Stalking clothing - search continues

[Rutland lad]

I’ve recently returned from a hill stalking trip to Scotland. I shan’t bore you with the full circumstances, suffice to say I’ve got kit that’s waterproof for sitting in a high seat, but if I walk any distance I’m sweating and end up wet from the inside. Or I’ve got kit that’s only just okay for a light shower, and more than 5 mins exposure to rain means I’m wet through and cold.

The Harkila and other similar kit I consider too ‘heavy’ and once wet it stays wet for days - I’m not interested in.

I’ve been told by those that have experience that Ventile cotton is probably the way to go, and to that end I’ve been looking at HILLTREK clothing

Shop by activity - Fishing & field sports - Page 1 - Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing

hilltrek.co.uk

Has anybody any experience of Ventile clothing they can tell me about ? Is it the best for hill stalking - or does my search now go towards modern synthetics like SITKA or KUIU ?

As usual, your thoughts and experiences are welcomed.

 

[Shaun Goss]

I have complete confidence in Stoney creek, there jackets are not overly thick but very waterproof and not cold. Use the right layers underneath and I’ve found them great for everything.

 

[WW.]

I’ve recently returned from a hill stalking trip to Scotland. I shan’t bore you with the full circumstances, suffice to say I’ve got kit that’s waterproof for sitting in a high seat, but if I walk any distance I’m sweating and end up wet from the inside. Or I’ve got kit that’s only just okay for a light shower, and more than 5 mins exposure to rain means I’m wet through and cold.

The Harkila and other similar kit I consider too ‘heavy’ and once wet it stays wet for days - I’m not interested in.

I’ve been told by those that have experience that Ventile cotton is probably the way to go, and to that end I’ve been looking at HILLTREK clothing

Shop by activity - Fishing & field sports - Page 1 - Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing

hilltrek.co.uk

Has anybody any experience of Ventile clothing they can tell me about ? Is it the best for hill stalking - or does my search now go towards modern synthetics like SITKA or KUIU ?

As usual, your thoughts and experiences are welcomed.

The hydrostatic head of ventile isn't huge although the fact it's more natural not synthetic does appeal. I would advise a focus on layering and use of items which are either warm when wet (wool) or are warm and quick drying (not the quietest but something like Buffalo kit). Side vents on outer layers can be very good for cooling you down.

Well treated waxed cotton can be effective. A couple of years ago I had a go at airsoft in winter so got some cheap cotton camo trousers and soaked them with a blend of soy and bees waxes- with an underlayer to keep the waxiness off the skin they were excellent.

Optim is a new supposedly waterproof merino wool.

 

[lochty]

I have a pair of tweed plus fours with a ventile lining. Add merino thermals and that works very well, apart from wet knees when you have to crawl over wet ground. For the top half, look at ex military layers, something like a snuggie with a light goretex jacket.

 

[tackb]

i wore trousers with reinforced knees and a high waist for hind stalking due to the crawling involved , on the top half i just wore a norgee and my swazi which was plenty while moving as i run hot and sweaty normally never mind when i'm dragging my bulk up hills behind a half cross scotsman/mountain goat , in rough weather i had the swazi bib and brace for the bottom end as it gave me a nice big over lap to reduce the amount of water i soaked up.

the trick is to have a dry layer with you , i kept a dry norgee in the argo/vehicle and a buffalo top , you cannot over estimate the advantage of dry kit when you return from the hill wet and cold !

 

[NoIDeer]

A poncho or a thin jacket can work well. Like you would if you were hill walking.

 

[muddy42]

Personally I have never come across anything that is truly waterproof, breathable and durable. Think about it, how can a fabric let water out, one way only?

Personally I like fully waterproof 'bib and brace' style waterproof trousers, not an elasticated waist because they allow more airflow, up and out. These are £30 each and get patched and replaced annually. So I wear waterproof trousers over normal trousers and lots of layers on top and then a waterproof jacket.

 

[opticron1]

Plus one for the non existent waterproof and breathable route.........
Haven't found anything that doesn't leave me feeling like a boil in the bag mess! As @tackb suggests, make sure you have a spare set of clothes to change in to back at base as it's too easy to end up with mild hypothermia after a long hard day on the hill. I like my Swedeteam gear as well as my prologic jacket when it gets really cold, but I haven't found a miracle set off clothes in all the years I've been up and down hills.

 

[sy247]

I would wear thin, wicking layers with a shell jacket over the top. You could look at something like Paramo, these are popular with wildlife photographers and mountain resscue teams. In my experience though, nothing is 100% waterproof in torrential rain.

I would definiitely take some dry kit in a waterproof bag inside your rucksack or left in the Argo. In very cold conditions I like to have a Snugpak Softie jacket to chuck on over the top of everything, when I stop, or at the end of the day once the sun has gone down.

I've got Buffalo kit, it is designed to be worn next to the skin and because it is fibre pile and Pertex it keep you warm when it is wet. It's good but unless it is really cold you will sweat in it.

 

[Scarpa]

I'd second Buffalo kit, I bought my shirt in the late 80s and its still getting a bit of use. The problem with breathable membranes is that they rely on a good temp difference between the inside abd outside of the jacket. I do a lot of mountain sports in the Alps and for ice climbing Goretex is great, for highly energetic sports like skiing and cross country skiing softshekls are much more breathable. In all cases underarm pit zips are brilliant. I just bought a Deerhunter pro gatekeeper short jacket for stalking and that has pit zips. But if it's looking like heavy rain is possible I'd take an additional waterproof in my rucksack.

 

[Rutland lad]

I have complete confidence in Stoney creek, there jackets are not overly thick but very waterproof and not cold. Use the right layers underneath and I’ve found them great for everything.

Interesting you say that - I noticed the ghillies were wearing Stoney Creek. I’ll have a closer look at their range.
Is it sweaty stuff or breathable for hill stalking ?

 

[Cyres]

Have you considered Musto ?
I have purchased off SDF 2 pairs of trousers and a coat. All old but very good so I expect new stuff would fit the bill. Musto waterproof yachting gear is excellent.
Completely off piste have a look at Genus gardening trousers. I have a pair of their waterproof gardening trousers but as yet to try in anger. Very well made and thought out. They are high waisted.
They may be just what you need.
D

 

[Shaun Goss]

Interesting you say that - I noticed the ghillies were wearing Stoney Creek. I’ll have a closer look at their range.
Is it sweaty stuff or breathable for hill stalking ?

It’s not sweaty at all. It’s not actually very thick but I have found it very waterproof and warm due to the cuffs and collar being well designed so you’re able to close up all the gaps if that makes sense. I have the suppressor jacket and will get another soon as this one’s wearing out.

 

[NickJ]

After 35 years of hill stalking I'm still looking for a perfect balance of waterproof Vs breathability. My conclusion is there isn't one so, at least buy an outer with armpit zips to ventilate. However breathable a jacket is it partly goes out of the window when you build in the insulation properties of a Vorn on your back and a bino harness on your front!

The best of both worlds I have owned was a Swedteam Titan pro but it was too dark for the hill I manage the hinds on (lots of white ground.)

The Sitka range do a good camo colour and they are (esp the Dewpoint Pro) getting some good reports from pro stalkers I know so I'm going to try one, triple layer Goretex seems to be OK and the design seems better than Kuiu to me. Stoney Creek the lads like in the West for sure.

Plenty of pros on the hill wear the Hilltrek or Keela ventile smocks but they are too dark in colour for my needs.

I tend to wear a thin waterproof outer with a merino base layer underneath, when it's cold a fleece too. In the Vorn I have a packable down jacket for when you have/had a long lie waiting for the buggers to stand up/the bloody fog to lift!

 

[Rutland lad]

Good point. A Vorn and its front straps do not help with breathability - and I use such a thing.

I do carry an ex MOD camo Goretex shell to put on over the top of other kit, but as I mentioned earlier on the last trip I delayed that layer for just a minute or two too long and got wet and cold as a result.

I’m at the point where sone of the kit I’ve now had for quite a few seasons and it’s ripe for replacement hence my post.
Looking at a bewildering selection kit without a personal recommendation from someone who’s worn such an item is a minefield.
Thank you everyone for your input.

 

[404Shooter]

I ‘run warm’ and sweat easily but as I’ve aged I am more susceptible to the cold when I stop. The single best investment I’ve made to combat this is a long sleeved ‘string vest’ made by Brynje. Harkila make a similar product but I don’t know what they’re like. The mesh simply doesn’t hold the moisture generated by my walking/stalking and it doesn’t feel cold when I’m static again. If you sweat and feel the cold I cannot recommend these tops highly enough.

 

[Brighty3006]

Love all my Kuiu gear

 

[sh1kar]

@NigelM I know not been here but one for you

s

 

[jimmer.13]

Military surplus is your friend.
The modern day layer system works well and can be adapted to all climates in this country and beyond in some cases.
It’s cheap fairly robust and you won’t cry too much when you snag it on a fence.
You may not look like a trendy deer stalker but I doubt the deer mind and you will blend into your environment. A few thousand infantry men would probably agree.

 

[JamesH]

I'd second Buffalo kit, I bought my shirt in the late 80s and its still getting a bit of use. The problem with breathable membranes is that they rely on a good temp difference between the inside abd outside of the jacket. I do a lot of mountain sports in the Alps and for ice climbing Goretex is great, for highly energetic sports like skiing and cross country skiing softshekls are much more breathable. In all cases underarm pit zips are brilliant. I just bought a Deerhunter pro gatekeeper short jacket for stalking and that has pit zips. But if it's looking like heavy rain is possible I'd take an additional waterproof in my rucksack.

I’d second this - most membranes work as designed when there is a different humidity level between inside and outside the clothing. Great in cold, dry climates but not very effective in wet and not too cold UK.
After spending 10 years doing ecology field work I found it’s best to have layers and spares, try to avoid getting hot and starting to sweat. Big arm pit openings are the best ventilation in my experience.
Some kit works great for some people but not others because we all get hot and sweaty and cold in different ways.