When you are trying to determine the best hunting gear for rainy conditions, you also have to consider what conditions you are hunting in. Consider the pros and cons of each item before you make a selection.
Material
The most important factor for rain gear is the materials used in them because each material may not perform the same way under rain as other materials do. Polyester, for example, is known to be very strong and abrasion resistant, which retains its shape to lock in warmth and keep cold or rain out. Since polyester does not allow as much air through it, it can be considered less breathable than other types of fabric, which makes it best for use on your outer layers. Most often, polyester locks out water, so this makes it very waterproof. You need breathable materials on the areas nearest to your skin because you will tend to sweat while wearing heavy clothing, even if it’s cold out. Light fleece works perfectly when it is your inner layer because it is smooth, flexible, cool and comfortable so it won’t catch on your outer layers and will feel great on your skin.
Some brands will use a better quality of polyester or other materials and may even have created a special trademark technology that other brands may not use. You will want to closely consider what those technologies were extensively built for and how they are going to make your hunt easier. For example, the special brush faced fabric on the Sitka Gear Downpour Jacket was made to conceal the sound of water hitting you. This helps you out because deer will be less aware of you so you don’t have to be as cautious of movements you make. So considering the special technology behind the fabrics when you choose rain gear is definitely noteworthy.
Seam Protection and Quality
The materials used are one thing, but if openings are not wisely oriented on the clothing, they become useless and just let the rain or the wind in anyways. The last thing you want to have when you’ve bought rain resistant hunting gear is to find the water seeping into your inner layer. A lot of hunting gear will have special vents, zippers or removable hoods. Since these are all openings for water to get in it is a wise idea to keep them protected. For this reason, some clothing has flaps concealing the seams. The flaps will deflect water over or away from the seam so that it does not get into your inner layers. Also make sure that you know that the flaps were made of quality, because if they aren’t they will tear and rain will get in anyway. Make sure your seams are well guarded and you will keep dry much longer. The first line of protection is always the most important when it comes to rain resistance.
Insulation
Sometimes the environment you’re hunting may require extra warmth and other times it will not. Choosing rain gear with or without insulation is completely up to whether or not you need it. If you are in a more tropic or humid area, you definitely do not want to get rain gear that is already insulated because you will sweat and become too hot. The XTACER Multi-Use Poncho may be perfect for humid environments because it’s arms and legs are open for air to freely move through while it also shields rain from you.
Cold climates will make rain drastically colder than usual. In this case, you will need extra insulation to keep your core warm because the air and water are both colder. The Rocky Boys Pro Hunter Full Zip Insulated Parka is specifically designed with added insulation for especially freezing rain situations and will keep you very warm. Depending on if it has insulation or not, they may also have special zippers inside so that you can take the insulation out when you don’t need it. So if you consider the climate and hunting season you will be hunting in, you will be able to more easily pick rain gear for hunting.
Weight
The weight of your rain gear will have a special role in your level or personal comfort. A heavy weighted clothing will normally make it harder to move through your environment and usually be warmer than a lightweight option. Pockets, additional insulation or hoods will add weight to each article of clothing because it uses more material. Lighter weight rain gear will usually provide the base amount of rain protection without any additional features and will be easier to move in. This decision usually is completely up to the environment you are hunting in and whether or not you will be moving, so consider what you will be doing.
Camouflage Colors
Camouflage is a very important factor for reducing the chance of your game animal detecting you. By breaking your outline up in your environment, camouflage will more easily blend you into your surroundings. When trying to choose a camouflage pattern and color, you need to consider what environment you are hunting in.
When hunting on a treeline that has very lush vegetation, choose color variations of light green to very dark green with patterns resembling the trees and bush’s leaves. Digital or Flecktarn patterns look very good when paired with vegetation. While being under forest canopies, choose camouflage colors of gray to dark brown with tree bark or dead branches. Real Tree or Mossy Oak offer excellent options for woodland camo. For desolate areas without vegetation or trees like grass or desert, you should choose patterns of camouflage that break your outline up and are of a similar color to your terrain. Digital or python camo patterns work great for these situations.
FAQ
How to Choose A Cold Weather Hunting Jacket?
The main factor to consider when buying a winter hunting coat is — evidently — warmth. It should protect you from the wind and water. If you are hunting near water, humidity can be about 80-90%. This causes condensation, and it is necessary for it to stay on the surface without getting inside your jacket. And the jacket should fit snugly because of the wind.
How to Clean the Jacket? Can I Wash It?
The best way not to make things worse is to read the information about your jacket. Some of them (most, actually) are OK with being machine washed, although some manufacturers advice dry cleaning. It is highly recommended not to wash waxed jackets — but some customers still do. At least they should know that wax washes away permanently. Remember that pockets, sleeves, and the collar are the most easy-to-stain places. So, be careful and, from time to time, you can clean them with a dry brush.
How to Do Small Repairs on a Jacket?
The easiest way is to bring the jacket to the workshop. Of course, you can repair a zip without any help. But if there is a hole in a wool jacket, or material is difficult to sew up, it is better to give it to a professional. Until the case, where there is no way to bring it somewhere, we can give a few tips. Always take some rubber cement with you. It will help you in many situations, including repairs. Just put a patch with the help of the glue. A note: glue dries up about 10-12 hours, so sit tight!
Is The Jacket Easy To Store?
It is better to store the men’s hunting jacket in a special individual bag or case. There should be enough space for it, especially if you are storing a down jacket. Before you put the jacket somewhere, make sure you have dried it properly! At other points, the storage will not be difficult at all; just put the jacket in a dry, dark place.
I Want To Buy A Hunting Jacket. Is Camo Necessary?
It depends on the type of hunting you plan to do. If you spend a lot of time walking around — there’s actually no need for camo. Moreover, there are cases when you should wear something really bright. For example, the best duck hunting jacket should have some orange details; they can make a bird show off and fly. Camo is suitable and necessary in case you spend a lot of time in one place, with one landscape and do not move. And let’s be honest, it’s not such a common situation, is it? And we can’t imagine a situation when you would need to take various camos for different landscapes.
What Is The Difference Between Water-Resistant, Waterproof, And Water-Repellent Jackets?
Waterproof is the strongest protection, and water-resistant is the lowest. There are examples of waterproof jackets that have a water column of 52 feet. This means that you only start to get wet only in cases where a 52-feet water column splashes on you. It is best that an insulated hunting jacket be waterproof. If you are looking for a windproof hunting jacket and choose a place where there is just a little rain, water-resistance will be enough. Water-repellent jackets are something in the middle. They don’t absorb water if it rains lightly but will last worse if it is heavy rain outside.
Conclusion
So with every given factor and choice of gear, you will still have to make your own decision. We hope that the information and considerations will drastically help you in making your final choice.
Where I hunt we have designated areas and stands. Having a 2-way zipper at least on a jacket is a real plus if you're stuck up in a stand for hours. The hoods are all camo in what I can see - nice for bow hunting. But, we do most of our hunting in black powder or rifle season, and MUST wear Blaze Orange.
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Thank you!
I learned many things, I know about this types of Hunting Apparel, I'm working in a Habit Outdoor inc.