Jackets?

[Jh1986]

So I've had a little forum search, but I'd love some up to date opinions.

I currently have a waterproof "Game" brand jacket, but my last outing was sitting in a high seat for hours and hours of non-stop rain. It didn't hold and I was shivering and soaked by the end. It was cheap, and I got it when I started stalking. Served me fine as a starter and there's bits about it I love (the poacher pocket).

I've decided a new one is on the cards so I'm after up to date opinions on the below (or alternatives in a similar price bracket).

• Deerhunter Gamekeeper Pro
• Ridgeline Torrent 3
• Ridgeline classic monsoon smock
• Deerhunter explore smock
• Jack Pyke Argyll Smock

 

[VSS]

So I've had a little forum search, but I'd love some up to date opinions.

I currently have a waterproof "Game" brand jacket, but my last outing was sitting in a high seat for hours and hours of non-stop rain. It didn't hold and I was shivering and soaked by the end. It was cheap, and I got it when I started stalking. Served me fine as a starter and there's bits about it I love (the poacher pocket).

I've decided a new one is on the cards so I'm after up to date opinions on the below (or alternatives in a similar price bracket).

• Deerhunter Gamekeeper Pro
• Ridgeline Torrent 3
• Ridgeline classic monsoon smock
• Deerhunter explore smock
• Jack Pyke Argyll Smock

I wouldn't recommend a smock for stalking, unless it unzips all the way down (in which case it's not really a smock anyway).

 

[tozzybum]

Get yourself a full zip jacket as Tim said and put a poncho In your pocket .
Zip up jacket means you can allow for temperature changes whilst in your high seat.
The poncho means you don't get soaked and the fold upto nothing inside a pocket .
Only 3.99 not an expensive way of doing it. Atb

 

[Jh1986]

Get yourself a full zip jacket as Tim said and put a poncho In your pocket .
Zip up jacket means you can allow for temperature changes whilst in your high seat.
The poncho means you don't get soaked and the fold upto nothing inside a pocket .
Only 3.99 not an expensive way of doing it. Atb

I've already got a Deerhunter poncho, so yes that's probably a good option.

 

[tozzybum]

If your worried about cold in a high seat get a folding seat mat as well to insulate the old glutimus .
I take 1 and a long sleeve top to put on after you get in the seat .
Otherwise layered up walking to the seat sweaty Betty cools down and freezes atb

 

[Essexsussex]

Don’t laugh but this thing from eBay is the warmest high seat jacket - Winter Mens Warm Quilted Parka Duck Down Jacket Padded Bubble Puffer Hooded Coat

zip broken now which is annoying but it is brilliant. Under a poncho it would be excellent for what you describe.

 

[Steve29]

The ridgeline ascent takes some beating as an all rounder, coupled with a poncho or pac a mac when it’s really wet. Wear it over a T in decent weather or layer up when colder. It will keep rain out on its own for a good while, then just throw the pac a mac on when it’s raining hard/long. I have lots of jackets from Kuiu, deerhunter, shootkerking, Harkila, and the ridgeline is the one I reach for most often.

 

[Craigsaun]

So I've had a little forum search, but I'd love some up to date opinions.

I currently have a waterproof "Game" brand jacket, but my last outing was sitting in a high seat for hours and hours of non-stop rain. It didn't hold and I was shivering and soaked by the end. It was cheap, and I got it when I started stalking. Served me fine as a starter and there's bits about it I love (the poacher pocket).

I've decided a new one is on the cards so I'm after up to date opinions on the below (or alternatives in a similar price bracket).

• Deerhunter Gamekeeper Pro
• Ridgeline Torrent 3
• Ridgeline classic monsoon smock
• Deerhunter explore smock
• Jack Pyke Argyll Smock

Have a look at Swillington shooting supplies, they have a good sale for Riverswest smock I have owned one for about 10-12 years very tough and waterproof and cheap

 

[Long drag]

Smock there is only one, River West, top shelf.

 

[Rake Aboot]

I’ve just bought a Stoney creek Stillwater and first impressions are very very good

It’s likely to be the best stalking jacket I’ve had.
Not cheap though.

 

[sako85708]

I can't rate the Deerhunter pro smock high enough , I brought one for 3 days in Scotland on the hinds and when I got back i brought the jacket version with a full zip for game shooting . Both have got under arm vents with zips which are great for letting out the heat. The only problem i found with the smock is the lack of a front "kangaroo" pocket that I like to hang my thermal into. I have many coats at home, may be too many !! But the ones I wear the most are both Deerhunters either the Pro Gamekeeper or if its a little drier and warmer the Avanti smock.

 

[Pedro]

So, it all depends on how much physical effort you need to put into your stalking. If high seats and a wee ramble to get there is your thing, then waterproof-ness is paramount and breathability comes second. But if you do a bit of yomping, there is still nothing to beat a Gore-Tex lining. Although the Gore-Tex label inevitably means shelling out more dosh.

Deerhunter and Ridgeline stuff can get a bit sweaty with effort. Jack Pyke I found the same and not as waterproof (although the Jack Pyke stuff I had was a good while ago now, so maybe they are better). If you aren't intending to stride through bushes and gorse, don't restrict yourself to shooting related items, look at walking jackets, which are generally lighter and with higher sales can be a fair bit cheaper. Obviously steer clear of the shell suit colours!