A guest had decided to "decommission" his rain suit after several Boundary Waters canoe trips, but it looked to have a lot of life left, so I fished it out.
That "recycled" rain suit got a lot of use and a lot of love around the shop for a long time. And it's what sold me on the line of rain gear sold by FroggToggs.
You can spend $300 on rain gear tops and bottoms, but they may not work as well as the DriDucks Dura-lite3 model by the FroggToggs company - and for a bargain price of $40. That's the model in this photo, and here's a link to the company website.
Here's what's to like:
- Reliably waterpoof.
- Lightweight and compact storage in your canoe pack.
- Full cut to allow air circulation, reduce moisture vapor buildup, and allow a comfortable seated position in a canoe. The free range of movement is excellent for portaging canoes and packs.
- Durable. They don't snag and shred on an overgrown portage or bushwhack to gather firewood. They are not prone to splitting out in the crotch.
- They don't seem to get soaked through and soggy like some more expensive rain gear.
- They zip all the way up to your chin, shielding rain and wind from your neck.
- The bottom of the jacket is cut full and does not have an elastic bottom, so water flows away better when seated in a canoe.
- Elastic wrist cuffs to keep water from running down your arm while paddling.
- A draw chord waist you can synch tight so the pants don't sag.
- A full cut and effective hood that doesn't sag over your eyes, moves nicely as you turn your head, and allows decent peripheral vision.
- The legs fit over knee-high rubber boots and are generous in length.
- They double as a basic wind layer or mosquito layer.
- An unbeatable price point. These are an awesome inexpensive investment in safety and comfort.
It may be down-pouring, but if you stay dry, then you'll stay warm and comfortable, and you'll keep the fun meter pointed in the right direction.
1 comment:
This is cool!
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