Any suggestions for really good Rain-jacket and pants for metal detecting?

[yrekadude]

I'm getting tired of rainy weather ruining my weekends metal detecting California beaches. I'm shopping for a good rain jacket and pants on amazon and other websites, so many to choose from! Has anyone here found the perfect set under $100 that is comfortable and functional for metal detecting in the rain?

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[John Madill]

Check out your nearest West Marine store. Sailors have great rain gear.

 

[Coin Operated]

Bass Pro Shops - similar to West Marine

 

[hoser]

Being you live in CA, you need something that breathes otherwise you will sweat to death. Mine is a treated nylon and works very well. Every other year I spray it down with CampDri. I still sweat, but not near as much as if it was rubber or vinyl.

 

[sube]

Here's a fact you need to know gor tex when wet does not breath . Look it up people have been misled to long by that name . As to picking a rain suit you well not sweat in good luck . sube

 

[TheFrood]

Have you considered fishing waders with a rain poncho? Chest waders,
not hip waders. I have a couple pair I bought on sale at Cabelas/Bass Pro.
In the ocean I recommend waders with the boots built in... The ones with
removable felt sole shoes tend to get really full of sand which abrades the
"socks" portion of the waders making them leak. They work great for freshwater
lakes/rivers/streams though.

In So. Cal I just wear a rain poncho with a pair of shorts and water shoes but
that may be a bit chilly of a solution for you up there... Oh, and I avoid high
winds with rain so that may go into consideration too when considering a
waders/poncho combination.

 

[hoser]

As to picking a rain suit you well not sweat in good luck .

Amen to that. But I do like the idea of a poncho. At least more air can get to you keeping you on the cooler side.

 

[TheFrood]

Amen to that. But I do like the idea of a poncho. At least more air can get to you keeping you on the cooler side.

And they are cheap. The one I carry in my car cost $15 at Big 5... Bought it because I was detecting on the beach in the rain.
So Cal beach though, so I forewent the chest waders and opted for cargo shorts with river sandals.

 

[Ken Clad]

Most anything you like, and price points from reasonable to OMG in "men's water fowling gear" search. Unfortunately, rain gear, no matter how breathable still means you're gonna be wet. The poncho is the way to go for cool(er). Drake Waterfowl and Frog Togg are the two I've owned and liked the best.

 

[DJW]

I use my HD Rainsuit pants and jacket.... Warm, dry, light and easy to put on over clothing. Nice bright colors as well..

 

[Cfmct]

I'm getting tired of rainy weather ruining my weekends metal detecting California beaches. I'm shopping for a good rain jacket and pants on amazon and other websites, so many to choose from! Has anyone here found the perfect set under $100 that is comfortable and functional for metal detecting in the rain?

Thank you for your suggestions!

I use this company for all my commercial wear... its teflon coated water rolls right off... Been buying from them for years... the winter wear is warmest I have ever owned... I just bought a new one in all black which I love...

Rainwear

Utility Pro™ offers a variety of rainwear styles for both men and women designed with comfort, weather protection, and other safety features in mind. Keep your visibility high no matter what Mother Nature throws at you!

www.utilityprowear.com

 

[yrekadude]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I bought something cheap at Burlington for the time being. One other benefit of detecting beaches in the rain is that you are the only fool out on the beach and that means people aren't in the way! It's supposed to rain in Santa Cruz CA this weekend but I'll go detecting anyways.. I used to be a diehard gold panner in Redding area and didnt stop for the rain and wasnt wearing rain gear, drenched from head to toe and freezing, took forever to get back up to my car.. but im older now and I cant get away with that anymore.

 

[Ra1der5]

Beach hunting from Redding? DUDE! You are dedicated!

So first, read this with the understanding I’m not driving two hours to get home!

I like my upper torso and feet warm, but I don’t care so much about my legs. I purchased a used Gortex golf jacket off eBay. I wear neoprene triathlon shorts under cargo shorts, and neoprene booties. I wear the shorts and booties year-round so the only real addition was the jacket.

I was in a non-stop downpour for about an hour on Tuesday. Yes, I was wet, but I was warm and that Gortex golf jacket kept my upper torso dry.

Amazon Booties

Amazon Shorts

BTW; those booties have no arch support. I bought WalkFit arch supports off eBay. They’re mostly plastic so won’t disintegrate in salt water.

Someone mentioned fishing gear. I have used a Huk Fishing rain jacket in the past, but now almost prefer the Gortex.

 

[yrekadude]

Beach hunting from Redding? DUDE! You are dedicated!

So first, read this with the understanding I’m not driving two hours to get home!

I like my upper torso and feet warm, but I don’t care so much about my legs. I purchased a used Gortex golf jacket off eBay. I wear neoprene triathlon shorts under cargo shorts, and neoprene booties. I wear the shorts and booties year-round so the only real addition was the jacket.

I was in a non-stop downpour for about an hour on Tuesday. Yes, I was wet, but I was warm and that Gortex golf jacket kept my upper torso dry.

Amazon Booties

Amazon Shorts

BTW; those booties have no arch support. I bought WalkFit arch supports off eBay. They’re mostly plastic so won’t disintegrate in salt water.

Someone mentioned fishing gear. I have used a Huk Fishing rain jacket in the past, but now almost prefer the Gortex.

Ra1der5, Thank you for the great suggestions. I own a home in Redding where my family is, but I live in the bay area for work and visit Redding only once every month or two. Half Moon Bay is only 45 minutes from me and Santa Cruz just under an hour drive.

Really like your good suggestions and I will look into it.

Thanks!

 

[Ra1der5]

Ra1der5, Thank you for the great suggestions. I own a home in Redding where my family is, but I live in the bay area for work and visit Redding only once every month or two. Half Moon Bay is only 45 minutes from me and Santa Cruz just under an hour drive.

Really like your good suggestions and I will look into it.

Thanks!

I responded just after the first post and before seeing you found a solution. Sorry I was late to the game.

When you see a guy with a Raiders hat in Santa Cruz, say hello!

 

[CalReg]

I live in a similar point in the Bay Area, and I have been looking at rain jacket/wader combinations. The rain jacket that I use works pretty well, but it's heavy and depending on how long I hunt, it can be really warm. A waterproof poncho could work. I currently use rain boots that go up to my knees, but more often than not, water gets in them. I have really seriously considered waders, but some have spoken out against that, saying that if I was out in the surf and it filled with water, it could weigh me down and potentially create a drowning hazard. That said, I spend most of my time hunting the water line. It's just those damn sneaker waves that get me! Good luck on your search!

 

[Rock Jock]

I prefer lightweight rain gear. I can always add more layers underneath if I need to. My preferred supplier is Columbia sports wear, usually to be found in outlet malls. Some years back I bought an ultralight nylon rain jacket with hood from them. It bundles up into a pocket in the jacket and is a little bit bigger than my fist when bundled. My wife also is fond of it and borrows it sometimes. I also have a nylon pant and hooded jacket combo that I found in Wal-Mart that is also handy and I've used it for many years.

 

[Rasyfromwayupnorth]

I prefer lightweight rain gear. I can always add more layers underneath if I need to. My preferred supplier is Columbia sports wear, usually to be found in outlet malls. Some years back I bought an ultralight nylon rain jacket with hood from them. It bundles up into a pocket in the jacket and is a little bit bigger than my fist when bundled. My wife also is fond of it and borrows it sometimes. I also have a nylon pant and hooded jacket combo that I found in Wal-Mart that is also handy and I've used it for many years.

For years I have been wearing some of the OD-green Helly Hansen sets (bibs and jacket) during the moose season in Alaska. These are adjustable, lightweight, and breathable. Since it can get quite cold and humid during the moose season, I buy sets that are roomy to allows for a layer of two of synthetic insulation underneath. But I imagine that being cold should not e a problem in CA

 

[TheFrood]

some have spoken out against that, saying that if I was out in the surf and it filled with water, it could weigh me down and potentially create a drowning hazard.

Yes and no... I wouldn't want to try to swim in them, but unless you are hit by a big rogue wave and swept out to sea the risk is
minimal. If you are really concerned about that carry a PFD with you for safety. If the risk was really that large then you would
see a massive number of casualties amongst surf fishers since wearing waders if you are going to be up to your thighs/hips
in cold water with it splashing up on your chest for any amount of time is kind of a necessity.

If you aren't going out deep to hunt then waders will be fine with the exception of the random rogue waves. The first safety rule
of surf fishing applies equally to beach metal detecting. NEVER turn your back on the sea.

BTW... When I say rogue wave I mean a rogue wave that shore-breaks at 4-6' or more. The sneaker wave usually don't go up
much past mid-thigh for me usually.

 

[CalReg]

Yes and no... I wouldn't want to try to swim in them, but unless you are hit by a big rogue wave and swept out to sea the risk is
minimal. If you are really concerned about that carry a PFD with you for safety. If the risk was really that large then you would
see a massive number of casualties amongst surf fishers since wearing waders if you are going to be up to your thighs/hips
in cold water with it splashing up on your chest for any amount of time is kind of a necessity.

If you aren't going out deep to hunt then waders will be fine with the exception of the random rogue waves. The first safety rule
of surf fishing applies equally to beach metal detecting. NEVER turn your back on the sea.

BTW... When I say rogue wave I mean a rogue wave that shore-breaks at 4-6' or more. The sneaker wave usually don't go up
much past mid-thigh for me usually.

I'm still planning on buying waders. I don't venture out into the surf much further than my knees. With that said, I was hit with some sneaker waves during the last storm that went up to my head! Although, that's not saying much as I'm only 5 foot 7...