Good stalking coat?

BRACES of Bristol - Sauer 100 XTA Stainless Package
Recently bought a Stoney Creek Tundra jacket.

Good points:
1) Seems to be made of genuinely tough material;
2) Good colour. In my opinion, many hunting coats are far too dark, especially when they get wet;
3) It has already proved itself to be properly waterproof and seems relatively breathable.
4) You can use the side pockets when wearing a pack.

Not so good:
1) The sleeves are ridiculously long. I am 6ft 1", and in XXL the cuffs came almost to my fingertips. I have had to turn the cuffs back, meaning that they can no longer be fastened;
2) The material is a bit stiff and slightly crackly. I only hope it gets softer with wear;
3) The damned hood: I hate hoods for hunting and never put them up when actually stalking, though I might when lying/sitting still. Given the stiff material, it feels like you've got a small person crouched on the back of your neck - especially when you are in prone position. I contemplated cutting the damn thing off, but relented. Hope it will soften and lie flatter in due course, so it doesn't catch the rain and the wind. Pity they didn't make it removable, or give it a tie-down strap.

Undecided:
The length. I knew it was 3/4 when I bought it, of course, and I hope I'll get used to it. I normally prefer short jackets because they are easier to move about it, especially when climbing steep hillsides. If you wear waterproof trousers, you don't need a long coat tail to sit on.
 
Hi, I like my Laksen Elk shooting jacket. A good price, fit, waterproof and lovely and warm too.
I already have a couple pairs Laksen trousers which have served me very well.
 
OP doesn't mention their build. I'm a slim chap and find most British/American coats are like tents on me if they go across my shoulders. The only gear that seems to fit me well is Beretta. Interestingly it's not too expensive either. I don't know who makes their clothing but I understand that their boots are Zamberlain.
 
pwinnall said:
Just seen how much 😳😳😳
Ps. I don’t go shooting very often 😊 so maybe something cheaper 🙏
Click to expand...
Harkila is overpriced junk nowadays. I’ve got pro hunter stuff which I didn’t have to pay for so am just being honest. Fine for standing on driven hunts in cold weather but theres plenty better out there. The search function will help you as this has been done to death more than once.
 
Whitefront said:
Recently bought a Stoney Creek Tundra jacket.

Good points:
1) Seems to be made of genuinely tough material;
2) Good colour. In my opinion, many hunting coats are far too dark, especially when they get wet;
3) It has already proved itself to be properly waterproof and seems relatively breathable.
4) You can use the side pockets when wearing a pack.

Not so good:
1) The sleeves are ridiculously long. I am 6ft 1", and in XXL the cuffs came almost to my fingertips. I have had to turn the cuffs back, meaning that they can no longer be fastened;
2) The material is a bit stiff and slightly crackly. I only hope it gets softer with wear;
3) The damned hood: I hate hoods for hunting and never put them up when actually stalking, though I might when lying/sitting still. Given the stiff material, it feels like you've got a small person crouched on the back of your neck - especially when you are in prone position. I contemplated cutting the damn thing off, but relented. Hope it will soften and lie flatter in due course, so it doesn't catch the rain and the wind. Pity they didn't make it removable, or give it a tie-down strap.

Undecided:
The length. I knew it was 3/4 when I bought it, of course, and I hope I'll get used to it. I normally prefer short jackets because they are easier to move about it, especially when climbing steep hillsides. If you wear waterproof trousers, you don't need a long coat tail to sit on.
Click to expand...
I bought a Stoney Creek smock a couple of years ago. Same issues with it being too long in the sleeves and hem. I returned it with a note saying we weren't all 6'6" and got a re-fund. Pity, as it otherwise it seemed a good product.
 
For trousers have a look at Genius gardening trousers. I saw some at Hampton court flower show and they are very well made. Fully waterproof with pockets for mobile and secateurs. Re-enforced knees with padded inserts. Nice fabric and if designed for gardening then ideal for stalking. They are based near Cirencester. The best waterproof stalking jacket was the Kammo Kodiac, fortunately I have one purchased probably 30 years ago. Not worn much but totally waterproof silent hard wearing and warm. Very well thought out design. Sadly unavailable for decades.

D
 
I would agree about Harkila clothing.The new stuff over priced rubbish.
Had the Goretex smock last year.Faulty seams,Poor sewing.Velcro coming off after a week
sent it back for a £500 smock it was terrible.
 
owdnorthener said:
Hi, I like my Laksen Elk shooting jacket. A good price, fit, waterproof and lovely and warm too.
I already have a couple pairs Laksen trousers which have served me very well.
Click to expand...
Laksen, the best, warmest and waterproof kit I have ever used from Scotland to Lapland, Baltics and most Eastern european countries I have hunted in the winter.
Tusker
 
pwinnall said:
Hello, I need a good stalking coat and trouser.
What brand would you recommend? Maybe realtree pattern too?
Thanks Phil
Click to expand...
I am considering selling my fortis smock and trousers. It’s good kit which I never wear . there in good condition and I have only used the smock a hand full of times . If you are interested I can post some pics 👍🏻
 
It's all a bit personal really. It depends if you want camo, whether you want a coat that opens at the front or a smock (both have their advantages) and of course whether you want to look smart (not necessary for an often solitary pastime, but nothing wrong with that), and of course how much dosh you want to splash.

Waterproof and breathable is very desirable. But bear in mind there's degrees of that. It's still hard to beat kit with Gore-Tex but a lot of manufacturers have their own lining that does it, if not quite as well (Usually they're waterproof, but the breathability suffers a bit and you can get a bit sweaty if you are exerting yourself). If you are going to go out when it's sheeting down, a hood is a good option to have. Mostly they'll zip off anyway. And go for similarly quality trousers too. Also consider whether you are going to be going through undergrowth or climbing fences and look for suitably robust material. Even the best material can come a cropper on barbed wire, but the better materials at least stand a chance.

Layers are the way forward too. I'd baulk at a coat that has a waterproof layer, a thick outer layer and thick quilt-like internal padding. Unless you're after Caribou in the Arctic Circle somewhere. Instead invest in a good fleece or similar mid layer and of course a moisture wicking T-shirt can be good too. Then it's mix and match depending on the weather.

I always like to see stuff in the flesh, but with most sales now being online, that isn't always possible.

If you stick with the known makes, such as Harkila (not as good as they were, but still up there mostly), Seeland (the cheaper Harkila but not necessarily the worser), Ridgeline, Fjallraven and Shooterking you'll be in the right ball park. Look for the trade supporters on here for Ridgeline and Shooterking stuff, you'll get keen prices.
 
Pedro said:
It's all a bit personal really. It depends if you want camo, whether you want a coat that opens at the front or a smock (both have their advantages) and of course whether you want to look smart (not necessary for an often solitary pastime, but nothing wrong with that), and of course how much dosh you want to splash.

Waterproof and breathable is very desirable. But bear in mind there's degrees of that. It's still hard to beat kit with Gore-Tex but a lot of manufacturers have their own lining that does it, if not quite as well (Usually they're waterproof, but the breathability suffers a bit and you can get a bit sweaty if you are exerting yourself). If you are going to go out when it's sheeting down, a hood is a good option to have. Mostly they'll zip off anyway. And go for similarly quality trousers too. Also consider whether you are going to be going through undergrowth or climbing fences and look for suitably robust material. Even the best material can come a cropper on barbed wire, but the better materials at least stand a chance.

Layers are the way forward too. I'd baulk at a coat that has a waterproof layer, a thick outer layer and thick quilt-like internal padding. Unless you're after Caribou in the Arctic Circle somewhere. Instead invest in a good fleece or similar mid layer and of course a moisture wicking T-shirt can be good too. Then it's mix and match depending on the weather.

I always like to see stuff in the flesh, but with most sales now being online, that isn't always possible.

If you stick with the known makes, such as Harkila (not as good as they were, but still up there mostly), Seeland (the cheaper Harkila but not necessarily the worser), Ridgeline, Fjallraven and Shooterking you'll be in the right ball park. Look for the trade supporters on here for Ridgeline and Shooterking stuff, you'll get keen prices.
Click to expand...
Thank you Pedro for your advice.

I do prefer to layer up, then you can tailor it for the weather.
I do want it smart too, if it’s costly then why not get my monies worth and use it on a walk. I don’t go stalking that often.
something around the £200 mark and £100 for the trousers should do. I have an early Swazi coat but in 2xl and it’s much to big for me. So it’s time I got a new coat. 😊
 
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