How to Choose Stylish and Practical Hunting Rain Gear
Style and practicality should be on your mind when buying new hunting gear. Looking good in the gear is great, but that won't help if it lacks functionality. That's why any avid hunter always strikes a balance between these two factors—it can make or break your hunt!
Imagine buying trendy hunting rainproof gear with a beautiful design that gets the attention of your friends. But there’s a twist, it doesn't blend well with your hunting environment due to its patterns being off or colors too bright. The result? Games can easily spot you, tipping them off and ruin your chances of making a kill. It could also put you in danger, especially in risky areas.
A great hunting outfit should camouflage the environment, be strong enough to keep off water, and be comfortable. But that's not all; here are the top factors to consider when hunting rain gear to stay safe and succeed in your hunt:
1. Choose Quality Waterproof Material
Weather can be unpredictable when out hunting, but one thing that's for sure is that you cannot run home if the rain hits—every moment counts! To cope with sudden twists, you must be prepared to face even the worst conditions with quality rain gear.
Talking of quality, you don't want anything cheap around you. Packing quality hunting rain gear specifically designed to keep off water and keep you dry throughout is important. While waterproof pants and jackets won't guarantee a trophy, they allow you to stay longer in the field, significantly increasing your chances of success.
Fortunately, there is plenty of hunting rain gear; all you need to do is pick one ideal for your hunting style and climate. These include modern gear with multiple layers of fabric and technologies like durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. On the other hand, avoid cotton materials readily absorbing water, allowing moisture to get to you faster.
2. Check for Excellent Breathability
Getting cold isn't something you want when hunting, so breathability is an important feature to look for in rain gear. Hunting clothes that breathe allows a smooth heat flow without letting in water. If sweat builds up or water finds its way in, it won't be long before you start feeling cold, which could slow things down. When it comes to breathability, one name that stands out is Gore-Tex. This and other modern technologies equip the gear with breathable multilayer fabric for easy air movement and advanced water protection. Generally, you want your gear to be designed using fabric that allows moisture to escape to avoid sweat and dampening the clothes.
3. Ensure the Gear is Fit and Comfortable
Your rain hunting jacket and pants should fit perfectly. That means they should not be too tight or loose to let in water. They should be comfortable enough to accommodate extra clothes underneath for more warmth. Check the jacket's length to ensure it covers your hands nicely and the ankles on your pants are not exposed. The gear should allow easy movements around your elbows and knees during hunting. Adjustable features can come in handy, allowing room for expansion so you don't have to spend money frequently on gear. Getting clothes with adjustable cuffs or waistbands is a plus as it ensures fit and keeps away weather elements.
4. Consider Your Hunting Environment
Hunting rain gear patterns and the quietness of your clothes influence your hunting. Getting it right starts with understanding your hunting environment. For instance, staying close to the game isn't the wisest thing to do if you're out hunting with a rifle. As such, you must wear camouflage waterproof clothes to keep yourself dry and blend in with the environment, be it snowy, wetlands, or forest. Additionally, the clothes should be designed to allow you to move silently to avoid tipping off what you're hunting. Steer away from materials that rustle loudly, and go hunting gear should use soft brushed fabrics designed using noise-reducing materials for excellent quietness. Most such clothes have useful extra features like silent zippers and scent control mechanisms.
5. Look for Extra Features
Hunting in the wilderness can take days, so you need every extra feature you can get in hunting gear. With extra features comes additional functionality and space. For instance, clothing fitted with large pockets can come handy for safely storing maps, knives, phones, emergency supplies, and other small items. When evaluating your gear's functionality, remember to check its weight. Ideally, you need lightweight gear that makes moving easy. The ideal rain gear should be compressible to fit a small pouch, making it easy to carry around and change to adapt to various weather conditions.
6. Ensure Durability
As said, it's easy to find yourself hunting for several days straight. So, having gear that can withstand the harsh conditions is a must. Other than the material and fit, look for well-designed rain gear, especially in critical high-wear areas like around the knees and elbows. Clothes that are reinforced around these zones are perfect and can serve you for a long time without wearing and tearing.
Conclusion
Rain-hunting gear that balances style and functionality can be a valuable addition to your hunting gear. Investing in high-quality gear that is breathable, waterproof, comfortable, well-camouflaged, durable, and equipped with extra features can save you a lot of money in the long run. Even when on a budget, try to find gear that offers value for your money. Most cheap gear in the market ultimately disappoints in durability and performance, and you spend more. But armed with this guide, choosing your next rain-hunting gear should be a walk in the park.