I recently commented on an Instagram post that questioned whether a $1000 rainsuit (jacket and bibs) was worth the money. The author of the post inferred that the professional fishing industry might be "pricing people out of fishing" and said that "you are simply paying for comfort" in a rainsuit. He commented that a $2 garbage bag can keep you dry; although a rain jacket would be more comfortable.
I can understand his perception when it comes to seeing prices going up. The pocketbook pain is real. We've seen inflation across every consumer product over the last few years. The fishing industry is no different. It's way more expensive to do EVERYTHING compared to a couple years ago. But no matter how you feel about pricing and profits, fishing rainsuits are simply NOT just a comfort item when kayak fishing. I hope my experiences and words will encourage you to consider them as essential pieces of safety equipment, in the same way you might consider a personal flotation device (PFD).
Lesson Learned... The Hard Way
One of the scariest times I've had on the water was kayak fishing on a beautiful fall day in North Florida. Around noon, I left a remote ramp on a sunny 70 degree day with a 10% chance of rain in the forecast. Five miles from the ramp, the sky suddenly darkened, the temperatures plummeted, the wind picked up and I was in the midst of a downpour. I did have a single layer rain jacket and rain pants ($200 for the set) made for hiking by a reputable outdoor company, similar to what I had worn when I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. I slipped into the gear just as it started raining.
It took me less than five minutes to realize that rain gear for hiking is not the same as a fishing rainsuit. Cold water was leaking in the jacket and it was also seeping into my rain pants at the waistline. I wasn't just miserable. I was in danger. Now, soaked to the bone and shivering, I had almost two hours to the ramp, in rough water, with no other boats or shelters close. I feel what saved me from disaster was my PFD layer around my torso and when the shivering became almost unbearable, I made the decision to turn off my trolling motor and started paddling to warm up my body. The deluge never stopped, but I did finally make it back to the ramp with a serious lesson about the "costs" of going with less expensive rain gear.
Safety First
When it comes to safety in kayak fishing and paddling, I always hear people say don't be skimpy on purchasing a quality PFD. It could save your life after all. Unfortunately, you don't often hear that same great advice about raingear. Based on my previous lackluster choice for a quality fishing rainsuit, I can tell you, it isn't just about comfort - it's an investment about safety too. When your exposed to cold, wet conditions for extended periods, your risk of hypothermia increases significantly.
Consequently, I did a ton of research and talked to colleagues about rainsuit options that would protect and perform even in the worst weather conditions. I wanted to be shielded from wind and rain like a knight in waterproof armor. To me, that meant it needed to be made from durable, breathable materials and it would feature advanced waterproofing technology to keep me dry and comfortable.
The best bang for my buck came in Gill Fishing's Apex Pro-X bibs and Apex Pro-X jacket. Currently, the pair runs around $850, which is not inexpensive by any means, but over the past 18 months of regular use navigating choppy waters and unexpected squalls, these garments have been a reliable companion, keeping me safe and focused on what matters most: enjoying my time on the water.
Comfort for All-Day Wear
Comfort IS important. Like a PFD, if a rainsuit is uncomfortable you're less likely to wear it and that impacts your safety. Comfort isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when you’re spending long hours fishing. Gill Fishing understands this well with their Apex Pro-X line. Designed with anglers in mind, these bibs and jacket offer freedom of movement, ergonomic design and 3-layer breathable fabric ensuring you can cast, reel, and maneuver with ease. You don't feel restricted or weighed down by bulky, uncomfortable or overly warm rain gear allowing you to fish to your heart’s content without compromising on comfort.
Worth the Investment
Yes, quality comes at a price, but think of it as an investment in your comfort, safety, and overall fishing experience. Is it pricing you out of fishing? Unlikely. You have choices to wear that $2 garbage bag and still fish. But remember, you often get what you pay for and choices come with consequences. Ask your family how much they would pay to keep you safe. How much would a hospital stay for hypothermia cost you? Don't overlook quality raingear as an essential piece of safety equipment. Gill Fishing’s Apex Pro-X bibs and jacket are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and built to last through seasons of fishing adventures. Unlike cheaper alternatives that may fail when you need them most, these garments stand the test of time and keep you protected year after year.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. A quality fishing rainsuit isn’t just another piece of gear—it’s your ticket to staying dry, safe, and comfortable while enjoying your time on the water. Gill Fishing’s Apex Pro-X bibs and jacket exemplify this commitment to excellence, offering outstanding protection, comfort, and durability that justify every penny spent. Don’t let unpredictable weather dampen your fishing spirits. Invest in the best you can afford, and reel in those unforgettable moments, rain or shine!
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