Waterproofs for the tropics?!

[almonde]

I'm going to Belize next month for my first flats fishing trip. I've pretty much got all my kit together for the trip. Spent the past few weeks tying up a box of bonefish flies, which as a relative newbie to tying I was pretty pleased with, took the box to my local fly shop and was told it didn't need any supplementing

In most of the equipment lists I've read it suggests to bring some rain wear (it's the start of the rainy season in Belize). Apparently it can be quite cold when running to the flats in the panga. So my question is, do you guys take rainwear to the tropics, or just get wet then dry out? If so can you recommend me a breathable shell jacket? Ideally it would be packable (ie fold up into itself).

Cheers,
Alex.

 

[mysticm]

Alex,
I would take a generic breathable shell. I have a waterproof Marmot shell that is lightweight, packable (folds into one of it's pockets) and has good breathability. Other companies - North Face, Patagonia also make their own versions. Pick one based on your budget, fit etc.

 

[MoscaPescador]

Alex,
I would take a generic breathable shell. I have a waterproof Marmot shell that is lightweight, packable (folds into one of it's pockets) and has good breathability. Other companies - North Face, Patagonia also make their own versions. Pick one based on your budget, fit etc.

What he said.

Dennis

PS: Have a great trip!

 

[almonde]

Thanks guys, i'll make sure there is a packable shell in my boat bag. See what i can get at Amazon.

 

[fr8dog]

I have a Footjoy short sleeve golf rain shirt a buddy gave me. Works like a champ. It's one size larger than I normally wear and slips over my regular shirt. I had my daughter add some Velcro to tighten the neck to help keep water out. Coleman makes an inexpensive suit you can get at Wal-Mart. Comes with a pouch for the jacket and pants. I've used it in some serious downpours and stayed dry. Breathes well and the price is right.

The frogg toggs, not too impressed. Light, easy to pack, but I always felt damp and they start to leak around the seams quickly.

My gore-tex stuff is a bit too warm for the tropics.

For regular clothes, I wear the Columbia or Magellan shirts, and shorts that the surfer guys use. They are very comfortable and dry in minutes.

My .02 on this.

Good luck on the trip! I would love to make it down there one day.

 

[almonde]

Some useful tips fr8dog, thanks.

I just ordered a Marmot Precip from Rock Creek Outfitters, they had 20% off and free shipping, so was $79 delivered.

 

[jimp]

anything with Gore-Tex will be waterproof and breathes well, is windproof as well. Cabelas/BPS have some decent deals on at times well, sometimes the jacket or pants will be on sale/clearance for $100 each, well worth the $$ IMO. Enjoy your trip

 

[swampdonkey]

Agreed with all the above and definitely bring a rain coat. We got caught in a few different rain storms over 4 days when in Belize. I have a lightweight gortex jacket from Eastern Mountain Sports that works really well as it packs down very small.

 

[pjcalla]

Some useful tips fr8dog, thanks.

I just ordered a Marmot Precip from Rock Creek Outfitters, they had 20% off and free shipping, so was $79 delivered.

I have the Marmot Precip, and I was actually going to recommend that to you before I read you already purchased it. I have the pants as well, and use it for my golf rain gear. Packs small, waterproof, and it actually breathes pretty well.

 

[theboz]

Nylon pullover wind breaker always works for me. Drys fast and not much to pack. Never had much of a problem drying off in the tropics and actually a good rain storm was refreshing at times !

 

[half fast]

On dive trips, I always take along a hooded nylon windbreaker that I've waterproofed with a Scotchguard treatment. Folded it takes up almost no space in my drybag, and it's inexpensive enough that if I damage it or lose it I haven't lost very much.

Or you could carry an umbrella.....

 

[wjc]

Thanks for the topic and the replies. I just ordered one myself.