I have only hunted in Africa once and that was early Fall. So it was hot and green. Short sleeves and dark colors (dark olive – no khaki) were the order of the day.

I may get a chance to go back the middle of next year – winter.

What is the best fleece jacket for cold winter mornings in South Africa. Is polartec what I should be looking for. What fleece fabric is best.

Most of the jackets I find on line seem to be designed as intermediant layers for skiers or motorcyclist – bright colors and no pockets.

Are there any good fleece jackets designed to be primarily mild weather outer wear for hunters with plenty of pockets and in olive green or khaki. Maybe with provision to zip into some rain resistant outer shell for wet weather?

I will likely be hunting in bushveldt north of Jo'berg toward the border. I was specifically advised by those here to go dark green and avoid khaki for early fall and that proved reliable advice. Is the same true year round or by the time its cool enough for fleece will the bushveldt have turned more khaki?

Just layer. You'll likely be taking the fleece jacket/vest off and what you need ought to be in whatever other pockets you already are wearing -- lots of moving stuff around depending on temperature, in or out of the bakkie, walking next, etc. Rely instead on a back-pack or some other easy carry item rather than multi-pocketed jacket.

2 cents

you'll want something to act as a windbreaker, hat and gloves too. don't forget it snows in RSA so it does get cold and sitting in that high seat in the cruiser you'll get plenty of cold wind

Rivers West makes several fleece jackets that are waterproof/resistant and wind proof. They're pricey but IMO worth it. In fact on my last trip over my PH was wearing one he bought in Canada. If you hunt around on their website you'll find their outlet where they unload all they're outdated styles. One thing I liked is that they are designed for hunters but available in solid, non-camo colors. Personally I like just a brown or olive jacket color, especially when travelling.

Have fun and good luck!

Regards,
Scott

Jack,

I've done two things that worked very well. A Patagonia fleece jacket with the wind resistant layer works nicely but the jacket is slightly bulky. If space and weight are an issue in your luggage a very light windbraker over one of those $50 down jackets from Cabelas is perfect for riding in the vehicle.

I take back my previous statement about not needing a jacket off the vehicle. A couple of times in RSA hunting in the hills for vaal rhebok I about froze my butt off and a jacket was very welcome.

Mark

After Scott's post, I looked at River West's web site. They rate their jackets for temperature ranges. Knowing that I'd need one of each to cover every eventuallity, which is best for the "most likely" winter (June-July) north of Jo-berg to the Zim border conditions:

20-50F
30-55F
40-65F

I have a couple sets of Rivers West gear and Heli for that matter.

I now only use SWAZI. It's just better.

I think the North Face Apex jackets are about perfect for cool weather hunting.

They are soft, light, quiet, windproof, and warm down to about 40 F (for me), but still comfortable up to 60 F. They also compress to a pretty small size for packing.

Grundens Soft Shell - http://www.go2marine.com/produ...=18515F&WT.mc_id=gb1

Warm, dry and packable.

Fleece is fleece, probably all made from the same manufacturer. You need a wind blocking fabric, whatever brand it is.

Last one I used was a dark olive Remington one I got for $7.00 clearance at Wal-Mart.

I have a first ascent fleece. It is the one like climbers use to traverse mount everest, Ma got it for me for 50 dollars, I have not worn a more comfortable jacket to date.
Edit:
http://www.eddiebauer.com/cata...RST-ASCENT&viewAll=y

“I wore this most days on Everest in 2009, quite often without needing a shell. Great styling and warmth. This is probably my favorite First Ascent piece.” —Ed Viesturs


This fleece is supposed to outrank North Face in all categories. North Face is popular around college, but at the end of winter Eddie Bauer will have these for sale for 50 dollars.