Good call on the asbell wool. Really comfy when chilly, if it's not raining.
I like a wool anorak when it's cold for still hunting or sitting in a stand. For me they're too hot when walking or stalking early season. They can get HEAVY when wet.
“You never need fear a man, no matter what his size. When danger threatens, call on me, and I will equalize.” Samuel Colt.
�Common sense is genius dressed up in work clothes.� - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I ordered a couple, tried them and decided they would be too warm for 90% of my hunting. I'm still a fan but haven't found the right one. One thing I am doing different - and some will say dumb - I wear a thin baselayer and 2 midlayers. This week in CO, I wore Sitka Core LW next to skin, a patagonia R1 sans hood, and a Kuiu 260 hoody. This worked with temps from 9 to 28. It's not too much for the AM hike in (1-3 miles, 500-1500 ft climb) and still hunted all AM on several days. I rotated between a Sitka Kelvin down WS, Sitka Kelvin jkt (old style 170 grams insulation, no hood), Arc Teryx Atom AR, and Sitka Stratus jkt depending on PM temps and wind. I like this assembly of layers and options. I also have Kuiu 210, 240, and 280 to wear as the outer midlayer depending on temps and purpose. At this point, it would need to be the perfect Anorak jkt.
The last couple of years I’ve been hunting in bad weather on the Oregon Coast using the Swazi Kagoule. It’s been the best pullover cover I’ve ever owned. Driving rain, high wind, and low temps haven’t penetrated it.
I bought it also for the lack of insulation, which allows me to layer what I need under it to match the conditions or activity I’m doing while hunting.
Outer shell is quiet and doesn’t pick up hitchhiker vegetation or snag on sharp pointy things.
The last couple of years I’ve been hunting in bad weather on the Oregon Coast using the Swazi Kagoule. It’s been the best pullover cover I’ve ever owned. Driving rain, high wind, and low temps haven’t penetrated it.
I bought it also for the lack of insulation, which allows me to layer what I need under it to match the conditions or activity I’m doing while hunting.
Outer shell is quiet and doesn’t pick up hitchhiker vegetation or snag on sharp pointy things.
Do you find the fit to be accurate or did you size up to allow for layering?
I've used the Asbell products for years and really, really like them. The pockets are great and their hood design is very versatile for use with or without hats.
I bought an ‘XL’. With the fabric having a slight stretch, it’s been the correct fit for me. There is a little snugness at first when I pull the cover over my head - after that it’s good.
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Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
Old thread, but good info nonetheless. One of the most hardcore hunters I know swears by Swazi gear. He regularly hunts in weather that makes me go suck my thumb in the tent and cry for mommy.
I think the Swazi Tahr XP or the Kagoule is what he uses. The Swazi Huron I am sure is equally as good, but is more designed as a rain shell than an insulated coat. I think…
Two members of our SCI Chapter, TJ and Vanessa, (who have the TV hunting show “Outdoor Quest”, swear by Stoney Creek gear. Stoney Creek has several anorak types.
Old thread, but good info nonetheless. One of the most hardcore hunters I know swears by Swazi gear. He regularly hunts in weather that makes me go suck my thumb in the tent and cry for mommy.
I think the Swazi Tahr XP or the Kagoule is what he uses. The Swazi Huron I am sure is equally as good, but is more designed as a rain shell than an insulated coat. I think…
Davey Hughes of Swazi is a Gun grabbing kook. Wouldn’t touch Swazi gear with a 10 foot pole.
If ya want cheap and comfy get a long bush coat from hunters element.
I also like the bush coat from Stoney creek. A bit pricy but good value for sure.
For me, an anorak is simply a cold (and I do mean really cold) weather outer shell. Something I can layer under and not have a FL zipper to worry about. The chest pocket is a great feature for storage in those conditions. I really have no use for one outside of extreme cold weather travel, and always prefer a fl zipper.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I prefer anorak style jackets, watching this closely. I have a couple of the older Cabelas wool outfitter series. They are heavy and extremely warm, but would not fit your purpose.
Would like to find a quiet, windproof lighter weight style. The Hunters element looks interesting. But might be too warm also being fleece. The Scheels one also looks too warm with the wool component.
I prefer anorak style jackets, watching this closely. I have a couple of the older Cabelas wool outfitter series. They are heavy and extremely warm, but would not fit your purpose.
Would like to find a quiet, windproof lighter weight style. The Hunters element looks interesting. But might be too warm also being fleece. The Scheels one also looks too warm with the wool component.
