If fishing is your hobby, then you may want to invest in the most dependable rain gear you can find in the market right now. With the best rain gear for fishing in your arsenal, you can further enjoy this activity without sacrificing your safety and comfort. Find out how to shop for the best one through this article.
What Is a Rain Gear for Fishing
A rain gear specifically designed for fishing is always a vital part of any fisherman’s gear. Regardless if you fish because it is what you do for a living or do it for recreational purposes, having a good rain gear can surely make the whole activity as fun and productive as possible.
Just like how important a reliable beginners’ kayak is, your chosen rain gear is also essential, especially during windy days. Also, take note that the rainy season usually enhances fish bite. Be fully prepared for that by ensuring that you have enough rain gear.
Benefits of Using a Rain Gear for Fishing
Protects You From the Rain
One importance of rain gear for those who are interested in fishing is that it offers protection from the rain. Note that fishing ultimately requires protection from the rain because it is usually in this weather when you have a higher chance of enjoying an abundant catch. You wouldn’t want to get yourself soaked up in rain and moisture, do you? This is why you need to have a proper and complete set of rain gears.
Offers Comfort
When fishing during a rainy season or cold weather, having no rain gear to protect, you can also cause discomfort. It could be because of the cold weather or the raindrops falling on you. By having something to cover you up, you can get rid of such discomfort.
Provides You the Warmth You Need
While fishing outdoors during cold weather, you also need something to warm you up. One gear that you can use, in such a case, is a pair of fishing gloves. This is one of the most dependable rain gears you can own because it warms you up, thereby preventing your hands from getting too cold quickly and numbing your fingers.
Note that having cold and numb hands and fingers might cause problems in holding your sturdy fly rod, or any type of rod for that matter. It would be best to have something to warm you up during that time.
How Does a Rain Gear for Fishing Work
Note that your rain gear collection will consist of various items to protect you from the cold weather and the rain and moisture. This means that depending on the specific rain gear you are using, it will protect a specific part of your body.
For instance, the fishing gloves serve as gear to protect your hands and give you the warmth you need during extremely cold weather. You may also want to invest in a fishing rain suit or a high-quality rain jacket if you want something that works in giving you full protection.
Raining Gear for Fishing
Just like what has been indicated a while ago, raining gear for fishing consists of different items. Among the items you may want to invest in and include in your rain gear collection that you can use for your fishing adventures are the following:
Rain Boots
Note that even if you decide to fish on dry ground, in a comfy chair, or a boat or an inflatable kayak that’s not prone to punctures, it can still benefit you to invest in a pair of waterproof rain boots. Note that the rain might soften up the ground, even that which is fully dry before.
This can lead to the formation of puddles and mud. By wearing rain boats, you have an assurance that your feet and socks will not get wet. It can, therefore, make you feel comfortable and enjoy your time while fishing.
Waterproof Trousers
Your rain gear collection will not also be complete without a pair of waterproof trousers. Fortunately, just like when you are shopping for the world’s best kayak for big guys, you will also most likely be greeted with numerous options if you are on a hunt for a good-quality pair of waterproof trousers.
Your ultimate choice, however, should be that which gives you the utmost comfort once you wear it. It should also give you proper insulation and should be waterproof enough that it prevents you from getting wet.
Rain Jacket
Another great investment designed to protect you from the rain while fishing is the rain jacket. This is necessary whether you go kayak paddling for recreation or fishing for fun or professional reasons because these activities will most likely expose your upper body to the rain.
You may want to go for the PVC-based raincoat or the costlier but more water-resistant and breathable rain jacket. Some say that it is more favorable to go for the water-resistant and breathable type because casting continuously might cause you to sweat quickly. It also helps to wear a rain jacket with several additional pocket spaces.
Fishing Gloves
Just like your body and feet, your hands are also among the parts of your body that require the highest level of protection when fishing during the rainy season. Note that if your hands get wet, then these will be more vulnerable to getting cold. This results in your fingers becoming numb. The problem with this is that this might make it more difficult for you to hold your fishing rod, especially when the strong winds start blowing. You can avoid that with a good pair of fishing gloves.
Fishing Rain Suits
When it comes to fishing rain suits, know that several manufacturers provide the trouser and jacket combination. The good thing about these items is that they are lightweight and waterproof, not to mention affordable. Being reasonably priced, deciding to invest in fishing rain suits will surely give you value for the amount you paid. You can also choose from the inexpensive PVC material or the more advanced GORE-TEX materials.
Materials of Rain Gear for Fishing
Different materials are also used in creating a specific rain gear. It is up to you, therefore, to compare different materials and find out which one can benefit you the most. Just like when you are reading premium fishing kayak reviews, it can also benefit you if you study the different rain gear materials designed for fishing so you can better decide which one is appropriate for you.
Nylon
Nylon is one common material used in many rain gears, especially rain jackets. One advantage of this material is that it is truly water-resistant, thereby making it ideal to use during a rainy day. It aids in keeping you dry when fishing. Furthermore, it is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
Hydroplus Nylon
You may also want to go for rain gears made of hydro plus nylon. It refers to a water-resistant material or fabric composed of polyester and nylon. One great thing about this material is that it is also breathable. It helps you stay cool even in those instances when it is humid and damp outdoors.
Polyester
The water-resistant nature of polyester makes it a great material for rain gears. It shows how suitable it is for various kinds of weather. Aside from being water-resistant, it is also comfortable while having the ability to retain heat effectively. This makes it effective in making you feel warm when you are out fishing in the cold.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane-based rain gears are also among the most appropriate items to wear for fishing. One advantage of this material is that it can give you a weatherproof and waterproof gear that will protect you from the rain and cold. It is also one of the sturdiest materials for rain gears. It is even capable of resisting abrasion. Furthermore, it is lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and soft.
Twill
One amazing quality of twill material is its extreme durability. It is a suitable material for use in making waterproof trousers or pants and rain jackets that are appropriate for fishing. Another advantage of twill is that it has a high thread count because of the tightly woven structure it has. This makes it more wind-resistant and water-resistant than other materials.
Mesh
It also helps to have a sort of mesh material in your rain gear. Wearing a rain gear with a mesh lining, for instance, can boost ventilation because of the ability of the material to allow the air to circulate properly. With that, cooling down is easy. It also gives you an assurance that you can eliminate sweat quickly.
Gore-Tex
Another fantastic material that is perfect for fishing rain gears is Gore-Tex. This is more of advanced material because of the high-tech and advanced waterproof membrane it has. It works in boosting its breathability, too, making it possible for you to enjoy your time fishing for long hours even if you are exposed to harsh weather or conditions. It does so without causing you to lose important body heat. It is also sturdy plus proven to be truly windproof and waterproof.
How to Choose the Best Rain Gear for Fishing
Now that you know most of the things that you have to learn about rain gears for fishing, it is time to shop for one. You might have heard other fishing enthusiasts saying that a fishing plier should be strong and corrosion-resistant when you are on a hunt for a good one.
Like when you are shopping for your fishing tools and gears like the plier mentioned, it is also advisable for you to be more thorough in your assessment for rain gear. Some important factors and features you have to look into and examine carefully are:
Waterproof Structure
One thing you have to check when on a hunt for a rain gear that you can use for fishing is its waterproof structure. It should be waterproof so it can prevent water and moisture from penetrating. In terms of being waterproof, be aware that you can get that from various materials – with each one providing a specific water protection level.
Some even have the added feature of being weather-resistant. This means that it can withstand all kinds of weather, even the harshest ones. It would be best to go for a waterproof rain gear, which is still comfortable enough that it lets your skin breathe. It should not cause excessive sweating. One feature designed to improve the breathability of rain gear is a mesh lining in the interior.
Adjustable Hood
You should also check whether the rain gear you are thinking of investing in features a hood. Note that a hood will always form a vital part of this gear. It would be best if such a hood is adjustable, as this makes it possible for you to adjust its fit. With a proper fit, you have an assurance that your rain gear will do a much better job in preventing water from penetrating.
Adjustable Wrist Closure
Make sure that your rain gear also comes with an adjustable wrist closure. This is especially true if what you have is a rain jacket. Fortunately, the majority of technical rain gears today already come with adjustable wrist closures, so you will not have a difficult time finding one with this specific feature.
One advantage of having this feature is that it can produce tight closures, thereby preventing the cold, wind, and rain from getting inside the gear. You may also loosen the adjustment if you want to increase the ventilation of the gear.
Draw Cord on the Waist
A rain gear equipped with a drawcord on the waist is also a big advantage. It is because it plays the role of tightening the fit of the item. With a tighter and more secure fit, there is a lower chance for the water to seep through or penetrate.
Storage
Another important consideration is the amount of storage space a specific rain gear can provide. You need adequate storage space, especially if you decide to fish during the rainy season. It is because during this time, your hands will most likely have plenty of vital things to do, so you might not be able to grasp or hold other valuables and essentials comfortably.
Your hands may be busy with things, like when you have to mount your fish finder on a kayak tightly or when you need to dress your wader when fly fishing. You can manage your tasks and activities even more easily if your rain gear also has adequate storage space. It is also favorable to choose one that you can close using either a zip or a Velcro piece.
The pockets and storage spaces provided by your gear will serve as the perfect spots to store some of your fishing devices and equipment, especially the non-waterproof ones. This can, therefore, help keep them dry. Aside from that, having more pockets in your rain gear can be a solution when it comes to keeping your hands warm when exposed to the extreme cold for too long.
Lightweight
When fishing, you wouldn’t want to wear an outfit that will only wear you down. With that in mind, you have to look for lightweight rain gear. It should be lightweight enough that you will not find it challenging to move around. The good thing about having a lightweight rain gear is that you can also easily store and carry it if unused.
Seams
Spend time checking the seams of the rain gear before buying, too. Note that no matter how great your chosen material for your rain gear collection, it will still be less valuable if it does not have something that will hold its important parts together. With that said, check their seams as these are the ones that will attach them together.
Well-done seams will prevent water from penetrating. As much as possible, go for seams that are sewn then strengthened using a waterproof adhesive tape. This gives you an assurance that the leaks will not penetrate even in the tiniest holes.
Resistance
The resistance, in this case, refers to the ability of the rain gear material to withstand a lot of use and abuse as well as harsh environmental and weather concerns. Your main goal should be to find a waterproof rain gear. However, it should also be able to resist and withstand other stuff.
It should be able to handle the stress and pressure without tearing. It is also important for it to be strong and resistant enough that it will not get damaged even after putting it under strain and pressure.
Safety
It should also have a couple of safety features. Note that during heavy rains, no matter how great your rain outfit is, there are still instances when things can go wrong. You can, therefore, greatly benefit from a rain gear with additional precautionary and safety features.
For instance, it should have a feature designed to let you float and offer protection against the cold and water. It also needs to have a sort of reflective capability. This is extremely useful during emergencies when you want rescuers to find and rescue you easily.
Breathability
Another important thing to check and assess is the rain gear’s level of breathability. It should support proper air circulation. It helps if it comes with membranes and uses high-end fabrics designed to control heat and moisture while remaining waterproof and breathable.
The rain gear also needs adequate ventilation. It should have a built-in venting feature designed to improve air circulation, a great feature that you can use during the hot season.
Movability
Check how movable the rain gear is before buying, too. Make sure that it is easy to store and promotes ease when it comes to moving around. Your goal is to wear one that will never hamper your movements once you begin fishing.
Comfort
Of course, your comfort also matters a lot when making a decision. Your chosen rain gear should never make you feel uncomfortable and awkward, even if you are just using it for short fishing trips. One way to guarantee your comfort is to find the right size and fit. It also needs to be made from breathable, flexible, and lightweight material, as this assures you of comfort and ease of movement.
Adjustability
It is also crucial to look for rain gear with a high level of adjustability. There should be features that let you adjust almost everything about it so you can make it fit you perfectly. Some adjustable features of rain gear should also be around to help you close everything that might serve as the places where water and moisture can pass through.
Features
Find a rain gear containing all the features you need to keep you safe. It should have a well-built and sturdy seam, as well as other features, like adjustable cuffs and wrist closures. Other essential features that should be present in your rain gear are pockets, zipper tips, and others that are specific to fishing, like lower back insulation, visor-style hoods, adjustable drawcords, and zip-in insulation liners.
How to Use Rain Gear for Fishing
Rain gear should be worn correctly to make the most out of its ability to offer protection. Here are some simple yet important steps to follow when wearing and using rain gear.
Step 1 – Make sure it fits
Note that a garment with proper fit plays a crucial role in your comfort. Aside from being made of materials with windproof and waterproof properties, your rain gear also has to fit well to maximize its benefits.
Step 2 – Wear some insulating layers before wearing the gear
This is important to determine if there is still adequate room so you can dress warmly during the cold weather.
As mentioned earlier, your comfort should be on top of your priorities when finding the right fit. It should not be too snug, as this might only lead to compressed insulation layers. You should also avoid it from becoming too loose as this will prevent it from breathing well.
Step 3 – Sit when wearing pants and jackets
This should form part of your test to figure out if your entire rain gear is already comfortable and you are good to go. Sit while you are still wearing both your pants and jacket. Your goal is to find out whether your lower back receives more than enough protection. It is because this is a weak spot that might cause heat loss. If you notice that such a part does not receive a lot of protection, then you may want to wear bib pants or a jacket with a longer cut.
How to Clean and Maintain Rain Gear for Fishing
You have to learn the basics of cleaning and maintaining your rain gear to make it last longer. Aside from keeping it clean, it is also important to do something to protect its coating designed to make it waterproof.
Make sure to consult the label’s instructions on how to care for your rain gear as each product and brand comes with a different set of care instructions. The most basic cleaning and maintenance steps for rain gears, though, include:
Step 1 – Undo all snaps, buttons or zippers to rinse the gear
Do this after using your gear, especially in saltwater. When rinsing, make sure to use fresh water only.
Step 2 – Let it dry after rinsing
However, you should avoid exposing it to any direct source of heat.
Step 3 – Begin washing
You have the option to hand-wash it with soap flakes or use your washing machine to wash it with a bit of liquid detergent. If you plan to wash it using the machine, set it at a delicate cycle and use warm water.
Step 4 – Let it dry
Make sure that you do not do so by exposing it to a direct source of heat.
Do’s and Don’ts With Rain Gear for Fishing
- Clean your rain gear regularly. This is crucial in maintaining its quality and good condition, especially its waterproofing features and properties.
- Find the right fit. Note that you can only maximize the benefits of the rain gear while ensuring your comfort and protection if you get the correct sized – one that fits you properly.
- Store only after it gets fully dry. Do not store the rain gear when it is still wet. Make sure that it is fully dry prior to storing it to avoid possible damage.
- Do not bleach, iron, nor dry clean the rain gear. This might damage its properties.
- Do not wring it out. It is because wringing the rain gear out might cause its fabric’s components to break down.
FAQ About the Rain Gear for Fishing
Will rain gear for fishing be light enough to carry in a backpack?
This will depend on the specific rain gear you decided to buy. This is the main reason why it is highly recommended to look for rain gears made specifically from lightweight materials. If you find a lightweight garment, then storing or carrying it in your backpack will be easy. It will not weigh you down nor restrict your mobility. Check the weight of the product before buying to ensure that it is light enough for you.
Will rain gear for fishing be warm enough for cold weather?
Yes, most rain gears designed for fishing that you can access in the market right now come with features to warm you up during extreme cold. Some even come with strong seams designed to prevent water or moisture from seeping inside that might only aggravate your feeling of coldness. The fact that most rain gears are water-resistant and wind-resistant also gives a guarantee that they can still provide you with adequate warmth when necessary.
Do I need to wear waterproof gloves?
Yes, waterproof gloves should be worn, especially if you decide to fish during extremely cold days. Without gloves, your hands might get wet, making your hands and fingers cold and numb. The problem with having cold and numb hands and fingers is that this might trigger issues once you hold the rod. It would be best to have a sort of protection by wearing waterproof gloves.
Are waterproof boots comfortable?
Yes, most waterproof boots are made to be comfortable, so those who are interested in fishing will enjoy the protection this footwear offers without discomfort. The key here is to find one that fits. The right fit can definitely assure you of maximum comfort and freedom of mobility. Furthermore, they should have adequate waterproofing features to further improve their ability to offer comfort and protection.
Are all fishing rain suits and bibs waterproof?
Most of them are. It is because a lot of manufacturers are already aware of how important it is to wear waterproof garments while fishing. With that in mind, expect the majority of fishing rain suits and bibs to come with waterproof properties, too. These properties are enough to keep you safe and have a fun experience every time you decide to fish during cold and rainy weather.
Are waterproof jackets durable?
Yes. In fact, most waterproof and water-resistant jackets come with a durable water-repellent finish found on their exteriors. You can expect this to be a big help in repelling moisture while ensuring that you stay dry when it is raining or snowing. This also further enhances the durability of the jacket, making it withstand almost all kinds of weather, even harsh ones.
Is Gore-Tex 100% waterproof?
Yes. It is even one of the most recommended materials for those searching for waterproof rain gears because of how effective it is in repelling moisture and water. The good thing about Gore-Tex is that even with its 100% waterproofing ability, it still stays breathable. This means that it lets moisture from sweat escape. Also, proper care and use of this material can help ensure that it stays not only waterproof but also breathable and windproof during its useful life.
Conclusion
If you are fond of fishing or want to eat your food fresh and cooled from a cooler, especially the foods you caught from your own effort, then having a rain gear collection specifically designed for all your fishing adventures is a must. With the help of these garments, you can protect yourself every time you fish no matter what the weather is.
Just make sure that your chosen rain gear fits you correctly and has all the necessary features and properties that can make your experience while fishing safer and more fun and worthwhile.
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