Post by: MDGrand on April 03, 2010, 04:16:16 PM
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!
Post by: steelyonfly on April 04, 2010, 12:45:25 PM
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.
Post by: vandeman17 on April 04, 2010, 01:32:58 PM
Post by: Curly on April 04, 2010, 01:41:27 PM
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.
Post by: runamuk on April 04, 2010, 01:45:17 PM
Post by: halflife65 on April 04, 2010, 01:46:56 PM
Post by: MDGrand on April 04, 2010, 01:48:04 PM
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.
Post by: bobcat on April 04, 2010, 01:51:08 PM
Post by: MDGrand on April 04, 2010, 01:52:24 PM
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 (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.
Post by: Curly on April 04, 2010, 01:53:25 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 04, 2010, 01:56:51 PM
Post by: halflife65 on April 04, 2010, 01:59:55 PM
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.
Post by: MDGrand on April 04, 2010, 02:06:57 PM
Post by: Curly on April 04, 2010, 02:15:05 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 04, 2010, 02:39:30 PM
Post by: EyeGuard on April 04, 2010, 07:51:36 PM
Post by: MDGrand on April 04, 2010, 10:10:03 PM
I have a jacket and it fits me well. However it does not breath at all. If you are an active hunter you will be soaked on the inside of your jacket in no time! Personally, I will not buy another one nor recomend it to friends.
Fair enough.. but just a thought.. how old is your jacket? Old suff was very waterproof but not very breathable.. new stuff, particularly their "APF" line has vents in the jacket and is much lighter weight to help breathability. If I had some of the old Rivers West stuff or their really cold H2P line, I would be saying the same thing..
Here is what I am talking about if you are interested.. http://www.riverswest.com/hifi_fabrics.html (http://www.riverswest.com/hifi_fabrics.html)
Post by: steen on April 04, 2010, 10:47:34 PM
Post by: EyeGuard on April 05, 2010, 06:25:03 PM
I have a jacket and it fits me well. However it does not breath at all. If you are an active hunter you will be soaked on the inside of your jacket in no time! Personally, I will not buy another one nor recomend it to friends.
Fair enough.. but just a thought.. how old is your jacket? Old suff was very waterproof but not very breathable.. new stuff, particularly their "APF" line has vents in the jacket and is much lighter weight to help breathability. If I had some of the old Rivers West stuff or their really cold H2P line, I would be saying the same thing..
Here is what I am talking about if you are interested.. http://www.riverswest.com/hifi_fabrics.html (http://www.riverswest.com/hifi_fabrics.html)
MDGrand,
You may have hit the nail on the head. My jacket is about two years old. I haven't kept up on the gear release from rivers west. Sorry for the poorly informed response.
Post by: GregE on April 05, 2010, 10:39:39 PM
The original H2P saved my bacon in the sleet and snow of NW Colorado in 2004. I have gotten the LAW lighter midweight and am looking at the light weight as the practical answer for early ELK season. It is quiet and very durable.
This is hunting buddy Dean catching a little sun also in the original jacket and vinyl rain pants. It blends fairly with mossy rocks but not in the woods and weeds.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv367%2FKodak45%2FCdeannap567.jpg&hash=74991a49c0a095e02670369e61065b2ab9aee919)
Post by: AWS on April 05, 2010, 10:49:01 PM
AWS
Post by: Blsum on April 06, 2010, 06:26:56 PM
I have to say I'm pretty jealous, I wish I could be on the pro staff as well. :bow: Hell I would even be willing to test out any and all new products. Shoot me a message if you need anyone to help you out with testing.
Post by: MtnMuley on April 07, 2010, 08:26:51 PM
Post by: hogsniper on April 07, 2010, 08:31:20 PM
Post by: 300rum on April 10, 2010, 09:03:08 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on April 12, 2010, 07:48:42 AM
Post by: fisheral87 on April 28, 2010, 07:54:09 AM
Al
Post by: MDGrand on April 28, 2010, 10:05:02 PM
Personally I love the stuff. Makes hunting the "Wet Side" more enjoyable. I wish I owned more of it. I also own one of those bargain brand sets (imitation Rivers West) They seemed to work good for a while but started to leak after about a season of hard hunting. The guy's I hunt with own several pairs each.
I have to say I'm pretty jealous, I wish I could be on the pro staff as well. :bow: Hell I would even be willing to test out any and all new products. Shoot me a message if you need anyone to help you out with testing.
Blsum.. I will let you know.. thanks for the feedback!
Post by: MDGrand on April 28, 2010, 10:06:18 PM
There was a thread on this last season. All of my R.W. gear leaks pretty good. I still stay warm, but wet. If it isn't wet, you and you do very much hiking you will be wet from sweating. It cooks you. I do use the Eider Jacket for Waterfowl hunting. Great in the boat, but if it rains good the elbows leak good.
Very surprised to hear that h2ofowlr.. why dont you send it in? Its got a 10 year waterproof warranty!
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 28, 2010, 10:15:55 PM
Post by: MDGrand on April 28, 2010, 10:28:19 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 28, 2010, 10:33:48 PM
we can see the reconisance :chuckle:
Post by: sako223 on April 28, 2010, 10:59:10 PM
I have the parka and have been quite happy with the weight vs warmth and again quiet. The Duck Blind is great camo for open country and sure wish I could have gotten it in the trail pants.
Battery heaters in the pant legs would be great.
I will probably be a long term customer because the Trail pants truly helped save my life.
Anyway wool is my next choice and a companion fabric to RW. It is natures best and when some can achieve wools warm and breathability and 100% waterproof, they will be famous.
Post by: Mike_D on April 29, 2010, 09:11:35 AM
Well, I bought my gear 3 to 4 years ago. Waterproof... mostly! Breathable.... nope! Putting some miles on the boots will cause me to stop at a rest point, and drop my pants down to the boots, and strip off the jacket to let the steam out and to cool down (wearing nothing but under armor [or equivalent] underneath)...
I've found sitting on stand in the rain on the west side, I'll get leaks through the seams... specifically across the shoulders and the top of the back and at every pocket on the pants. RW did take the material back and repaired the leaks, but the new equipment as well as the repairs seem to last roughly one season (completely waterproof), then the leaks begin to start again. (Obviously, I don't hunt out of my truck... :P)
I wonder if RW is worth its price, compared to buying something like a quite waterproof/windproof fabric, with wool garments worn inside of it (the old fashion true tested stuff)??
I've not tried the latest stuff that RW has, but at 200 bucks a pop (+/-), I just can't afford another set...
Post by: MDGrand on April 29, 2010, 09:58:51 AM
Breathability is an issue.. it holds some serious heat for its weight. I recommend and wear their "APF" line.. thinner, just as waterproof, lighter and more breathable.
As far as it not holding up and leaking again and comming apart.. shocked! Send it in again, Im sure they would just exchange it this time. Owner is really nice and very accountable for his claims.. he wants to know about this stuff as he has compared his stuff to everything and found out from a warmth, waterproof and durrability claim that nothing else is as good. Breathability.. more and more of their stuff comes with zipper vents. If you dont have their new APF line with the zipper vents, I recommend it. I dont hunt from my truck either and put this stuff to the test.. its good and each year it gets a little better.
I have recommended to the owner that fit and breathability be the biggest areas to attack..
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Post by: Mike_D on April 29, 2010, 10:16:52 AM
I'll probably contact them after turkey season.... thanks for the feedback... asides from occasional leaks/breathability, it works great otherwise.
Post by: 308ME on May 12, 2010, 07:06:14 PM
Post by: Copperwood on May 23, 2010, 07:59:36 AM
Post by: bigbull94 on June 10, 2010, 07:55:59 AM
Post by: go4itlab on September 05, 2010, 07:46:21 AM
Post by: flashover52 on September 05, 2010, 09:01:07 AM
I ultimately bought a gore-tex military style jacket(digital camo) for $99 and prefer wearing that when it is raining. It's not as quiet on my ears in a down pour but it keeps me drier. I'll wear the RW jacket when it is cold and I decide to stop and sit for a while when it's not raining. I actually washed it yesterday morning with my dead down wind and hung it outside to dry. As of 8:15 this morning (hanging for nearly 20 hours), I can still wring water off the sleeves and coat tail. If I colleced it in a Nalgene bottle, there would be about 1" of water in the bottle from what I wringed out just this morning. So basically, all of the material held the water running down from above overnight because I wrang it out before hanging it.
I told another buddy at work about this last year who apparently knows the owner and told me that I should send it back. Personally, I'm not a fan at this point.....and I have enough other layers that will keep me warm/dry.
Post by: Raul Duke on September 05, 2010, 11:02:05 AM
At the end of the hunt. His cuffs and zipper where soaked. Witch let his under clothing to get wet, witch ment he didn't hunt the next day, waiting for everything to dry out.
I had a chuckle, since I didn't spend as much as he did on raingear.
When he got back home, he contacted the sporting goods store where he bought it, and they offered to exchange it with other cloths.
That's the only experience I've came across with RiversWest.
Post by: flashover52 on September 05, 2010, 11:08:00 AM
This is the indicator for me that the material holds a great deal of moisture...
Post by: Alchase on September 07, 2010, 01:25:05 PM
I do not want to rip on anyones product, but seriously I should not have to take a product back to the manufacturer for being faulty. The product should work as advertised, and if not I won't by that product again.
What I will do is read forums like this one, and if I see a product four years down the road having the same issues then they obviously are not listening to their customers that are turning theirs back in.
If any consolation, I have yet to find a "breathable" waterproof product that functions as advertised. That includes tons of gortex pants, gloves, coats, with the exception of my Asolo waterproof GTX boots....so far.
I have all but given up on "waterproof and breathable" products and gone back to fleece and if the rain starts hitting hard I pullout a Grunden's pullover.
:)
Post by: wsucowboy on September 07, 2010, 01:57:01 PM
Post by: GoldTip on September 07, 2010, 02:29:33 PM
Post by: DRDANTDC on September 08, 2010, 09:27:04 PM
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.I have Sitka 90% gear and RW H2P gear. The Sitka breaths very well but it is not even water resistant after 1 washing, and not very good quality IMO. My Rivers West is Very waterproof and Very high quality, but it is not very breathable. My RW has alot of vents so it does help, I am learning to just dress lighter underneath when I hike alot.
Post by: Oldguy on September 09, 2010, 12:56:59 PM
Post by: donimator on September 21, 2010, 10:48:42 AM
If you only buy one piece of RW Gear, I recomment the Jungle hat. It works Great!
Post by: Magnum_Willys on September 25, 2010, 09:08:50 AM
Post by: Hunter Dug on September 26, 2010, 08:50:14 AM
Post by: Firing Pin on September 26, 2010, 03:01:50 PM
Post by: EvoOutdoors on May 29, 2013, 11:24:22 AM
Dave
Post by: ZB-ARCHERY on May 30, 2013, 10:02:14 AM
Post by: elk247 on May 30, 2013, 10:10:23 AM