Advice on hunting clothing?.. (see inside)

[danny berg]

Look at the brand Fleet Farm sells, I believe it is called Mountian Prairie, I buy my stuff there, but I haven't bought a 4-n-1 parka.

[Bushwacker]

I have the guide series breathable waterproof 4-1 Parka from G.M.. It was a great price and it is a great jacket. I also have the matching pants and I wear the pants most of the winter ice fishing too. Very warm and extremely waterproof. I highly recommend the product.

[Rick]

I recommend that you look for FarmLand™ Camouflage...unless you're hunting waterfowl in the trees.

Here's a picture of one style.

You've waited long enough for it . . . A camouflage that truly lets you disappear in agricultural fields, grasslands and marshlands. They've eliminated the "sticks and leaves" that make you "stick out" in other camouflage patterns. FarmLand™ Camouflage . . . Field Tested by Field Hunters!

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 08-27-2003).]

[Benny]

I would stay away from Mountain Prairie stuff.I had their 4 into 1 jacket and after the first 15 minutes of a steady drizzel the white foam started to poor out of it.It was the water repelant oozing out.They are not 100% water proof.
I don't know much about the Cabelas or Gander Guide seiries, but if it doesn't state 100% water proof do not buy it.
I now have all Columbia clothing and have yet to get wet or cold.In fact even the liner is water proof.
If you want clothing that will last year after year and still be comfortable and water proof buy Columbia or at least buy some high end 100% water proof cloths.
Believe me it IS worth the extra cash, the cheap cloths just don't compare.
I know your probably on a buget, so I suggest a trip down 35 W South to the columbia outlet store, it is between Owattona and Bloomington.Can't remember the town it is in though, there is a strip mall there with all kinds of surplus and outlet stores in it.Like the one up in Albertville.
Or if your lucky to catch Gander or Joe's at the end of season they usually have a few days of sales to make room for the coming year.

Benny

[Mark Christianson]

You get what you pay for.
Clothing is not an option to skimp.
Most of my gear is Columbia, but I have bought all of it on year end clearances at Gander. My quad parka is Columbia, and I think it was $150 or $160 on clearance. The bibs are Columbia, and I paid $80 on clearance for those.
Ohhhhh, the comfort of Columbia in the elements.
If you can wait, check back in the late winter or early spring at Gander or other outdoors stores. Trouble is that you gotta check frequently. Sizes can be tought to some by.

[The Yeti]

Looking to buy a new 4 in 1 parka in some type of shadow grass or advantage pattern for duck hunting. Don't want to spend a ton of $$ on it. Any suggestions? I know Cabelas has dri fowl, Herters brand, Columbia, Browning? What has anyone had good luck with? What has been warm, dry and comfortable.? Thanks for any responses.

[danny berg]

Benny,
5 years ago my girlfriend bought me a mountian prairie parka, and I bought the bibs to go along with it, I am still wearing these clothes, and I will until they fall apart. They keep me dry and warm, I have had no problems what so ever, with this brand of clothing, and I do abuse them. But as I stated in my original post I don't know a thing about the 4 in 1 coats, maybe they are a different material.
When it come to the "You get what you pay for" theory, I only apply that to certian things, not every thing I buy. For example, I bought a cheap pair of boots about 12 years ago,because at that time, I couldn't afford to purchase the Rocky, or Lacrosse I really wanted, Well I just retired those cheap boots last fall.

danny

[Benny]

I will stay with my Columbia, you go with your cheap stuff.No one will change my mind after 25 years of duck hunting.
I was just giving the person my personal opinion based on my experiance with that brand.
My deer hunting parka is a Mountain Prearie only because I got tired of waring the sweater type blaze orange over my duck hunting parka.
And I use a poncho over it when it rains.

I also got into the kick of total sent elimanation, so all my outer clothes go into a zip package as soon as I get out of the woods.
So I had to have separet hunting ware.

Benny

[This message has been edited by Benny (edited 08-29-2003).]

[Bryce]

After many trials with products that have waterproof/breathable tags attached, I no longer buy anything that doesn't say GORETEX. There's a reason it costs more... It works.

[169Sportsman]

Columbia is the only way to go. I have had mine for 10 years and they are great. And if you do have a problem they will stand behind them. My bibs had a line starting to wear on the inside of the legs after a few years so i sent them in and got a brand new pair no questions asked. Great service. Warm and dry!!!

Tom

[Benny]

I would have to agree with that statement.
If you just can't swing Columbia or Browning, then buy the next best you can aford.After all it's all about getting out there to enjoy the hunt.
Benny

[Mr. B]

The key is to go with the best you can afford at the time. I have Mountain Praire and have to admit I have not had any problems with it. I also have Gander Moutain and have not had any problems with that either. Both sets work great and the only reason I have two is I wanted two type of camo.

If you buy the best you can afford you can not go wrong.