What coat

[SteveT]

I will be heading to Free State in mid July, then to Limpopo. What coat would everyone recommend that’s warm and will stand up to thorns.

 

[Justbryan]

I just wear a Carhartt Sherpa Jacket light brown or gray. It is best to layer. I don't use camo especially the high-tech expensive camo while in Africa.

 

[Philip Glass]

I use a Sitka Mountain jacket and just layer underneath as needed. It can be cold there!

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I’ve hunted Free State a couple different times for multiple days and nights and wore different kinds of hunting jackets. Layers are good. I’ve never had a big problem with thorns. If that is your biggest concern. I do use ripstop nylon hybrid pants that are water resistant. Those hold up great against stickers and thorns. Find a Ripstop material coat…

Amazon.com

 

[MarkB]

I use a Cabela's camo gore tex jacket. Not sure if its a squaltex, bone dry or instinct but it works perfect. Not expensive, stood up to a few safaris so far, both thorns and cold. Can use at home, cheap enough so a rip or loss in Africa is not heart breaking and most of all it works. Not insulated, just a shell with lots of pockets, on cold mornings I wear a fleece under it and over my hunting shirt. Never usually hike/hunt/track in it, the fleece has always been enough. I am Canadian so used to cold not Africa "chilly". We had snow on safari in 2021 and jacket worked perfect. I always ride on back seat while on safari so more important is the fact that this jacket is windproof, keeps the wind out fully.

MB

 

[Sketchy1973]

Take Nighthawks advise. No need to bring the fancy Sitka stuff.

 

[coreydb]

No need to wear camo, just hues of browns, khakis, greens, and grays. I wore rip-stop cotton and waxed canvas jackets with layers...superb.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Very light wool or fleece

 

[Denvir Tire]

For many years I've been bringing surplus fleece jackets from Sportsman's Guide or Midway. You will find that these surplus jackets are quiet, rugged and warm. The best feature is the low cost. I bring two or three and wear as needed, then give them to the staff/trackers at the end of the hunt.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

For sure layer. Under layer a Johnsons Work Wear cardigan full zip, colour bush drab green. Over that a Dris a Bone waxed canvas jacket. When it warms up ditch the jersey.

 

[franzfmdavis]

Filson tin cloth (waxed canvas) is an excellent option and water resistant too!

There are also some pen/pencil pockets above the left chest pocket that can double as ammo pockets (for longer rounds).

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

For this price. I may get one myself…

 

[SteveT]

Thanks guys. Think I will leave the Kuiu at home and go with one of these suggested.

 

[MS 9x56]

Filson tin cloth (waxed canvas) is an excellent option and water resistant too!

There are also some pen/pencil pockets above the left chest pocket that can double as ammo pockets (for longer rounds).

View attachment 691314

I love my filson for hunting in thorns and briers but if you are walking a lot you will be sweating a lot. Just a word of caution. If hunting in thorn brush I also recommend the filson chaps.

 

[ThreeJacks]

I love my filson for hunting in thorns and briers but if you are walking a lot you will be sweating a lot. Just a word of caution. If hunting in thorn brush I also recommend the filson chaps.

I agree, the waxed cotton does not breath well for me.

 

[roverandbrew]

COMBAT SMOCK - MECH STRETCH

Originally developed with top tier operatives, the B110 has become a highly regarded Arktis classic based off a beloved design.

arktisusa.com

 

[MS 9x56]

I agree, the waxed cotton does not breath well for me.

I have a Woolrich waxed cotton coat lined with flannel that is much lighter than the filson that doesn’t make me sweat but I wouldn’t wear it in a thorn patch.

 

[CoElkHunter]

I believe for hunting anywhere, layering is the key. While it may be colder in the morning and a jacket is appropriate, if/when it warms up later in the day, a hoodie or long sleeve shirt may feel more comfortable. One of the main reasons I carry a backpack here when hunting in the mountains, is I can add or take off clothing depending on the temperature and have a place to store it. In Africa, I put the clothing I took off in the PH’s truck. No backpack needed as I guess snow storms are rare there. LOL

 

[Luvthunt]

Some of the hard canvas jackets are noisy in the bush

 

[MS 9x56]

The only truly quiet fabrics I have found in the bush to be made of wool or pile.