For the last few years, I have used a German army Sympatex jacket. It is waterproof, soft, packs well and is not noisy and cost about $50 in excellent condition.
For the last few years, I have used a German army Sympatex jacket. It is waterproof, soft, packs well and is not noisy and cost about $50 in excellent condition.
light is good, but don't expect anything lightweight to be durable. I've got a Bushbuck jacket made of the same fabric as this, one: https://bushbuck.co.nz/products/stas...42156784353379
They were clearing them out last year for $80 as the zips weren't stitched properly, so you basically had to use them as an anorak (though I picked through them and found a good one in my size). But I wouldn't trust it to stay waterproof long if pushing through any scrub, etc - might be ok with another layer on top to protect it? I don't expect it to stay waterproof for more than a couple of years, but on the plus side, its more breathable than the heavier jackets I've had, and fits in my pocket so always stays with me. The main thing with the modern jackets is that they aren't designed to keep you bum dry. Need to be used with overtrou. Not many parka options these days... but if you have the coin, Earth Sea Sky and Cactus are a couple of local options.
Last winter out in the pouring rain. Some dude had a big smile... using a DairyTech raincoat. Only one whom kept dry. It was also bloody cold. If it is good enough for a cow cocky then its sweet. 2C.
Macpac Copeland.
Hunting stuff is at least 100% overpriced.
Bet he'd be sweating like anything if he had to actually do anything in it though. Have a few of those "dairy" type jackets that we just leave at the cowshed to throw on while hosing out the yard etc if it's raining or sitting on the bike following cows but they're hopeless if you have to do anything physical while wearing one. We buy our staff the Stoney Creek Tempest stuff and they get a good run out of it, keeps them dry and it breathes but it's heavy and not really what you'd want to be stuffing in your pack for walkabouts
Flappy Disc Customs Bespoke Hunting Rifles
https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-mens...2-GPL00-S.html
For less than $150, not bad
Appreciate all the recommendations.
Anyone got anything to say about the Kuiu chugach or yukon? My general experience is that hunting specific gear is usually extra cost and lower quality, but lots of people rave about kuiu.
I bought a First Lite Omen Stormshelter jacket a while back and bloody love it. The cut is great & it’s been pretty durable so far. Feels lightweight but is very heavy duty. It’s got zips on the chest and arms for venting when walking- they’ve got flaps over them, so even if it’s raining you get good breathability without rain getting in. Got it from Points South. I’m planning to get the matching overpants at some point as well.
I’ve got a Stoney Creek stowit as well which is lightweight but only good for light drizzle and as a windbreaker. Also have an old Kathmandu goretex which I’ve had for probably nearing 20yrs but is on its last legs.
Kuiu kutana is a great jacket
Also earth sea sky Hydrophobia
I’m a shepherd in southland so spend most of the winter in rather shit weather, wet and cold. Can spend weeks at a time in it, and get to enjoy the cat piss smell that eventually starts to be emitted from leggings when you take them off. Fortunately can’t smell them when you wearing them. As others have said anything lite doesn’t last, most hunting brand stuff is bloody expensive, and poorly breathing stuff just gets you soaked as soon as you start working - just from the inside. Best stuff I’ve had by a mile is Kaiwaka. It is waterproof, as in it doesn’t leak no matter how wet it is, and it does breathe pretty well. The downside is it’s a we bit heavy, no to bad but a little bit heavier than some of the hunting stuff. The upside is it lasts very well and is reasonably priced. Pretty popular down this way.
I got the Patagonia Torrentshell. Was around $250 ish on sale. Been perfect. Lightweight, pit zips etc.
Quite noisy but I only really hunt the tops + take it off if I am stalking in on something.
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