Post by: jbeaumont21 on January 05, 2013, 08:15:24 AM
This where it gets interesting. I found out from the Sitka Rep that their line of the Forrest clothing is intended for tree stand hunting only and not for spot and stalk hunting on the ground. Also he said that the Downpour gear would continue to break down and split if used for anything other than stationary hunting. He went on to explain that the Forest Downpour is only a 2 layer system that does not protect the gortex membrane from the inside unlike the Open Country line of gear, thus making it less durable. Then the rep went on to tell me about the camo pattern of the Forrest line of clothing saying that it wasn't meant for the green brush on the ground and its real intention is to break up your outline while up in a tree stand. The green to match the foilage and leaves and the lighter whites and grays are to match the sky, which kind of makes sense (I always thought the white spots on my set glowed pretty bright at first or last light). Anyway, aparently the Downpour gear is not really built for the rough terrain of the West side.
Next the Sitka rep recommended I switch over to the Open Country line of gear because it is much more durable and is built for spot and stalk hunting. He offered to put me in the Cloudburst for free or I could pay the difference and upgrade to the Stormfront. So my question is which do I go with? Is the Stormfront gear in my case worth the extra $200 dollar upgrade compared to the Cloludburst which would be free?
I have to admit I was a little disappointed because I love how light weight, quiet and breathable the Forrest Downpour gear is. Even though the Open Country is meant for ground hunting, I'm just not crazy about wearing brown camo here on the green Wet side. I do realize that elk and deer are color blind but most predators and humans are not. One of the options that I'm leaning towards is upgrading to the Stormfront in the solid green color but I am worried that it will be too hot for the early season hunts. Please let me know your experience and recommendations with either gear.
Sorry for all the rambling and the long thread. I figured this might be usefull to others who run into the same issue.
Thanks for any advice your willing to share!
Post by: huntnnw on January 06, 2013, 11:26:51 PM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on January 07, 2013, 07:56:06 AM
that's very interesting...why wouldn't they advertise it that way then...just odd
That's what I thought too especially when you see tons of it hanging on the racks at our hunting stores. He mentioned something about how they didn't market it real well for its intended use. I imagine they are going to run into a lot of issues with this stuff out of the Pacific Northwest for the next couple years.
Post by: buglebuster on January 07, 2013, 08:15:34 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 07, 2013, 08:25:10 AM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on January 07, 2013, 09:08:18 AM
i wear open country on the westside and it blends in quite well.
Good to hear. I was worried that it would really stand out.
quote author=MtnMuley link=topic=114730.msg1509901#msg1509901 date=1357575910]
Without a doubt, go with the Cloudburst. It's their lightest raingear they make. I would choose this over the Downpour any day. As far as the Jetstream-- to bulky, and heavy. :twocents:
[/quote]
I'm guessing you meant Stormfront and not Jetstream? I like the fact that the Cloudburst is so light weight. That's exactly what I want. How is it for noise? The sales rep said it was a little noisier than the Downpour.
Post by: MtnMuley on January 07, 2013, 03:51:33 PM
Post by: splitshot on January 18, 2013, 06:23:08 PM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on January 22, 2013, 09:29:06 AM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on January 25, 2013, 02:43:24 PM
Post by: Stizz on February 02, 2013, 03:33:56 PM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on February 04, 2013, 09:18:02 AM
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Seattle, WA 98103
Post by: Stizz on February 06, 2013, 10:54:27 AM