I'm in the market for a new big game jacket at the moment and I am looking for recommendations.

What I am looking for, is a straight forest green type jacket with cotton or relatively silent outer covering, a gore-tex or similar internal layer - breathable and waterproof. Waterproof matching hood, good sized, preferably detachable. At least two sets of pockets on each side, with "tie back" flaps for shells and smaller pockets as well. Good if it has a game bag pocket(s) inside.

The jacket will also be worn casually as well.

I used to have a Musto game jacket.

I already have mossy oak type camo jackets etc. This is more for general hunting and casual use (a lot).

This sort of beretta jacket seems to fit the bill. Any other suggestions.

Thanks

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John
alias Nitro

NitroExpress.com
communities.msn.com/NitroExpressCom

I would buy a Filson!

Daryl

Get a Barbour!

I like this one (no detachable hood but I hate hoods myself)

Its made from Ventile (cotton) and is very warm, waterproof, and best of all QUIET.

It's from Cabelas.
(lifted from Cabela's website):
Made from a fabric that is water-resistant and breathable by design, this 100% Ventile cotton parka gives you protection from the elements without using special treatments or finishes. Since World War II, Ventile has proven its worth as a fabric that�s tough enough for the battlefield or the street. We added 5 oz. Prima Loft� insulation to this parka to help keep you warm.

[This message has been edited by yorick (edited 05-03-2002).]

If you are hunting in the chilly parts of the world, Daryl is right, you should buy a Filson Mackinaw or Double Mackinaw Cruiser. I took his advice before a Wood Bison hunt in The Yukon and completely outfitted myself with some green wool Filson bibs and an "Elmer Fudd" black and red plaid double mackinaw cruiser and they worked exceedingly well even down to -30F. If you are looking for cold weather gear this is the ticket!

JMHO,

JohnTheGreek

John the Greek,

Amen to that!!!!!!!!!

I hafta agree with the Filson reccomendation. They rock.

Canuck

Due to the British weather, I use such a coat almost every day of the year. I have a Musto. In fact they make them close to home and my wife was at school with the Musto daughters.

Did you know that Musto have a lifetime waterproofing guarantee? If you return the coat because the goretex has gone they will send you a new coat.

My musto is ten years old and starting to look a little tired. I plan on buying one of the new goretex Barbour Berwick Endurance coats. Barbour have come a long way in the last 5 years.

http://www.barbour.com/

Deerdogs and King Baboon

I like the Musto jackets and bought mine when I worked in the UK about 15 years ago.

The Barbour Berwick does seem like a possible alternative. I will look at one if I get a chance.

I will be in Europe next week and both Barbour and Beretta have stores in Florence.

I do have a Barbour Border jacket which I use on winter rainy days on my farm. But the wax coats are too heavy and bulky for travel.

Daryl, John, Canuck, Ovis

The Filson looks good too, but is probably warmer than I need. The lighter jackets are usually too warm as it is here in South Australia, except for the colder winter days and nights. They look good though for a future N Amer trip one day.

BFaucett - thanks for the link

yorick and everyone

Thanks for your suggestions and replies.

------------------
John
alias Nitro

NitroExpress.com
communities.msn.com/NitroExpressCom

[This message has been edited by NitroExpress.com (edited 05-05-2002).]

Before you buy take a look at two Scandinavian brands.
www.bergans.no and www.chevalier.se , both have english text and makes excellent clothes.

M.D.

There are a lot of solid scandinavinan clothing made for bad weather. Take a look at some before you get anything else.

Johan

There is higher tech stuff out there but my old Barbour wears like iron. I've worn it bird hunting and big game hunting and it sheds water and takes abuse. Just have to remember to have it re-oiled every so often.

Just a note to say thanks for the comments and advice and to report back.

I did buy the Beretta jacket in Pisa, Italy while visiting that city in May. Had a bit of trouble tracking it down in Rome due to it being summer (ie not carrying winter stock) and me not speaking very much Italian. But found one by chance in Pisa.

The jacket looks like what I was expecting, quite heavy and warm (for these Southern hemisphere climes anyway). And generally well made. Cheaper in Euros than I expected it to be.

My major complaint is some very poor stitching on buttons on the collar that hold a warmer corduroy type lining on. Some of these were almost off, so I cut them off so as to not get lost. Pretty poor for a quality jacket. Also the removable hood can't be attached unless the jacket is fully zipped and buttoned, which I rarely do unless it is very cold. I will be getting a tailor to modify that.

Other jackets suggested: I already have a Barbour which I use on my farm alot in winter. I wanted something that would survive being squashed regularly when travelling. The other suggestions: if I could have tracked these down in convenient locations, I would have looked at them.

Thanks for the input.

I've yet to come across a jacket or trousers that could withstand water AND be quiet...

A small amount of wind or rain drowns out the noise but a dead silent day and a buck under high seat and you'll wish you had plain wool on. Unfortunately deer seem particularly attuned to the frequencies rustling clothes make!