
There’s not anything for venting on this rain gear, as it’s intended to be as waterproof as possible. It has a minimalist, lightweight backing, unlike some heavier lines of non-breathable rain gear, in which the liner can sometimes absorb some sweat moisture. The PU coated fabric is light, flexible, and somewhat stretchy. In handling the Grundens Tourney rain gear, the most striking feature is the feel of it. In my specific hunting application, I didn’t know how well the coating would hold up to abuse, but was set to find out. It’s a thinner backing and lighter duty coating than lines like the Neptune or Helly Hansen Impertech, which helps it crush down a little smaller. The packability of the tourney is also right up there with many of the breathable options. It’s about 3 ounces lighter than a particular set of “extreme duty” breathable rain gear that costs about $1,000 more and has failed me in the field. It’s about half a pound lighter than the Neptune system, and an ounce lighter than one of the lighter-weight breathable/packable systems I have of a major brand.

My XL size set ( Grundens bibs and Grundens jacket) together weighs 2 pounds 14 ounces.

The most attractive feature of this rain gear for me was the weight. Despite its obvious intended application as for sport fishing, I saw great potential in this system as a lightweight yet truly waterproof rain gear for backpack hunting for Dall sheep here in Alaska.Ĭamouflage-or even earth-tone colors-isn’t really a high priority for me when it comes to rain gear, especially on a rifle hunt for Dall sheep it simply doesn’t matter much in most situations for me, either. Although Grundens does offer some of its slightly heavier rain gear like the Neptune in green and even camouflage patterns, the color selection on the Tourney is currently limited to brighter colors, with one white-gray refraction-style camouflage pattern available. Spending a lot of hours running a river boat here in Alaska, I can certainly appreciate the application for rain gear like this, and even most avid sport-fishermen and boaters don’t really need a commercial-fishing level of rain gear. The Tourney system is designed specifically for fishing, to be a compact, lightweight rain gear that can stow easily, but will also keep you dry in torrential downpours. Weight (size XL) top: 1 pound 6 ounces, bottom: 1 pound 8oz.Grundens elastic suspender system on bibs.YKK water-resistant zippers on chest and pockets.Knit polyester backing for added stretch.SEE IT Grundens Tourney Specs and Features The rain gear you choose will depend on how the aforementioned factors fit into your particular situation, but especially with some of the options available and some of the lighter and also more affordable non-breathable options should really make you think hard about your selection. The trade-off is that it’s not truly waterproof, and in the right (or wrong) situation, it can and sometimes will fail. Breathable rain gear, which is available in its own spectrum of variation and quality is extremely popular with hunters because compared to heavy-duty rubber rain gear, it’s much lighter, more packable, and usually much more comfortable to wear and hunt in. It’s also very uncomfortable to hike in, as it traps every bit both heat and every bit of moisture your body will generate. Old school rubber rain gear is pretty much bulletproof when it comes to keeping the rain out, but it’s heavy. Rain gear is always a game of compromise, a balance of cost, weight, comfort, durability, and performance. Breathable rain gear uses a shell and specialized fabric that is intended to keep water out, but also allow your own sweat moisture to escape and pass outward through the garment to help keep you dry. Non-breathable rain gear features an outer shell that is impermeable, meaning neither air nor moisture can pass through it in either direction.

The most distinct categories within the broad spectrum of rain gear on the market are breathable and non-breathable construction. Like many categories of hunting and fishing gear, rain gear design and construction is as diverse as what people use it for. I tested the Grundens Tourney jacket and Grundens bibs in the demanding conditions of a sheep hunt- here’s how they performed. I need rain gear that is durable and truly waterproof, but won’t weigh me down. Whether I’m fishing, hunting sheep, or running a river boat, rain gear is a necessity where I live in Alaska. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
