The dog days of summer are about to be a distant memory as we transition into fall. Here in the Pacific Northwest, where we are known for our very wet weather; the pending season change means rainy days are on the horizon. This does not mean my days of enjoying the outdoors are coming to an end, however. With proper gear, and a positive attitude, I refuse to let a few raindrops keep me indoors.
Here are 5 of my favorite pieces of gear for helping keep wet weather at bay.
Carhartt Women’s Force Equator Jacket
The Carhartt Women’s Force Equator Jacket is perhaps the most comfortable and reliable rain jacket I have ever owned. Earlier this season, I was stranded outside in a torrential downpour for more than 2 hours. The Force Equator Jacket proved its weight in gold, as it kept me warm and dry. Not only is the jacket functional enough for a day of fishing on the river, it also is stylish enough for daily wear in the city.
The jacket features a 3-layer polyester shell with taped seams and attached hood. Its patented Storm Defender membrane is both breathable and waterproof, while the FastDry technology helps wick away moisture. A drop-tail on the back of the jacket provides extra backside coverage, while hook-and-loop closures on the cuffs keep the sleeves in place.
The Carhartt Women’s Force Equator Jacket, available in both black and wild pink, comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to XXL. The jacket runs a little big, and I found ordering a size smaller than I normally wear offered the best fit.
The Women’s Force Equator Jacket is available online, directly from Carhartt and retailers nationwide. Click here to find the retailer nearest you.
MSRP: $159.99
Badlands Pack Water Proofing and Scent Suppressant System
I rely on my backpack to keep my most important gear items dry and protected from the weather when I am in the field. I use the Badlands Pack Water Proofing and Scent Suppressant System as an extra measure to help ensure my pack stays dry. Not only does the Badlands spray provide a layer of waterproofing, it also contains odor-eating microbes to help minimize smells.
The Badlands Pack Water Proofing and Scent Suppressant System is easy to use. Simply spray down your pack and allow it a few hours to dry. Yes, it really is that easy!
The Pack Water Proofing and Scent Suppressant System is available directly from Badlands and major outdoor retailers nationwide. You can also purchase it from one of The WON’s sponsors, EvoOutdoors.
MSRP: $14.95
The Original Muck Boot Company’s Women’s Woody Max
The Original Muck Boot Company’s Women’s Woody Max have become an essential part of my wet weather wardrobe. These durable wet-weather boots boast a comfortable fleece lining, and a 5mm Neoprene bootie that is flexible and lightweight, yet sturdy and durable all at the same time.
The Women’s Woody Max keep feet comfortable within a range of -40°F and 60°F, making them an optimal choice for almost any hunting adventure. These boots are available in Mossy Oak Break-Up pattern, and come in women’s sizes 6 through 10.
The Original Muck Boot Company’s Women’s Woody Max are available from major retailers nationwide. You can find the retailer nearest you by clicking here. The Women’s Woody Max will also be available soon directly from Muck Boot website.
MSRP: $159.95
Glacier Glove Lightweight Pro-Tactical
When I am shooting outdoors, it’s imperative my hands stay warm and dry. For safety’s sake, I want to maintain control of my firearm for proper aim. Wet, shaking hands can make this a little difficult to achieve.
The Lightweight Pro-Tactical glove by Glacier Glove offers the perfect fit to help keep my hands warm and dry, while helping maintain a solid grip on my firearm. Made of black G-Tek 1mm Neoprene with a synthetic leather palm, these gloves fit tight yet comfortable on my small-framed hands.
These durable Lightweight Pro-Tactical gloves are available in sizes S to XL, and can be purchased directly from Glacier Glove’s online store.
MSRP: $29.99
McNett Tactical Ultra Compact Microfiber Towel
When the wet weather wins, I rely on my Ultra Compact Microfiber Towel from McNett Tactical to get myself dry. This compact, absorbent towel soaks up large amounts of water, more so than the standard issue towel.
Super lightweight, the McNett Tactical Ultra Compact Microfiber Towel packs easily into my backpack. What I like most about this towel is that it is more than just a towel, it’s potentially a life-saving multi-tool. The towel is made of wind proof material, and will serve as an emergency blanket or wind block if I find myself in dire circumstances. The large swath of fabric, complete with patented seen grommets for tie downs, will also serve as a sunshade or sling.
The McNett Tactical Ultra Compact Microfiber Towel is available in a variety of sizes, including Medium (20 inches x 40 inches,) Large (30 inches x 50 inches) and Extra-Large (35 inches x 62 inches,) as well as a variety of colors, including OD Green, Navy, Sand and Coyote.
The versatile Ultra Compact Microfiber Towel is available from most major outdoor retailers. Click here to find the retailer nearest you. The Ultra Compact Microfiber Towel is also available directly from McNett Tactical.
MSRP: $19.95 – $29.95
An experienced huntress, Michelle Whitney Bodenheimer has pursued big game, upland birds and waterfowl throughout North America and Africa. Although Michelle loves to hunt and shoot (both rifle and bow), her biggest passion in life is sharing her love for the outdoors with others. Michelle is the dedicated gear review columnist for Women’s Outdoor News, in a column called “Her Gear.” Michelle’s writings and photography also have been published in a number of outdoor journals, including On Target, Lady Angler, The Gun Dog Journal, The Shooting Channel and African Hunting Gazette. Michelle has been a repeat contributing guest on Outdoor GPS,a live hunting and fishing television program broadcast on Comcast SportsNet NW. When Michelle is not writing, she is serving her time as an outdoor educator. She is an active volunteer for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Outdoor Skills Program. Her primary responsibilities with ODFW are serving as a shotgunning coach and dog handler/guide for ODFW’s upland bird hunting clinics. Michelle also teaches regularly for Women in the Outdoors (WITO) and Becoming and Outdoors Woman (BOW) programs. She serves on the Pro Staff team for Cabela’s, as well as for the NW Ladies Hunt Camp, an educational outreach program hosted in conjunction with the NRA’s Women on Target Program and Extreme Desire TV, and is a member of the field staff for Próis Hunting and Field Apparel for Women. A current member of a number of national conservation organizations, Michelle is a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundations, as well as a life member of the National Rifle Association. She also served as a past director for the Southwest Washington chapter of Safari Club International. Take caution, however, if Michelle invites you along on a hunt. Having been stalked by a cougar and attacked by a cheetah, she tends to live life a bit on the wild side. View all posts by Michelle Whitney Bodenheimer
