Rain gear questions, not what you think!

[Flea77]

There comes a time when all sports shooters are tired of not being able to shoot in the rain/snow/whatever. Fortunately there are lots of options and reviews to help the photographer protect their gear, just log on to B&H or a similar site and read what people say about the items.

The problem for me is not what to use to protect my camera, but what to wear to protect ME! Yes, I have rain jackets, but they are designed to protect me from my car to a building, short runs. They are large and HOT. What do you guys wear to stand there on the field in typical Texas weather (meaning warm to hot, baseball and football) that keeps you dry without overheating? My tollerance for heat is fine as long as I am in the open with some air, put a jacket on me and I will pass out.

I have waterproof boots, and know my legs are just going to get soaked, that is fine. Does anyone have suggestions on a light, cool, waterproof jacket, preferably one that doesn't cost hundreds of bucks?

Allan

[scoami]

I don't own any, but a co-worker wears Frogg Toggs when he rides his motorcycle in the rain, and says they keep him dry. I'm guessing that if they can keep you dry while on a motorcycle, they'll work pretty good for sidelines.

Frogg Toggs

[SCone]

Check out goretex hunting gear.

[dwilliams35]

x2 on frog toggs. I was a gore-tex junkie way back when, fishing and hunting, etc., but it can't touch the frog toggs for light rainwear: as a layer of a heavy parka, etc., it's good stuff, but the lighter Gore-tex stuff leaves something to be desired.

[Flea77]

Originally Posted by SCone

Check out goretex hunting gear.

WOW! They are PROUD of their stuff. I could get a jacket, or have half of a new body, what a choice! I am sure they make fine stuff, but do I really need to spend 400-800 on a rain jacket? Really?

Allan

[Tom]

I have a goretex northface jacket. Worth every dime.

[SCone]

WOW... what are you looking at? Rain jackets are around $100 & pants a little less. Yes, GORE TEX is used in a lot of outerwear....

[ChrisTX]

I have this jacket, but in blue.

Cabela's: Caribou Creek Downpour Rain Jacket

It is a really great jacket for warm or cool weather.

[camera shy]

cheap and effective. but it does have some problems.

[ka5txl]

Originally Posted by camera shy

cheap and effective. but it does have some problems.

MY god I've been struck blind

[Flea77]

Originally Posted by SCone

WOW... what are you looking at? Rain jackets are around $100 & pants a little less. Yes, GORE TEX is used in a lot of outerwear....

OK, I didn't spend much time there I admit. I clicked on Mens outerwear, then the top product, the Performance Shell. The first jacket is $399, the one below it is $569, I ran away screaming I will look a little closer....

Allan

[MT Stringer]

Frogg Toggs for me also. I have used them on the boat when caught out in the rain. I don't think there is any way around not getting hot when wearing rain gear. A lot of it is vented but still gets hot.

[dwilliams35]

Originally Posted by MT Stringer

Frogg Toggs for me also. I have used them on the boat when caught out in the rain. I don't think there is any way around not getting hot when wearing rain gear. A lot of it is vented but still gets hot.

One of the best things I like about the Frogg Toggs is just the "packability" of it: just stuff it in that little bag it comes with, and it's just another small piece of equipment: very handy on the boat or anywhere else you're just stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a CHANCE of rain..
I know what you're saying about the heat, but I guess I've tried 'em all over the years, and those FT's are as good as any..

[Dobick]

if it is summer time and I am worried about getting hot, then I will usually not worry too much about getting wet. I usually have a spare tshirt in my truck.

If it is winter time and wet weather then I have a military issue gortex jacket that works wonders and is long enough that I do not worry too much about my legs getting wet.

Bottom line -- I usually just get wet, and try to keep a towel in plastic to dry my hands when needed

[janikphoto]

Two options. I always pack a few of the $1 plastic ponchos and then throw them away after the shoot. Also, there is a lot of good quality goretex stuff and rain gear from surplus military. Go to the milsurp section of sportsmansguide.com and look around. Stuff like this might work well for the price:

Used British Military Wet Weather Jacket, Navy, Military Surplus, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide

Used British Military Rain Set, Dpm Camo, Military Surplus, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide

German Mil. Gore-Tex Jacket, Fleck Camo, Military Surplus, Brand Not Specified at Sportsman's Guide