More about water.

[Windustsearch]

I work outside alot. Sometimes I'll be in the field every day for months surveying through second growth crap. There are a couple things that are a complete pain in the ass;

Having members of the crew try to stay on their transects with a damn GPS.

Crew members that do not know how to read a compass, so I have to go find them.

Lastly and the worst, being cold and wet.

So, here is a thread about rain gear. Seldon yaked about but uber important for those who spend alot of time outside, or those who might have to. Being cold and wet can kill you off in a day or two if you do not have the chance to warm up or dry off. Since I have put several types through the ringer (the toughest for rain gear), heres what I found out.

When you go to buy this stuff you have alot of options. You can get el cheapo poncho all the way up to a nearly thousand dollar set. The cheapest stuff is ok for the weekend warrior. It will suffice as long as you basically just sit there and don't do anything while it is raining. If you spend anytime at all outside, sooner or later you are going to have to do something while it is raining. So now we move to the next step, cheap PVC. If you fill sandbags to shore up a levee 1 or 3 times a decade, these are the set for you. Helly Hansons, Coleman, whatever. When it comes to survival, remember that compared to more expensive types, these PVC sets weigh alot. It's also pertinant to point out that I shredded several pairs of each brand in less than a week in said second growth crap. Then I would be a grouch all day and when I got home my wife would get all indignant.

So, we went to REI and she forced me to bite the bullet and fork out like $800 for a set of Archterix rain gear. I was really skeptical about it given my ability to ruin this stuff, sometimes in a day or two. I was way wrong. It is light weight, more comfortable and way, way tougher. I put it to the test all last winter during a data recovery excavation. Everyday, all day, all winter long. I also took it on a few surveys through the second growth crap. It has not one single tear in over a year. It breathes, so you do not get wet from sweat like PVC, and is a great wind breaker for that special sideways rain.

This stuff is the shit.

The ultimate point, there is good water, and there is bad water. If you ever plan on being outside for extended periods, your rain gear can make or break you (depending on where you live). Get the goods or you might be sorry you didn't one day.

[doktor_ecchs]

I can certainly relate...one year I worked on a golf course and whenever it rained I had to wear one of the chinese schoolbus yellow jobs. That sucker would sweat you to death and you'd end up being wetter than if you had just stood out in the rain. Then the cold would set in...
The problem with the suit you describe is, of course, the cost!
Is there not a rainsuit in the more reasonable price range for someone who dosen't work outside all the time?
One other question. I'm 6'3"and 240 lbs. I have long arms and wide shoulders. I play hell trying to find a suit that fits right. Chinese XXL is not even close to a good fit for the jacket. Suggestions?

as ever,
Dr. X :fal:

[762 shooter]

I, too, have gone throught alot of rain gear. I am a landscape contractor in the sacramento area and spend 8 to 10 hour a day outside in the winter months, well all year really but we're talking about wet months here. My favorite rain gear is my Driz-a-bone oil skin jacket. I have had this jacket for 12 years. Except for a tear that occured from a large tree fighting back it looks great. It is a 3/4 and it keeps 3/4 of me dry. the rest is covered by good boots and gaiters. This jacket gets a fresh coat of grease every fall right around Thanksgiving and last the entire season. It has gone hunting with me numerous times and bucks brush like nothing else.

[Windustsearch]

Well, I was meaning to say, you may find yourself in a situation where you are outside every day. The good ones cost alot. I am stressing the importance of priority for your preparedness.

As far as size, unfortunately, I think you may be stuck with the more expensive brands. The cheap stuff does not come in too many different sizes. I did work with a guy that was about your size that found a pair of Helly Hansons that fit him well. They will work, but not under stress like in thick woods or hard impact work. He shredded them in a few days, and by a few weeks they were really more duct tape than PVC.

I think the Vietnam veterans on the board might attest to the extreme suckness of trying to work in mud and rain with a cheap poncho.

[danimal]

thats bad news as Im about that same size as doc_x and rain gear fits me like shrink wrap especially after the sweating starts

[doktor_ecchs]

As much as it rains in WNC, I think it might be prudent to check out a set of the high-buckers. There is really nothing more miserable than being wet and cold for extended periods. And as you point out, hazardous to your health, as well...good advice on an important survival subject. Thanks for the info...

as ever,
Dr. X :fal:

[Farmer from Hell]

I used to be a commercial fisherman back before I got edgimicated and all uppity and we wore HH and Grundens. This is the heavy duty commercial fishing grade PVC stuff that has like a cotton weave backing. Not the the stuff sold at Bass Pro Shops etc. Do a google seach for commercial fishing gear and it will turn up plenty of sources. Short if snagging yourself on a sharp nail or peice of metal you wont hurt them. They are heavy, bulky, cumbersom, and dont breath but if you want something damn near indestructable and dont want to lay out $800 then they may fit the bill. They run like $125-$150 a set. Some are more plyable and comfortable than others.

Im still going with my poncho and liner for now because of its multi use nature.

FfH

[doktor_ecchs]

Hey, Farmer

Thanks for the heads up about the rain suits. Being on a tight budget, I would druther spend extra money on ammo and such, but the rainy days have increased here and I'm sick of being wet and cold outside in it. BTW, would you recommend a poncho and liner like you have as a viable alternative to the complete rain suit? (I saw one the other week for a very reasonable price...)

as ever,
Dr. X :fal:

[Powderfinger]

Any one used mil-spec ECWCS enough to have an opinion? Seems it would need to fill the bill if the military uses it and it's a lot less than $800. A plastic hard hat makes a good rain hat (add a liner in winter) and the oversized hood of the ECWCS would go right on over it when especially windy/stormy.

[Powderfinger]

No one here who's been in the military and used this gear?
Hmmm...
I gambled today and didn't drag out my crappy rain gear at work thinking it would only shower a little bit. I LOST. Stuck out on the job as it RAINED and BLEW for 4 hours. The Carhart chore coat wasn't up to the task and I had water running down the crack of my ass. I made up my mind to invest in something decent.

[Windustsearch]

I figure if you work outside in a rainy area, it's worth it anyway. There is a world of difference on your comfort and performance level with the good gortex stuff as opposed to PVC. Thick brush and wooded areas will destroy PVC, even the heavy HH sets, fast. The expensive stuff seems really light and flimsy, but it does hold up better, alot better.

The price tag was a huge hit for us. But when I am up in the north cascades every day in december is when I realize it was worth every cent.

[Czechsix]

Holy effing jesus $800?:eek:

Damn, you must be a PI :biggrin:

J/k, btw.

Back when I was an active digbum, I used (and still have, and still use) a set of North Face Steep Tech inclement weather gear. Basically bib overalls, and a heavy shell. Truly an excellent design. Come to think of it, I don't know why I'm surprised at the $800 tag - this old north face stuff cost over $600 back when, but I got it on sale at A16 for $200 -whadda deal.

Came in damned handy during surveys at March AFB, out at Edwards AFB, Death Valley, etc. Having the right gear is essential, no doubt.

Buy once, cry once.

[Skilter]

Sun Mountain Rain Gear for Golfers is a great alternative. It is fairly durable, 80% breatheable, sealed seams, and each size is a little bit more roomy than expected since it is made for golfers that require a wide range of movement. It probably won't withstand walking through briar patches lke PVC, but it is not as heavy or sweaty eaither.

[Bwana John]

Arc-Terx is some of the best stuff out there, but also costs much more than anything else. For the same price as Arc-Terx, you can almost get somebody to hold an umbella over you.

Windustsearch, if you are using it (Arc-Terx) in a professional capacity, look in to getting on "proform" (10% below wholesale cost!).

[Farmer from Hell]

Originally posted by doktor_ecchs
Hey, Farmer

Thanks for the heads up about the rain suits. Being on a tight budget, I would druther spend extra money on ammo and such, but the rainy days have increased here and I'm sick of being wet and cold outside in it. BTW, would you recommend a poncho and liner like you have as a viable alternative to the complete rain suit? (I saw one the other week for a very reasonable price...)

as ever,
Dr. X :fal:

Well its better then nothing I guess. You need to consider how you plan to use it and how rough your going to be on one whatever you get and then make a decision I suppose.

For me the poncho and liner serves double duty as anti-wetness protection and as an impromtu shelter in a pinch. Economy of space.

FfH