Jacket recommendation

[2thepointsetters]

I am looking for a new cold weather wader type jacket. I am looking at the drake brand 3 in 1 or bass pro shop red head brand. Anybody have a wader jacket that is really good? I am looking for suggestions, my cabelas jacket is far from water proof.

[dan z]

I've never owned one but I really like the omni tech jackets made by Columbia should be top notch. I love my omni tech gloves but don't like replacing them every couple years from wrapping decoys. I beleive the widgeon would fit your situation well.

[westguy]

Drake LST best jacket I've owned

[BoxMN]

I have a Columbia Widgeon, in new shape, but it is a few years old. Works well, but I gotta say that I use my Drake 1/4 zip pullover wader light duty more. I also have a much older Columbia Quad Parka that has served me well for many years, but not waterproof any more.

My brother has a Drake heavier wader jacket, with a full/built-in hood (not snap on) that is perfect for cold rain, but too warm for early season. Have not tried on the 3in1 jacket but I bet it would be nice.

I gotta say IMO Drake has the things that waterfowlers really want and need dialed-in in their clothing. Good stuff.

FWIW, I think the simple liner jacket (nylon and warm, but not waterproof) of the Columbia 3in1 products has got to be one of the best things for duck hunters when it gets cold. It is light, WARM, not bulky, and great in layering - pack this in bag and along with the Drake 1/4 zip and an U/A baclava (sp?) you can handle any cold weather there is, and it breathes awesome - still would need a waterproof layer if raining though. Doesn't have the frills of phone pockets etc. but the main pockets can hold a box of shells and extra gloves. What more do you need I have four of these from 2 Quad Parkas and one Widgeon and one extra my brother gave to me. I will never be without one when duck hunting. Good luck!

[Bryce]

Worth a try to contact Columbia on that old quad. Think they have a lifetime warranty.

Bought a mid weight Banded coat last year. Very warm. Have not given the waterproof claim a good test yet. This under my quad shell with UA base and light fleece turtle handles any condition I want to be out in. Also have a Drake 1/4 zip with waterproof upper that handles milder conditions well. Would love to try the new Sitka gear out. Looks well made. Waiting for lottery office to come calling though.

[Sportland_Bait]

I really like my Columbia. I had one for about ten years and the seam tore. Columbia sent me a new one to replace it. The new one was even nicer. My wife loves her Dranke 3-1. You can't go wrong with either.

Jason

[Bdog]

I used to have Columbia SuperQuad, zipper broke and Columbia sent me their Wader Widgeon Omni heat as a replacement this past fall. First class customer service. The new jacket is not the cold weather coat the old one was. No way. It is a good jacket, light weight, well made, but not for 30 degree temps.

I went to the big C and bought the goretex wader jacket. Great coat, warm, a few small nits (no pocket drains). Would buy again. I am sure they won't replace it in 10 yrs. for a broken zipper, hopefully won't need to. I am a huge fan of goretex, I think it is a step above any similar product out there.

[hillbilly...]

I have the 3~1 drake late season. I havent had it in any rain yet to see how dry it will keep me but during the hunting season i wasnt really all that impressed the liner is nothing more then an early season jacket the fleece is supper thin only spot that is doubled up is were the pockets are. And its not wind proof or water proof.

[hillbilly...]

The shell if you hold it uo to the light you can darn near see threw it. During duck season while sitting in the boat i could feel the cold wind cutting right threw the jacket. One more then on one occasio. Maybe because i was already chilld it seemd like it was i dnt know. But just in the last month when MN had a horrible blizzard with temps down in ~30s with wind and i was out in it for over 2 hours and didnt feel the wind maybe it was because i was in a mad dash to get myself unstuck from the ditch and help other that were stranded i dnt knw.

[Maxxed Out]

I switched over to Sitka. I got sick of buying new drake gear every other year. Bibs, jackets, coats all had issues with zippers, seams etc. Sitka's waterfowl gear is spendy up front but will last much longer from my research and limited experience and they have great warranties if something does break.

[2thepointsetters]

The SITKA Hudson jacket looks really nice. I am willing to to spend the money to stay dry.

[Maxxed Out]

The hudson is great. You still need layers for December hunts, so I may look into a Borreal next year for late season.

When people ask "is Sitka worth it" my response is always "only if warm and dry is important to you" :-)

[BoxMN]

The hudson is great. You still need layers for December hunts, so I may look into a Borreal next year for late season.

When people ask "is Sitka worth it" my response is always "only if warm and dry is important to you" :-)

I haven't tries Sitka yet, but I know this - "Luxury, once tasted, becomes a necessity" I'm afraid to taste it, haha!

[magnum mike]

I started with a Drake liner as a gift. The design is brilliant with breathable fleece that tucks in the waders and wind/waterproof on the upper chest & arms. Great for early season weather. I can't stand the matchy matchy mentality but now I have Drake waders, LST coat & bibs, Shirt-Jac, hats, gloves, Tneck under layer. I have had Columbia, Browning and every other make & model of water fowling gear and Drake is the most comfortable gear I have found yet.

[brittman]

Never throw out good gear because of a bad zipper. There are plenty of seamstress and cobblers out there that do a fantastic job repairing and replacing zippers. Cost is very reasonable.