I’m wondering what other foxhunters wear when it rains. Do you wear a clear see-through plastic raincoat over your hunting coat (like the H/J crowd), or a colored slicker, or do you just “grin and bear it” with nothing over your wool Melton?
I’ll wear my barbour, or my dark colored gore-tex rain coat, if Master’s permit.
If you don’t have a Barbour, I highly recommend suffering through going to the Tack Box the day after Xmas for the 50% sale. That’s where I got mine!
LOL Hunting in the Rain!!!
Well being Irish its to be expected I suppose, we aren’t exactly know for our dry winter weather 
We just grin & bear it!!!
I have a Barbour short coat and a Puffa duster. I usually opt for the duster.
Barbour Bedale, they wear like iron, and are designed for riding.
W W!
The Barbour – that isn’t a waxed jacket (coat) is it? Because if it is, I won’t touch it with a 20’ pole.
I have a John Partridge waxed riding coat, and I made the horrible mistake of using it on a 2-day 100 mile endurance ride a few years back in NJ – a ride that took place during the middle of a nasty, bitter cold and wet November nor’easter – read as: ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain for two solid days. It was the most miserable 100 miles I have ever endured – the coat was NOT waterproof, not breathable (I sweated in it – in below freezing weather), and the second I took it off, the coat froze solid inside and out with the rain/sweat. Worse yet – I had not brought a back-up foul weather coat (stupid stupid stupid) but had a bunch of lighter weight jackets (mostly silk) to wear underneath the Partridge. Every one of those lightweight jackets was soaked through from the leaking rain, and I spent most of the night drying them out so I could use them the next day to at least stay somewhat warm and protected.
Still amazed that I didn’t throw the miserable coat out when I got home. But it’s still hanging on a hook, unused. Maybe its time to list it on eBay.
new Fabric
I have a Dry as a Bone (sp) riding duster. It looks like a waxed coat, but isn’t. It is lightweight, waterproof, wind proof, but I don’t sweat under it, and has snaps that make it into a 3/4 length coat. It even has warm pockets. I even have a detachable hood. Makes walking the dog at 5:30 am in the rain not so much of a chore. I got a big size so I can layer under it. It is black so doesn’t stand out.
I hunted many times in my Barbour in MA in the cold and rain with no problems. I have a long one.
I’m Old School
I don’t wear no stinkin’ raincoat for hunting.
My wool hunting coats have always gotten the job done. I will say that my scarlet coat gets verrrry heavy when wet, but never got soaked through and kept me toasty.
But of course, if the Master declares that rain coats or parkas are acceptable, then it’s fine. In fact I did regret not accepting the offered raincoat at Bridlespur last April…took my boots DAYS to dry completely!
Same waxed cotton breathes, that is the whole idea of it.
I guess I am a Slone Ranger wanna be, if it is good enough for the Queen,
it is good enough for me :yes:
W W!
Mackintosh OVER wool jacket.
Mac; http://www.rainmac.com/shop/products.php?cat=18
Anybody need one of these from Santa? http://jpeterman.com/product.asp?cat=110205&sku=WBZ%201931
I’ve spent many a long rainy day hunting in Ireland. A long waxed cotton coat (Barbour or similar) over your hunt clothes is all you need. It’s made the way it is because it works. I’ve seen people wearing their frock coats in the rain, with rainwater dripping off the bottom edges, and their breeches soaked through. Miserable.
I also put a cheap black plastic rain cover on my hat. It gets ripped up after a few passes through the brush in ditch and bank country, so I buy several at a time so I always have one to use. I have spent all day in the pouring rain hunting and stayed dry and comfy.
Now if you want to go real old timey, wear a Melton frock, and wear a traditional rain apron. I’ve seen them in Ireland. Basically a black apron that ties around your waist and drapes down in your lap and over your legs while in the saddle. Very historically correct.
I just saw a coat similar to X-rab’s description at Ted’s Tack Shop for $40. It was black and looked like a long duster with leg straps. They are open Wed and Sat 10-5 through the month of Dec and then closing. Everything in the store is 20% off. I have nothing to do with them, just want to pass on a good deal. I’m going back today just to buy that coat!
Can be very good hunting!
If we start in the rain I wear a Barbour. For the south they are either too cold or too hot, but what can you do? If it starts out cold, then begins to rain, I find that my melton is warm even when wet. String gloves or wool string are essential. So is a peppermint.
Did you buy it?
I’m going to head down that direction on Saturday – weather permitting – and check out their inventory. The telephone number has been disconnected, so I can’t call them to ask.
I really like the Mac that Equibrit suggested – gorgeous! Hubby has one similar – a regular street model he got at J. C. Penny – that was made in England and he says it’s fabulous, especially in the heavy downpours. It has a warm inner removable lining, and “nappy” soft-to-the-touch material that sheds water. He said it “saved his life” in England keeping him (in his business suit) warm and dry. I can easily modify the street model to work well for riding. That would look tons nicer for hunting, and even endurance riding. :yes:
J Peterman used to carry them - the real ones - rubberized cotton with leg straps.
These are the dogs b-ll–ks http://www.darkhorseuk.com/riding_macs.htm
These are the dogs b-ll–ks http://www.darkhorseuk.com/riding_macs.htm
Geez! At that price I could adopt Beverly’s mantra – “I don’t need to wear no stinkin’ raincoat!”
However…
…out shopping today I bought a really, REALLY nice mens black raincoat – very stylish and along the lines of the Mac – and opened up and re-trimmed the back seam so I can use it riding. It fits beautifully over my hunting coat (which I took shopping with me), and feels very comfortable in “riding position”. 
Can’t wait for some nice “Irish hunting weather” to try it out!
We wear Meltons. Period.
String gloves if it’s very wet/raining.
At home if it’s raining I just wear my Barbour Bedale. I got a new one a while back after giving my ancient one a decent burial. I got the old one at a tack swap years ago - and it was ancient and patched then. Finally it gave up the ghost. The new on is holding up just as well; I wear it often.
If it’s cold and rainy, I’ve got an old Aigle vest I wear under it. Helmet, boots and gloves keep me warm enough.
In real downpours I don’t ride.
Barbour question
Does anyone own a Barbour Stockman? I was crushed to find out this morning that their Burghley (long, with leg straps) was discontinued. I borrowed a Burghley yesterday and it was awesome - my saddle stayed dry even on a fast run in the pouring rain. The Stockman looks longer and I’m wondering if it would be way too long on me. Any 5’7"-ish women on here own one?
Yes I bought the rain coat! It was $25 and I figured I couldn’t go wrong with it. They had one L and one XL left. It’s full length and when the back is unsnapped will expand to cover your saddle and part of the horses rump.
