Rain Gear?

Tactical Gear Tactical Gear
1

Any recommendations for rain gear? I would like something in multicam.

I tried a friend’s Tru-Spec H2O Proof Gen2 ECWCS Parka, and it seemed to work OK, but was starting to bubble on the outside. (I don’t know if he threw it in the dryer, on high, or what) I wore it riding, for a few hours in a steady rain, and it kept me dry. But when I put it back on after being inside for another couple of hours, it seemed like it had soaked through, in the drying process. And it didn’t seem to work as well as the Gore-Tex I was issued in the Guard. (Don’t know what Gen it was, but it was 94-02, and was in Woodland)

Anything out there that is reasonably priced?

2

MIL issued rain gear works good if you treat it with a heavy coat of camp dry. Same with boots.

I think there’s a recent thread about rain gear from Rob_s on hear with a lot of good info.

3

Good thread here: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=14441

4

Good price is going to be hard, but if you’re willing to pay, Arc’teryx is one of the best, IMO.

5

The arcteryx beta sl is a great rain shell. Buy a size up and layer it with any brand fleece on the inside and you cover a large range of climates.

6

Thanks! Believe it or not, I did check the search feature before I posted. But, I didn’t find that thread.

The LEAF Arc’teryx Alpha Jacket is a little out of the reasonable price range, at $846. I wouldn’t want to risk wearing it in the field, at that price! Be like wearing gold.

7

Well the regular Alpha is $600, but yeah for the new MC pattern one its way up there. Their stuff is supposedly built to last though, I’ve had my Gore-Tex shell for over a year and I wear it constantly. I’m about to buy another too.

8

I’d love to have one, but can’t justify the cost. Is there no middle ground, between Tru-Spec and Arc’Teryx?

9

Pretty much every major hiking brand makes pack light rain shells. Some are expensive like patagonia and arcteryx, others are more in the middle, like marmot, northface, some are really inexpensive like columbia and rei’s brand.

10

A year ago I was given the Tru-Spec jacket in Multicam. With only light usage, the internal tape is starting to peal off. Taping under the stitching is necessary. I cannot recommend Tru-Spec. Around 12 years ago I purchased a NorthFace gore shell and it gave outstanding service in harsh conditions for nearly ten years. NorthFace has become too mainstream and has lost much of their technical capability in favor of selling to the masses. I no longer recommend NorthFace.

A question to ask is whether you want waterproof/not breathable, or, do you want waterproof/breathable?

For non-breathable, the following Carhartt is outstanding:

http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=50202&langId=-1&categoryId=48231&top_category=10926

For breathable, at a moderate price range with good quality, I would recommend one of the jackets from REI:

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4501456&jxBrand=REI&hist=cat%2C4501456%3AMen%27s+Rain+Jackets%5EjxBrand%2CREI

Although, some do not like REI’s politics. They ran a large ad campaign a few years ago stating that they do not sell anything which is used to kill. They were trying to differentiate themselves from Dick’s which sells some guns.

11

Good points above. Just to clarify the arcteryx beta sl rain shell is gortex but its essentially a non breathable plastic bag.

12

Otte Gear’s Patrol Parka hard shell is $450. I dont have it but I have their Alpine soft shell and it is high quality

13

For Walmart runs, or military use?

14

Field Use. Hiking, range, riding, etc. I try to avoid WalMart at all costs, but if I have to go I usually just make a dash. I need something I can be in the rain for a while.

Breathable yes, I liked the GoreTex I was issued in the guard. This replaced what I liked to call the “Gumby Suit.” I hated the Gumby Suit.

I agree with the comments on the Tru-Spec H20. It just doesn’t seem to hold up. Is there a Propper version, around maybe the $250 range?

15

If that’s the case don’t get ass raped by a “tactical brand”

Marmot, North Face, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, EMS and REI will all offer a massive selection of gear in natural colors that will combat the elements incredibly well without spending a fortune.

Given that we just came out of the Christmas shopping season, there is no reason you can’t score a primaloft insulation layer and barrier rain jacket for under $300 together.

16

http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=9881&tabid=548&catid=2302

17

I know Im going to get some hate mail about this, but I didnt see anything about Condor. I have their soft shell and I really like it. The quality isnt Arteryx or Tag, but its damn good for 80 bucks. I use it for hiking and its holding up pretty well. I just give it quick once over with a paper towel and some warm water after Im done with it for the day. The fit is a bit snug as its “Alpine” cut and meant to be worn under armor so maybe order a size up especially if you plan to layer. Overall, I like it and think it at least deserves a look.

18

If they offered the Gen II, in Multicam, that would be perfect.

The Propper™ AdventureTech APCU Level V Soft Shell Parka, is nice, too! http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=17590&tabid=548
On sale for $71, but they are out of Multcam. Also looks like Propper is discontinuing that model.

19

Maybe the TAG or 5.11 one? I haven’t tried much of either stuff, but what I have I do like.

20

Keep an eye out for soldiers who are selling off their OCP (Multicam) GEN III Level 6 Gore-tex sets on eBay. I believe ADS handles the contract for these. You can pick up a NWT parka for about $100 if you’re patient. I’ve heard good things about them (no personal experience, I’m still using my old woodland Gore-tex)

They’re not super tactical, but they’ll keep you dry.