Rivers West

[MDGrand]

Greetings everyone!

I just wanted to get everyone's take on whether they use Rivers West, a fan of Rivers West or against Rivers West gear?

The reason I ask is to get a general idea of what people really think of the gear... My wife and I were just added to their proteam and I am good friends with the owner. I myself am a HUGE fan and an super lucky to get to test the gear. But I wanted to see what others think. Personally, I became a fan after collecting a ton of other so-called "waterproof" gear only to find out it is only water resistant.

Any questions or comments would be appreciated!

[steelyonfly]

Here's my  .

Rivers West IS waterproof and fits me reasonably well.  I'm 6'3" and I've only found the regular sizes in stores, so I've found the jackets to be a little short in the body length.  Sleeve lengh is ok, but could be a tad longer (I wear 36.5" sleeve dress shirts).  I don't know if they make tall sizes.

I have two regular XL size, H2P system jackets, but I don't know the style names.   Mine do not have a draw string at the bottom, but I in windy conditions I wish they did.  They keep you very warm which can be a good thing or not if you are hiking a lot.  I like what I have and will probably have them a long time.  They make lighter weight styles and I need to check them out, too. 

I agree with you on the junk out there that claim to be waterproof.  Unfortunately, I've waisted money on some of these, too.  Rivers West beats them all.  I've found a pair of lightweight Grunden's pants and my Rivers West jackets to work the best. 

At the Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show in Portland I saw and spoke to the guy running the SportHill gear booth.  He may have been the owner.  This line is represented by Scott Haugen (he may even be part owner - almost all of their gear is modelled by Scott and his wife - Scott had the booth next to SportHill).  I liked what I saw.  They have styles from very lightweight to heavy weight.  The finish on the clothing is nice, too, but it doesn't seem like it will snag.  Rivers West might find some competition from SportHill, but that's good for all of us.

I think you have a great opportunity with Rivers West.  They make great gear.  Let us know how things go.

[vandeman17]

I own a pair of Rivers West Pants and love them. They were a bit spendy but well worth it when I stay dry and warm out in the woods! 

[Curly]

I don't like them for when I'm hiking.  I perspire too much and they get soaked inside.  Another thing is that when they get wet, they take forever to dry out.  I don't like to use them when camping out because they take too long to dry.  If I'm just doing day hunts from home, they are ok because then I can hang them up in front of the fire overnight or put it in the dryer.

The coats I have work well for when I'm out on the boat, because they do keep me warm, but I also find that if it's raining I'd wear a rubber or pvc rainjacket over the top so that the RW doesn't get soaked.  

[runamuk]

this will be interesting I need new rain gear the stuff I wore last year failed during late deer and I got hypothermia or darn close.  I do not want a repeat of that so am actively researching and have been leaning towards the stuff they wear on fishing boats  I seriously do not want a repeat of last year.

[halflife65]

My opinion is closer to Curly's, I think.  The Rivers West stuff is well made and definitely really waterproof - works much better in that regard than most competitors.  However, it doesn't really breathe at all and is warm and I get soaked (from the inside) when I wear it.  However, I tend to walk very long distances over steep ground, particulary when elk hunting, so maybe for people that are sitting and glassing more or duck hunting or something they would be a really good option.

[MDGrand]

this will be interesting I need new rain gear the stuff I wore last year failed during late deer and I got hypothermia or darn close.  I do not want a repeat of that so am actively researching and have been leaning towards the stuff they wear on fishing boats  I seriously do not want a repeat of last year.

The crew of the Cornilla Marie (Deadliest Catch) is decked out in Rivers West gear when not in their Gundies.. I think that is a pretty good sponsor.

[bobcat]

It's good for fishing, and maybe waterfowl hunting, that's about it. Just my opinion.

[MDGrand]

My opinion is closer to Curly's, I think.  The Rivers West stuff is well made and definitely really waterproof - works much better in that regard than most competitors.  However, it doesn't really breathe at all and is warm and I get soaked (from the inside) when I wear it.  However, I tend to walk very long distances over steep ground, particulary when elk hunting, so maybe for people that are sitting and glassing more or duck hunting or something they would be a really good option.

To me.. its the best that is available.. Like I said before, I have yet to wear anything waterproof that when doing some heavy hiking does not build up moisture from the inside from persperation.. I gues that does not matter to much to me.. because I still stay warm and dry from the cold and wet where encountering.

That being said.. if you have not seen their new line, the "APF".. I would highly recommend it! Its thinner, lighter, just as waterproof and incorporates vent zippers when hiking.. http://www.riverswest.com/hifi_fabrics.html check out their Outlaw jacket and pant.. I have used thse while doing a lot of elk hunting in Idaho this past year.. and while yeah.. still a little wet from the inside .. they breathed real well and most importantly kept me dry and warm durring some COLD days with lots of snow.

[Curly]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1334.15.html

[bobcat]

I will say I haven't tried any of the newer Rivers West stuff. Maybe they do have some that is worthwhile for hunting. I'll have to wait until I can afford to buy some and then I'll let you know.

[halflife65]

Thanks MDGrand - it's true that the RW stuff that I had (still have somewhere, I think) was some of the original stuff - maybe from the first year or two that it came out.  I haven't tried any of the newer stuff that has vents in it, is a lighter weight material, etc.

Also, just giving my experience with it using it in the style of hunting that I generally do - I think that for some applications it's probably some of the best stuff you can get.

[MDGrand]

Well, I have to agree that the original H2P stuff is quite heavy weight and does not breath.. I dont even think the old stuff comes with vents for ventilation.. Their new stuff, "H2P Law" and "APF" is where its at..same waterproof capabilities, pretty damn warm and much more breathable.  And like I said before, I dont like the Gortex or Dry Plus stuff.. mainly because it feels like a super thin tarp.. I want clothes to feel like clothes not plastic.

[Curly]

I also haven't tried any of the newer stuff.  My two jackets are probably 4 years old.

[carpsniperg2]

about 50% of my gear is rivers west i like it allot