by Simon Lusk
Shooting in England in a Driza-Bone over pommy driven bird clothes, which while slightly silly looking are quite functional.
Hawke’s Bay has great winter weather so it is unusual for me to have to hunt in the rain. It does happen, but not often, and when it does I have two jackets. I usually use a Driza-Bone oilskin riding coat if the rain isnt too heavy, as it is calf length and keeps some of the water from the long grass off my pants.
The Driza-Bone gets sodden in heavy rain, and stops providing much waterproofing. When it is obviously going to be really wet I use a Hunters Element XTR Pacstealth Jacket. This is an expensive piece of clothing, but it is is very, very good.
The first time I had it out I was about 4 km from the truck when light misty rain started falling, and it was very, very muggy. I usually sweat excessively in these conditions but the XTR kept me dry and sweat free. I wouldn’t have believe it was possible until this happened, as I sweat so much.
This jacket folds down to a very small size, and is very light, so it fits nicely into the back game pocket of my vest.