Hodgman H5 Storm Suit review

Apparel Review

Be Ready for that Next Storm with Hodgman's H5 Storm Suit

Date:	2/17/20
Tackle Type:	Apparel
Manufacturer:	Hodgeman
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.91 - GOOD

Introduction: Hodgman has been outfitting fisherman with apparel specific to their activities since 1838. They are one of the oldest and most respected names in the world for outdoor gear. At ICAST the company introduced us to their latest in winter storm protection and today, we take a closer look at their H5 Storm Bib and Jacket.

Introducing the Hodgman H5 Storm Suit.

Hodgman H5 Storm Bib & Jacket Specifications
Material	3-Layer Waterproof/Windproof V-TecH
Sizes	S - 3XL
Colors	DigiCamo/Charcoal
Features	Fully Taped Seams, 500 Denier Cordura seat, knees, hem, YKK AquaGuard Zippers, Two Way Leg Zippers, D-Ring accessory anchor points
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$299.95 each Bib and Jacket : $599.90 total suit price

Quality/Construction: Hodgman's H5 Storm Bib and Jacket comes in only one pattern. It is referred to as DigiCamo/Charcoal and is available in sizes small through three times extra large. It's made from a 3 layer water and windproof fabric and reinforced knees, seat, and hem on the bib. There are elastic waist adjustments on the bib and jacket, waterproof zippers, D-ring anchor points, zippered access to the pockets in your clothes underneath - this rain suit is very thought out and very well put together.

Needless to say, Hodgman's H5 Storm Bib and Jacket does an excellent job shielding you from the elements

Real World Tests: I picked up this suit right as the rainy season came to an end in 2018 hence the delay in our review and then in 2019 we saw too much rain to get out on the water. Nevertheless, you only have to be outdoors in the rain to test a rainsuit, right?

The storm jacket features a flap to close around the zipped up collar to really protect your mouth and neck from the elements

But my favorite part of this suit is the bibs

Needless to say, Hodgman's H5 Storm Bib and Jacket does an excellent job shielding you from the elements. We conducted the not very scientific, but still effective, hose spray down test to be certain the zippers would hold up, and they did. What the next concern turns to then is how comfortable and convenient are the bib and jacket during fishing activities.

Both the bib and jacket feature Velcro waist adjustments

Comfort: Though the bib and jacket feature Velcro elastic waist bands to customize the fit, they are both somewhat loose fitting allowing you the option to layer up underneath and giving you very good freedom of movement.

If temps do not exceed 70 degrees, I can wear the bib all day

The bib specifically features somewhat basic, adjustable shoulder straps that I expected to dig into my shoulders after a day of fishing, but I never felt this discomfort. These straps are secured to one another in the back by an h-strap and attach to the front of the bib via large, plastic buckles. This gives you the option of detaching the straps as you step into the bib, or just stepping through the already attached shoulder straps (I usually chose the latter). I can easily wear the bib all day long fishing and hardly notice it's on.

Shoulder straps are held together with an h-strap in back so there's no plastic buckle to dig into your back

The jacket, on the other hand, is a bit more bulky just because it's a jacket. During inclement weather, it's a great have on. The hood, especially, does a wonderful job keeping you dry. The collar comes up nice and high, so when fully zipped, it's like wearing a foul weather gator. The downside is, when not needed and just partially unzipped, that collar is so high, it gets annoying after an extended period of time because it rubs against your face when you turn your head. The jacket is not something that's comfortable to wear all day long unless the elements require it.

Buckles are on the front, however, providing you easy on/off options for the bib

Next Section: A closer look at the H5's features...