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Do you get wet under your rain gear?

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Member: OldGuystilltripping

Last Visit: 05/24/2013 10:17PM
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nctry

06/28/2012 09:35AM

I don't need to say we've had a little rain. On my recent trip one of the failures was my rain gears ability to keep out rain in other than light rain. Shouldn't I be able to stay somewhat dry in like an all day soaker? I had a couple times where I got soaked to the skin in my brand new Columbia Rain Gear.

Nctry Ben

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BeaV

06/28/2012 09:47AM

Yes, every set of lightweight gear I've ever used is the same experience as yours. Haven't found the answer to staying dry without bringing a heavy rubber suit.

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chipaddler

06/28/2012 10:05AM

My cabelas goretex paclite kept me dry 6/16 - 6/22.

The goretex did nothing to prevent the pain of marble size hail. :)

A friend brought a 15.00 PVC rain suit. The rain never got through it, but he was still wet from sweating in the sauna it created.

"Not all those who wander are lost" - Tolkien

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GSP

06/28/2012 10:20AM

quote nctry: "I don't need to say we've had a little rain. On my recent trip one of the failures was my rain gears ability to keep out rain in other than light rain. Shouldn't I be able to stay somewhat dry in like an all day soaker? I had a couple times where I got soaked to the skin in my brand new Columbia Rain Gear."

Call Columbia and talk with them, they have great customer service.

German Shorthair Pointers Rule Serenity is found in your mind, not somewhere you seek.

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Goby

06/28/2012 10:32AM

I agree, call them...BUT you could also hit it with waterproofing, say campdry for gortex.

I second the Cabelas Paclite raingear, I have a set of that and love it. It has kept me dry in an all day soaker several times. I spray it with campdry each year to help it out.

Tight Lines

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boonie

06/28/2012 10:41AM

Yes, you should be able to stay somewhat dry even in an all-day rain in a high-quality rainsuit, although you may be damp from perspiration/moisture in the air due to the high humidity. If the outer shell "wets out", the suits ability to breathe is compromised (the reason for DWR's, and even if it breathes, the air is so saturated with moisture that it cannot absorb yours. Like when you're working in very humid conditions and are soaked with sweat no matter what you're wearing. But this doesn't sound like your problem.

Where did the water come through yours - seams, zippers, cuffs? Everywhere?

I'd give Columbia a call and see what they say.

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walllee

06/28/2012 11:27AM

Simms rain gear for me, stay completely dry. I have Cabelas insulated rain gear for cold weather and it does also. If I could give anybody advice on what not to scrimp on when outfitting yourself for the B.W.C.A. it would be life jacket first, then quality rain gear.

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Diego

06/28/2012 11:37AM

Most any rain gear will do an admirable job of keeping the rain out if your just sitting around waiting for it to pass. However, as soon as you start to exert yourself, you will be creating enough sweat vapor that builds up under that nice rain jacket making it seem like rains coming through.

Ive got a lightweight $200 rain jacket,.. It does a little better, but if Im really hoofing it, it too will get wet inside. Just no way around it.

This is why actually alot of the lightweight hikers these days are going the umbrella route...seriously!

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Sierra1

06/28/2012 11:45AM

I had a Gander Mountain rainsuit with the Tech2O waterproofing. i couldn't count on it to ever keep me dry no matter how light the rain or how ever many times I sprayed it. I purchased a Mountain Hardware jacket and REI rainpants as replacements. The week before Memorial Day I was up in the BWCA and we got 7" - 10" of rain over a couple of days. I never had a leak nor did the apparel ever wet out and get the clothing below it wet. I was very , very happy with the results for being waterproof. As for being damp from perspiration on the inside it wasn't much of a problem since I wasn't real active in the rain. I usually sat and fished or did a bit of sightseeing so there wasn't a lot of heavy exertion.

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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timatkn

06/28/2012 11:50AM

Also watch the sleeves. In a bog down pour while paddling it isn't uncommon for the water to run down your arm if you lift past your waist. It can soke your whole body no matter how hard you tighten the sleeves.

T

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HowardSprague

06/28/2012 11:56AM

quote Diego: "Most any rain gear will do an admirable job of keeping the rain out if your just sitting around waiting for it to pass. However, as soon as you start to exert yourself, you will be creating enough sweat vapor that builds up under that nice rain jacket making it seem like rains coming through.

Ive got a lightweight $200 rain jacket,.. It does a little better, but if Im really hoofing it, it too will get wet inside. Just no way around it.

This is why actually alot of the lightweight hikers these days are going the umbrella route...seriously!"

I like to wear a long-sleeved, wicking type of shirt underneath, like a patagonia capilene or some of the duofold stuff. Then I still feel pretty dry, even if i'm sweating.

"Enjoy every sandwich"

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ripple

06/28/2012 12:26PM

We had the same issue on our Quetico trip this June. We have REI rain gear that we have had for about 5 years now- per this artical I realized the gear probably needs to be replaced. Buy the Right Rain Gear

Ripple in still water....

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TuscaroraBorealis

06/28/2012 12:34PM

quote timatkn: "Also watch the sleeves. In a bog down pour while paddling it isn't uncommon for the water to run down your arm if you lift past your waist. It can soke your whole body no matter how hard you tighten the sleeves.

T"

Excellent point!

Also, if out in a heavy downpour. Water can run down your face into protected areas as well.

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trashbag

06/28/2012 12:47PM

good way to test it would be to stand in the shower and see if it leaks.

trashbag

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chipaddler

06/28/2012 03:31PM

quote ripple: "We had the same issue on our Quetico trip this June. We have REI rain gear that we have had for about 5 years now- per this artical I realized the gear probably needs to be replaced. Buy the Right Rain Gear "

Ripple - if you don't need something this summer, keep an eye out at cabela's. I got my Gore-Tex PacLite shell for 50.00. Was a sale sometime during the offseason.

"Not all those who wander are lost" - Tolkien

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ripple

06/28/2012 03:50PM

quote chipaddler: "quote ripple: "We had the same issue on our Quetico trip this June. We have REI rain gear that we have had for about 5 years now- per this artical I realized the gear probably needs to be replaced. Buy the Right Rain Gear "
Ripple - if you don't need something this summer, keep an eye out at cabela's. I got my Gore-Tex PacLite shell for 50.00. Was a sale sometime during the offseason."
Thanks! The prices are crazy for the Gore-Tex Paclite= nearly $1,000 to outfit my husband and myself in new jackets and pants!!!!!!

Ripple in still water....

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chipaddler

06/28/2012 04:42PM

actually randomly checked and its on sale right now

Cabelas={keyword}

This jacket is completely un-insulated. Really just a shell, but will keep you dry.

Edit: just saw the sizes are limited on the sale items 2XL & 3XL.

"Not all those who wander are lost" - Tolkien

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kanoes

06/28/2012 04:46PM

quote timatkn: "Also watch the sleeves. In a bog down pour while paddling it isn't uncommon for the water to run down your arm if you lift past your waist. It can soke your whole body no matter how hard you tighten the sleeves.

T"
wear long wrist sweatbands. half on your bare wrists, the other half over the cuffs of your rain jacket. sure, they get wet but they also stop water from entering your sleeves.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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Savage Voyageur

06/28/2012 05:04PM

I have Columbia rain gear and was dry on a trip were it rained every day. I think you have a defect and I would also suggest to give them a call.

"So many lakes, so little time."

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Ragged

06/28/2012 05:12PM

I got completely soaked in my Marmot Precip stuff on my last trip, wrists were tight, hood was tight, after 30 mins or less in a crazy downpour I could see the tops of my thighs had completely wetted, jacket fully wetted out by the time we made camp. My buddy had Columbia gear, wasn’t super cheap stuff, $60-70 for each the top and pants, his fully wetted thru AND the pockets were holding water, the little tube around the bottom of the jacket was holding water as well, looked pretty funny actually.

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pamonster

06/28/2012 05:15PM

^^Yikes! I havn't had problems with my precip but I haven't been stuck out in a down pour longer than a few minutes, makes me kind of nervous about it....

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kanoes

06/28/2012 05:22PM

quote Ragged: "after 30 mins or less in a crazy downpour I could see the tops of my thighs had completely wetted"

ya sure you werent just scared?

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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trashbag

06/28/2012 05:23PM

had a problem once with my precip it started leaking where the hood meets the jacket. that was after 6 years of heavy use and rei replaced. i have been in plenty of downpours and only have had a problem with sweating. nothing warmer than a rain jacket

trashbag

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overthehill

06/28/2012 05:55PM

Nope. And I sweat easily too. Thin goretex worn over thin clothing.

Not to Hurry-Not to Worry

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keth0601

06/28/2012 06:09PM

Another reason why I love my lightweight poncho. Cost me $20 and it never leaks, I never sweat under it, and it doubles as a small tarp.

Sure my forearms down and my calves and ankles get wet but usually this doesn't bother me much in the bwca since I'm usually wet footing anyways and my hands would be wet either way.

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boonie

06/28/2012 08:45PM

@Sierra1-

What are the names of the jacket and pants?

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Ragged

06/28/2012 09:03PM

quote kanoes: "quote Ragged: "

ya sure you werent just scared?"

You got me!

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LuvMyBell

06/28/2012 09:16PM

quote walllee: "Simms rain gear for me, stay completely dry. I have Cabelas insulated rain gear for cold weather and it does also. If I could give anybody advice on what not to scrimp on when outfitting yourself for the B.W.C.A. it would be life jacket first, then quality rain gear."
ditto of the life jacket and rain gear.

Paddle Faster....I hear banjo music

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Sierra1

06/28/2012 10:26PM

quote boonie: "@Sierra1-

What are the names of the jacket and pants?"

Mountain Hardware Versteeg Jacket - I read the reviews but I never had a problem. For me it's been extremely reliable. $111.00 on sale now at REI. Not trying to sell REI product but I just saw it's on sale.

REI Ultra Light Rain Pants - Light weight and kept me dry. They seemed a bit thin but they worked fine... $79.00

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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jwartman59

06/29/2012 12:12AM

i have yet to meet rain gear that truly keeps you dry during a big downpour. the rubber stuff will, but the sweat factor will make you just as wet. i think that the layers under the rain jacket are equally important. good quality poly pro can make a big difference. i have to admit that i am partial to Patagonia gear. it is expensive but in my experience it outperforms all over brands. craft of swedwen makes some awesome gear, it is my goto brand for nordic sking, i am sure it performs just as well in the humid BWCA.

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BWPaddler

06/29/2012 03:37PM

I admit it, I always get somewhat wet. Sam's club Nylon rain suit, Cabela's Rainy River gore-tex, Cabela's Dry-Plus, Cabela's Nylon...

Some sooner, some later, but almost always wet. Fleece underneath, dries quickly, for me it's still warm when wet. Not sure what I would do if I was up there this past month in those downpours.

Fortunately, I am not miserable when wet. come to think of it, I first used a poncho when tripping (nylon, Campmor?) That actually did a pretty good job - at least as good as anything else.

This past trip was predicted to be all rain. I brought about 3-4 extra rain jackets so kids wouldn't be in danger. One of them was pink PVC (a gift). That kid was dry to her skin! But PVC won't work for the other two kids - would rip within seconds of their typical level of activity.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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bbrown6057

06/29/2012 03:39PM

another Cabella Paclite user here. Tested it out in a heavy rain at home and not a drop got past it. I also caught mine on sale for a great price.

"You have a cough? Go home tonight, eat a whole box of Ex-Lax, tomorrow you'll be afraid to cough."

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AndySG

06/29/2012 04:10PM

quote Diego: "Most any rain gear will do an admirable job of keeping the rain out if your just sitting around waiting for it to pass. However, as soon as you start to exert yourself, you will be creating enough sweat vapor that builds up under that nice rain jacket making it seem like rains coming through.

Ive got a lightweight $200 rain jacket,.. It does a little better, but if Im really hoofing it, it too will get wet inside. Just no way around it.

This is why actually alot of the lightweight hikers these days are going the umbrella route...seriously!"
Diego is correct about the exertion factor. Even though the fabric is "breathable," the pressure of the high humidity outside prevents perspiration vapor from escaping and evaporating. Heat and perspiration vapors are trapped and your clothing gets damp. A similar principal is heat index during high humidity. Sweat won't evaporate so the cooling effect is lost.

Sincerely yours, Andy

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Scout64

06/30/2012 10:50AM

quote trashbag: "good way to test it would be to stand in the shower and see if it leaks. "
This is exactly how I discovered my coat was no longer waterproof after 17 years. Every year I would test it in the shower. This year, it leaked like a sieve. All the seem tape came off. Sure glad I check it before my trip in early June.

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."

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timatkn

06/30/2012 11:05AM

quote kanoes: "quote timatkn: "Also watch the sleeves. In a bog down pour while paddling it isn't uncommon for the water to run down your arm if you lift past your waist. It can soke your whole body no matter how hard you tighten the sleeves.

T"
wear long wrist sweatbands. half on your bare wrists, the other half over the cuffs of your rain jacket. sure, they get wet but they also stop water from entering your sleeves."

Good idea. I only have a problem though when I shoot video in the rain (arms holding camera up), which I did in June but I was in a boat not a canoe. I guess I could see this happening while portaging a canoe?

T

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AndySG

06/30/2012 04:12PM

My Solution for keeping rain water from running down my sleeves. The cuffs on the gloves are wide enough to tuck the rain jacket cuffs in, then tie then down with the glove's velcro closure strap. Dry, warm hands to boot!

Sincerely yours, Andy

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wetcanoedog

07/01/2012 10:00AM

no, but working hard on the portage i sweat and get damp.
the big problem is that rain runs thru the cuffs.i don't think anyone made a rain jacket for those of us who portage and hold our arms up allowing the rain to work in.i know there are jackets with rubber sort of seals on the cuffs but those are for people out to sea in yaks and not canoe campers.hikers don't have the water thru the cuff problem and the suits are made for them in mind.

it's just a level trail thru the woods.

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nctry

07/01/2012 01:13PM

I'm not talking sweat here... I know when that is the issue. I'm talking getting wet from the rain. I'm in communication with columbia on this and will get back to ya all. Brand new jacket...

Nctry Ben

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boonie

07/01/2012 01:23PM

quote wetcanoedog: "no, but working hard on the portage i sweat and get damp.
the big problem is that rain runs thru the cuffs.i don't think anyone made a rain jacket for those of us who portage and hold our arms up allowing the rain to work in.i know there are jackets with rubber sort of seals on the cuffs but those are for people out to sea in yaks and not canoe campers.hikers don't have the water thru the cuff problem and the suits are made for them in mind."

I have wondered if one of those paddling jackets with the seals might be a good idea for the BW. Is there any reason they wouldn't work for canoe camping in the BW?

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WhiteWolf

07/02/2012 06:37AM

as stated if your active --- paddling hard and single portaging in an all day downpour-- you would need to be a Seal not to get wet. Speaking of that--- Navy SEALS ,, according to an ex SEAL,, don't worry about getting wet,, just deal with it,,, but then again,, they are a different breed.
I have had all the $$ rain gear from MH and Patagonia to Cableas' top end stuff. Works fishing and laying around camp- and breathes. But for the $$ and weight,, I bring Frogg Toggs,, espeically in the warmer months,, colder months I bring the $$ stuff. Watch the frog toggs around the fire......... and it gets hot and clammy. But works.

"What good fortune for governments that the people do not think." — Adolf Hitler

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nctry

07/02/2012 03:41PM

Columbia is having me send my jacket back. It's not supposed to do that. :) So far, good customer service.

Nctry Ben

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boonie

07/02/2012 04:24PM

It didn't sound like it was working right. Was it goretex or something else?

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snakecharmer

07/02/2012 08:17PM

quote boonie: "It didn't sound like it was working right. Was it goretex or something else?"
Columbia doesn't use Gore-Tex. They are direct competitors.

Another vote for Cabelas Gore-Tex Pac Lite.

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after"
~ Henry David Thoreau

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