Deer Hunter Smocks

[Rasputin]

Missus kindly wants to buy me a jacket for stalking walking the dog and I have had my eye on a deer Hunter smock. Got a few deer Hunter items and always found them good value but sizing has been interesting got things from L-xxl so just wondering if anyone had one of their latest smocks and sizing recommendations or alternatives.

Ta

 

[paulbshooting]

I have used them for years but tend to buy the last season special on the avanti or similar older models. I get £140 RRP jacket for around £40. They work and I use nikwax on all my kit, so seem to be waterproof enough. Sizing seems spot on but does vary across different models in their range.

 

[FISH BOY]

Had one for a couple of seasons now for picking and when I need something light in the late summer to go over a T shirt. As above got mine on a deal and with it light, functional and relatively waterproof in heavy downpours, for the money really like it.

Sizing seems fine, but bought mine a size up so I can layer up if need be or if I grow into it

 

[Haggis Hunter]

I have some Deer Hunter kit and have found it good. Like paulbshooting I tend to buy end of range/older models. Keep an eye on this lot lakelandcountry (Lakeland Country, in Kendal I think). I got a good deal on an Avanti jacket about a year ago.

hh

 

[20-250]

The last Deer Hunter Smock I had leaked like a sieve, first time out. I would look elsewhere if I were you.

 

[Rasputin]

Thanks all

 

[jb1]

Me and Mrs both have the Pro Hunter we use them for picking up, dog training and walking, kept us both dry in very heavy rain.

 

[wildfowler1]

My smock is like a sponge. Wf1

 

[jb1]

My smock is like a sponge. Wf1

Which one ?
Im surprised, i have been out its some really lousy wet windy days and been as dry as a bone underneath.

 

[Fair Hill]

I have some Deer Hunter kit and have found it good. Like paulbshooting I tend to buy end of range/older models. Keep an eye on this lot lakelandcountry (Lakeland Country, in Kendal I think). I got a good deal on an Avanti jacket about a year ago.

hh

I bought a smock as well as other gear from that company and absolutely could not fault one item. I've been out in torrential weather with the Avanti range of gear and it is the bomb, 100% waterproof.

 

[lochty]

Not a smock, but I've got one of their new pro gamekeeper jackets. So far, it's been fine, but I'm not too keen on the neoprene cuffs. Waterproof though.

 

[Gm81]

I have a smock. It leaked on the arms in really heavy rain. But I got in touch with where I bought it. They offered to refund me. But I couldn't find one on sale for the price I paid. So I kept it. A few years now. OK for local stuff. If I'm going out for the day on the hill. I take my fortis smock.
I like deerhunter stuff and the guarantee is there and it looks good too.

 

[Rasputin]

Well I was a good lad and Santa brought me the smock. Been out in at times biblical weather in it and been really impressed. As usual with deer Hunter stuff size was an issue went for xl and it’s massive but hey ho nothing’s perfect right.

 

[tarponhead]

Have a look at the percussion smock as well for comparison - mine's dry as a bone, if a bit hot if you layer up too much and then walk hard in it.

 

[hedge hunter]

Is the ridgeline stuff any good.need a decent smock

 

[Rasputin]

Is the ridgeline stuff any good.need a decent smock

I personally don’t think the quality is as nice as deer Hunter but it’s obviously a lot cheaper and just as functional. But it’s horses for courses.

 

[Ozalid]

Firstly I don't think there is one coat/smock to do it all, Ive tried a number of makes, I've mainly had SWAZI and Ridgeline smocks and in my opinion the Ridgeline are well made and just as good for a quarter the price, I know people say that the Ridgeline sweat and if you do some strenuous walking/work in them yes they do, but so do the Swazi just as much, the most important thing is to get them big enough so the air can circulate, because they all trap the sweat no matter what they claim, I don't like bulky clothing and generally wear no more than a tee shirt in milder weather or thermal vest under them in winter. I have previously had the Swazi Tahr, Wapiti and Kagoul and yes they are ok, I like the material, but they all have design flaws and are not worth four times the price of Ridgeline, the Ridgeline Monsoon Smock is my go-to coat for the coldest/wettest weather, its great I cant fault it, I use the Swazi Kagoul or Ridgeline Pintail for cooler weather.

 

[Ozalid]

Is the ridgeline stuff any good.need a decent smock

I'll show you when I see you mate.

 

[Dawnrazor]

Is the ridgeline stuff any good.need a decent smock

No, definitely not!

 

[BigPat]

They all have their place. If it’s absolutely sheeting it down I like my ridgeline smock but it’s about as breathable as a black sack so ok in a high seat but not my first choice for long hard stalks. Equally, the Deerhunter jackets breath much better but in very heavy rain I find the shoulders and seams can leak. The only exception I have found is the Muflon light jacket and trousers which seem the be fully waterproof and very breathable.

I’m now going to try the Harkila Lynx jacket but that’s £400 so a different price-point altogether.