best rain gear

[the big kahuna]

checking to see what most you use for really good rain gear. I live in hawaii and we have 3 hurricanes headed are way. I have patagonia, but wanted to see what most of you have.

Thanks for your suggestions.

The big kahuna

[kutaway]

been chasing storms since late eighties just got done with rita....patagonia is the best and waterproof clog type shoes for shooting on the beach (got them at outdoor world/bass pro shops)

[FOXPhotog911]

I have been through about 5 different incarnations of waterproof rain gear. I finally bit the bullet and bought Arc'Teryx. It is really hardcore waterproof gear.

Right after I bought my jacket (Theta AR) I was in a cold October rain that lasted about 5 hours of my 7 hour stakeout. I was bone dry. I can't say the same for other jackets I've owned.

I try to steer away from the Gore-Tex knock offs. My experience has been that they work fine for about a year and after that they wet out.

Hope that helps...

[David R. Busse]

I like the Cabelas "Guidewear"---pants and jacket (instead of parka). Huge pockets for extra gear and some great seals at the cuffs.

[Dave Putnam]

I can't argue with the above. Patagonia and Columbia both make good stuff. One other brand that you see quite often in the boating world is HELLY-HANSEN (http://www.hellyhansengear.com/catalog). I've never owned any of their gear but it looks like it is designed and built to withstand anything you threw at it. I believe most West Marine (http://www.westmarine.com/) stores carry HELLY-HANSEN gear

I've never been unhappy with a purchase from Cabelas. You might try www.rei.com (http://www.rei.com) for a source also.

[ September 22, 2005, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Dave Putnam ]

[must-c-tv]

Mountain Equipment Co-op - www.mec.ca (http://www.mec.ca)

It's a Canadian company - but they deliver outside of the country. Prices are good due to low Canadian dollar vs. US exchange rate and quality is excellent.

In addition, I know two reporters who bought their jackets for winter standups specifically because Mountain Equipment stuff don't have big North Face logos....

[ September 23, 2005, 10:26 AM: Message edited by: must-c-tv ]

[1 eye]

Just get wet...you will feel better. Rain Gear makes you sweat like a pig and the you wet in your own funk.

[One_Tall_Photog]

Got all my rain gear from LL Bean. Well worth the money. Got all Gore-Tex rain gear. If it wears out, tears, or you are unhappy, you can return it or they will replace it at no additional cost.