Expensive Coat Vs Waterproof Outer Layer

[PeteMcG]

Evening Gents,

I'm currently in two minds about this, and need some input.

How many of you are using an all singing, all dancing £250+ coat/smock for stalking?
And how many are running a few layers with maybe a pack away waterproof layer for the eventuality of rain?
I'm a lot more comfortable in a windproof fleece (+any layers/thermals for winter) and am thinking of splashing on a decent set of waterproof over trousers and coat instead of a big fancy jacket. Currently leaning towards the Stoney Creek stow it jacket/trousers: https://www.stoneycreekhunting.co.uk/shop/clothing/jackets-and-pullovers/stowit-jacket.html
Rival to this is the Harkila Orton Packable.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Lateral]

Firstly, you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune on a good, normally expensive coat. Check out the "sales" pages on Swillington, & the Sportsman gun centre.

I picked up an end of range £299.00 coat for £80.00, £210.00 trousers for £50.00, and there's normally a choice.

I have, but struggle with smocks, great if it's tipping down, but I find then really hard to moderate the temp, if I get too warm, and even the best don't seem to breath that well.

I do have a full zip Musto waterproof shell top, that is great, if it's not too cold out. The problem with a shell, is you really need to buy one somewhat bigger than normal, so you can get several warm layers underneath.

A lot will depend on how much you suffer the cold.

 

[Blobby159]

Evening Gents,

I'm currently in two minds about this, and need some input.

How many of you are using an all singing, all dancing £250+ coat/smock for stalking?
And how many are running a few layers with maybe a pack away waterproof layer for the eventuality of rain?
I'm a lot more comfortable in a windproof fleece (+any layers/thermals for winter) and am thinking of splashing on a decent set of waterproof over trousers and coat instead of a big fancy jacket. Currently leaning towards the Stoney Creek stow it jacket/trousers: Stow It Jacket
Rival to this is the Harkila Orton Packable.

Thanks in advance.

Gotta say I am in a similar dilemma myself 'PeteMcG', with the decision to change from the Deerhunter full kit-out that I usually wear. Due to a long course of Prednisilone (oral steroids) that I have been taking in conjunction with two weekly cheemo' has had me putting on weight... And HOW! So feck all is fitting me at the mo' which is a damned pain, even when the treatment has been putting my symptoms on the shelf - for now.

So a new outfit OR a change in the way and what I wear out if the weather is inclement is something I am needing to think hard about. Not wanting to buy a completely NEW outfit for all weathers (especially the wet stuff which has been seen pretty often here in the UK of late) is NOT something I am wanting to shell out on if I can find something that will do the job - WELL - and not cost me a small fortune that I will then not wear once this course of steroids ends and I go back to somewhere near my original fighting weight again.....

I shall follow this thread with interest...

ATB ..... and shoot safely

 

[PeteMcG]

Gotta say I am in a similar dilemma myself 'PeteMcG', with the decision to change from the Deerhunter full kit-out that I usually wear. Due to a long course of Prednisilone (oral steroids) that I have been taking in conjunction with two weekly cheemo' has had me putting on weight... And HOW! So feck all is fitting me at the mo' which is a damned pain, even when the treatment has been putting my symptoms on the shelf - for now.

So a new outfit OR a change in the way and what I wear out if the weather is inclement is something I am needing to think hard about. Not wanting to buy a completely NEW outfit for all weathers (especially the wet stuff which has been seen pretty often here in the UK of late) is NOT something I am wanting to shell out on if I can find something that will do the job - WELL - and not cost me a small fortune that I will then not wear once this course of steroids ends and I go back to somewhere near my original fighting weight again.....

I shall follow this thread with interest...

ATB ..... and shoot safely

I've been looking at Rivers West gear aswell, which is very affordable! There's some Rivers West stuff in the swillington sale and it's really cheap considering how highly people speak of it. Might order some just to try it, but I'd ideally like to see/try some on beforehand.

 

[AGR]

I bought a Ridgeline waterproof stalking coat, not the smock version from New Forest clothing. One advantage is that it's long enough at the back to sit on in a high seat, woth attached hood which goes over a hat, so not over my eyes. It's lightweight so needs extra layers on very cold days, been good so far. £145 I think.

 

[Cyres]

Similar here tend to wear layers and have a waterproof shell jacket. However recently I was in Pinkers and came across this coat Baleno Derby. Looks a very well thought out waterproof stalking jacket and sensible price.


D

 

[User00035]

I'm a convert to Verney Carron clothing. A favourite with French boar hunters.
Bought a Rapace jacket and trousers for £165 the pair. Tough ripstop fabric. Fully water proof outer shell. Waterproof pockets and zips. Breathable and comfortable.
I wear them for shooting and work. Not completely silent fabric but good enough. Easy clean too.

Verney Carron Rapace Hunting Jacket

The Verney Carron jacket is fully waterproof and breathable and packed with features.The jacket contains enough pockets to store all of your essentials and has been made with lightweight, Ripstop fabric so you won't end up snagging the jacket on t

www.newforestclothing.co.uk

 

[Lateral]

Have a look here, lot of options. Deerhunter Smock, £31.00, was £210.00 !

Sportsman Clearance

 

[Miki]

Always makes me wonder if they are selling at cost, so revealing their normal markup ....

 

[csl]

It's profit. If they could sell them at cost it would mean they have to sell 'X' garments. Yes, there is a profit, if there isn't then people would be making their own!

 

[Miki]

577.42% seems a tad excessive though. But you are right, without profit business fails.

 

[Lateral]

I think there's a misconception here !

When manufacturers bring out a new line, they may have an excess of old stock. This gets offered to the various shops the manufacturer/importer work with, at massive discounts, to recover what money they can, and clear space for the new lines.

The shops certainly won't be making anything like the margin suggested !

 

[countrryboy]

All personal opinion which will vary depend wot type off shooting u do, how active u are and the average climate ur out in. Big difference wot a peg game shooter or high seat stalker from South eng compared to hill stalking further north looks for.

Personally I really like layers rather than 1 heavy jacket, base layer stuff with fleece on top esp f wind proof and a water proof when neeeded. Covers all bases

Must admit I do buy a bit of clearance stuff from sportsman, a lot is deer Hunter, so decent enough quality.
I think I have both smock and jacket mentioned for 30 odd qud u can't go wrong.
Had it on over Christmas in some absolutely shocking weather and whileI wasn't bone dry I was comfy enough and very few jackets would of kept u dry in that rain while walking miles on a hillside. None Of the others stayed bone dry that day either some in eye watering expensive jackets.

I also have a few deerhunter grenville? rain jackets both normal and long trenchcoat style ( ideal for walking dogs or game shooting/picking up in,, saves needing waterproof trousers, even using them for fencing and chainsaw work now althou get the p### ripped big time) for the money really good jackets, while not breathable have big flaps at back for ventilation.
I have a physical job and out in the weather everyday and really rate them infact bought a wee stockpile of them.

 

[nic531]

I've been looking at Rivers West gear aswell, which is very affordable! There's some Rivers West stuff in the swillington sale and it's really cheap considering how highly people speak of it. Might order some just to try it, but I'd ideally like to see/try some on beforehand.

I have had a rivers west eider jacket for wildfowling... waterproof, but gets heavy with the rain and is NOT breathable so hot and sweaty for walking

 

[Kjf]

Some one on here has a verney carron for sale .like new .its in the classifieds .in clothing and footwear


Yes it's me lol

Kjf

 

[mchughcb]

I gave up my stoney creek sambar jacket. Too big, heavy and bulky. Now I have layers and the outlayer is the chugach rain jacket and the pants when I need them. Them I go down to my Harkila Q jacket. Anything else will annoy me as I get the four seasons in a day.

 

[TOMHOWA]

Now I love my Harkila pro hunter had for over ten years and it’s still going strong. But it’s a heavy jacket and even worse when it gets wet. Yes it’s waterproof but doesn’t half hold water when the exterior cordura waterproof treatment wares off.
Last season I switched to layers, I have a great windproof insulated jacket from a company called Alpkit, perfect shade of green for hunting slightly water resistant and keeps me warm in worst of weather yet I don’t boil alive on a nice day yomping you a hill. £80 I think it was, whereas equivalent from say Sitka or Kuiu Is like £200+. Have a Bergaus goretex dark green rain jacket in my backpack for when it gets bad. Super light and doesn’t let anything in.

I’ve moved away from solely buying hunting branded gear for my stalking. Now a mix of both. Although I would never switch out my pro hunter or swed team trousers for the outdoor clothing type, mainly due to the noise when you walk gets on my nerves.

 

[CarlW]

As @countrryboy says, to a large extent it depends upon your style of hunting. I don't have the right temperament to sit in a highseat for more than about two minutes; therefore I use layers (merino, tweed, and army surplus) which allows me to hunt more actively. However, if I had to sit shivering for hours on end up a tree (as many seem to enjoy ) then I would probably wear some of the big heavy posh hunting gear.

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[hendrix's rifle]

All personal opinion which will vary depend wot type off shooting u do, how active u are and the average climate ur out in. Big difference wot a peg game shooter or high seat stalker from South eng compared to hill stalking further north looks for.

Personally I really like layers rather than 1 heavy jacket, base layer stuff with fleece on top esp f wind proof and a water proof when neeeded. Covers all bases

Must admit I do buy a bit of clearance stuff from sportsman, a lot is deer Hunter, so decent enough quality.
I think I have both smock and jacket mentioned for 30 odd qud u can't go wrong.
Had it on over Christmas in some absolutely shocking weather and whileI wasn't bone dry I was comfy enough and very few jackets would of kept u dry in that rain while walking miles on a hillside. None Of the others stayed bone dry that day either some in eye watering expensive jackets.

I also have a few deerhunter grenville? rain jackets both normal and long trenchcoat style ( ideal for walking dogs or game shooting/picking up in,, saves needing waterproof trousers, even using them for fencing and chainsaw work now althou get the p### ripped big time) for the money really good jackets, while not breathable have big flaps at back for ventilation.
I have a physical job and out in the weather everyday and really rate them infact bought a wee stockpile of them.

I also have one of them, absolutely great over jacket. And it is fully waterproof

 

[countrryboy]

Just to add wot I've started wearing recently are those cheapy running/cycling jackets, very thin material but wind proof and heavy shower proof.
I just put a water proof on top so even if water proof leaks ur still dry.
And it too sweaty considering I'm pushing a saw so sweating anyway.
I've worked some real long stinking sh##ty days recently as the gale force wind helped me and still kept fairly dry

Prob not ideal for stalking as a top layer as usually bright hi viz colours but ideal for cutting in front off harvesters, but u could soon put a camo/green shirt on top