Thread: Starting out

Hi everyone,

Finally got A into G and organised to go on a my first hunt it’s a guided day hunt at the end of June on a private block in the back of Oxford.

I’m looking at getting some gear together (mostly clothes) I’ve got my fathers old black swanni bush coat, some polyprop long Johns and long sleeve skivvy, an old pair of boots (might replace these), decent socks (made in Timaru), but I’m looking at getting some of the hunters element gear to give me some of the mid layers specifically the Macaulay trousers and the zenith and crux tops

Anyone have good/bad things to say about any of the above?

I’m also looking at rain gear, thinking the hunters element obsidian trouser and halo jacket. But not sure if I’ll need both on a day trip where we will reschedule if the weather forecast isn’t playing ball.

Thanks everyone for your input.
Cam

Unless it's a mate guiding you, won't the guide expect you to pitch up if it's hunt-able weather? Be prepared for anything.

There is always weather!!!

It’s a pro guide, but his comment was “I’ll keep an eye on the weather, I don’t expect to go out if it is looking too rough” so that probably means go out if it is raining, but not torrential. I intend to bring rain gear, but I’m not sure on the overtrousers.

Originally Posted by CamNZ

It’s a pro guide, but his comment was “I’ll keep an eye on the weather, I don’t expect to go out if it is looking too rough” so that probably means go out if it is raining, but not torrential. I intend to bring rain gear, but I’m not sure on the overtrousers.

Fair enough. I'm a polyprop and decent hunting shorts (something with a dry bum lining) kind of hunter. Easier to dry and does not restrict movement like overtrousers can. Do have some Hunters Element Downpour Elite pants which are ok. Something you can pull over your boots would be my recommendation. You want to keep dry and stay dry. Having to take off boots to put on rain gear is a PITA.

I've been doing this a while and still messing around with clothing, plus individuals are more/less temperature sensitive, so it's hard to give definitive advice. Top half is straightforward, base-, mid- and waterproof layers depending on conditions. I still think waterproof/breathable jackets are better from Kathmandu or MacPac than the hunting brands, but they aren't super tough. Everything does not have to be camo, subtle natural colours are fine. Generally, I'm happy in shorts and gaiters if on the move and don't worry about wet legs, but if it's really cold and wet and you're going to be sitting still for long periods of time then another layer and waterproofs are required. The latter are hard to choose because ideally they would be tough, quiet, waterproof and breathable. This means expensive! Whatever you go for, they have to be breathable. If they're not, you're going to sweat a lot and you might as well not bother.

Don't worry about the overtrou for your first hunt mate, particularly if its a day hunt with a guide. Honestly you would probably be fine in the swanni even in the rain/drizzle for now. Poly prop thermals as a base layer for a start are fine. Get the first hunt done and see what you think then drop some money on gears. Grab a midlayer if you must as they are handy as anyway for all sorts of outdoors. Worst comes to worst you are a bit damp for the day.

If you get the bug its a bit of money to get kitted up so make do with what you can to allow budget for the buy once cry once stuff (boots, Pack, Shelter). Heaps of lads wandfering around with poly props a swanni and rugby shorts in the hills

Originally Posted by Nick-D

Don't worry about the overtrou for your first hunt mate, particularly if its a day hunt with a guide. Honestly you would probably be fine in the swanni even in the rain/drizzle for now. Poly prop thermals as a base layer for a start are fine. Get the first hunt done and see what you think then drop some money on gears. Grab a midlayer if you must as they are handy as anyway for all sorts of outdoors. Worst comes to worst you are a bit damp for the day.

If you get the bug its a bit of money to get kitted up so make do with what you can to allow budget for the buy once cry once stuff (boots, Pack, Shelter). Heaps of lads wandfering around with poly props a swanni and rugby shorts in the hills

Yes, I think that is good advice.

Thanks everyone, yeah I feel like I might be jumping too far to fast with all the gear. Especially as I don’t know what I like, or if hunting is even for me (although pretty confident it is). I’ve got some second hand huntech mid layers off trade me, and I’ll find a mid level jacket I think.

man,you been drinking the manufactures coolaid far too much....
layers are great BUT its not the be all and end all.
I get hot quickly so of all the many fleece tops I own,you know which one is the best for me???? cheap warehouse backcountry one my mate picked up out of rubbish heap...its lightweight fleece...same with fleece tee shirts...MOST of them are far too hot.
mid layer jacket...hmmmmm now there is a contridiction in terms if ever Ive seen one...
a vest maybe...but another jacket??? yeah nah...unless its a super cheap super lightweight nylon one that screws up and fits in a pocket..will keep off all but pouring rain and kills wind dead...absolutely zero insulation....
big heavy coats are great close to vechile or hut...not so flash to carry all day and overkill if sun comes out...I own a few of them and they seldom get worn unless duckshooting or sitting in boat fishing,start walking and I cook.
overtrousers just dont work for me at all.....if its persisting down shorts work...Ive got heavy canvas chaps that work ok and still allow leg movement and ventilation in vital areas LOL.
if its wet AND cold.... or cold morning with wet long grass....put your fleece trousers on OVER your gaiters,that way the water runs down the fleece and over gaiters and boots...if you put trousers inside gaiters the water fills your boots.... simple when you stop and think about it but it took me years to work that one out.
the five piece fleece packs are sold all over the show and for the most part are pretty good value for money...

Ask the guide what clothing you will need, He'll know more about the area and conditions expected than we do

Originally Posted by Seventy Six

Ask the guide what clothing you will need, He'll know more about the area and conditions expected than we do

Good point, he recommended trousers over shorts and gaiters as it can be a bit rough.

Just don't buy any of the branded crap, the chest beating made for hunters rubbish by/in/for NZ stuff. At least 95% is made in China, under performing, over hyped and way way over priced, Stoney Creek being a great example. I have one of their Tahr raincoats and it doesn't even keep out light drizzle.

If you buy second hand outdoor clothing, ask yourself first why it's for sale.

Go out to Army and Outdoors in Bromley/Opawa, lots of stuff covering all the bases and pricing beats the hell out of the Hunting and Thieving chain store.

If you want tough last a lifetime gear, pay more and go to Cactus.

Don't over fuss the gear.
Hill country farmers don't overdress or make a fashion statement when they go to the back paddock for the day.

They wear a bit of wool or polly close to their skin. Their footwear is robust with a bit of grip. They always take a decent rain coat regardless of the wx (any fool can take a coat on a wet day). And they take enough warm stuff for how much colder it could get, not for what its like when they head off.

You dont need everything camo as others have said. I would buy a Crux camo top and no other camo. Use that as your top layer all the time and just add or subtract 2nd hand fleece tops under it. Then your old down jacket and as said above, a rain jacket that squeezes up to pocket size - blue or orange - you can use it as a marker in fine weather and be seen if need be in crap weather. For pants the 'Active Intents' pants from the Warehouse are hard to beat. Microfibre, very light and strong, zip on lower leg that lets the pants pull over boots and if left unzipped lets the pants drape over boots and keep crap out of them $25

Cactus ‘nough said (cry once pay once).