Bixler
TreeHouser
Winter weather is right around the corner, what are all you pro's using these days to keep dry?
Rain Gear for Tree Climbers
- Thread starter Bixler
- Start date
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Tucker943
Bamboo Plantation Owner
My house.
I cant say I have some good bona fide tree climbing rain gear. If its a light rain, I tune it out. If its heavy enough to bother me, I don't climb. I keep of few pairs of bibs and jackets in the trucks of that flame resistant neon yellow stuff Baileys sells with the reflective stripes on it. I cant say I climb in it, but its reasonable stuff for storm clean up in a downpour. It doesn't breathe all that well, but it stands up to the rigors of handling tree material.
I cant say I have some good bona fide tree climbing rain gear. If its a light rain, I tune it out. If its heavy enough to bother me, I don't climb. I keep of few pairs of bibs and jackets in the trucks of that flame resistant neon yellow stuff Baileys sells with the reflective stripes on it. I cant say I climb in it, but its reasonable stuff for storm clean up in a downpour. It doesn't breathe all that well, but it stands up to the rigors of handling tree material.
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
Brian,
Look no further than this:
Carhartt #C72 - This is the long version of their breathable rain Jacket. The long is important because it covers the waist and keeps you much drier than a short version.
https://www.google.com/search?clien...UTF-8#q=carhartt+c72&rls=en&safe=off&tbm=shop
Carhartt #B216 - Waterproof breathable pants, full 2 way heel to hip zip (awesome for on/off with boots and for venting the upper leg in steamy conditions), Full double layer front, you can tear all the way through the first 3 ply layer and there is an entire 3 ply breathable waterproof layer under that.
https://www.google.com/search?q=car...a=X&ei=8fVGUq3oLaS52QXDj4DYBw&ved=0CAsQ_AUoAw
I have the exact set above, and it has lasted me 5+ years so far. I have never gotten wet wearing this stuff and have worked in crazy downpours at ground level, in the tree, and through the sleet storms of N.Ohio at 350' on the tower.
Look no further than this:
Carhartt #C72 - This is the long version of their breathable rain Jacket. The long is important because it covers the waist and keeps you much drier than a short version.
https://www.google.com/search?clien...UTF-8#q=carhartt+c72&rls=en&safe=off&tbm=shop
Carhartt #B216 - Waterproof breathable pants, full 2 way heel to hip zip (awesome for on/off with boots and for venting the upper leg in steamy conditions), Full double layer front, you can tear all the way through the first 3 ply layer and there is an entire 3 ply breathable waterproof layer under that.
https://www.google.com/search?q=car...a=X&ei=8fVGUq3oLaS52QXDj4DYBw&ved=0CAsQ_AUoAw
I have the exact set above, and it has lasted me 5+ years so far. I have never gotten wet wearing this stuff and have worked in crazy downpours at ground level, in the tree, and through the sleet storms of N.Ohio at 350' on the tower.
MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
I use a simple yellow raincoat top with the sleeves cut short. If I need more than that, I shut it down and head to the house.
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
I dont get to make that decision. My carhartt stuff was a great investment.
Oldmilltreecare
TreeHouser
I bought a Harkie Smock last winter and that seems to be holding up very well. It's designed purely for tree climbers.
http://harkie.co.uk
Not sure if it's available in the US though.
The other Arb specific rain top that is apparently better than the Harkie is the Clarks Cut n Climb.
http://www.clarkforest.com/shop/safety-clothing/jackets/cutandclimb-arb-jacket
http://harkie.co.uk
Not sure if it's available in the US though.
The other Arb specific rain top that is apparently better than the Harkie is the Clarks Cut n Climb.
http://www.clarkforest.com/shop/safety-clothing/jackets/cutandclimb-arb-jacket
squisher
THE CALM ONE!!!!
I call rainwear, warmgear as when I work in the rain I have zero intentions of staying dry. I have a Viking brand forestry rain coat that's a single unbreathable layer to cut heavy rain. I just carry a few spare shirts and woollies in the truck through the wet/cold season.
MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
That's why I cut my raincoat into short sleeves. I don't mind my arms getting wet and it's a lot cooler.
SimplyArbor
TreeHouser
That's a great idea, MB!
I use a columbia jacket I got on sale at an outlet store. $170 jacket for $45 bucks, it's held up great from abuse and breathes very well. I have a pair of army surplus goretex pants I got for $3 from the state of hawaii, that are still going strong after 10years.
I use a columbia jacket I got on sale at an outlet store. $170 jacket for $45 bucks, it's held up great from abuse and breathes very well. I have a pair of army surplus goretex pants I got for $3 from the state of hawaii, that are still going strong after 10years.
pete mctree
Treehouser
I like my grundens jacket - hard wearing, although not as breathable as some.
I work in the rain when it rains so good kit is important to me
http://www.wesspur.com/clothing/grundens-rain-gear.html
I work in the rain when it rains so good kit is important to me
http://www.wesspur.com/clothing/grundens-rain-gear.html
Adam_P
TreeHouse WebMaster
lol, can't beat that!
I have REI stuff. The jacket is this http://www.rei.com/product/844640/rei-rainwall-rain-jacket-mens-tall-sizes not sure exactly about the pants. Zero complaints. It's nice to unzip under the sleeves to get some airflow too.
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
That stuff looks nice!
gf beranek
Old Schooler
As a climber working in the canopy of a tree, during a rain, I seldom got as wet as the fellows working under me on the ground. Go figure.
Through long experience I have learned that climbing and working in trees in the rain is bad ju-ju
Through long experience I have learned that climbing and working in trees in the rain is bad ju-ju
HolmenTree
Banned
Here on the plains where rain is not so frequent a rain day is a good day off to stay inside and get the equipment up to snuff......snow we like to work in ,
left coast woodcutters are the opposite
When I do work in light rain I wear a Husqvarna jacket with water proof shoulders and the rest is water resistant with lots of venting, also good hi- vis light reflective on it too. Like Jerry says stay out of the tree when raining.l
left coast woodcutters are the opposite
When I do work in light rain I wear a Husqvarna jacket with water proof shoulders and the rest is water resistant with lots of venting, also good hi- vis light reflective on it too. Like Jerry says stay out of the tree when raining.l
MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
Climbing trees in the rain is an unsafe work practice.
rskybiz
TreeHouser
I feel the same. And try hard to never do it, finish one if it starts yes but I never seek it out.
MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
I have no problem bailing out. 
Ima girl, we melt in the rain doncha know...sugar and spice and all a that 
Although, having said all, it's actually bad on the bank account here, might have to approach the girl council and get dispensation to work in the rain...and shhh, don't tell Bermuda, they might revoke my passport...a sprinkle is a DEFINITE day off.
Although, having said all, it's actually bad on the bank account here, might have to approach the girl council and get dispensation to work in the rain...and shhh, don't tell Bermuda, they might revoke my passport...a sprinkle is a DEFINITE day off.
CurSedVoyce
California Hillbilly
I prefer Chris's house idea
woodworkingboy
TreeHouser
Unlike most of you guys, rain season is generally during the warm to hottest weather, and rain mixed with no rain on and off during the day is common, squalls I guess you could say. It can be refreshing in moderation. Staying cool with rain gear on is a real problem, sometimes you don't know if it is rain or sweat that is getting you. We pull the plug when lighting shows up or rumbling from far off, especially crane work. I have worked in some severe lengthy downpours when a job has to get finished. It tells me that I am alive. Typhoons generally mean wind as well...no thanks.
Oldmilltreecare
TreeHouser
It can be if you don't slow down a bit and manage risk to a normal level. Some trees I'll avoid in the rain, like big Beech, Plane and Eucalyptus.
gf beranek
Old Schooler
Redwood isn't slippery in the rain. Least so long as you're not limb walking in them in the rain.
CurSedVoyce
California Hillbilly
AMEN....
SouthSoundTree
Treehouser
Same as working in oppressive heat and humidity, right?
If I didn't climb trees in the rain, I wouldn't survive. Pick your battles. Spurless hardwood prunes and a lot of limb walking is one thing, spurs on typical conifers and easier/ moderate hardwoods, almost like no difference.
MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
I don't think it's the same. Wet trees are slippery, especially noticeable when spurless trimming. You can really bust your ass.
