The Best Upland Hunting Jacket

[brookieslayer]

Hey all! I am sort of a newbie here and I am looking for some help with the selection of a new later season upland hunting jacket. Please chime in here and give me your opinions! All are worth hearing.

Thanks in Advance.

[JFan02]

I really like my Cabela's 8 in 1. It's on sale now too on the website. It goes all the way from just a vest to a fleece insulated jacket.

[Gatzby]

I really like my Cabela's 8 in 1. It's on sale now too on the website. It goes all the way from just a vest to a fleece insulated jacket.

Second on the 8 in 1. I am on about my 4th year and the jacket is holding up great. For a rather inexpensive jacket it seems really well made.

[Fenway]

I haven't worn a jacket this year yet, other than a light weight one when it rained, I use a strap vest and don't need a heavy coat, but I do have a Browning PF shell coat. I do wear it if it gets down around zero and windy but It's heavy with the junk in it. I might need it this weekend.
There's one in the classifieds 50 bucks good deal.


http://www.basspro.com/Browning%C2%AE-Upland-Canvas-Jacket-for-Men/product/94925/-1383925

[JMBZ71]

For cold weather hunting, I prefer to wear a quality fleece jacket over 2-3 layers of shirts. I don’t need anything more than that as long as my head, hands and feet are warm.

[UGUIDE]

For cold weather hunting, I prefer to wear a quality fleece jacket over 2-3 layers of shirts. I don’t need anything more than that as long as my head, hands and feet are warm.

JMB, what about fleece and the burrs and such?

[cheesy]

I've got a Cabela's blaze strap vest. It goes over t-shirts, flannel shirts, light jackets, or heavy coats.

From 30-50 degrees I have a Cabela's upland jacket that has a windstopper lining in it, blaze shoulders and blaze sleeves. Temps above 50 I just wear various shirts. Below 30 and I'll either layer up with some fleece under the jacket, or pull out the various levels of Carhart.

[JMBZ71]

JMB, what about fleece and the burrs and such?
Excellent question Chris!

I always hunt in stilts.

OK, the truth is that I do have to do a little deburring of my fleece jackets from time to time but I can't stand bulky coats. ;)

[alan]

I haven't worn a jacket this year yet, other than a light weight one when it rained, I use a strap vest and don't need a heavy coat, but I do have a Browning PF shell coat. I do wear it if it gets down around zero and windy but It's heavy with the junk in it. I might need it this weekend.
There's one in the classifieds 50 bucks good deal.

http://www.basspro.com/Browning%C2%AE-Upland-Canvas-Jacket-for-Men/product/94925/-1383925

i looked at this coat looks like i may have to invest in one here soon..i do like the looks of it..

[Fenway]

I have one similar the sleeves don't come off, as I said before I don't wear a coat very often anymore because of my strap vest, I do like how easy it is to put the birds in the game bag openings comes right to the front.

[Dakotazeb]

I prefer to wear a vest and that way I can easier adjust what I wear under it depending on the weather. In the early season I wear a WingWorks strap vest and about this time of year I switch to my Cabelas Upland Traditional vest. I perspire a lot and dress in layers so I can adjust on the fly.

[Fenway]

I prefer to wear a vest and that way I can easier adjust what I wear under it depending on the weather. In the early season I wear a WingWorks strap vest and about this time of year I switch to my Cabelas Upland Traditional vest. I perspire a lot and dress in layers so I can adjust on the fly.

yes I bought the WW last year and I haven't had it off yet, its about 15-20deg. lately, I do have a regular vest I have used, but usually now just training, it has lots of pockets, but compared to the WW vest it makes it seem I'm caring rocks in it. I'm trying to get out to ND again but my wife wants me to wait on this snow, I could already be half way there, I think its going to be below zero out there after the snow not sure what I'LL WEAR.

[RoosterTim]

Just my opinion but I have had jackets from Cabelas, PF and bass pro and was not a fan of any of them but I love my Columbia Ptarmigan (available at Cabelas) jacket with zip in liner. I have never gotten cold in it with the liner a long sleeve T and long john top on. Very heavy duty but light weight. Waterproof and wind resistant and if I do have a complant it can get too hot so I wear it mostly in the morning and switch to a vest in the afternoon. I have had it for 4 years and it has held up great.

[RoosterTim]

Ignore my post above. Looks like columbia changed the design of the coat and it's not the same. I don't know how the new one performs at all. Just like everything else when you find something you really like they have to change the design. Can't they just leave great alone?

[airmedic1]

I counted the other day and I have seven coats and seven vests. I've been on a quest to find the perfect one.
For the money it's pretty hard to beat the Cabela's 8-1 coat at $49.95. I have one but only wear it when it's really cold.
I have been wearing a Mother vest with a Browning windstopper coat and that kept me comfortable today at 11*F.
I've tried just about everything and if I could combine the attributes of several of them I would have a great thing.

[JMBZ71]

For the money it's pretty hard to beat the Cabela's 8-1 coat at $49.95.
You guys convinced me to give this coat a try, so I ordered one yesterday. Seems like a bargain at $59.95. I like that fact that it has a front/rear loading game bag and an inner fleece jacket that's removable.

[Mr Hyde]

You guys convinced me to give this coat a try, so I ordered one yesterday. Seems like a bargain at $59.95. I like that fact that it has a front/rear loading game bag and an inner fleece jacket that's removable.

I just got mine in the mail I like it, the only thing I would change is make the coat tail a little longer for people who have a longer torso like me, but other than that I think it will do the job. :thumbsup:

[Labman]

I agree. I have this same upland coat, I got it for $54.99 a couple years ago.


:cheers:







I really like my Cabela's 8 in 1. It's on sale now too on the website. It goes all the way from just a vest to a fleece insulated jacket.

[-Wildcat-]

I've got the Cabela's "ultimate upland vest" (can't recall what it's actually called, it may be "ultimate gundog vest"). Either way, the game bag was terrible. It had openings at the front for some odd reason, and I lost a few quail out of it before finally sewing it shut myself.

This fall, I decided to use my birthday money to purchase a new vest. I bought a Pella Bird 'n Lite Strap Vest. I've been happy with it so far. It really does tend to distribute weight as advertised, as I've used it deer hunting a few times this year, with quite a bit of gear in it.

There is a review on the Cabela's website where some guy is bashing the vest because he found it difficult to place a bird in the game bag. If you have the straps cinched tight, I could see the issue, if you didn't unbutton the game bag! However, the game bag is easily accessible when you have the buttons undone.

I decided to get a strap vest this time around, for warm season openers, and so I could layer up in cold weather later in the year. The vest adjusts to accommodate even my heaviest Carhartt with ease.

[kscountryboy11]

i love my cabelas 8-1 jacket..ive wore it miltimple different ways depending on the weather, its easy to change it up to how u want between fields.

[bigdog MN]

I see a jacket was already selected so I am late to reply. I have back trouble and have found the Pella brand jacket to be the most comfortable. Also own a Filson and a Browning, but the Pella is the most comfortable when there is weight in the game bag.

[koja48]

I hunt naked & spray myself hunter orange. Well, maybe not. I use a layer system with apparel I already have (cotton, poly when cold, cotton over that, a lightweight orange shirt, then a Filson strap vest & Filson chaps. If it's really cold, I'll substitute a hooded sweatshirt or Cloudveil rain coat in the mix (Cloudveil has zipper vents in the armpit area that really help keep you from overheating/sweating). If I'm travelling a long way, I'll add a nylon vest under the Filson vest for extra storage (also helps if it's raining/snowing, but not enough to warrant wearing the raingear.).

[AtTheMurph]

Too late here but I've searched for the right hunting coat for a long time. I've had Brownings, Filson, Cabelas, etc and I finally found what for me is easily the best - LL Bean waxed cotton.

Where I quail hunt in IN every piece of vegetation has some sort of nast thorn on it. I've worn out too many coats and had too many tears and punctures to count. I finally got a Filson but that sucker is so stiff it will stand up by itself when you set it on the ground and it just wasn't breaking in as fast as i wanted. It's tough as nail but is too restricting for me.

I tried the Bean and bingo. Tough (although not as tough or thick as the Filson, but freedom of movement is great, slides though rough thorns and is water resistant. At $100 it's a deal to me, especailly after the Filson experiment.

[only a pointer]

Excellent question Chris!

I always hunt in stilts.

OK, the truth is that I do have to do a little deburring of my fleece jackets from time to time but I can't stand bulky coats. ;)

i just found this i hunt in stilts lmao love it!!!! nothing like a nice smart ass remark lol

[wisturkeyhunter]

Filson wool longjohns with a wool sweater that has some sort of windstopper material on the inside. Has to be pretty cold to not be enough when I'm moving.

[UplandHntr]

At the PF show in Minneapolis a few years ago I bought a jacket from Scheels for $99. I like it a lot.ots of pockets and clips, zip out fleece liner, zip off sleeves. Nice jacket for all around use unless its crazy hot when I switch to a strap vest.

[koja48]

Actually, this year I started using a Bird 'N Lite PF vest most of the time & a Cabelas dry-plus jacket when it's raining/snowing.

[UGUIDE]

i just found this i hunt in stilts lmao love it!!!! nothing like a nice smart ass remark lol

I was just holding John accountable. By the way we love the SA remarks. JMB has some of the best over the years.

Glad I found this thread because I just got done hunting a week in my Gander Tech something jacket and it is like hunting in a hefty bag. It has zero breathability. It is toast!

Sounds like I will have to look into the 8-1.

Early season I hunt in one of those columbia cool shirt and a fishnet vest. I assume when jackets are talked about it is for when the weather gets downright nasty.

Assumed I would need to look at something with gortex and thinsulate for breathability, windstop and insulation.

[UGUIDE]

After looking at the reviews on the 8-1 vs the Dry plus ultimate the reviews are flawess on the more expensive jacket. Like the idea of being able to wear it deer hunting too.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Dry-Plus174-Performance8482-Upland-Coat/725246.uts?WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-943275

A guy should probably look at a real good coat that is not blaze that you can wear all winter and just throw the lightwieght vest on when you go birding. Only draw back is the coat can stand to get torn up pretty bad when bird hunting or deer hunting.

[koja48]

I did buy a Cabelas Dry Plus (on sale & they STILL made money!). Wore it once in the rain . . . it works, as I was dry & warm. Worth the $$$.

[Rhodi]

Merry Christmas to all!!!

I picked up a Smartwool Microweight and Patagonia Capilene 2 base layer shirt that were on sale earlier this season. These are great for keeping you warm and dry under your shirt and jacket. These are the lightest weight they have and I found that the Smartwool is almost too hot and the Patagonia just right. I hunted a few weeks ago with the Patagonia and shed the jacket pretty quick; it was in the lower 20’s. With just a sturdy cotton hunting shirt and the base layer it was plenty warm.

Sorry, didn’t mean to hijack the thread.

[cokid]

Glad I found this thread because I just got done hunting a week in my Gander Tech something jacket and it is like hunting in a hefty bag. It has zero breathability. It is toast!

Sounds like I will have to look into the 8-1.


I've had the 8-in-1 for a few years. Overall I like it, but my biggest complaint IS breathability, especially in the arms. They have a totally "unbreathable" liner, so when I exert much (which is most of the time upland hunting!), they end up really wet, and then get cold. So if breathability is an issue with you, I'd say stay away. Other than that, it's definitely a good coat for the price.

[UGUIDE]

I've had the 8-in-1 for a few years. Overall I like it, but my biggest complaint IS breathability, especially in the arms. They have a totally "unbreathable" liner, so when I exert much (which is most of the time upland hunting!), they end up really wet, and then get cold. So if breathability is an issue with you, I'd say stay away. Other than that, it's definitely a good coat for the price.

thanks cokid, that is very helpful. I'd be a sweatin to the oldies in that sucker.

[cokid]

Sure - oh, and just to clarify, the unbreathable liner is only in the arms, and they are removable. The coat itself also has a very nice removable fleece liner (which can be worn by itself, which I frequently do!). The "vest" part of the shell itself is quite breathable. Makes me wonder why they put that impervious nylon or whatever it is in the arms only. It's the only major flaw, but is definitely annoying.

[BritChaser]

I like my Cabelas upland coat I got years ago. One design defect: buttons only and they tore off so I had a heavy zipper put in. Not sure about the new ones but now they offer a Gortex lined one.

[JMBZ71]

I was just holding John accountable. By the way we love the SA remarks.

Glad I found this thread because I just got done hunting a week in my Gander Tech something jacket and it is like hunting in a hefty bag. It has zero breathability. It is toast!

Assumed I would need to look at something with gortex and thinsulate for breathability, windstop and insulation.
A rich guy like you, Chris? I'd go with the Buffalo Tundra Coat...

http://primefurs.com/catalog/images/buff02.jpg

The extra large is only $3900.

[Sadiemae]

My hunting jacket is the field jacket from L.L. Bean (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/18214?feat=593-GN1 ) that I use under my hunting vest when the temps are cold enough.
When the weather is warmer, I use Cabela's Upland WindShear™ 1/2-Zip (sorry but link is monstrously long). Both are roomy and breathable and very wind and rain resistant.
The combo of these two give me plenty of flexibility for weather changes.

[niceshot]

Fabulous. Have worn it hard for 3 seasons and it looks brand new. No longer wear any of the half a dozen vests I own. Expensive, but worth every penny if you hunt 30+ days a season. PF sells it for $199, I think I bought mine for about $135 when the Sportsmans Warehouse in Sioux Falls went out of business. What's so great about it? 1) Looks great. In fact looks the same as the day I bought it. Blood comes off with a little H202 and does not stain. 2) Durable. Foxtail and burrs do not stick. 3) Stops all wind. Period. 4) No insulation. You don't need any bird hunting. 4) Pit zips - genius. 5) Magnetic shell pockets, quirky but you'll wonder how you hunted without them 10x better than worn out shell loops or those plastic speed loaders. 6) YKK zipper. The big plastic kind that always work good and never rust. 7) Zippered pockets. License for multiple states, I.D., cell phone 8) D rings for E collar 9) Front loading game bag, just the right size to carry 2 roosters and still be able to shoot the third. 10) Water bottle holders, right size and right place. 11) Storm collar. 12) Water proof. 13) Slick interior lining. Pair with UnderArmour and you'll have one less excuse for missing. 14) Comfortable at any temperature. No I don't work for Beretta. Yes you will thank me if you buy one.

[shooter mcgavin]

When it get cold enough, i have a browning jacket, insulated that i wear. Shell loops, pockets,the whole nine yards.
The best thing is i found it on a clearance rack for $19.99 original price was $140.00.

[BleuBijou]

A rich guy like you, Chris? I'd go with the Buffalo Tundra Coat...

http://primefurs.com/catalog/images/buff02.jpg

The extra large is only $3900.

I need a 3x!!!!!!!! In Badger!!!!!!LOL:10sign:

[Hobie1026]

I finally wrenched open my wallet and shelled out the $200 for this (it's on sale now for $150) and glad I did. It's held up remarkably well against all the thorns and brambles I go through. The liner breathes well and it keeps me dry and warm. Most important it stops the wind which is what chilled me the most up north.

Now if I could just find a vest I like....

[Walker]

What are your thoughts on this one?

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=725246&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3 D1379111%26destination%3D%252Fcatalog%252Fproduct. jsp%253FparentCategoryId%253D104797080%2526categor yId%253D104748480%2526subCategoryId%253D104665680% 2526indexId%253D104028480%2526productId%253D730766 %2526type%253Dproduct%2526destination%253D%25252Fc atalog%25252Fbrowse%25252Fclothing-mens-hunting-clothing-mens-upland-hunting-clothing-mens-upland-coats%25252F_%25252FN-1101007%25252FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104028480%25253FWTz_l%25253DSBC%25252 53Bcat104791680%2525253Bcat106561980%2525253Bcat10 4665680%2526WTz_l%253DSBC%25253Bcat104791680%25253 Bcat106561980%25253Bcat104665680%25253Bcat10402848 0%26WTz_l%3DYMAL%253BIK-943275&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-944296

[Hobie1026]

It has the things I look for in an upland coat. Articulated elbows, high collar, zipper and snaps and velcro cuffs. A good test is load it up with everything you'd carry in the field (shells, snacks, dog leash, water for dog and you, and about 3 pounds in the back to mimic a pheasant in the game bag) and then make sure you can mount your shotgun easily.

I haven't seen one in person but the great thing about Cabela's is I've never had a hassle returning anything. If it doesn't fit right or it doesn't look like the outer shell is going to hold up to abuse you can always return it. Hope this helps.

[Walker]

I think I'm going with this one...

http://www.columbia.com/Ptarmigan%E2%84%A2-II-Jacket-%7C-250-%7C-L/886535661721,default,pd.html?v=true&mid=compshop&nid=cse&eid=GoogleBase&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=GoogleBase&CAWELAID=1462632664&oid=pla&gclid=CIj4tLz1grICFaleTAodvgcATg

[airmedic1]

Depending on what size you wear, Sierra trading post has them on sale.

[Walker]

I think the one on Sierra is last years model. They have completely redone them..

[SetterNut]

I bought a Wing Works strap vest a couple years ago. It is really outstanding. When its warm you wear a light shirt under it, and you can carry plenty of water for the dogs.

When it is cold. I put on a wool shirt over a couple of other shirts and I am good to go down to zero. Colder than that I just add a layer.

[Tombstone17]

The Bird-n-lite jacket works great for me,it has a weight bearing system that works really well and chamois shirt with my Quail Unlimited vest when it is warmer, hot, just a t-shirt and the vest...

[bigdog MN]

Another vote for the Pella Bird-n-lite jacket and vest. I have a bad back and the suspension system really helps out.

[Outdoorsmin]

Bird N Lite is what I use and I really like it. It has held up very well and is very comfortable once the straps are set right.

[Thrasher]

I have the Cabelas 8-in-1 upland coat and it works well. I had an issue with wet arms but cut out the nylon lining of the sleeves and the problem is solved. It is normally to warm to wear it with the liner in it. I wore it last year in 12 degree weather without the liner and was fine. Zippered pockets would be nice.

[EmekaT42]

Depending on your weather and price point I would look at Sitkas open country line. I'm in Oregon so I use the Coldfront jacket. I'ts Gore-tex so I'm dry and it breaths well when I get to hot. It's spendy but a great jacket.

[jkolson]

Late season (once it hits below 20) I love my Under Armor Skysweeper under a Scheels speed loader vest. Blocks the wind and is very warm for how thin it is. I tried using it above 20 and I ended up sweating my A$$ off.

[jsdriggs]

I hunt a strap vest (Wingworks), and it allows me to wear whatever coat I want. I found a keeper though. It's a Gore Tex Golf jacket by Sun Mountain. It is a light coat, but kind of warm. Waterproof, scratch resistant, arm movement not restricted, and thin for an unrestricted gun mount, nice collar, and some zippered pockets. I have hunted in 10 below temps in this coat and with moderate layering am totally comfy. Great coat.

[Choclab42]

As a couple other people have mentioned I like to have on a few layers rather than just a heavy coat. However my dad has the 8 in 1 and swears by it so I'm sure I was no help to you at all haha

[birdybritt529]

I 2nd the under armour sky sweeper jacket. Wind proof, water proof, extremely thin and light. Well worth the money.

[SetterNut]

I hunt a strap vest (Wingworks), and it allows me to wear whatever coat I want. I found a keeper though. It's a Gore Tex Golf jacket by Sun Mountain. It is a light coat, but kind of warm. Waterproof, scratch resistant, arm movement not restricted, and thin for an unrestricted gun mount, nice collar, and some zippered pockets. I have hunted in 10 below temps in this coat and with moderate layering am totally comfy. Great coat.

That is the method I use as well. Love the WW vest, it allows great flexability in your setup. But what I like best is with my not so great back, it allows me to carry plenty of water for the dogs, without it killing my back.

[MTtailchaser]

I've had a Cabelas 8-n-1 coat for years and I do like it. This year however, I bought a Wingworks vest and absolutely love it. It allows me to wear whatever coat I need to underneath depending on weather. I still wore the 8-n-1 late in the season underneath the vest as the temps started to drop, but the coat as just a vest early in the season was too warm for me. My advicce would be to spend the extra money on a Wingworks vest and then you can wear any coat you want underneath. I've also noticed that the Cabelas 8-n-1 coat has gone up in price considerably since I bought mine several years ago.

[dead birds don't run]

A little late on this, but I guide lots of folks from all over the globe that ask the same question.

My GO TO piece of gear, for years, is my Under Armour blaze hoodie. It layers w anything (ESP a strap vest which is the best for layering) and is incredibly wind proof and sized so you can comfortably wear a sweater or a tshirt under it....or your 8 in 1 jacket over it etc.

Also, I always carry a PF Browning neck gator.

I have closets full of coats and fleece but the hoodie is the ONLY piece that always comes on the hunt...except the dog. Ha!

[spotdog14]

I have to say, the best hunting jacket I have had is my good old M-65 field jacket. I have the liner for when its really cold or windy. When it is not windy or below 30 I usually don't wear a jacket, just a plaid shirt and long underwear.

I have thought about getting a technical gore-tex jacket but haven't found one I really like yet or has the simplicity of the M-65.

[bigblue]

Columbia upland wind jacket with fleece lining and Best item I have ever purchased Uncle Bucks Bird Bag Strap vest front load, deep pockets, place for e-collor, also has a small backpack for extra layer or to take on off and put away, :thumbsup: well thought out piece of equipment by someone who accually has bird hunted before unlike alot of stuff on the market.