Rain gear / bug clothing

[David Page]

Hello, Its seems you guys have been a lot of places and done a lot. So thought I'd ask about gear. We are planning a trip to Alaska in mid summer and have heard a lot about rain and bugs. Does anyone have packable rain gear or bug clothing that they really recommend? Thanks, David

 

[skeets]

I got my rain suit from Bass Pro, it had a zip out gortex liner nice for the chilly days/night in the GWN, and head nets you can find most any place that deals with out door stuff,, One more thing bug spray of some kind, the only stuff I found that worked was the stuff I found and the Army/Navy supplus store ,,it was the same stuff we used in SE Asia stinks but it worked and was in a spray can not the little bottles. The bugs will eat you, the locals always laugh at the candy assed white boys (I was told lst time I was back in where the devil said good night fishing with some friends from there,) that they bring one of us along so the bugs will have something soft and sweet to chew on, and dont bother them,,,lol

 

[Tughill Tom]

For rain gear I have a 18 year old set from Cabelas of their Guide Wear,Gor-tex. awesome stuff, wore it yesterday in 2" of driving rain while pulling trail stakes and was dry and warm. The set looks like new and I'm in them all the time, ATV'ing, snowmobiling, working.
As far the bugs go anything with DEET in it hold them at bay. Also, I know it sound's crazy but, dryer sheets tucked in the back of a ball cap keeps Black Flys a bay a well. Where I'm at we have some Black Fly days....

 

[Ramos]

For the feet, xtratuf brand deck boots (aka: Alaska tennis shoes) are a must. Get the basic insulated model for all-day walking comfort. Being from Maine, I would think you would get plenty of use from them at home, as well. Deadliest Catch may have put them in the mainstream but they have been an Alaska staple for many decades.

Sorry, don't know much about light weight raingear.

 

[Daren Todd]

Most rain gear is pretty effective. I have a north face 3 season rain coat I keep in the truck. Used to have a fleece liner with it, but it disappeared several years ago. I think one of my kids pinched it, but are smart enough to not let me see them with it

I heard that the skeeters up there are like winged piranha. Might wanna take some buck shot with you and line the coat with some chain mail

 

[bearskinner]

Sitka gear is fantastic, light, wind and waterproof. It’s not cheap, in price or quality. It will also last you for many years. I’ve worn it in driving rain fishing for days, and on long fly in hunting trips.

 

[eng1886trk]

I have the Carhartt Shoreline Bibs and coat. I bought it a little bigger so I can layer if I choose to. That stuff is the best I have found. Really rugged stuff to work in.

The worst I used to for was doing concrete cutting. It was breathable and kept me dry in pouring rain for 5 hours of work.