I locally bought a surplus German army rainsuit made from sympatex (German Goretex), for 50 bucks. Parka and Bibs...
Found it while drooling in the sporting goods section of Fleet Farm. I was shocked to see the price, so I sized a set out for myself and the wife. Excellent condition, if it weren't for the initials someone wrote in the one I bought- I would swear it was unissued.
I tested the set out for a little goose hunting, set up in the middle of a cut wheat field. Not many geese to speak of, but it was damn near 90 degrees that day. It was hot, but the hard shell didn't make me suffer in that heat - my buddy was doing way worse in his all purpose camo base layer shirt with jeans.
Next day was totally different, I set out early to try a hayfield next to some soybeans where I knew I'd see some morning traffic. Instead of geese, I got hammered by a thunderstorm. I decided to ride it out in the middle of the field and seen downpour for over a half hour. I didn't have anything more than a T-shirt underneath so the cold was deceptive and I thought I sprung a leak. Once the rain cleared I realized I was bone dry. My surplus US mil goretex leaked at the seams in similar weather. Tape had failed after the first wash, despite the gentle cycle. The US mil parka alone cost me the same as the entire sympatex set.
Without a doubt the 50 bucks was VERY well spent. For a hard shell - it isn't nearly as noisy as standard goretex. I'm sure it will still make thunder from sudden movements when the temps go really low, but I've coped with that for years now.
I love the bibs - I cant stand wearing pants once I have to layer up, too much pinching and it tends to bind movement.
The main downside aside from the noise, has to be the sizing. Go big - HUGE. I use size S-M for milspec clothing, but I had to buy an XL in this to ensure I could adequately layer and ventilate.
I also would like to find a way to remove the german flag patch without compromising the jacket's waterproofing.
Combine this outer layer with the US mil ECWCS mid layer and a good merino wool base layer - I'll be out all day in sub zeros.
I'm going to go back and get a few extra sets, at that price you can't go wrong.
Only question I have, how is the Flecktarn pattern in general? I know it was designed for Boreal woodland, but I hunt in just about every type of habitat seen in the midwest.