Fall in the Pacific Northwest means foul weather rain gear is a must. Rain gear in the PNW to AK is like a second skin. If you’re near water or on water by boat in the PNW to AK that means next to every door or breeze way their are hooks that are home to foul weather rain gear. Staying dry in our ever changing conditions can also mean life or death, trying to stay dry is as standard as the sun rising an setting each day. Rain gear is a critical component of living and working on the water its wardrobe requirement.
As temperatures drop during the progression from summer to fall, rains tend to increase. Getting and remaining wet can make you pretty miserable, and in cases where you can’t get dry, the steady moisture can quicken the onset of hypothermia. So from a comfort and safety perspective, it’s crucial to invest in quality rain gear. Generally speaking, the following brands offer a range of jackets, bibs and pants that are of good quality and will protect you in bad weather.
GRUNDENS: This brand of rain gear is the most commonly worn in the PNW to AK. Grundens are recognized as a leader in foul weather gear with roots that date back over 100 years to a coastal village on the west side of Sweden. Carl Grundén produced oiled garments designed to keep dry the professional fishermen of the North Sea and North Atlantic. Fast forward to today, Grundéns are one of the most respected manufacturers of rain gear in Alaska and their products can be found on fishermen throughout the Pacific Northwest. Their PVC-coated garments are among the top choice for commercial fishermen in Alaska’s Bering Sea, Bristol Bay, Southeast Alaska the Puget Sound and Pacific Coast.
CARHARTT: Rugged products that bring new meaning to breaking in new gear. Carhartt is respected and represented in Alaska and throughout the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Coast. They make breathable and PVC-based rain gear in a variety weights to handle a range of rough weather conditions. From commercial fishing to work boats to dock work in Alaska Carhartt is a favorite rugged gear.
GAGE: A brand developed and made by Grundéns to provide a technical product geared towards the average outdoorsman and foul weather gear. Breathable, lightweight and feature-rich, there are lots of good options to choose from. Storm Surge, Weather Watch and Storm Runner are all great options for the traveling angler and hunter. They pack into a small space, don’t weigh much and keep you dry.
COLUMBIA: A west coast Portland OR, based brand a family business with global recognition for quality products made for people who like to be outdoors in extreme year round weather conditions. Over 70 years ago, this family was inspired by the Columbia River, one of the most important waterways in America. Columbia makes gear for people who fish, hike, hunt, climb, camp, golf, paddle, run and enjoy the great outdoors. Many options in the Columbia brand also check out their full line of rain gear, and Columbia’s Omni Tech materials.
HELLY HANSEN: Norwegian Captain Helly Hansen began producing oilskin jackets and pants in 1877. In our current date Helly Hansen products are a wide selection of waterproof and breathable rain gear. Products feature Durable Water Repellency treatment and Helly Tech Performance fabrics. Ballard WA is known as little Norway; Helly Hansen Gear is a local top favorite in the Pacific Northwest.
GO FISHING – BUY WILD – EAT FRESH!
God Bless The Great Outdoors of PNW & AK!