http://www.riverswest.com/
The best performing waterproof clothing there is....Ask Mr. Herzog

The replies should tell you there is more than one good brand. Like with most items, a little research into materials and prices can often net a quality jacket for half the price of the "big names".

I myself have a problem paying up to $350.00 for a jacket.....even though I'm in weather much of the year where it is a necessity. To practical I guess. For the price, I've had very good luck with Columbia Sportswear; plus, they're a northwest company.

Good luck in your search.

I have the Orvis Jacket. I'm happy with it. Its made out of the same material as their breathable waders, so it doesn't leak at all.

Vinny

Are you really getting soaked, or is your jacket getting soaked? I wear the same SST jacket (as do lots of serious anglers who like to fish in the rain) and mine gets soaked too.... BUT I stay nice and dry inside.

I don't sweat it when the outer shell stops repelling/beading water droplets. Mine gets soaked all the time. Just because the outer fabric gets wet... and I'm talking HEAVY with water.... doesn't mean the membrane beneath it stops working.

I like the Viking.
It breaths,has a zip out artic fleece lining.
Not once have I been wet in it.
100 to 140 dollars

Thank you everyone who has responded. Let me tell you what I have owned.

1. Reddington; Was Ok for the money. Soaked uo water like a sponge after 2 years. Almost worth buying a new one every other year.

2. Filson; I really love the way this jacket looks. Classic Old School. Downside is that it weighs a ton, doens't breath for crap, and for some reason the wax wears off really quick in a sustained rainshower. I'm putting mine up on Ebay as soon as I get a hole in a pocket fixed. Weird that my waxed rainhats only need to be waxed maybe once a year, and they get more direct rain then my jacket.

3. Patagonia; Good for 2 years. Have had to Scotchguard it half a dozen times. I probably screwed up by doing that. I'll try Nixwax before I sell it.
FNP, I get wet. Usually starting from the head down. Soaks through the hood and then my cap, down my neck, into my undies. I'm not boat fishing, I'm moving around alot, and so I generate alot of sweat. If it wasn't for my synthetic layers I would be hypothermic anytime it rained for more then 20 minutes.
Vinny? Thats funny. There are a few people that call me that. I guess its better then 'sissy'.


I am the worst person to design a jacket for. I sweat like a nervous fat man, and of course I live in this rain. I'll try the special wax, and then maybe check out the Helly Hansen and the Simms if that doesn't work.


Thanks again.


Vinny

For an afforadable jacket take a look at Frogg Togg.

It is breathable, super light weight and you get the jacket with a hood and bibs for $85 retail or around $45 on Ebay.

Love mine, it is compfy, quiet, light weight and doesn't cost much but most importantly........I am always dry.

AAAAH but you would look so cool in the fishing photos..And you would automatically be noticed as a professional fisherman..

go with BARE.... my set ran about 600 clams or so with chest waders and jacket but i love them and have been using the hell out of the set for three years

...and Chappy looks good when he fishes, too...looking that sharp on the river, who needs to catch fish?

When we going fishing again, old man?

Fish on...

Todd

LL Bean...I've had this one for years and stay nice and dry.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...=Search&feat=sr

Don't buy Cabelas, and kudos to Willy!!!

I believe Willy knows his stuff on Goretex. I bought a top of the line Cabelas jacket a year back, have used it three times in some pretty good rains, and I got soaked each time. I can run tap water over the jacket, and it repels water just fine. However use the jacket for an extended period of time in a rain shower, and I'm soaked.

I figure that water vapor is migrating the wrong way through the new goretex XCR fabric. The XCR does not shed water well, and everywhere on the jacket where XCR goretex is, I get wet.

Go take a walk around Filson and Outdoor Emporium, they are side by side down by the stadiums in Seattle. They have everthing you need and more. Stay light weight with the rain gear and layer underneath.

Vince,

I've got a Simms that I think was second from their top line product. It's Gortex, and it works well for me under a range of conditions. Like many, I'm turned off by the pricing, so I bought it as "last year's model" for half price. Not a viable alternative if you need something this week.

The more you sweat, the more you need the most breathable fabric, and from what I've heard, that still means Gortex instead of one of the other breathable fabrics.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

The jacket was most likely screwed up using the Scothguard on it. You need to get some McNett porducts (made in Bellingham). Start with their special was for breathable jackets and then treat it with their product called "Revivex" This stuff is recomended by W.L. Gore for use on a;ll their products and it works great on all breatable materials. Make sure you read the instructions before using. Scotchguard plugs up the breatable membrane and causes the jacket not to repel the water but soak it up instead.

Vince, whatever the hell you choose, just make sure your best fishing bud doesn't buy the same exact model. I see this in the flyfishing world a bit more (ahem) than I care to......two guys in matching outfits- same jacket, hats, waders, rod, frickin' wading boots.....just a bit too scripted for my taste. The Tweedledum and Tweedledee routine must be avoided at all costs!!!

I've gone through a bunch of jacket brands and right now I'm using Dutch Harbor Gear coats. They're pretty inexpensive and have done the job well...but what the h, I'm in retail so I get free samples!

Full-time river guide in the fishing world's wettest, nastiest spot ... what's he wear???

Simm's G3 ... 'nuf said

The best jacket for the money is the Pacific Fly jacket sold at the Morning Hatch in Tacoma ($115)....Hands down the Simms G3 is the best followed by the Patagonia SST....seriously, though the Pacific Fly wading jacket is awesome for very little money. Go see Gary Sanstrom (owner) he'll point you in the right direction. Good luck

You mean you guys fish in the rain?

Whoa...hardcore!

I'm goin' squiddin' tonight, and I'll be wearing something or other waterproof! It's pi$$in' out there!

Fish on...

Todd

It's three hours later, and still pissin' rain...I went out to the piers, didn't wet a line, but watched a few others guys get skunked.

I didn't feel like taking the time to unload my squid gear (a rather serious setup) unless there was actually something around.

Oh...back to the topic...I wore my $29 rainsuit from Costco...still dry on the inside, but soaked on the outside!

Fish on...

Todd