Field-tested rain gear for backcountry hunts?

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05 August 2025, 16:37

MikeWarner

Field-tested rain gear for backcountry hunts?

After getting soaked last season in what was supposedly "premium" rain gear, I'm reevaluating my options for this year's mountain hunts. I've been looking at Rivers West jackets - their stretch fabric and fully seam-sealed design seem promising for active hunting in variable conditions.

For those who've used their gear:
How does it handle sustained downpours compared to traditional 3-layer shells?
Is the fabric truly quiet enough for bowhunting or still prone to swishing?
Any long-term durability issues with the waterproof coating after multiple seasons?

I'm particularly interested in how it performs when layered over midweight insulation during temperature swings. Last year's setup left me either sweating or shivering - hoping to find that elusive balance this time around.

12 August 2025, 03:56

Frostbit

What gear failed you last season?

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28 August 2025, 16:49

TREE 'EM

I have a Swazi Wapiti rain coat I've been using for a few years now. It's not the lightest, but it's quiet and keeps me dry. I know several guides on Kodiak who switched to Swazi.

30 August 2025, 18:19

dogcat

For me, the only thing that handles downpours is Helly Hansen. However, it is hot as heck if you are hiking. If you are on a horse, perfect. Or sitting glassing - perfect.

I do not like gortex as I have NEVER had it keep me dry. In fact, it does not dry well so I stay wet.

First Lite has some new rain gear I may try, but at my stage of life, I try to hunt where it does not rain much - Africa!

01 September 2025, 18:22

Timbavati

KUIU is far better than First Lite. I have used both.

14 September 2025, 17:07

Zephyr

dogcat...
In another life did a whole bunch of sailing, one design and blue water ...One would ask "Did you bring your fowl weather gear"... the response would be "No I brought Gor-Tex"

16 September 2025, 04:51

medved

quote:
Originally posted by Zephyr:
dogcat...
In another life did a whole bunch of sailing, one design and blue water ...One would ask "Did you bring your fowl weather gear"... the response would be "No I brought Gor-Tex"

ah ah so true when i guided in northern quebec for caribous a tv show came with goretex rain gear and in the camps we were suspicious ... they ended using it when the camera was off and using guy cotten and helly hansen ones that we loaned them to avoid to be wet ...