Advantages of a Smock or a Jacket??

[Tdes]

Hi, I am a photographer and videographer by trade and if away on a wintery outdoor job I usually use a berhaus goretex light jacket, with layers that all zip/open at the front so I can regulate my temperature. Prime example in Rome last new year, it was windy and cold in the morning while I was waiting, but sunny and 18 degrees in the afternoon when I was running about with cameras etc., I could just unzip layers and without taking stuff off keep myself from overheating.

It is a similar situation when stalking, you could be sat still in the rain getting cold, or dragging a deer out with the sunshine an hour later.

Does a smock hinder the ability to cool/heat yourself, without having extra stuff to carry?

I have never owned one and wondered what the benefits of a smock is over a jacket/coat?

T

 

[The Singing Stalker]

I use a smock up a highseat mainly, where there is a good likelihood of rain. Rest of the time, a zipped jacket if walking around.
Occasionally, I will wear the smock with the heated jacket, so if I do have to walk, I can switch the heat off.

But, imho, difficult to regulate the heat with a smock if yomping around.

 

[RTreble]

I prefer a smock. Big pocket on the front for binnoculars rather than dangling around my neck. Long tail, so you can sit down and be dry

 

[Martiniblack577]

Less points for water ingress on a smock and can be longer in the body. Less usable pockets though.

 

[DVS1]

I do like a smock, I've just picked up a Harkila packable smock, ultra lightweight, waterproof, perfect for layering beneath with a full length side zip on the left. Built in hood for nasty downpours, good deep neck zip for temperature control.

Kangaroo pouch on front with 2 hand warming pockets. The elasticated drawstring waist almost designed to make such things as car keys, batteries etc stay safe within as it gives an elasticated section to the pocket

 

[VSS]

Jacket rather than smock, any day.
And zipped under layers too, eg cardigan rather than jumper; zipped fleece; gilet; etc.
Being able to zip or unzip different layers on the move for heat regulation is preferable to having to put down all your gear and go through the bodily contortions required to extricate yourself from a long smock of the type that stalkers seem to like. And then having to repeat the process in reverse when you've coolled down.

 

[Tazz]

I own both in heavy and light versions, my view

Plus/Minus

Smock
Generally longer and better to lie on ground and sit in
Less zips/fasteners and so easier to make waterproof in extrem weather
Built in hood additional waterproofing

Downside
Less pockets
Harder to temp regulate unless you get it with vent zips

Jackets
More flexibility with pockets vents etc
Shorter so more flexible


Downside
Often separate hood
Difficult to ensure all openings are waterproof
Limited when you lay down or sit in them

In really wet weather I wear Swedteam Titan Gortex smock it’s bomb proof

 

[HallyButt]

I prefer a smock, easy to regulate temp with big zips, less gaps for those north easterlies to pick at ..

 

[Rusty Gate]

Hi, I am a photographer and videographer by trade and if away on a wintery outdoor job I usually use a berhaus goretex light jacket, with layers that all zip/open at the front so I can regulate my temperature. Prime example in Rome last new year, it was windy and cold in the morning while I was waiting, but sunny and 18 degrees in the afternoon when I was running about with cameras etc., I could just unzip layers and without taking stuff off keep myself from overheating.

It is a similar situation when stalking, you could be sat still in the rain getting cold, or dragging a deer out with the sunshine an hour later.

Does a smock hinder the ability to cool/heat yourself, without having extra stuff to carry?

I have never owned one and wondered what the benefits of a smock is over a jacket/coat?

T

Smock, use base layers to suit the day ahead, whicking or thermal etc

 

[Jagged77]

Paramo, Buffalo and Montaine smocks are my preference. The Buffalo type are designed to be worn either next to skin or with just a base layer which takes the faff out of layering. It does depend on your activity level though, if it’s a highseat on a cold day maybe layering is better. Personally I love the kangaroo pouch and tucking my hands in the side zip opening.

 

[sh1kar]

Just don’t buy a ridgeline
S

 

[Mungo]

If you spend a lot of time lying down or crawling, smock. But they’re a pain to get on and off, and heat management can be tricky.

I use a smock when I think it’s going to be really wet and miserable (so, seeing as I live in Scotland, most days…).

 

[Tdes]

Thank you all for your opinions, so I guess it is best to have both and decide on the day depending on the weather!

 

[Rutland lad]

Just don’t buy a ridgeline
S

Do you think that’s still true ? I bought a Ridgeline jacket 10 years ago and it was very sweaty to wear. Soon moved on.
However, a couple of years back I bought one of the thinner Ridgeline smocks which isn’t too bad at all. Maybe time and better materials have changed the breathability or maybe I’ve been lucky.

 

[VSS]

Do you think that’s still true ? I bought a Ridgeline jacket 10 years ago and it was very sweaty to wear. Soon moved on.
However, a couple of years back I bought one of the thinner Ridgeline smocks which isn’t too bad at all. Maybe time and better materials have changed the breathability or maybe I’ve been lucky.

Maybe you don't sweat so much now you're 10 years older....

 

[Rutland lad]

Maybe you don't sweat so much now you're 10 years older....

Yes ! I move much slower now. Should’ve thought of that. Doh !