Need good hunting jacket

[carnaby]

My old mountain jacket is worn out and is no longer waterproof. I figured I'd just get a nice camo hunting jacket, they seem to be less expensive than their non-hunting counterparts, but just as waterproof and with more features. My wife says I'm a dork and she'll never be seen with me in public wearing a camo jacket.

Argh! So what, I'm supposed to buy two jackets for the sake of fasion, that's dumb. On the other hand, there's more important things in life than camo hunting jackets, especially when it's cold at night.

Anyway, are there any good hunting/outdoors/skiing jackets that anyone knows of that aren't camo? I want something with good rip resistance, no point in spening $200 to $300 on a jacket only to rip it while mashing around in the woods. The jacket should be light enough to be wearable in the summer, that is, with liner removed or that sort of thing, but good for late november and winter with extra layers added underneath.

I saw this one at LLBean, seems nice, but I don't know how tough it is.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Polishrifleman]

Since you will be in Wa. hunting modern firearm, I would suggest keeping the wife happy. You will have to wear a hunter orange vest over the top of whatever you get anyway for big game, unless you get orange camo.

The main things you should look for are a quiet fabric, waterproof, and breathable. Breathable is probably the bigest deal for me because I like to layer and shed clothes and put them on throughout the day and if everything underneath is wet you can get cold in a hurry.

I would by good wicking long sleeve undershirt, camo fleece or wool long sleeve shirt, a quiet waterproof breathable shell, and a good orange vest with versitile pockets, easy to access and the ability to hold some shells. I would also suggest the game pouch in back because it can hold a lot of stuff without the need for a backpack. Get a good warm hat to take along with you in the event you start getting chilled fully clothed.

 

[carnaby]

Hey Polishrifleman,

any idea where I can get something like that? Any online products I could browse would be cool. Thanks!

I was also thinking of something like this. Eh?

 

[Polishrifleman]

I've got a couple of Filson Jackets you could check out. The tin cloth is really a tough great product but not very breathable and takes years to break in. Their Shelter cloth is pretty tame and good but again with any of the wax products you are going to have breathability issues. Take a look at Cabela's, Bass Pro, Sportsman's guide or Sierra Trading post to get a start. The Filson store down by the Stadiums is a must stop if you have never been there. I would stick with a Goretex based product. Go to REI to get a feel for different fabrics and let them know you want a non nylon quiet finish.

 

[LAK]

I personally have not observed condensation problems with waxed cotton clothing. But this is subject to some variables of garment, specific fabric and proofing, the individual, and activity etc.

Barbour in the U.K. still makes some excellent outdoor clothing, waxed and otherwise. If you run either Barbour or Filson on an evilBay search you will find plenty of items for sale, used and new. But if you do not know what you doing on there you are better off with buying big chain store or local retailer.

Good place to check cheapest mail order prices is:

http://shopping.yahoo.com

You can run a keyword search like for example; Filson shelter cloth [etc]

The near the top of the results listing you'll see "sort by: TOP RESULTS / price"

Click on "price" and it will reorganize the list starting with lowest priced item. Cheapest will often be accessories for the item you are looking for. Check shipping charges of item. Some have "low" item price that gets them near the top of the list, but have a ridiculous amount lumped on for shipping.

I like high quality wool garments, and they are about the quietest fabric you will find. But the heavy wool jacket suitable for winter use in the northwest is going to cook you alive in summer, and be alittle heavy and bulky to pack around.
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[MCgunner]

For over 20 years I've used an M65 field jacket. Of course, I mostly hunt ducks. But I'm on my second one and it just never seems to wear out. I don't know what I did with the liner, but I have this goretex liner, waterproof, for a riding jacket, Joe Rocket, that I wear under it. Great stuff if it rains.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd buy two coats and one jacket. Leather is always good for around town. Wool is great for hunting coats. Check out Cabela's. You should find what you are looking for. I wouldn't want to wear a dress coat hunting as you would tear it up, not to mention the potential for blood and other stains that appear on hunting coats.

By the way, I had the same idea for hunting.... eventally I got both.

 

[fisherman66]

Take a look at www.bargainoutfitters.com

 

[1911 guy]

Filson, Walls and Carhart.

Somebody mentioned Filson. I've got a pair of chaps from them, great stuff. No comment on coats, but I'm sure they'd be good quality, too.

My wife and I have chore coats, Walls and Carhart, respectively. Mid- thigh length, waterproof, warm and pretty noiseless. Maybe look at these. If there's one by you, Tractor Supply Company usually has both brands.

 

[Rpriestlyjr]

Try www.kevinscatalog.com

They have a nice range of field coats.

LL Bean is very good, too.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

www.sierratradingpost.com has some great stuff at excellent prices. I bought a nice Gore-Tex parks for under $100. They also carry some big sizes, which may not matter to you but made all the difference to me.

 

[carnaby]

I went with LLBean after I found one of their soft shell jackets that actually comes in camo or not

It's this one. I'll comment again when I get it.

 

[T.R.]

For three decades I wore my GI issued Field Jacket with button-in quilted liner. It's olive drab coloration blends well with any background. Rain water runs right off.

After Dad died, I've worn his older red and black wool hunting coat. Seems like Dad would like it that I'm wearing his coat. I know this sounds irrational but when I wear his jacket, I feels like Dad is not so far away.
TR

 

[Bill2k1]

For over 20 years I've used an M65 field jacket. Of course, I mostly hunt ducks. But I'm on my second one and it just never seems to wear out. I don't know what I did with the liner, but I have this goretex liner, waterproof, for a riding jacket, Joe Rocket, that I wear under it. Great stuff if it rains.

I wear one too, I can beat the hell out of it and it just lasts and lasts. I use it as my all purpose dirty coat. It goes to the bar, hunting, fishing, camping everything. I have used it as a pillow more nights then I can count.

I never had a water problem with it, it got wet on the outside and the liner was still dry.