Late August, early September, Alaskan brown bear hunt, any suggestions as to brand/type of rain gear? Would you get one size larger to wear over coats?

Thanks!

I got Cabelas MT050 (something like that) used in in Alaska and now in New Zealand. Excellent protection, one thing that bothers me is the excess of mesh liner on the inside, sometimes it sticks out.

I agree. Check out what is on Cabelas web site. Not cheap by any means but quality stuff. I have used their MT050 products for years and highly recommend them.

Helle Hansen Impertech that was the advice I got from most of the guys on the Alaska forum. Hunted SE AK for black bear in 07 and I know it works very well. I stayed dry and it is very light weight and holds up very well.

I'm 5'10" 225 and I bought XL and they were too large. They are very roomy, so I'd buy the size recommended instead of the one size larger mentality to fit over clothes. Plus they were very warm so I found myself just wearing my base layer, wool pants, and either a light fleece jacket or wool sweater underneath or else I'd overheat. The jacket is very well vented but be careful not to wear too many layers.

Hely Hanson Impertech. The set I have now I've had for over 12 years and it is still light, tough and waterproof. Numerous hunst including Kodiak twice and countless fishing trips proved to me it is very tough, dry stuff.

Lived in a pair Simms waders for two weeks last july. Can't get any more waterproof, bugproof, and the BEST for crossing streams.

I just want to hear about the hunt you're planning.

Another vote for Helly/Hansen Impertech. I recently spent 3 years in Alaska and that is by far the most widely used rain gear. I personally used my set on two sheep/grizzly hunts, a brown bear hunt on the peninsula and a boat-based moose hunt......it worked flawlessly.

Chet

Another vote for HH Impertech. It's waterproof, lightweight, and pretty tough.
Out of curiosity what is your guide suggesting you use? It might be wise to follow his recommendation.

My son is the one going, and the guide just told him to buy good quality rain gear. No recommendaton as to brand or style.

Too bad the guide wasn't at all specific. I always was just for the fact I wanted my clients to use what works.

quote:

I just want to hear about the hunt you're planning.

I wish it was me, my days of out of state hunts are pretty much over, time to hoard some money and try and retire before I die!


Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Another vote of the Cabelas MT050 series. I found that ordering your normal size gave room for a reasonable amount of layering which should be suitable for that time of the year in AK especially if he is hunting the more coastal areas.

quote:

Originally posted by RCG:
Another vote of the Cabelas MT050 series. I found that ordering your normal size gave room for a reasonable amount of layering which should be suitable for that time of the year in AK especially if he is hunting the more coastal areas.

I've used the MT050 for years and am satisfied; however, I haven't used it in Alaska. It's my understanding that it's quite a bit wetter there at times!

I will add my vote here for the Cabelas MT050. It has kept me warm and dry. I have used it in the rain and snow with temps down into the single digits.

Greg

kudu56- If your son is going to do multiple trips to Alaska, Canada- or anywhere else with heavy rain, then the suggestions here about Helly Hansen & Cabelas MT050 are probably sound. However, I used whatever I had for my all my hunts to Alaska(6 trips to the Alaska Pen., Brooks Range & S/E AK) and the Northwest Terr. I already had Browning packable(lightweight) Goretex rain suit(top & bottom) and used that for several trips. Used Cabelas lightweight 3/4 length Goretex parka once. Also used my duck hunting jacket on last Nov's. goat hunt, a Browning down ins. Goretex. All worked well; no problems. I had one AK outfitter tell me he did not like Goretex: it did not hold up for him. But, he carried a pack so much that the Goretex wore thru too fast for him. He wore Helly Hansen rubber. Problem was he had to keep it unzipped for ventilation. Otherwise, it sweat too much on the inside. He was always having to dry it out at the end of each day; not always easy to do. If you are doing just an occasional trip to these areas I do not think you need top of the line rain gear. If doing a lot of trips or live there & spend a lot of time in the field then go for quality gear. Also,remember, after a few seasons it may not fit well if you gain a little weight. Then you have to buy new gear. This has been my experience; others may feel differently.

Check out Frogg-Toggs premium goretex (not their treated synthetic paper weight cheapies)

Good value and durability.

I had one set in the motorcycle and a camo set in the back pack, light wt. and space efficient.

Whatever you get make sure it is quiet. Mine is realy a good water tight suit but makes a good amount of noise when I draw a bow. It got me busted once.

Sitka Nimbus suit. Great quality and lightweight.