for the $14 set
its coated tyvek of some sort and is basically like hospital scrubs. the run BIG so size small would fit you.

te-wa wrote:google Frog Toggs

I saw those at Dick's tonight. Have you used these? Its got to hold up to 14 days in the Arctic Circle. Once Im out there I've got what I've got, dont want to cheap out and be stuck wet and cold the whole time.

Im looking into the Precip Plus, and also looking at some different Gore Tex suits, will probably go down to REI shortly and try some on to see how they feel. Precip sounds solid, just want to see it and wear it before I buy it.

hikeaz wrote:Arc'teryx Hard Shell Jacket *Brand New* never worn Gore-Tex XCR - $125 (Scottsdale)"

I looked at it, looks like it was size large, might be a bit big on me. Definitely looks like a steal if it fits though.

I keep some Frogg Toggs in the car for unexpected rain. I they work OK, but I wouldn't take them anywhere that's too brushy. Have fun in Alaska, by the way. Depending on when and where, you could be wearing rain gear much of the time. The wind can be hellacious, too. I like having a shell with a shapeable hood, so you keep it from blowing off without closing down the face hole.

big_load wrote:I wouldn't take them anywhere that's too brushy

I dont think it will be brushy, we will be in tundra most if not all of the time.

I think Im going to try either a less expensive Gore tex suit or, a Marmot Precip Plus rain jacket.

I have had a precip as well for many years. Doesn't get much use in AZ, but it has worked when I needed it too. They occasionally go on clearance for around $69.

For anyone who cares, I went with the Marmot Oracle with Precip Plus, a fairly affordable price actually, much cheaper than the Gore Tex ones. We might get some rain on Sunday during the trans supes hike, perfect chance to try them out.

I bought myself a rain suit for Christmas, but have yet to use it. I wish I would have seen this thread earlier so I could have advised that you get a top with pit vents.

JamesLyding wrote:I bought myself a rain suit for Christmas, but have yet to use it. I wish I would have seen this thread earlier so I could have advised that you get a top with pit vents.

Yes!! Good point, James...Very important if you plan to have the thing on for more than five minutes while you sweat!

I think you'll be happy w/the Marmot. I wore mine a great deal in Alaska, including a 9+ hour Kenai Fjords boat ride, on deck the majority of the time in pouring rain, wind, and 7 ft swells, where it not only kept me dry but my daughter as well (as I was acting as "Mom, the human umbrella" for a good portion of the time). It also kept me dry on a BWCA trip where 2 storm systems converged over us & we ended up spending 8 hours paddling just to reach our campsite. Gotta love the Marmots!

i read some of the reviews for the precip full zip pants and a lot of ppl say they let water in at the zipper.. anyone have any experience with this.. its supposed to rain tomorrow during our supes ridgeline hike, and id prefer to stay dry in the 49 degree highs..

well i went with the marmot precips... well see how they do tomorrow..

Hopefully we won't need rain gear manana. Rain doesn't appear to be likely based on the forecast, but it's better to be prepared than not.

The full zips are a lot easier to get on and off. I use them mostly in winter so I haven't worn them a real downpour. I've never had problems with the zippers leaking on the jacket or the regular pants.

Rain suits are too hot! I like ponchos, lots airier.