Ok I bought some Tech Wash and Tech direct spray from Nixwax. After I use it and I get a chance to stand outside for a few hours in the rain I'll let everyone know how it went.

"No" to the filson. Its water repellancy wears off faster then any other jacket, and its a pain in the arse to rewax. It worked alright in Idaho where I mostly dealt with snow.

I am very very active. Even though I try and abstain from the 50 yard coho dash, I'm still climbing on logs, up past my 'twig n berries' in decent current, doing alot of wading looking for fish.

If the Tech wash/spray doesn't work, I'll be FORCED to buy a Simms G3.

That avatar was taken after a few shots of Patron, a Percocet to ease my acky bones and smething else that made me cough-- oh ya and a day of coho and nooks on the hump-- I'm sure it was the fact that I was sitting next to the woodstove and the heat made me sleepy.

Hmmmm my Filson just this year after about four years of hard use I had to rewax. Rewaxing was a little pain but really not that bad.

G3. You'll get one and be amazed at how you can fish in compleat downpours and still be dry.

It is not worth spending the money for the expensive stuff. If you are climbing over logs and wading all over the river you will just be disapointed when you rip your expensive coat.
Kind of like buying a Loomis rod, you spend most of your time worrying about breaking it and it just does not fish any better than many cheaper rods. Point is, go buy a set of Frogg Toggs and use them until they wear out, maybe 2 to 3 years and then throw them out and get a new set. They are light and breath and completely waterproof, they come with a money back policy.

Welcome to the wet side!

It's sort of a damned if you do damned if you don't thing.

If you want to stay dry and warm Grunden's is the only way to go. They are perfect on boats and I don't set foot on one without them.

But...when your huffing along a river all day they are too heavy, hot and a bit castraphobic. So I carry packable gortex from Marmot and occasionally get soaked. It's the fleece and brandy that keeps me warm!

Yeah, 399.00 is a grip of money for the G3. If anything Z eagle, get it on ebay and save a 100.00 or more. I saved 125.00 getting my new SST on ebay. Good luck!

PS, heres a good deal on Ebay for a guide Simms jacket that normally goes for 299.00 new.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SIMMS-CLASSIC-GUIDE-...1QQcmdZViewItem

I would say that my old simms guide jacket was the best that I have owned. The pocket layout and the durability of the coat seemed to be a bit better then the patagonia. I currently own the new patagonia stretch sst and am not as impressed, but the warranty is second to none. When it springs a leak or I bust a zipper, it will be going right back for a new one.

Another vote for Rivers West. I have had one for several years now and they are everything they say they are. Lightweight, warm, dry, and very tough. Outdoor Emporium has a large selection right now as long as you like camo patterns. If you want to visit the Rivers West office it is several more blocks south on the opposite side of the street from OE.

I bought the cabelas guide wear jacket and it has worked out great for years. It has the elastic cuffs, actual waterpoof zippers,and plenty of pockets.

you cant beat there 100% satisfaction guarantee either.

Lightweight!

Lightweight? I figured I had finally figured out when to slow down!

I see we both like the same brand of Tequila

Do not but the Helly Hansen stretch raingear. I went through two sets and both soaked me. In addition, the material is very light and prone to tearing. Fortunately after returning two sets under the lifetime warrantee HH agreed to upgrade me to the heavy duty commercial weight stuff (dark green). This is pretty decent but I mainly keep this set for guests. My favorite is still Grundens.

I might add that I have a North Face goretex ski jacket that has been awesome. I have had this jacket for 15 seasons of snowboarding and it has never failed me. I think I paid around $350 for this jacket, but it does have a lifetime guarantee. If anyone is considering spending $3-400 for a fishing jacket they should really take a look at North Face gear.

It's probably not the only thing we both like.

I like Helly Hanson, there is an outlet store in Centralia that you can get some outstanding deals at. One thing to consider, if your jacket used to keep you dry, but after time has started to suck, throw it in the dryer. The Helly people told me this is how you rejuvinate their coating. Might be worth a shot, eh?

The Hell Hansen gear I had was called Impertech. It was comfortable to wear because it was stretchy, but it always leaked around the collar. Like I said, I went through two sets and both had the same issues. I would highly advise against buying the Impertech product.

My Gortex HH kept me dry today, and if you can stay dry in 40 mph winds with sideways ran for four straight hours, then your jacket is working!

Fish on...

Todd

My SIMMS leaked like a seive. Mostly the hood failed to keep me dry. Oh well, the darn thing is 4+ years old now.

Parker,

Have you ever treated your Simms with anything? Just when I thought the G3 might be safe.


Todd,

Are you wading? Or are you in a boat? How well does it breath?