I am going pheasant hunting in South Dakota the first week of November. Any suggestions on a nice field coat? Perhaps a waxed cotton as I am told every effort should be made to wear only waterproof clothing.
Badrabbit
Thanks. I've seen a few of the Filsons and I really like the look. I may decide to go that route.
I really would like something with an English look though I'm not sure what. I've been looking at a waxed Barbour but it is just not exactly the cut I'm looking for.
Filsons are roughly the same price as Barbours, at least the last time I checked. The little details in my Filson field coat are what impress me the most. It's slightly lighter in color than the Barbour, but just as serviceable. However, it has a much more "utilitarian" lining and a fuller cut. When I zip in the wool lining, there's little that Mother Nature can throw my way it can't stand up to. I believe they still make a shorter "shooter" model that might better fit your taste. Again, I'm biased...Barbours are a fine choice too. You can't go too wrong either way.
P.S. I recall there was another really good waxed field coat line currently available, but I forget the name. You might want to do a Google.
Chrysalis make great waterproof field coats...
https://www.chrysalisclothes.co.uk/sb/show.do?p=additional&n=0&id=SB0001690445000010
I think they supply Cordings, Paul Stuart, Saks and so on.
https://www.chrysalisclothes.co.uk/sb/show.do?p=additional&n=0&id=SB0001690445000010
I think they supply Cordings, Paul Stuart, Saks and so on.
John Partridge from England makes a very nice waxed jacket and is sometimes available on STP, I like my waxed jacket from them as much if not more than my Barbour Border - very elegant and well made.
Oxford Blue jackets from England are always on STP, maybe not as nice as Barbour, but probably something you wouldn't feel as bad about subjecting to the conditions in hunting.
Kakadu makes a great microwax hunting Jacket with lots of pockets and a padded shoulder for shooting. I've only seen it a couple of times on STP, but it may be available here and there. In general STP (Sierra Trading Post) is a great way to get this sort of stuff at a big discount, and Andy has a link that helps support this site
Polo makes a good assortment of waxed jackets. I picked up a very heavily made field jacket last year. Every now and then you'll see them in outlets or at a Marshalls.
Finally, if you want something very utilitarian check out Cabelas. They have just about every bit of hunting equipment anyone might ever need!
Oxford Blue jackets from England are always on STP, maybe not as nice as Barbour, but probably something you wouldn't feel as bad about subjecting to the conditions in hunting.
Kakadu makes a great microwax hunting Jacket with lots of pockets and a padded shoulder for shooting. I've only seen it a couple of times on STP, but it may be available here and there. In general STP (Sierra Trading Post) is a great way to get this sort of stuff at a big discount, and Andy has a link that helps support this site
Polo makes a good assortment of waxed jackets. I picked up a very heavily made field jacket last year. Every now and then you'll see them in outlets or at a Marshalls.
Finally, if you want something very utilitarian check out Cabelas. They have just about every bit of hunting equipment anyone might ever need!
Badrabbit - you'll have a hard time on this. On a fundamental basis, the use of blaze orange precludes ever looking "english". If you do get an english field coat (which are great), you'll need to pick up an "orange shoulder cape" - filson probably makes the best. An oarange hat is all you probably need to comply with local regulations, but it really is not enough from a safety point of view given the type of shooting that you're likely to encounter (even in a preserve) unless you have been invited to a continental style, driven shoot.
For jackets, I'd check out Orvis, Kevins and Cabelas. Look for orange across the shoulders and down the sleeves.
Lewis Creek is the modernization of Filson and the americanization of Barbour and they have a great following in the States. Personally, I'm not a fan of waxed cotton in the field. I love the look and have had the jackets for more than 20 years but the reality is that they are stiff when cold, clammy when wet, and only moderately waterproof. Net net, they wear cold. For a couple of years Barbour and Orvis made a field coat out of ventile which is a tight spun cotton which is water proof and which I totally endorse. I've not worn the newer "technical" barbours (the berwicks & lord-Percy-shoots-a-lot jackets), but they are right on the edge of combining new tecnology with the look of proper english kit.
Don't sweat the "orange" issue, embrace it. It's about visibility of the guns to each other which is of maximal importance in thick cover. No one wants to pull a Cheney.
DDM
I second DD MacDonald's emphasis on wearing Orange - I always like to make a very bright, visible figure when hunting. I usually just use a bright orange mesh vest with a game pouch along with an orange hat.
the most important accessory next to something orange is the right bird dog! I recommend an english pointer or german shorthair
the most important accessory next to something orange is the right bird dog! I recommend an english pointer or german shorthair
I totally concur. I went pheasant hunting in Iowa (right along the S. Dakota border) three years ago around Thanksgiving and brought a Barbour Moorland to see how it held up. I've never done it since. Waxed cotton is absolutely terrible for any serious physical activity. Remember, when the English shoot pheasant, they just stand around and have them driven to them. If you're walking miles through tall crass, farm fields, gopher holes, etc. you're very likely to build up a sweat and, in my experience, waxed cotton (I've had this experience with Filson as well) just keeps the moisture trapped inside the coat - get a nice cold wind and you'll be miserable. Waxed cotton stuff looks great, but I consider it completely useless for real work.
I'd also be careful about looking too English with your gear - you don't want to look like some "dude" from out east. Basically, I wear a medium weight wicking underwear - bottoms and tops, blue jeans, a flannel/chamois/viyella shirt, a sweater/fleece, and a nylon and/or Gore-Tex hunting jacket with some blaze orange. As you would expect, I suggest dressing in layers - it can make a big difference whether you're walking in the shade or out in the sun. Three years ago, the days had highs in the 20s with light snow, last year the temperatures approached 58 and I was shedding clothing 'till I was down to shirtsleeves and a hunting vest.
My recommendations, FWIW, from someone living in nearby Iowa with similar weather...
Dress in layers and be prepared for any weather. It my be 25 degress in the AM and 60 in the afternoon. Then again it might stay 25 degrees all day. Then again it may be 60 all day.
Brush pants that protect your thighs from sharp and sticky brush and are also water repellent. Same for your jacket. Helps if they have the orange built in.
Boots - can they handle potential deep snow and mud?
Gloves.
Dress in layers and be prepared for any weather. It my be 25 degress in the AM and 60 in the afternoon. Then again it might stay 25 degrees all day. Then again it may be 60 all day.
Brush pants that protect your thighs from sharp and sticky brush and are also water repellent. Same for your jacket. Helps if they have the orange built in.
Boots - can they handle potential deep snow and mud?
Gloves.
I've got a orange nylon vest I wear over my jacket while afield. I have no problem wearing blaze since I've worn it all my life while hunting (I'm 33 so blaze orange has been required since I was born). I really just want something that I like the looks of off the field as well.I second DD MacDonald's emphasis on wearing Orange - I always like to make a very bright, visible figure when hunting. I usually just use a bright orange mesh vest with a game pouch along with an orange hat.
the most important accessory next to something orange is the right bird dog! I recommend an english pointer or german shorthair
Haystack,
I'm wearing:
Heavy canvas pants with waterproof\briarproof chaps over them.
Filson shooting shirt with orange arms and shooting patch.
Irish Setter Upland Goretex boots with 400g Thinsulate. I'm going to snowseal these.
I have several types of thermals available but will probably wear the high tech wicking instead of the traditional.
Any suggestions on gloves.
Good to see some sanity on this thread: wrong forum to ask this question in my opinion. At all costs avoid british country jackets in waxed cotton, including barbour. Filson will not make you look like an idiot, but you will *sweat* and then you will *freeze*.
If you want heavy canvas, buy a carhart, unwaxed. If you want something lighter (which I highly recommend), get a hunting jacket in the synthetic tough cloth from LL Bean (nicer) or Cabelas. Also, try uplandjournal.com for better advice.
yes, get some leather field gloves from LL Bean and some very thin glove liners in case it gets colder. Goat skin can be ok, but just bear in mind that you are going tear those gloves up.
I would return the canvas pants: get something lighter. There are pants with kevlar lining that will not make you sweat a gallon and will also better protect you from thorns. I recommend suspenders rather than a belt for the pants.
The Filson shooting shirt is fine, though it will probably get shredded. Unless it is really cold and really windy, you can often get by with a layer or two under and a vest over. Your body will generate a lot of heat.
BTW, this is where I will be. It's a family trip with my father and two brothers.
https://www.ecirclee.com
Thanks for all the advice (especially about the waxed cotton as I was almost certainly going to make that mistake).The canvas pants are some I've had for a while but I'll save them for a different occasion. What about scotchguarded jeans with the chaps? I used to snow ski in them and they seemed pretty tough and waterproof.
I guess the general consensus is to go with practical instead of aesthetically pleasing. This is my first pheasant trip. Being from the south, I generally hunt quail, dove, turkey, or duck.
https://www.ecirclee.com
Thanks for all the advice (especially about the waxed cotton as I was almost certainly going to make that mistake).The canvas pants are some I've had for a while but I'll save them for a different occasion. What about scotchguarded jeans with the chaps? I used to snow ski in them and they seemed pretty tough and waterproof.
I guess the general consensus is to go with practical instead of aesthetically pleasing. This is my first pheasant trip. Being from the south, I generally hunt quail, dove, turkey, or duck.
My parents moved to western Iowa during my senior year of college. The first time I came out there was for Thanksgiving break in 1989. I landed in Omaha, NE - it was negative 27 with a wind chill approaching negative 70. When I first went outside it felt like my bronchial tubes had frozen - moisture in my nose almost instantly frozen - just G_d awful, wicked cold. But, as has been mentioned it can vary wildly and that was unusually cold November weather. At the time, I lived previously in NJ and PA so, coming from AL, you may well be in for a shock - though you said you'll be there in early November so, it probably won't be too bad.
As I mentioned, I just wear Levis blue jeans (and "wicking" long underwear). I bought a pair of cordura faced pants from STP, but didn't like them and returned them. I've been in sticker patches some while going for pheasant but not that much, but - for me - the regular jeans have served OK. If I found some kind of nylon face pants that I liked, I' likely buy them, but I haven't found them crucial. Comfortable boots are CRUCIAL. If you have new boots, go hiking in them and make sure they'll work. I was damn near crippled by a pair of Chippewa boots.
I'm surprised at the negative comments on waxed cotton. Barbour is worn by thousands of farmers and others who earn their living outdoors in the UK not as a fashion statement. Many technical jackets are much cheaper but I have never found anything as durable or any more waterproof (assuming the coat is proofed properly)
Maybe they are not ideal for this particular use but to say they are useless for physical outdoor activity seems most peculiar.
Maybe they are not ideal for this particular use but to say they are useless for physical outdoor activity seems most peculiar.
I've always found mine to be very versatile. I do layer up, but don't over do the underlying layers, especially with the waxed cotton. A loose knitted sweater works well as it allows some breathing room and keeps me from overheating. I think the best way to wear them is to think of them as a shell. If you are comfortable when you first go out, you will be too hot when you are doing something active.
I am forever surprised at the breadth of knowledge represented on this forum and I don't have to go through the hassle of registering for a new one. This subject has been no exception.
Incidentally, I did check out the forum at uplandjournal.com. It seems the "chaps vs. faced pants vs. bibs" debate is almost as contentious as our "pleats vs. no pleats" debate though it still falls short of out "black suit vs no black suits" war.
I have no issue with it being waterproof. It's the fact that it's waterproofed by wax which prevents the garment from breathing that I find makes it a poor option.
Respectfully, walk 4-6 miles of uneven grassland and farm land and terraces with a shotgun, 1 or 2 box of shells, and a couple of roosters in your game pouch in 20 degree weather with strong winds and then tell me you wouldn't prefer gore-tex, or some other outerwear that will breathe. I doubt there are very many areas in the UK (I would venture to say - none) that have as brutal a climate as the U.S. upper midwest can have in November - let alone January.
They are fine for walking dogs and doing light chores.
Different jackets for different hunts
The Barbour and like products, garments made of waxed cotton, are designed for the "driven" hunts that are typical in the UK. If you will be "jump shooting" over dogs and covering lots of ground by foot, you would be advised to chose a tweed (Chrysalis) or loden hunting coat lined in goretex or a modern technical fiber jacket such as those made by the German firm Schoffel.
Good hunting
M Alden
www.thelondonlounge.net
The Barbour and like products, garments made of waxed cotton, are designed for the "driven" hunts that are typical in the UK. If you will be "jump shooting" over dogs and covering lots of ground by foot, you would be advised to chose a tweed (Chrysalis) or loden hunting coat lined in goretex or a modern technical fiber jacket such as those made by the German firm Schoffel.
Good hunting
M Alden
www.thelondonlounge.net
Only just caught up with this thread.
Agreed, a lot of driven shooting does take place in the UK. This is the kind of shooting where one is usually expected to demonstrate a degree of appropriate sartorial awareness out of respect to ones host and quarry. The gamekeeper and any underkeepers will often wear tweeds. The beaters (or brushers as they are known is this part of the country), game cart driver will wear practical hardwearing clobber including waxproofs if the weather is foul. Picker - ups (retriever and spaniel handlers who pick up fallen and wounded game) etc will wear a range of clothing from tweeds to waxproofs etc.
There also exists a large amount of walk and stand shooting where guns stand and shoot for one drive and act as beaters the next. Obviously in this case a compromise in attire has to be reached.
There is also a good deal of walked up shooting where either alone or with others you will seek out and flush game. Keeping warm / cool / dry is key here just the same as anywhere else. Ought to mention wildfowling, deerstalking, pigeon and other vermin shooting where clothing used will often require a mind to concealment so Realtree and similar have become popular. Personally I don't go much on the SAS look and will generally stick to muted tweeds.
Waxed coats are still popular over here but it is true to say that there are many alternatives available. In bad weather I often wore my waxed jackets on my shoot all day doing hard physical work (lightweight for autumn / spring and heavy for winter) and valued their load carrying capacity. I would shed under layers before dispensing with the coat.
Agreed, a lot of driven shooting does take place in the UK. This is the kind of shooting where one is usually expected to demonstrate a degree of appropriate sartorial awareness out of respect to ones host and quarry. The gamekeeper and any underkeepers will often wear tweeds. The beaters (or brushers as they are known is this part of the country), game cart driver will wear practical hardwearing clobber including waxproofs if the weather is foul. Picker - ups (retriever and spaniel handlers who pick up fallen and wounded game) etc will wear a range of clothing from tweeds to waxproofs etc.
There also exists a large amount of walk and stand shooting where guns stand and shoot for one drive and act as beaters the next. Obviously in this case a compromise in attire has to be reached.
There is also a good deal of walked up shooting where either alone or with others you will seek out and flush game. Keeping warm / cool / dry is key here just the same as anywhere else. Ought to mention wildfowling, deerstalking, pigeon and other vermin shooting where clothing used will often require a mind to concealment so Realtree and similar have become popular. Personally I don't go much on the SAS look and will generally stick to muted tweeds.
Waxed coats are still popular over here but it is true to say that there are many alternatives available. In bad weather I often wore my waxed jackets on my shoot all day doing hard physical work (lightweight for autumn / spring and heavy for winter) and valued their load carrying capacity. I would shed under layers before dispensing with the coat.
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