Camo jacket (waterproof)
Selecting a waterproof camo jacket is where most hunters make their most expensive mistake. The "holy grail" is a jacket that keeps external water out while simultaneously allowing internal sweat to escape—a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve during high-output activities like climbing a ridge. In the hunting world, the debate is between "softshell" (quiet but water-resistant) and "hardshell" (loud but waterproof). If you are hunting in a true downpour or wet snow, a hardshell is your only insurance policy against hypothermia.
What Separates Good from Great
DWR vs. Membrane Integrity
A "good" jacket relies on a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to make water bead. A "great" jacket utilizes a three-layer waterproof-breathable membrane (like GORE-TEX or Kuiu's Toray) that acts as a physical barrier. If the DWR fails on a cheap jacket, the fabric "wets out," and you'll feel frozen even if you aren't technically wet.
Seam Taping and Waterproof Zippers
The most waterproof fabric in the world is useless if water leaks through the needle holes in the seams. Look for "fully taped" seams and YKK AquaGuard zippers. If the main zipper doesn't have a storm flap or a waterproof coating, it's a leak point.
Pit Zips for Heat Management
Even the most breathable membranes can't keep up with a hunter hiking uphill. "Great" jackets feature oversized pit zippers that allow you to dump steam instantly without taking the jacket off. Without these, you will be just as wet from sweat as you would have been from the rain.
Face Fabric Noise
Traditionally, waterproof jackets sound like a bag of sun chips. High-end hunting hardshells use a "brushed" or "micro-fleece" face fabric bonded to the waterproof membrane to dampen the sound, allowing you to move through brush without a metallic "scratching" noise.
The Call
A 3-layer GORE-TEX piece designed to be lightweight and packable. It's the "just in case" jacket that lives in your pack but provides total protection when the sky opens up. It's stripped of extra pockets to save weight.
Built for the most brutal conditions on earth (think Alaska or BC). It features a rugged face fabric that won't tear on shale and is much quieter than a standard raincoat. It's heavy, but it's an "all-day" rain shell.
Specifically designed for hunters in the Pacific Northwest. 12 ounces - ultralight and keeps you dry without weighing you down.
While it lacks the high-end camo patterns of the "Big Three," the Pilot II series offers incredible waterproofing for the price. It's durable and features a very functional hood design.
A mid-weight softshell with a waterproof membrane. It offers a "Lifetime Warranty" and is much warmer than a standard rain shell, making it perfect for late-season hunts where freezing rain is common.
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