Fishing in the rain can be exciting. The sound of raindrops on the water creates a peaceful atmosphere, and overcast skies make fish more active. To fully enjoy fishing in the rain, appropriate rain gear is crucial. When choosing rain gear for wet conditions, experienced anglers consider several important features.
Durable Materials that Can Withstand Wear and Tear
Fishing rain gear goes through a lot of abuse. From getting snagged on branches to enduring abrasive boat surfaces, it needs to stand up to the rough and tumble of fishing. Look for jackets, vests, and bib and brace waterproofs made from durable fabrics like heavy-duty nylon, ripstop polyester, or canvas with a TPU coating.
Reinforcements in high-stress areas add to longevity. Things like padded shoulders, knee patches, and cordura cuffs prevent premature fraying and holes. Go for thick, rugged zippers over flimsy versions too.
Waterproof and Breathable Fabrics
The first requirement for offshore sailing clothes intended for fishing is proper waterproofing. When it’s pouring outside, the last thing you want is wet clothes that you can get caught up in. Waterproof fabrics, like Gore-Tex and other proprietary technologies, provide exceptional waterproofing and can wick away sweat and moisture. This breathability prevents overheating and discomfort.
For waterproofing, search for gear that has a hydrostatic rating of over 5,000mm.. This refers to the fabric water column – the water pressure required to penetrate the material. Higher rates indicate greater water resistance. Look for a gear rating of 5,000g/m2/day or higher for breathability.
Fully Sealed Seams
Source: Evo.com
Waterproof fabric keeps you dry on the outside, but seams are vulnerable to leaks. High-quality fishing rain jackets and bib pants have sealed or taped seams for complete waterproofing. Seam tape and sealing tape reinforce stitching and seams, preventing moisture from seeping through.
In extremely wet conditions, opt for gear with both interior and exterior coated seam tape for extra leak protection. Inferior rain gear with insufficient sealed seams will likely result in getting wet; it’s advisable to steer clear of them.
- Seam tape comes in different grades based on adhesive type and thickness. For heavy duty waterproofing, look for 3-layer Gore-Seam tape, which has an ePTFE membrane sandwiched by two protective layers. This is extremely durable and moisture proof.
- Fully taped rain gear has all major seams covered in seam sealing tape. Critically taped versions only seal high exposure seams. For full protection, always opt for fully taped.
- Seam tape applied on both the exterior and interior provides a 360 degree waterproof seal. Uni-directional taping only coats the inside seams. Go for external AND internal seam sealing for flawless performance.
- Look for nano- coating on seam tape for increased seam strength and abrasion resistance. This prevents the tape from peeling off easily.
- For bib pants, ensure that the seat and crotch seams are reinforced with seam sealing, as these areas undergo constant motion and friction.
- Inspect seam taping quality before purchase and avoid any gaps, folds or inconsistent adhesion. Press along taped seams to check for leaks.
It’s crucial to ensure that your rain gear’s seams are entirely sealed to provide the best protection against wet weather. Prioritizing seam sealing not only enhances your overall comfort but also contributes to your safety and well-being when you’re exposed to inclement weather.
Fit Your Form with Adjustable Options
For full weather protection, your rain gear needs a tailored fit, not a loose one with openings for water to sneak in. Look for adjustable features like velcro straps on sleeves and pant cuffs to clinch them snugly over your fishing attire. Waistbands with side elastic panels or adjustable drawstrings create a secure fit.
The hood needs full adjustability too – face drawstrings, back elastic, and volume adjustment help seal out rain fully. Suspenders or shoulder straps on bib pants allow you to customize the fit for comfort and coverage while casting and reeling.
- Look for hoods that cinch in multiple points and allow volume adjustment for optimal visibility and coverage while wearing caps or hats.
- Bib pants with adjustable shoulder straps prevent the front from sagging and opening gaps while bending over. Straps should be easy to adjust while wearing the bibs fully.
- Adjustable cuffs with velcro or snap closures ensure sleeves stay fixed and do not ride up. This prevents openings for rain entry near hands.
- For jackets, underarm gusseted panels allow ease of movement and prevent ripping during motion. articulated elbows do the same.
- For maximum flexibility, look for pants with diamond or articulated gusseted crotch panels that adapt to wide stances and squatting movements during fishing.
- Storage waist belts that are adjustable prevent looseness while also expanding storage options on jackets and bib pants.
Wearing clothes that fit you properly is less likely to result in entanglements compared to loose, baggy clothing. This helps in preventing trips and falls in the great outdoors.
Convenient Pockets And Storage
The best fishing rain gear incorporates ample storage so you can carry gear efficiently. Look for oversized cargo pockets with water-resistant zippers on the jacket and bib pants. These provide quick access to fishing tools and gadgets.
Interior pockets securely hold valuables like your phone – mesh pockets allow visibility of items. Backpack-style straps and D-ring tabs allow secure hanging of accessories. Some jackets feature integrated rod holders for hands-free fishing.
High Visibility Keeps You Safe
Fishing in storms and fog can seriously reduce visibility on the water. To stay safe and seen, choose rain gear in bright, high-contrast colors like neon yellow or orange. Reflective accents on straps, pockets and hoods provide enhanced visibility when light is low.
For bib pants, reflective knee patches and lower leg side panels serve as prime visibility enhancers. For fishing near dusk or at night, choose illuminated rain gear with LED strips built into key zones. Staying visible during storms could prevent accidents.
Ventilation Options Prevent Overheating
Even with breathable fabric, rain gear can get hot and humid during active fishing. Seek out jackets with underarm zip vents and back air vents to increase airflow. Openings lined with water-resistant mesh keep drizzle out while allowing heat and moisture to escape.
Bib pants with side leg zippers offer similar cooling ventilation. Chest and back vents with adjustable openings work wonders too. Pit zips in particular provide rapid cooling when needed.
Easy Storage and Transport
Top-notch fishing rain gear packs down small for convenient transport in your gear bag. Jackets and pants made of lightweight ripstop or micro-weave fabrics resist water yet compress down very small. Some come with fold-away hoods and multi-point adjustable straps to customize fit.
See if your rain gear comes with a storage sack for easy packing. Compression straps make the bundle even more compact. Some jackets even fold up into their own pocket for a condensed bundle.
Environmentally-Responsible Materials
Today more brands offer eco-friendly rain gear made using recycled plastics, plant-based materials and sustainably-sourced components. This ensures minimum environmental impact. Look for PVC-free, phthalate-free and solvent-free materials processed using greener techniques.
Many top rain gear makers now partner with bluesign® or use Oeko-Tex® certified fabrics. This guarantees environmentally-safe manufacture and supply chain transparency.
Worth The Investment For Maximum Value
View rain gear as a long-term investment. While cheaper versions lure with lower price tags, they compromise on material quality, breathability and durability. Paying more upfront for performance features yields value over time through enhanced comfort, weather protection and longevity.
Consider the cost on a per-use basis, not just the initial price. High-quality gear that lasts for years ends up being more cost-effective than frequently replacing inferior versions.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let stormy skies and chilly drizzle prevent you from enjoying your favorite fishing spot. Investing in high-performance rain gear built for fishing equips you to take on the wet conditions in comfort and safety. Use the key features above as a checklist to choose gear that stands up to the challenges posed by wind, rain and waves.
Waterproofing, breathability, durability and adjustability combine to provide reliable weather protection and mobility for the die-hard angler. Convenient storage, visibility-enhancing elements and vent cooling options enhance your time on the water. While pricey, high-end rainwear delivers value over years of fishing trips ahead.
Gear up properly and discover firsthand how the right rain gear allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of fishing in stormy weather. The fish are waiting to be hooked!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I ensure the rain gear is genuinely waterproof and not just water-resistant?
Look for specific waterproofness ratings like the hydrostatic rating (minimum 5,000mm) and breathability rating (minimum 5,000 g/m2/day). Reputable brands test and validate the waterproof claims of their rainwear. Checking verified user reviews can confirm real-world waterproof performance too.
Q: Can high-quality rain gear also be lightweight and easy to pack?
Yes, innovative fabrics like three-layer Gore-Tex and proprietary micro-weave textiles allow rain gear to be both ultralight and completely waterproof. Use of ripstop nylon and compression technology enables packing down jackets and pants into small bundles. Leading brands now offer rain protection without bulk.
Q: How do I maintain and care for my rain gear to ensure longevity?
Adhere to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use dedicated technical cleaners instead of laundry detergent. Close all zippers and velcro before washing. Avoid heat and tumble drying, and air dry fully. Apply water repellent spray after some washes to renew DWR coating. Repair any leaks with seam sealant immediately, and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces.
The perfect combination of waterproofing, breathability, storage, and visibility in fishing rain gear gives anglers the confidence and comfort to tackle fishing in wet conditions. Investing a bit more up front in durable materials and customizable features results in gear you can enjoy for seasons to come. With the right rainwear, you can focus on landing the big catch instead of battling the elements.
