Is the Flecktarn Goretex milsurp kit noisy to wear?

[fvans]

I have been looking at the very inexpensive Flecktarn Goretex kit on ebay and wondered if anyone is using it for wet weather stalking. I already own a lightweight DPM goretex jacket but recon it would be very noisy when walking in denser vegetation or simply when your arms rub against your sides whilst walking. It does not have the soft and quiet feel of for example a Schoffel Goretex jacket.

Would like to hear the thoughts of anyone using the

Flecktarn Goretex​

specifically.

 

[User00033]

If you mean the genuine Bundeswehr / German Army surplus then its made from Sympatex, not Gore-Tex. Similar but not the same. Very good quality. I’ve worn this jacket in wet weather for years, on my second one now. I’ve also got a genuine British Army DPM rain jacket which is also good, a size larger to wear over a parka inner in winter.

Yes I guess they are slightly noisy. Not that I really notice it. I don’t do that much in the way of really close in stalking, if I do then it’ll be quite a wet windy day with the wind in my face. The noise of the weather usually overrides the noise I make, can’t think of a time I’ve spooked animals because of noisy clothing. The noise of chambering a round is way noisier than gently pushing through vegetation in my rain jacket. One thing to consider is that the Sympatex doesn’t catch on thorns and snags anywhere near as much as softer more expensive fabrics and this is a big deal for me.

I think the question is valid obviously, but the type of vegetation on the day, the weather, and the individual’s tolerance of noise and definition of “noisy” will make it hard for you to get an objective answer.

I treat my rain jacket, parka, trousers and shirts - all genuine Bundeswehr - with NikWax. The rain jacket is totally waterproof and I only put it on in proper rain. The other layers are shower proofed and water resistant. It’s very durable gear. And invisible to deer!

 

[John Gryphon]

Walking through berry canes in anything other than fleece is noisy,even then its noisy, yes its me yelling "you *******" as another hooks my face!

 

[caorach]

I think the flecktarn stuff is great and do wear it sometimes, I have a range of coats and wouldn't say it is any more noisy than the others but it is still a "hard shell" and so there is potential for a branch or similar to scrape along it. However, usually it isn't a noisy coat that is the problem but a lack of fieldcraft.

One thing I will say is that the intention with many of these waterproof layers was that they would be worn UNDER the smock/field jacket and so they would be covered by a softer layer. The plan was that you'd wear the showerproof but very breathable windproof smock/field jacket under all but the very wettest of conditions and, therefore, be more comfortable, but under very wet conditions then you'd put the waterproof shell on under the windproof smock so retaining all your pockets and having a very silent outer layer over the waterproof one. As a system this can't be beaten and it is why many of the waterproof layers have very few pockets as the intention is that they will be used, basically, as a waterproof lining.

 

[mallettn]

I was wearing one in Scotland and the guide had me take it off when we saw deer as it was too noisy in his opinion

 

[Yorric]

These outer waterproofs are nearly all a bit noisy when dry - but when its pi**in down they are much quieter & the deer have the rain noise to cope with then too.
The one exception I have is a Browning jacket & overtrousers - they are slightly fleecy & are quiet in all weathers.

My personal rule with all rain jackets is to buy them big so the air can blow about underneath & take away the moisture. Much better than hoping the fabric will breath adequately.

Also when it is really wet a poncho is great (as long as it is properly fitted), you can sit on the back & cover your legs with the front & some have a big flap on the front to allow the scope & action of your rifle to stay drier. - Again the loose / ventilation rule applies.

Ian

 

[lochty]

What Caorach said.....