Been reading great information on this forum for some time and finially decided to jump in.
I am going on a spring black bear hunt on POW island. It is hard to be preparred for everything when you have to pack for a plane ride. I have Sitka 90% coat and pants which will keep you dry in a light drizzle for a while but not long.
What type of weather should I expect and what good packable raingear do you all recommend and so I need it on top of what I have.
Hunting off a boat in the first week in May.
Thanks for any replies

I see that this is your first post.
Welcome aboard.
There's a whole lot of experience available here to answer your question.

Don

If you want to wear the tried and true that all the locals will have on, get the Helly Hansen Impratech. It doesn't breath, but it also doesn't leak. I've gone high tech (of course) and carry the much more packable, much more breathable, much more expensive rainrear from Integral Design, made from the fabric "eVent". It's the best yet. I think I'd stay away from all but maybe the latest goretex (which is also enormously expensive, but seems to work better in my experience that the older gore-tex).
Don

Thanks for the info - hard to go away from the tried and true but I like to have lighter more packable gear. May need to go old school with the Impratech for this one.
Thanks for the information

On my Coastal Bear hunt last in '07 I took 2 sets, and am sure glad i did. The rain didnt let up for 8 days.

HH Impertech for sitting/glassing

Rivers west for hiking. I have read a few bad remarks of Rivers west & the fact that they leak. Mine never ever did, and that was in non stop gale force driving rain for the duration of the hunt...............I would buy it again in an instant.

I have also recently heard bad things of Sitka & Swazi, I am guessing just like everything else, there are lemons in everything you buy!

Another vote for Rivers West. Been in torrential rain for full days at a time, never leaked yet.

Regards Jim P.

Impertech is THE rain gear of choice in Alaska, we use it and won't use anything else. If your hiking around in it you will sweat but it will keep the rain off you. The 90% jacket is ok for mild weather but if it gets cold, so will you. Put some fleece under it and you shoud be fine.

If the temp is above freezing, and it will be raining a LOT I prefer waxed cotton.

Either Barbour or Filson. Both have worked perfect for me on LONG, WET hunts.

Many of them backpack or tent hunts, where every piece of gear must WORK.

All depends on "how" you'll be hunting.

Looks like you'll be spot & stalk hunting from a boat.

Whatever you do, be sure to bring plenty of layers, of clothing. (Base, fleece & waterproof layers) If it's a gray, wet, cold day, just layer up. As the day heats or the sun breaks out, be sure to take a second to shed off a layer or 2. (SE Alaska "climate control")

As Don B stated, Helly's is the stuff. A bit stretchy, & resilient. If you do go with the Helly's Impertech, go with the olive green color. I'd also recommend the bibs version vice the regular pant version as the suspenders help keep them fitting better.

p.e.