I am wondering what people's experiences with hunting + rain gear. I have had mixed experiences with raingear - I've used mustang survival gear fishing in the Queen Charlottes which worked like gangbusters to keep me dry in hours of precip but it is completely impractical (and dayglo yellow) for grimy hunting use. I have also experienced 'waterproof' jackets that flake out after the chintzy factory scotchguard has worn off. I am looking for a set that will keep me dry without being a gigantic sweatgathering bag that will stand up to me crawling around a bit. Am I seeking Nirvana when all that is available is Mickey D's?
Raingear
- Thread starter Burtimus
- Start date
- Location
- On the beach
Arcteryx Alpha.....Nirvana defined....but be prepared to pay.
"...unhapppy Burtimus..." Probably cranky too. I get a bit cranky when I'm cold and wet. Don't believe the advertising about breathable jackets either. Have one that makes a dandy wind breaker and is good in the rain, but it ain't exactly breathable if you're self-insulated.
A lot depends on what you're hunting, where and what time of year. Blaze orange is required, for big game hunting, in most places. There usually isn't a lot of crawling involved. Certainly not in heavy rain. An inexpensive, green, PVC, rain suit over your hunting clothes will do nicely. Have a look here. You can have the CF's digital camouflage if you want. http://www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=93
"...Mustang survival gear..." More about flotation. They do make a flotation Mossy Oak camouflage hunting coat. Doesn't say anything about keeping you dry in rain though.
A lot depends on what you're hunting, where and what time of year. Blaze orange is required, for big game hunting, in most places. There usually isn't a lot of crawling involved. Certainly not in heavy rain. An inexpensive, green, PVC, rain suit over your hunting clothes will do nicely. Have a look here. You can have the CF's digital camouflage if you want. http://www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=93
"...Mustang survival gear..." More about flotation. They do make a flotation Mossy Oak camouflage hunting coat. Doesn't say anything about keeping you dry in rain though.
Depends on your application. Hunting the thick coastal forests of BC slowly probbaly calls for Helly Hansen lightweight in olive green. CLimbing to the top of a peak you will want a breathable variety, like gor-tex. Make sure it is good quality and has good venting.
BC doesn't require any ridiculous orange to be worn, so dont worry about colour.
BC doesn't require any ridiculous orange to be worn, so dont worry about colour.
- Location
- AB foothills
No orange in BC or Alberta.
- Location
- In the clock tower!!
Goretex is good stuff, I own lots, just keep in mind that in cold weather goretex makes a lot of noise. Windproof/waterproof fleece or shoftshell jackets wont.
The Guidewear series is probably one of the best on the market. The first jacket is on sale too.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clot...ainwear/_/N-1100956/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104020380
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clot..._SEQ_104021280?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU
I personally use this jacket in the summer when I guide. Its a very quite jacket, and has a felt fabric kind of feeling on the outside. Best of all its just a shell so you can add as many layers underneath as you like.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/...x-PacLite-Rain-Jacket-Waterproof-For-Men.html
If you don't want to spend that kind of money on a Goretex suit, I've heard good things about the Bass Pro Red Head stuff which is a bit cheaper. And if you want 100% guaranteed dry, get a PVC suit. Also if you're buying any rain suit, make sure that they have as few zippers as possible. They're usually the first thing to leak. Also if you plan on hunting while sitting allot, I'd recommend bibs. Pay attention to the crotch zipper too when you're sitting down, and make sure water doesnt pool up there. I've had allot of problems finding a pair of pants that doesn't have a leaking crotch zipper. Its the WORST. Standing up after sitting for awhile only to feel your freezing cold jeans on your ass sucks.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clot...ainwear/_/N-1100956/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104020380
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clot..._SEQ_104021280?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU
I personally use this jacket in the summer when I guide. Its a very quite jacket, and has a felt fabric kind of feeling on the outside. Best of all its just a shell so you can add as many layers underneath as you like.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/...x-PacLite-Rain-Jacket-Waterproof-For-Men.html
If you don't want to spend that kind of money on a Goretex suit, I've heard good things about the Bass Pro Red Head stuff which is a bit cheaper. And if you want 100% guaranteed dry, get a PVC suit. Also if you're buying any rain suit, make sure that they have as few zippers as possible. They're usually the first thing to leak. Also if you plan on hunting while sitting allot, I'd recommend bibs. Pay attention to the crotch zipper too when you're sitting down, and make sure water doesnt pool up there. I've had allot of problems finding a pair of pants that doesn't have a leaking crotch zipper. Its the WORST. Standing up after sitting for awhile only to feel your freezing cold jeans on your ass sucks.
