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[KLX]

OK, so i dont usually rave about material goods but given my past experiences with waterproof breathable jackets i thought i would pass along this review. I have been thru about 5 or 6 fishing jackets in the last 5 yrs, all have failed miserably - including North Face, Redington, REI, Cat, Rivers West.

I was ready to spend big bucks on a reputable brand but went over to 3 Vets and changed my mind on advice from one of the salesmen.
I decided to try the BigBill Camo Hunting fishing jacket shell. Advertised as breathable and waterproof, of course i was skeptical when the cost was only $89! I decided to try it, at that price even if it didnt work, who cares and i could always send it back.

It fit perfectly for me and was extremely comfortable and moved in all the right places. The hoodie is exceptional, cuffs looked good.

So, over the last week i have tested it out hard in these ways:

1. Gruelling bike ride up hill over 15km, no rain, 8 degrees - acceptable breathability, not excellent but ok.

2. Canoing in gusting horizontal winds and pouring rain - perfect waterproofing, hood moves with head properly.

3. Fishing a surge channel on the west coast - driving rain and wind and the odd rogue wave - i was splashed head to toe by saltwater - completely bone dry.

4. Bushwacking during a hunt in moderate rain - jacket is silent, bone dry again, didnt catch on twigs.


Pros:
1. Camo pattern is perfect for west coast
2. Adjustable velcro cuffs sinch up tight but also let off for breathing.
3. One piece hoodie, comfortable collar.
4. Interior liner allows wicking but also protects sealed seams.
5. Cut short enough to wade in and long enough to hike.
6. Light and packable.
7. Decent breathability.
8. Totally waterproof.
9. Proper front zipper with double flaps, bottom flap has a gutter to divert any water. No sealed exposed zips they suck.
10. Price!

Cons:
1. Could be a better breather.
2. Fleecy fabric runs up around the cuff and allows some water to wick up your sleeve.
3. Only two pockets - for me i dont care, more seams mean more leaks.
4. No vent zippers - see above

[camtheman]

thanks for sharing
i'm sure more people have the same problems
i know i do

[troutbreath]

If your looking for a good deal on a North Face Mountain Light Parka I just got one from MTF in langley for $50. They only have xlarge sizes though. Fleece liner/jacket goretex shell,normally sells for $350.I got the last large I think. Could be some in other sizes at MTF stores. On sale til the 26th

[Nitroholic]

If your looking for a good deal on a North Face Mountain Light Parka I just got one from MTF in langley for $50. They only have xlarge sizes though. Fleece liner/jacket goretex shell,normally sells for $350.I got the last large I think. Could be some in other sizes at MTF stores. On sale til the 26th

What's MTF? Sounds like a great deal.

[DragonSpeed]

I'm guessing it's this: http://www.mtfdiscount.com/index.php?page_id=12

[clarki]

Thanks for the review. I am interested in the product. Does it come in any other colours beside camo?

[troutbreath]

I'm guessing it's this: http://www.mtfdiscount.com/index.php?page_id=12

thats the store I went to the one on Fraser Highway and about 230th

[KLX]

Thanks for the review. I am interested in the product. Does it come in any other colours beside camo?

this style only comes in camo i believe, but they have other jacket types...

[clarki]

Thanks. I try to refrain from wearing camo. Makes me feel like a bubba redneck.

[DragonSpeed]

Thanks. I try to refrain from wearing camo. Makes me feel like a bubba redneck.

Ever stepped into Cabelas?  Yikes.

[scouterjames]

The north coast one is black and grey.  They only have 2xl and 4xl left and that price is only good until tomorrow I think it was - I got one a couple days ago too... great jacket and can't beat the price for goretex!  They should have at all locations - the 2xl I got fits great (I usually wear a L or XL but this fits good enough with a t-shirt but more importantly, it fits perfect with a few layers and wool sweater so I don't feel like the michelan man!)