Best Waterproof Attire and Gear

[cktalons]

In the summer months I'll be anchoring out, motoring to shore in my dinghy for my day-to-day routines. Yesterday I rowed out to my sailboat (purchased an outboard motor today, because THAT was a giant pain in the you know what), and got rather wetter than I'd like. Seeing as how I'll be living on the water, it's probably realistic to assume I'll always get wet. I'm a quick learner. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so I'll always be wet regardless of season. It's even raining today, in the middle of flipping July. Not. Fair.

Anyhoo, I was wondering what the best and most economical waterproof clothing and gear is out there. Any suggestions? I'd also love some tips on waterproof backpacks (especially for my laptop) and a good brand of PFD for my Sheltie (he's about 20 pounds). I've done some google searches, but I want to hear your expert advice/opinions on brands.

[tomhuntdmd]

Yep. Four straight days of rain here in the Pac NW. We keep our boat in Poulsbo, WA and I have some really nice Gill foulies that I hardly ever wear unless it is really cold out.

Are you or do you have a friend who is a member of Costco? For just day in/day out rain, you can't beat Costco raingear. Inexpensive and does the job.

[jackdale]

Wetskins from Costco are OK. I sued to use some for golf raingear.

But best and inexpensive are not to be used in the same sentence.

I am a fan of Helly Hansen and Gill.

[mitiempo]

In Washington REI would be a good place to try for waterproofs.

[Tim R.]

Foulies are a personal preference. You might just need to find out for yourself but i do subscribe to the noTion that outdoor stores like rei or ems will get you more bang for the buck.

Look into kayaking dry bags for a backpack. They do make wearable ones and will usually float if they go overboard.

We use Pawsaboard life jackets for our dog. Full belly wraparound with straps and a handle for lifting if needed.

[JimsCAL]

Best lower cost stuff is the yellow PVC gear that the commercial fisherman use. Nothing fancy but keeps you dry and lasts.

[Minnewaska]

This brand is usually tough stuff and I've thought about buying a couple of pairs to have aboard in case someone forgot theirs. Pretty inexpensive and has wrist cuffs.

Disclosure, I've never actually seen a pair, someone sent me this link a while back.

Carhartt® Men's PVC Rain Coat - 708487799 | Tractor Supply Company

[Tim R.]

The trick to rain gear is keeping the water out and also letting your body breathe. Without breath-ability you will still get wet. It will just be from your own body moisture instead of rain, especially if it is humid which it usually is while raining. Remember wearing the rubber mask for Halloween? Now cover your entire body and see what happens.

If you need to wear rain gear for a long time it is hard to beat Goretex and similar materials.

I find that if it is humid out, it does not take long to start sweating under my gear so mine has to breathe to be comfortable..

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by treilley

.......If you need to wear rain gear for a long time it is hard to beat Goretex and similar materials..........mine has to breathe to be comfortable..

Agreed. However, breathable gear, like gortex, is water resistant not water proof. Ask me how I know. Still good stuff.

I don't know this for sure, but also suspect Gortex breaks down a bit over time as well and becomes less resistant.

[bbarnewolt]

Another good maker of dog life jackets is Ruffwear. Very well made. Very durable.
I have no relation with the company.

Ruff Wear Dog Life Jackets