Cabela's Rainwear

[JerryK#530]

I'm looking to purchase new rainwear this year. Has anyone tried the Signature Series from Cabela's. What's your opinion. I would like to get the Guide Series but I can't fit it into the fishing budget and still keep gas in the boat. Appreciate any input.

[Slowhand]

Guidewear, man. Spend the $$.

[walleye guy]

Spend the money and buy the Guide Wear it's the best there is. Its just like buying a new boat. Always spend the money the first time instead of selling your self short and paying for it later.

Not to tell you what to do but buy one article at a time if the money is a little tight for you. I guarantee you won't go wrong by buying the Guide Wear.

[Fred_G]

The Signature Series rainwear is not Gore-Tex, but Dry Plus. For the same money, take a look at the Rainy River Gore-Tex rainwear ($230) or the Cabela's Gore-Tex EXV series ($200). I think you'll be much happier with the Gore-Tex. My friend JOhn is on his fourth year with the Rainy River set and is very happy with it. Good luck. Fred

[Fred_G]

The Signature Series rainwear is not Gore-Tex, but Dry Plus. For the same money, take a look at the Rainy River Gore-Tex rainwear ($230) or the Cabela's Gore-Tex EXV series ($200). I think you'll be much happier with the Gore-Tex. My friend John is on his fourth year with the Rainy River set and is very happy with it. Good luck. Fred

[ddt]

Buy the best,year from now you won't
remember what you paid.But you
will have the best rain gear for
many years.

[Bo]

I'm not trying to knock Cabela's, but you should check out Frogg Toggs. Without a doubt the best rainsuit you'll every buy. 100% waterproof and windproof. Very lightweight so you don't sweat to death. www.froggtoggs.com

[Juls_WI]

I wore the Frogg Toggs last year, and ended up having to wear two sets in nasty weather, because I did get wet with only one on. Your right about them being light weight though. That was a nice feature.
I just purchased the Bass Pro 100MPH suit, because I was a witness to how well it worked. If you want to see the story behind why I decided to buy the 100mph suit, check out the Pro Q &A page under the topic: "Funniest thing to happen during a tournament" (or, something like that).

The guidewear is good too. I spent two months deciding between the two, and went with the 100mph suit because I saw how well it worked in person.

I don't think you can go wrong with either the guidewear or the 100mph suit.

Juls

[Dave O]

I was in the same situation, a tight budget and a need for good raingear. I purchased the Signature Series raingear and have no compaints. I'm from upstate N.Y. and fish in all sorts of nasty weather. This raingear has withstood everything I've been in and would buy another set in a heartbeat, great value for your $$$.

[RJ]

Another vote for the signature series. I have not worn this particular item but did buy a set of Cabela's hunting rain gear for bowhunting. It has same waterproofing and lining system as the Signature Series,just different outer shell to meet the needs of bowhunters(quiet,camo, and breathable during hiking conditions). I had the opportunity to put it through the paces in different enviornemts and it passed with flying colors. Everything from day long elk hunts here in Montana in pouring rain to sitting for 9-10 hours on stand in southeastern Minnesota last fall (end of Oct.,first of Nov.)with a steady drizzle/rain. When the rut calls, you just got to be there!!
I did not have any problem with the suit and it kept me 100% dry and comfortable in addition to being quite comfortable and light weight.
I am going to look at the Signature Series this comming week at the Grand Forks store and if it is anything like the suit I bought for hunting last fall, I will come home with one. I think the main difference between the two is in the outer shell from what I can tell.
As far as the waterproof/windproof, I was and still am quite satisfied with the performance of the hunting rain gear. I hope I find the same qualities in the S.S. fishing wear. Good Luck, RJ in Montana

[Inquiring Minds]

Juls, Your story posted on Q&A was a hoot! But the burning question remains? Bikini or Thong?}>
ie: Boxer or briefs. Bring on the Sun!

[cisco]

My Cabela's Guidewear parka and bibs are now about 10 years old and still as water and windproof as when I first put them on. On a cost basis, figure the years of great service you get from the product.

My first GoreTex suit was a parka and pants outfit from L.L.Bean. Worked fine for the first couple of years, but then would not shed the water in a downpour -- light rain, OK, but with heavier stuff I got wet. The explanation I dot was that the pores in the GoreTex get stretched with age, thus permitting water to enter.

Nothing but heavy duty stuff for me anymore. I like to stay dry and warm.

[Phil T.]

Cabela's and Bass Pro aren't the only stores that sell quality raingear. Even the Sportsman's Guide guy sells GoreTex. Another good store is at www.SierraTradingPost.com. You may not get your pick of color in a particular size, but the prices are right, and the merchandise is name-brand. My wife has a suit from Sportif, and it has been without fault. North Face is a brand with a lot more prestige than Cabela's or Bass Pro, and justifiably so. Helly Hanson is respected world wide.
If you're a hunter, buy a really good suit, but in camoflage. Even Al Lindner wears camo in his boat. That gets you more use from an expensive suit. My rain gear is a Columbia waterfowl suit. If you're set on Cabela's, look for Bud Grant in the catalog.

[Keef]

Anyone tried the new Guidewear XCR stuff yet?

[chadk66]

I have the cabelas signature series bibs and parka. I put it through everything possible last year and it was awesome. I wore the bibs every single day I fished last year, even in 80 degree days and it was extremely cool. Excellent wind breaking ability. They are also extremely durable, as I have washed them dozens of times and still look great. I haven't had an opportunity to wear the guide wear but it appears to be awfully stiff. Maybe would get better with age. What are you guys experiencing in that regard.

[legend]

I get double duty out of my guidewear. I wear the bibs (uninsulated)for downhill skiing. They are roamy, comfortable and keep me warm and dry with layers underneath. I wear the parka for spring skiing and kayaking in summer. My wife and I purchased guidewear so we won't have to buy suits again. Oh, it works well while fishing too!
Regards.