Jacket advice please

pbgt

Hi lads, looking for advice on a good jacket to buy.

I've plenty of jackets but nothing really that good for our unpredictable weather.

Looking to spend between €200 - €300.

Ridgeline monsoon smog any good?
Deerhunter?
Harkila?

Etc.

Any advice greatly appreciated 👍

tikka646

Deerhunter Muflon Light. Mine is well tested. I'd buy one again.

Rescueme0007

My experience, is that it all depends upon the type of stalking one is doing at any point in time. If one is sitting in a hide and anticipates waiting quietly and still until an appropriate target present itself then I would choose a water repellent fabric in muted colours. Conversely, when one is actively stalking on pasture or forestry, then I'll forgo the waterproofing for a flexible and hopefully silent fabric. In general I favour, soft, warm, silent fabrics, in muted colours, not necessarily camouflage, but nothing blue or yellow. What I find to be more critical is patience, lack of unnecessary movement and the capacity to move slowly and accurately to a point of aim. I of course stuff it up frequently, but that just makes my limited successes all the more agreeable! 🙂

pbgt

Appreciate the advice. I shoot lots of foxes at night with plenty of walking.

Now have progressed to deer stalking with less walking and more waiting.

Would ideally like one jacket that covers both options.

BSA International

I use Swiss army surplus outer clothing, dry flow t-shirt & army boots with gaitors (if required) when hunting. Brilliant stuff. Never bother with the Gucci gear.

J.R.

I've lots of shooting jackets collected over the years - for all sorts of weather - Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter.

In recent years I tend to approach hunting gear like hikers do - using a layering system.

I have a Deerhunter shell jacket & trousers - waterproof, windproof & breathable and very light.

In warmer weather, this can be worn with a shirt underneath and in cold weather a jumper underneath and in really cold winter weather a warm fleece with thermal base layer. It can be used the whole year round by layering - changing what to wear underneath.

Very versatile and cuts down on the number of jackets needed.

JP22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122584781#Comment_122584781

As BSA International said, some of the military gear is great.

Retired many years but I still have a pair of my mil high boots & gaiters, super job, some mil jackets can be so so, it depends on make/etc.

For light jackets/smocks, look for used mil stuff, best is Gore-Tex, UK/German are usually good.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122586933#Comment_122586933

As JR said, layering is the name of the game, lightweight waterproof trousers/jackets when rolled up don't take up much space these days, whatever jacket you choose, be sure it has plenty of pockets and a game pouch in the rear. You can use the game pouch for lightweight jackets/trousers and use a game sling on your waist for game.

Just my tuppence worth.

deeksofdoom

As the lads said layering is the way to go the days of the big heavy barbour jackets are over, last season was out most of the time wearing a baselayer and another camo long sleeved t-shirt over it.

But Jack Pyke do nice light jackets that are fairly thornproof.

Chiparus

Had Harkila pro hunter jacket for a number of years, never that impressed - use a deerhunter pro game keeper jacket now, much prefer it.

minktrapper

I am looking for a jacket myself with a removable inner lining. Any suggestions?

thelurcher

I avoid the jackets with a bonded waterproof layer - they don't work for me. Had some of the supposed higher end stuff like Arcteryx and it's all the same.

For the rough stuff when I used to be hunting the Arktis smocks took some beating. The waterproof layer is loose from the outer material - that used to kept me dry and it was breathable.

My favourite is Paramo - Bento windproof jacket but have one of their waterproof jackets too. The Bento is ideal for here - seriously breathable, windproof enough and keeps you dry during showers. Dries fast while wearing it. I reproof it regularly - not a big deal. Not great with bramble though - will get tattered.

spray____

A bit late, but I would recommend to anyone check out the hunting stuff in Decathlon. I picked up a rough shooting waterproof jacket + trousers for €100, and another "silent" deer stalking jacket + trousers for another €100. The quality is really good and the price is hard to beat.

mulbot

Harkila. Nothing else comes close