Hunting is a sport enjoyed year-round. This is when the right gear comes in, especially as lots of time will be spent sitting still. Hunting, after all, is a game of patience.
When in the great outdoors, you’ll experience various weather elements. These include sunshine, rain, wind, and even snow. If you’re unprepared for these unpredictable forces of nature, they can spoil your experience, cutting your day short. This is when knowing how to choose the correct rain gear for your hunt is crucial.
In this handy guide, we give insight into how to pick the best hunting gear for rainy days. Read on to learn more.
1. Understanding the Basics of Hunting Rain Gear
Hunting rain gear is an asset to your wardrobe, irrespective of whether you’re an amateur or pro hunter.
In a nutshell, it’s clothing that is either water-resistant or waterproof. Waterproofing is a crucial factor to consider when choosing your hunting rain equipment. This is because hunts take place in various locations, which means the weather and terrain are often unpredictable. Even a sunny day can turn into a rainy day. This is when learning the ins and outs of rain gear is key.
2. Decide Between Waterproof or Water Resistant Gear
You need to prepare yourself for all eventualities. If you don’t have waterproof gear and get caught in a storm, you’ll end up cold, soaked through, uncomfortable, and miserable.
Many make the mistake of investing in water-resistant gear as opposed to waterproof. Both offer very different levels of protection.
Water-resistant materials will safeguard you against light moisture or rain. If you’re unlucky enough to experience heavy rain, you’ll find yourself drenched.
On the other hand, waterproof fabrics will protect you from even the heaviest of rain. They ensure you stay dry all day long. How? High-quality rain gear boasts tech-savvy waterproof membranes, which feature a protective barrier. These membranes boast microscopic pores that are large enough to allow sweat to escape yet too small to allow water droplets in.
3. Look for Essential Features in Rain Gear
While choosing the hunting gear, you must look for the following features:
Waterproof Ratings
When searching for quality rain gear, to ensure you’re investing in the right product, you need to learn more about waterproof ratings. The higher the rating, the better the protection.
To help you with this, we’ve listed information on several ratings available below:
- 5,000mm – 10,000mm: Ideal for light or moderate rain, but not consistent heavy downpours.
- 10,000mm – 15,000mm: Perfect for moderate and heavy rain. This rating is suited to most hunting activities.
- 15,000mm – 20,000mm: This rating is a popular choice for professional hunters. Particularly those who hunt in extreme weather conditions.
- 20,000mm+: This is the highest level of waterproofing. It is suited to harsh environments and mountaineering.
Seam Sealing and DWR Coatings
In addition to waterproof ratings, check for sealed seams and Durable Water-repellent (DWR) coatings. This savvy coating makes water roll off the fabric rather than sink in, which would saturate you.
We’ve detailed the features of each below:
- Seam Sealing: If water can get through the seams of your clothing, even the most waterproof fabric won’t safeguard you. High-quality hunting rain gear features welded or fully taped seams. This prevents water from gaining access. When choosing waterproof gear, always make sure this feature is present. The items you choose should boast seams that are fully taped or welded. Alternatively, they should feature storm flaps or water-resistant zippers.
- DWR Coating: DWR coating is an asset to waterproof jackets, although it can wear off if you use your jacket regularly or wash it after every hunt. You can reapply this to extend the life of your rain gear.
Breathability
Although waterproofing is crucial to stay dry when out on the field, breathability is as crucial. Without this feature, rain gear can trap moisture and heat inside, causing discomfort and a drop in your body temperature. In freezing weather, you may become susceptible to hypothermia.
So, to ensure you choose the right hunting gear, always opt for attire that lets you breathe.
Breathable fabrics keep water out of your clothing yet still allow sweat to escape. This is a crucial quality of hunting gear, as periods of stillness and high activity are at sporadic intervals. Whether stalking prey, hiking to a remote location, or setting up your blind, your body will produce both sweat and heat.
Breathability Ratings
Similar to waterproof ratings, breathability boasts a similar rating. This stems from how much moisture vapor can filter through the fabric. This is measured per 24 hours in grams per square meter or Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate. Choose a fabric with a higher MVTR rating if you desire highly breathable clothing.
Listed below is more information on these ratings:
- 5,000g/m²/24hr – 10,000g/m²/24hr: Perfect for light activity carried out in moderate terrains and climates.
- 10,000g/m²/24hr – 15,000g/m²/24hr: Ideal for intense hunting trips that involve stalking and hiking in cooler conditions.
- 15,000g/m²/24hr – 20,000g/m²/24hr: A great choice for pro hunters who reside in humid climates.
- 20,000g/m²/24hr+: The perfect option if you chase game in tropical climates
The Bottom Line
knowing how to choose the correct hunting gear is crucial. Thankfully, the above tips and tricks promise to help.
On top of ensuring your safety, comfort, and performance, high-quality hunting gear needs to keep you dry. If rain unexpectedly arises on the field, don’t let it cut your trip short. Instead, invest in high-quality hunting rain gear. The right gear is worth spending money on, as most boast warranties and promise to stand the test of time. This means you can use it for years to come! In addition, quality hunting gear ensures you stay focused.
Whether hunting in a swampy location, a dense forest, or in high altitudes boasting unpredictable weather, waterproof rain gear will protect you all day.
Also Read: The Complete List of the Largest Lakes in the USA
