Do these situations sound familiar?
Fortunately, excellent advances in rain gear have nixed many of the drawbacks detailed previously. Farmers, ranchers, and horseback riders have a wide variety of rain jackets, rain suits, and slickers from which to choose. Besides keeping you dry, today’s rain gear boosts breathability.
“When farmers and ranchers first call, we evaluate their needs,” says Jeff Wunn, a Gempler’s merchandising manager. “We ask what type of work they’ll do and under what conditions. Once we get to that point, we can recommend brands and various combinations of raincoats and rain suits.”
Consider these four factors when buying rain gear.
1. Waterproofing Rain gear is like anything else – you get what you pay for.
“Less expensive gear will be a more rubberized type of material,” says Lyle Smith, president of Martin Ranch Supply. That may work well for dairy operators who go in and out of barns frequently, he says. On the flip side are cattle producers who work cattle on horseback and trail riders who may be exposed to the elements for hours.
Stitched areas are often places where water can seep in. Some of the higher-priced rain gear has sealed seams that back garment stitching, which helps ensure waterproofing, says Wunn. Some rain gear fabrics also are treated with water-resistant coatings that wick away moisture.
2. Durability Make sure the rain gear’s material matches up where it will be worn. “If you wear it day after day, you want it to stand up,” says Ryan Stephenson, WaterShed sales development manager. “For farmers who are going to be hard on gear, the best material is polyurethane. It is pretty durable and not very expensive. You don’t have to feel like you are walking on eggshells.”
3. Breathability One drawback with less expensive rainsuits is lack of breathability, says Stephenson. In this case, you risk an internal Turkish bath if intense physical activity spawns sweat. One solution (with a higher price tag) is rain gear equipped with Gore-Tex, a lightweight, waterproof, and breathable fabric membrane.
“Gore-Tex is a waterproof but breathable material, with fibers that allow no water to leak and still allows internal moisture to escape,” says Stephenson. “It’s popular, but not with all farmers or for all purposes. Gore-Tex is a premium material, and not all farmers want it at that price point.”
Breathable polyurethane-coated rainsuits rain suits also are popular at a lower price, says Wunn.
“These are really good for active types of jobs,” says Wunn. “These also tend to be cooler than a PVC rain suit and a lot more comfortable and lighter in weight.” Bear in mind you will pay more for these factors.
“The more expensive rain gear will be more breathable and more comfortable,” says Smith.
4. Flexibility Flexibility is another consideration. Features like articulated sleeves aid movement.
“These give you a full range of motion,” says Stephenson. Popular in the logging industry where loggers often lift logs above their shoulders, flexibility can also help you in tasks ranging from calving to fencing.
Stretchability is key, adds Wunn. This helps ensure tearing doesn’t occur during frequent bending.
Boss Lined PVC Bib Overalls/Rain Jacket
Features an adjustable hook-and-loop waist and hood closure for a custom fit and rust-resistant covered metal snaps. Has pockets galore, with a zip pocket on the bibs and two large cargo pockets on the jacket. Is reinforced in joint areas.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $24.99 for bibs or jacket
Carhartt Quick Duck Harbor Jacket
Waterproof and breathable jacket with Storm Defender stops rain while allowing body heat to escape. Has Carstrong reinforced cuffs and bottom hem. Lower front pockets have YKK Aquaguard zippers and two pockets on the inside.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $179.99 to $189.99
Dutch Harbor HD200 Quinault Rain Suit
Two-piece jacket and bib set features infused and PVC-coated woven polyester fabric with sewn and welded seams. Has three-piece brimmed hood and heavy-duty plastic snaps. Features low back and adjustable shoulder and waist-side straps.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $60 to $65, depending on size
Gempler’s Ripstop Nylon Jacket/Pants
Packable rain jacket/pants is made of ultradurable ripstop nylon. Breathable jacket has 3,000-PU waterproof coating with taped seams. Ripstop pants feature adjustable cuff snaps to customize a short inseam or to add a snug boot fit.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $30 to $33 for pants; $50 to $55 for jacket
Hydroblast jacket features front hook-and-loop closures on wrists and neck. A 1"×15" shroud with 1" hook-and-loop fastening to the chest and face shield (sold separately) also maximizes protection. Includes drawstring hood/waist.
Ultimate riding coat is cut large to ensure rider and saddle are covered. Waterproof/breathable nylon fabric is lightweight, durable, and packs down small. Has 2-way zipper with Velcro closure storm flap and large pockets with Velcro storm flaps.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $199, plus shipping
Jackets, overalls, and waist pants made from lightweight but extremely durable waterproof nylon fabric give freedom of movement and natural ventilation. Durable storm fly front has polyurethane inside coating and tape-sealed seams.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $69 to $75
WaterShed Gore-Tex Breathable Rain Jacket
Gore-Tex rain jacket breathes 10 to 20 times more than other rainwear materials to ensure dryness. Is lightweight and durable; maintains flexibility down to -40°F. Snap-front jacket has storm flap. Raglan sleeves allow for overhead work.
Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price: $163 to $184
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