Good Rain coat?

[Rockstar Fisherman]

Anyone have any suggestions for a good fishing rain coat that is also windproof, and has a hood? I prefer to keep it at a $200 max but am a little flexible. Does Columbia make a good one cheap or am I better off sticking to the Simms?

Thanks,
Mike

[fly addict]

Mike,
Here is a great price on the Simms Freestone Jacket, $125. Unless you wear a small they should have your size. I bought the Patagonia Deep Wading Jacket on clearance; I can’t say how well it works because I have not had a chance to use it.
http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShoppin ... tegoryID=4
Mark

[Gary C.]

Mike, I have a Columbia that has served me well for a couple years but I don't use it much, mostly I just take it for a walk like a few other things in my pack . Be sure and check out Sierra Trading Post, they are offering several name brand rain jackets right now. They are listing Columbia, Helly Hansen, and from Marmot you can have your choice of ther PreCip or DriClime jackets for $69. STP even has the Marmot Oracle jacket marked down from $170 to $109.

[Gary C.]

I think that this site has been posted here before but it's always worth mentioning again. I always check out the reviews on Trailspace.com

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/marmot/oracle-jacket/

REI also has the Oracle for just a couple dollars more if you buy the discounted colors.
http://www.rei.com/product/809455/marmo ... _-datafeed

[RiverRat]

Hi Mike,

I own three Marmot shells and love em! The Aegis and a windbreaker. The windbreaker is maybe ten years old and goes everywhere fishing, hiking, biking and in my fly vest. I waterproof it every six months. The Aegis is a heavier duty breathable waterproof shell with pit zips. It's my ski and backcountry shel which I layer under with a down jacket and is bombproof but still breathes. My daughter has a PreCip and it's a true rain coat that doesn't breath, at all.

shane

[fflutterffly]

The very best jacket I've ever had, regardless for fishing or other sports, is a Kayak jacket. Dry, windproof, light, foldable and inexpensive relative to fly jackets. However, the one I purchased only has one pocket and that is on the sleeve. I'd like more pockets. $60.00 on sale. Someone from this forum suggested it, I believe in 2009. Who ever you are thanks.

[KRoberts1]

Mike,

I've been extremely happy with the Cabela's shorty for the past 10 years. I think they're still in your budget range. Plently of pockets, Hoody, D-rings on back for net.

keith

[briansII]

Anyone have any suggestions for a good fishing rain coat that is also windproof, and has a hood? I prefer to keep it at a $200 max but am a little flexible. Does Columbia make a good one cheap or am I better off sticking to the Simms?

Thanks,
Mike

Are you looking for a waterproof rain jacket that can be used for fishing too, or a dedicated fishing/wading jacket. I like the longer cut on regular rain jackets, but for fishing, I use a "wading jacket". When it comes to fishing, there is no comparison on my Simms wading jacket, to my other Marmot rain jackets. There are plenty of storage pockets, so no need to wear a vest under the jacket. It's also very comfortable, dry, warm, with an excellent hood design. Only drawback....besides the price , is it's cut short for wading. For non fishing, or boat fishing, I use a Marmot Precip. Keeps me very dry, but a bit clammy in warm weather, and the hood design isn't up to par. I retired a older model Cabelas wading jacket after 3 years of use. The outer shell was not holding up and keeping me dry.....even after cleaning and waterproofing. My Simms G3 is going on 5 years, still looks, and performs like new.

Looks like the Freestone models(not all are the same model)are on closeout at several places.

http://www.wyomingflyfishing.com/Simms- ... 4C433.aspx

http://www.anglers-pro.com/cgi-bin/cat/ ... d=sPja33cZ

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... Categories

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/simms- ... n~p~44515/

briansII

[Stewmon]

You can’t buy a better all around jacket than the Simms Guide3. So expensive, but so worth it.

SM

[csimcox]

I had a great one, the REI Ultralight, that lasted me about 5 years before it gave up the ghost and started leaving me damp. I returned it, got some $ back and applied that to a Sierra Designs rain jacket. I've had it a few years and it's doing well. Gotta love REI's return policy! I did like the REI ultralight much more than the SD one. It just seemed to fit and feel better, but at a higher price.

Really there are a ton of options out there and they will all likely perform the same. Find one that fits well and at the price you like.

[Rockstar Fisherman]

Thanks for all the info and descriptions, this is exactly the info I'm looking for! Great links too.

Mike

[anacrime]

I like Marmot shells for all around lightweight rain protection. A wading jacket seems like the way to go if you're just going to be using it fishing.

[Trootfisher]

If you buy through Sierra Trading Post, use key code EZS85488 for 35% off one item.

that would get you the Marmot Precip for $45.47 for instance. Lots of other great jackets on there as well.

After a lot of searching, I picked up a Patagonia Torrentshell. I highly recommend this as a breathable, lightweight, packable rain jacket. Right now they are mostly full price. In the summer they were 50% off, I think there's still some out there for around 30-40% off.

[mike.s]

patagonia sst wading jacket is the best rain jacket i have... Ive used it from new zealand to alaska its been a great jacket for really wet conditions...
its over your price range but worth a look on ebay... i also have a new simms G-3 guide jacket (got it as a gift on my birthday this past april and havent used it much yet in really wet conditions... but is well used and liked by many guides i know in alaska. its about $100 over your budget but again worth a look.

[beachbum]

I have tried a bunch, but my favorite and the one I use most is the Patagonia Deep Wading Jacket. It fits in the back of my vest, and has worked well even in tough conditions. For colder days I use a Patagonia SST.